Knuckles is in no state to chuckle. He is the worst player of the famed "Lylat Wars" online role-playing game, forced to watch as other players surpass him. His only saving grace is his memetic value, believing in himself enough and trying hard enough that other players have taken a shine to him. Through mysterious circumstances, he is brought into the game world, learning that the game's most prolific players have been chosen to survive an apocalypse set out by Dr. Thomas Light, a once brilliant scientist turned into an AI who only wishes for entertainment. Now, Knuckles must team up with Fox McCloud, Elma, and 100 of his new friends in order to combat the threat ahead. The obvious appeal is Knuckles' trademark Five Knuckle Chuckle, wherein through sheer grit, he manages to match his far superior peers in an unorthodox manner. Filled with complexity to hide a lack of depth, the series utilizes the bonds made between its cast as they are both helped and hindered by the enigmatic Light, whose only goal seems to be seeing violence be expedited and a rush of bodies sweeping up any opposition. Light's son, Mega Man, gets a chapter wherein he learns from Knuckles, and their bond and continued growth remains one of the series' high points. Light's curious fixation on famous performer E.W.J. has yet to bear fruit as of this writing, but fan theories have speculated a fascinating turn. As the show enters its second season after a surprise hit with its first, especially with the introduction of bullwark of strength Zeratul, fans eagerly await the conclusion to the plot threads provided, and if Knuckles will be able to taste from the ghost's pumpkin soup.
