Introduction
Released by Capcom in 1991, Knights of the Round is a side-scrolling beat-’em-up arcade game set in a medieval world of myth and legend. Loosely based on the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, the game combines hack-and-slash combat with RPG-style character progression. Featuring three distinct heroes, detailed sprite art, and up to three-player co-op, Knights of the Round stands out as one of Capcom’s finest CPS-1 action titles.
Development and History
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: 1991
Developed for the CPS-1 arcade board, Knights of the Round was part of Capcom’s wave of fantasy-themed beat-’em-ups, released alongside titles like The King of Dragons. Inspired by Arthurian legend, the game featured a more grounded visual style, with realistic armor upgrades and a medieval European tone.
It was designed by a team that included key Capcom staff responsible for games like Final Fight and would go on to influence the Dungeons & Dragons arcade titles that followed.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
Players choose one of three characters and fight through seven stages filled with enemy soldiers, mercenaries, and monstrous bosses.
- Playable Characters: King Arthur (balanced), Lancelot (fast/agile), and Perceval (strong/heavy).
- Combo Attacks: Each character can chain attacks with weapon swings.
- Defense Mechanic: Players can block attacks by pressing attack and moving back.
- Leveling System: As players defeat enemies and collect points, characters level up, visually upgrading armor and weapons.
- Mounted Combat: Players can ride armored horses and use them in battle.
Challenges
- Enemy Patterns: Varied attack styles from grunts to mid-bosses.
- Blocking Timing: Mastering defense is key to avoiding damage in later levels.
- Limited Health Recovery: Food pickups are rare and shared in co-op play.
- Boss Fights: Each stage ends with a unique and difficult boss, requiring pattern recognition and coordination.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Arthurian Influence: A rare arcade game to use King Arthur legends as its central theme.
- Capcom Fantasy Trilogy: Considered part of a loose trilogy with The King of Dragons and Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom.
- Home Ports: Released on Super Nintendo in 1994, with some gameplay adjustments.
- Re-Releases: Included in Capcom Beat ’Em Up Bundle and modern Capcom compilations.
Fun Facts
- Armor Changes: Characters’ appearance changes drastically with each level-up.
- Perceval’s Dash Move: The only character who can run and tackle enemies from the start.
- Horse Combat: Players can knock enemies off horses and claim them.
- Medieval Setting: While based on Arthurian lore, the enemies include fictional bosses and fantasy elements.
Conclusion
Knights of the Round brought Arthurian legend to life with satisfying combat, character progression, and a grounded fantasy aesthetic. Its blend of action, defense mechanics, and mythological themes earned it a place among Capcom’s best arcade beat-’em-ups of the early ’90s.