Shovel Knight

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 551 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 426 out of 551
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 551
  3. Negative: 59 out of 551

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  1. Tokyochuchu
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    I grew up in the NES era. I loved such platformers as Duck Tales, Mega Man, Kabuki Quantum Fighter, Castlevania, Low G Man, Super Mario Bros... The list could go on and on for miles. But Shovel Knight has become my favorite action-platform game of all time. It's perfect in every way; the pin-point controls, the awesome soundtrack, the endearing characters, the quirky humor, the exquisiteI grew up in the NES era. I loved such platformers as Duck Tales, Mega Man, Kabuki Quantum Fighter, Castlevania, Low G Man, Super Mario Bros... The list could go on and on for miles. But Shovel Knight has become my favorite action-platform game of all time. It's perfect in every way; the pin-point controls, the awesome soundtrack, the endearing characters, the quirky humor, the exquisite level design, the balanced difficulty and the emotional gut-punch of the ending. Shovel Knight is brilliant beyond all comprehension. If you ever wanted a modern 2D platformer to catch the true essence of the all-time classics then you can't afford to miss this game. To echo the most common words associated with this title; Shovel Knight is an absolute masterpiece.… Expand
  2. sh4dow
    Oct 4, 2015
    10
    Wow, I think this is the first time that I agree more with the critics than the users on this site. By now, thanks to the free DLC, I've now sunk over 20 hours into this game and it is still a blast. I don't get what's not to like about it. The controls are spot-on, the gameplay is retro yet modern (check points, automatic saving) and similar things go for the visuals (it's 8 bit style butWow, I think this is the first time that I agree more with the critics than the users on this site. By now, thanks to the free DLC, I've now sunk over 20 hours into this game and it is still a blast. I don't get what's not to like about it. The controls are spot-on, the gameplay is retro yet modern (check points, automatic saving) and similar things go for the visuals (it's 8 bit style but animations usually weren't as refined back then and the color palette not as varied). Also lots of content and unlockables. This is probably in my Top 3 of the last few years.… Expand
  3. aqurban
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    Shovel Knight feels familiar from the get go, with a beautifully designed 8-bit world, flawless game mechanics, a nostalgically unforgettable soundtrack and a handful of things that makes it just the right amount of retro-dose you'll ever need.
  4. Polarthief
    Jul 26, 2014
    10
    One of the very few games I can ever give a 10, Shovel Knight is a shining example of how to put love into a game and make it amazing. Amazing music, fluid controls, great gameplay, unlockables, humor, references, a plethora of cheat codes; you can really feel the love that comes from Shovel Knight. Just play the first level of the game or even the demo and you'll see what I mean. In anOne of the very few games I can ever give a 10, Shovel Knight is a shining example of how to put love into a game and make it amazing. Amazing music, fluid controls, great gameplay, unlockables, humor, references, a plethora of cheat codes; you can really feel the love that comes from Shovel Knight. Just play the first level of the game or even the demo and you'll see what I mean. In an era of mostly AAA publisher **** where corporations think we're too stupid to see through their crappy games, Shovel Knight rises among the indie genre and is well worth your $15. The only downside to SK is that it's very short, but only at the moment. The Yacht Club is adding updates every so often once they create the additional content of Kickstarter Goals that were all met, such as playing as Shield Knight instead of Shovel Knight, 3 playable boss characters, a VS mode, a Challenge Mode (similar to the New SMB U version or something akin to NES Remix) and a whole lot of other stuff! Well worth the wait and the money, and deserves all the praise it can get.… Expand
  5. Johangir
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    This is an incredible game that respects and recreates the fundamentals of gaming's roots. It draws its aspirations from Zelda 2, Megaman, Mario 3, and Ducktales, but has so many creative concepts to form its own identity.

    The environments and characters have so much detail and personality to them, it's suprising and fresh to see that level of detail in an NES 8-bit styled game. Mostly    This is an incredible game that respects and recreates the fundamentals of gaming's roots. It draws its aspirations from Zelda 2, Megaman, Mario 3, and Ducktales, but has so many creative concepts to form its own identity.

    The environments and characters have so much detail and personality to them, it's suprising and fresh to see that level of detail in an NES 8-bit styled game. Mostly because it treats its genre (8-bit retro game) with the utmost respect and seriousness. There's no stupid gimmicks or references or winks to remind the player they're playing an 8-bit NES style game: the style is used to deliver a genuine oldschool experience with a straight face and the best of intentions.

    The music is amazing, catchy, and fits each theme very well. Jake Kaufman is a brilliant composer and his experience truly shines here, as it has when creating/remixing music for other games he's worked on (Contra 4, Ducktales Remastered, Shantae, etc).

    The challenge has the perfect gradual shift throughout the entire game. It starts off normal enough, then consistently increases in challenge until the very end. While you can improve Shovel Knight with new upgrades and abilities, as the player you will feel your own skill increase as you become familiar with how Shovel Knight handles ingame and learn to use him and his abilities much more efficiently. It's a magical learning curve that I haven't experienced since having played games from the golden age when I was a kid back in the 90's.

