Normal mode
Critics praised the game's art style, with "Eurogamer" stating, "Its richest ideas are to be found in the presentation, the aesthetic, the art direction and stage direction." Reviewers often criticized its gameplay, however. While Meristation praised the gameplay, stating, ""Black Knight Sword" is a good return to the roots of the 16-bit action games, well crafted, with an amazing design", other reviewers cited the game's difficulty as a point of contention. "Joystiq" wrote, "Yes, [the PSN version's] Normal mode itself is tremendously hard, but not in such a way as to make the struggle seem worth it, or even remotely do-able."