Shovel Knight

1. snappyk

   Jun 28, 2014

   10

   Having missed the era of NES and SNES games, it's simply impossible for this game to impress me on nostalgia alone; it's just damn good.Having missed the era of NES and SNES games, it's simply impossible for this game to impress me on nostalgia alone; it's just damn good.
   
   I've been with the YCG Kickstarter of this game since the beginning, and the developers showed their passion for this game as both it's own entity and as a homage to the games of their childhood. Not only is the result a game people want to play again and again, but it's an experience the team would have wanted to play some 20-ish years ago as well.
   
   The gameplay is simple, and allows for epic game design where every screen is a new challenge that feels immensely satisfying to conquer. Armor and weapon (shovel) are upgrade-able, and acquired money can be spent on additional weapons or tools for added variety. The humour throughout, is also incredibly appreciated, as well as the secrets lying about in every stage/village that sometimes require a little re-visiting.
   
   Checkpoints are added just enough to extremely helpful, but not too far to allow a cakewalk, and for platforming veterans that find it too easy, the checkpoints can also be destroyed to yield extra treasure (if you're confident you won't be needing it). While getting to a tricky part may mean losing a bunch of cash upon each death, the cash bags are retrievable, and cash is generally easy to come by.
   
   The music is glorious. Each stage, boss fight, and village area has it's own accompaniment, lovingly put together by Jake Kaufman. You may often find yourself humming these retro masterpieces as you play, filling the adventure with the necessary emotion, be it spooky, sorrowful, or exciting. The soundtrack is available for download on Bandcamp for a "name your price" model if you wish to, or wish not to, pay back this amazing composer (I really do implore you to donate).
   
   The game will also be receiving FREE DLC updates in the future for it's Kickstarter Stretch Goals, that includes playable Bosses (each with their own respective storyline), Battlemode, and etc, all view-able on their Kickstarter page.
   
   Do not mistake this game for those "retro" indies, that are only "NES-inspired" because of lack of time/effort. The story for this game is high-caliber, the character designs are spiffy and indicative of their environments and fighting styles, the 3DS' hardware is used for Streetpass features and tasteful stereoscopic 3D, and also... the game is just a whole bunch of fun. The New Game + mode and additional save slots can justly accommodate a ton of playtime after one playthrough, and you will certainly take advantage of it.
   
   Even while I consider myself a baby at platforming and was often a little frustrated with certain segments, it made for a very rewarding experience on completion, and I have absolutely no problems with the game.
   
   This is a game that restores my faith in the video game industry. At a time where graphics must be so good that you can see goosebumps on people's skin, here's a game that proves you can deliver a perfect gaming experience at a fraction of the cost. If you love 2D platformers like Megaman or Castlevania, or even if you missed out on them (like me), I would highly suggest you try this game. ALL HAIL THE TROUPPLE KING!… Expand

   • 4 of 6 users found this helpful
2. Defense14

   Sep 10, 2014

   10

   This is a 10/10. This game takes nothing away from old-school classics but pays homage to them in such a glorious way. Levels/bosses likeThis is a 10/10. This game takes nothing away from old-school classics but pays homage to them in such a glorious way. Levels/bosses like Megaman, an over world like Mario 3, and a RPG element like Zelda II, makes Shovel Knight one of the best Retro games of all time. No matter how you feel, pick this up to just listen to the music and let it take you back to the past of early 8-bit tunes that rock your world. Enjoy! I know I did.… Expand

   • 1 of 2 users found this helpful
4. MultiJWalking

   Oct 7, 2014

   10

   Gotta love it. It really kind of reminds me of Mega Man 6. It gets so many things right. With Yacht Club games to their first game as good asGotta love it. It really kind of reminds me of Mega Man 6. It gets so many things right. With Yacht Club games to their first game as good as it is, the next game, whether its a sequel or an entirely new game, will be a game to be held with high expectations.… Expand

   • 0 of 1 users found this helpful
5. gabrielvescovi

   Jun 26, 2014

   10

   How can you make a 8 bit game look modern ? How to use the best design practices today while maintaining the same "retro" fell of a old MegaHow can you make a 8 bit game look modern ? How to use the best design practices today while maintaining the same "retro" fell of a old Mega Man game?
   
   Shovel Knight is the answer.
   
   It's a game that can be appreciated by it's own, not only by nostalgia.The levels are fun, well balanced, and rewarding. The presentation (the 3D on this version is fantastic), music and dialogues are very well made.… Expand

   • 2 of 3 users found this helpful
6. capone187

   Jan 2, 2015

   9

   A zero?Really ?That's just stupid.There always has to be an idiot to score it low.God himself could make a perfect game and some jagoff wouldA zero?Really ?That's just stupid.There always has to be an idiot to score it low.God himself could make a perfect game and some jagoff would give it a zero.These are the same idiots that think dj's are musicians.I know there are some cool kids out there but this generation has robbed all ideas from previous generations.Maybe that's why they could spot talent if it stood in front of them.Now Google that!… Expand

   • 0 of 3 users found this helpful
7. nintendo-sekta

   Oct 31, 2018

   9

   Игра интересная но достаточно сложная. Но гемплей, боссы и уровни сделаны идеально.Игра интересная но достаточно сложная. Но гемплей, боссы и уровни сделаны идеально.

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. inzolence

   Jan 17, 2015

   2

   I've now completed the game and have to lower my score for this game from 3/10 to 2/10.
   
   Some, but not all, of the problems with this gameI've now completed the game and have to lower my score for this game from 3/10 to 2/10.
   
   Some, but not all, of the problems with this game are:
   1. Trial and Error is the only way to beat some of the later levels.
   2. Clunky controlls, especially for selecting spells on the fly.
   3. All bosses can be killed with the same strategy.
   4. It doesn't matter if you are a good or bad player, having good mechanical skill will only hinder you.
   5. Only 4 of the spells are useful.
   6. Only 1 of the armors are useful.
   7. Only 2 of the unlockable Abilities/Attacks are useful.
   8. The bosses are the easiest part of the game because of the horrible level design.
   
   Pros:
   1. It has a nice story, but it's predictable and short.
   
   Conclusion:
   Would not recommend.… Expand

   • 8 of 32 users found this helpful

See all 61 User Reviews