    Regardless of what console you purchase this on, it is a fantastic game in its own right, and provides an incredibly genuine experience and challenge that so many games are lacking nowadays. Perfect 10 out of 10.    … Expand
  6. FantasicGamer
    Jul 4, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. WOW! Amazing masterpiece and potential GOTY. Let me help the fanboy here, and shout out their slogan.

    This amazing 8-bit graphic style provides a perfect opportunity for the player to enjoy eye bleeding, and the interesting bunny jump makes the player to have an excitement like climbing to the top of mountain by overcoming the outdated and crappy controls.

    Oh yeah, old school graphic, checked. Old school rogue platform, checked. Old school controls, checked. Oh my, masterpiece and GOTY!!!!

    This is the standard of easy money these days.

    Now, the fanboy reaches the top of hill, EPIC!    … Expand
  7. Dwalde
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    This game is simply amazing! Even though it's retro, it feels so good. The best part of this game must be the amazing level design and music, everything else still being of very good quality. If something, I disliked the rather short length of the game.
  8. daniel318
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    My childhood of gaming wrapped up into one challenging, but forgiving game, with an amazing art style! Worth a buy at 15 dollars if you are in your 20's or 30's and want a true blast from the past with a brand new edge.
  9. Adrw
    Sep 15, 2014
    10
    The good ol' Megaman, Castlevania and Duck Tales merged into one game. Everyone who grew up playing NES should absolutely try it. And the soundtracks is just amazing.
  10. ninesthousand
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    Shovel Knight is as close to a perfect game in the style of oldschool NES platformers. Everything about it is perfect for what it does. The music is amazing as are the levels and features. It pays homage to older NES games like Ducktales, Mega Man, Castlevania, etc in a very beautiful way. A must buy on any system
  11. DayAtNight67
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    This game is amasing. One of the best in 2014. Entertaining boss fights, always something new every level, the best music I've heard in a video game and the ending was just so good. I've never wanted a sequel of a game so badly since Dishonored. And one tip: don't close the game in the credits, just trust me.
  12. Borreh
    Jul 13, 2014
    10
    Absolutely gorgeous game. It's not only about the nostalgia, as I probably hadn't played a more perfect title since ages. It may be a niche game for retro gaming fans, but it's brilliantly crafted in every aspect. Bonus points for top-notch writing and a charming (if simple) story.
  13. rundje
    Jul 11, 2014
    10
    What. A. Game. This 8bit master piece is worth buying! from the gameplay to the chiptune music, we need more of this! highly recommended to buy this game!
  14. Amaerlyn
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    There's no doubt where inspiration came from when making this game and I love it. There isn't much that I want different with this game and that feeling of playing a brand new game that feels like it is part of something old really comes through.

    There isn't really much to say but O. M. G. !
  15. jacob4
    Apr 9, 2016
    10
    An absolute classic and masterpiece! Shovel Knight combines all the things we loved from the old classic 8-bit games like Mario, Metroid, Castlevania, Mega Man, etc. with some Dark Souls leveled difficulty even added in. This game has great action and adventure, lovable characters, great soundtrack, gorgeous 8-bit graphic, and an awesome story. An absolute must play and one of the bestAn absolute classic and masterpiece! Shovel Knight combines all the things we loved from the old classic 8-bit games like Mario, Metroid, Castlevania, Mega Man, etc. with some Dark Souls leveled difficulty even added in. This game has great action and adventure, lovable characters, great soundtrack, gorgeous 8-bit graphic, and an awesome story. An absolute must play and one of the best games of the year.… Expand
  16. djfpforever
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    TL; DR - Shovel Knight is a refreshingly original 8-bit experience that steeps itself in nostalgia, paying deference to the most solid NES game experiences (DuckTales, Mega Man, Castlevania, SMB3): 10/10.

    What an amazing game! As a child of the 80s, I had an original NES and LOVED Mega Man, Mario, Zelda et al in the prime of their 8-bit glory. Shovel Knight dips into that nostalgia    TL; DR - Shovel Knight is a refreshingly original 8-bit experience that steeps itself in nostalgia, paying deference to the most solid NES game experiences (DuckTales, Mega Man, Castlevania, SMB3): 10/10.

    What an amazing game! As a child of the 80s, I had an original NES and LOVED Mega Man, Mario, Zelda et al in the prime of their 8-bit glory. Shovel Knight dips into that nostalgia while being genuinely engaging and entertaining in its own right. The game provides the perfect balance of fun, challenge, minor rpg elements (powering up mana vs. health), and level progression. The game includes fun achievements, which is something that I appreciate. Combine the excellent game play elements, a fantastic score, and lovingly created 8-bit art, and you come away with the total package here!

    I Kickstarted this game, and my only regret is not chipping in more. Definitely well worth the 14.99 retail for those that purchase through Steam. I can't wait to see what else Yacht Club Games come up with in the future. A highly enthusiastic 10/10 for Shovel Knight!    … Expand
  17. GBM_Fan
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    You can describe "Shovel Knight" in one word: MASTERPIECE! Everything here is top notch, 8/16 bit graphics with modern touch, chiptune music, responsive control and last but not least: addictive gameplay!

    GOTY 2014 for me.
  18. Naveen196
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    This game takes the best games from the retro era, and makes a splendid display, while still feeling fresh. The music is nice and catchy, the boss battles are well done, and there are a lot of different upgrades to choose from. Oh, also, New Game+ is present, for extra challenge.
  19. SaLDjouN
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    This game is so awesome it's a mix of the best things you can find in megaman, duck tales, zelda (2 especially ) and smb 3 mixed with some modern thing like the dark souls style death. in one word : this games is really great
  20. jerry5278
    Jun 29, 2014
    10
    I really enjoyed shovel knight from beginning to end. Everything about this game blew me away. I just beat it, and am now playing through it again with new game +. This is not a game to be missed!!!!! 10/10
  21. Blacklist
    Jul 29, 2014
    10
    Shovel Knight combines smooth platforming with classic graphics to give gamers who enjoyed classic NES games what they want. The game features several equipable secondary items to use throughout, and a simple yet great storyline. Fantastic game, and if you enjoy platformers in general or played games on NES or SNES, this game is for you.

    Thank you Yacht Club Games, well done.
  22. VGMage
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    When I heard about this game, I thought it would be an alt-platformer, using your shovel on like grass and stuff; Little did I know this is one of the most fine-tuned overall games I've played in a while. There isn't a real bad thing about this game. It's like Super Meat Boy in the sense that if you die, it's entirely on you; This is one smooth playing game. It's plot is very intriguing,When I heard about this game, I thought it would be an alt-platformer, using your shovel on like grass and stuff; Little did I know this is one of the most fine-tuned overall games I've played in a while. There isn't a real bad thing about this game. It's like Super Meat Boy in the sense that if you die, it's entirely on you; This is one smooth playing game. It's plot is very intriguing, even though it's not much. Once your motivation is given to you for going through these lands and slaying enemies with your trusty shovel, you don't wanna put it down. It can be very challenging, you will die. A lot. But there's nothing stopping you from trying it right after it's done. The music is insane, one of the best retro-esque chiptune soundtracks I've heard. The level design is top-notch, you can tell this wasn't a level editor type of game, with the same type of platforms in a certain way for a whole area of the map; it's a game that is identifiable as a really well thought-out game. When you finish a level, you feel a real sense of accomplishment of what you've done. This game deserves all the unreal praise it's getting, this game is essentially flawless. Pick it up. I promise, you will not be let down.… Expand
  23. Pummel
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    This game takes many of the classic NES games (Super Mario Bros 3, Castlevania, Megaman, Zelda 2) and combines all the best parts of them into a pretty coherent story with excellent gameplay. It does have items special to only this game and special skills that set the game apart from other stated games. It also offers a few side quests for items that are not necessary to complete the game.
  24. SuperkenGaming
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    Shovel Knight
    A must Play For all
    Shovel Knight is a beautifully charming action platforming game. Shovel Knights art style screams nostalgia sale, but I was happy to find that this game isn’t just here to pull money out of your pockets with heart strings, Shovel Knight is it’s own game, an instant classic. Shovel knight consists of 12 main levels all with their own boss battles, each    Shovel Knight
    A must Play For all
    Shovel Knight is a beautifully charming action platforming game.
    Shovel Knights art style screams nostalgia sale, but I was happy to find that this game isn’t just here to pull money out of your pockets with heart strings, Shovel Knight is it’s own game, an instant classic.
    Shovel knight consists of 12 main levels all with their own boss battles, each level and stage getting progressively more challenging.
    The pacing is really some of the best ive ever seen in gaming.
    Every level has checkpoints, this may annoy the hardcore gamers at first, but you really come to appreciate them, platforming can get really trick for those of us that are impatient.
    These type of gamers are who the checkpoints are for, they are essentially training wheels.
    Shovel Knight is really more than just a flat forming game, it truly is an experience, and im happy these checkpoints exist so all can experience and guess what… checkpoints are COMPLETELY optional.
    Don’t like them?
    Break them, they drop cash so now you have nothing to complain about.
    I wouldn’t recommend doing such a thing your first time through as again, shovel knight gets increasingly challenging.
    Enemies will start throwing projectiles, youll have to dodge lava and spikes and look out for enemies while you seek out secrets.
    There are tons of secrets to be found in shovel knight that I wont spoil, but they add such a great deal of wonder to the game, you never know what youre going to find in a room you just uncovered from an exploding rat.
    It could be a music page for you to sell in the villiage, or a new relic waiting for you to grab to help you out through the rest of the game.
    I wasn’t expecting relics, but im so happy they exist, these relics all cost magic to use so cant really be spammed, but they are all varied and make you look at levels for better, more efficient ways to traverse them.
    You can also save your gold for armour and shovel upgrades, maybe increased magic or meal tickets to increase your health, the choice is yours, but unless youre completely confident in your skills walking into an unknown area you better make that choice before going back out, because every time you die you drop 3 pouches of gold much like in the souls series.
    If you want that gold back youre going to have to go grab it, if you die on your way back then its gone forever..
    The risk reward makes traversing these gorgeous levels even more enjoyable.
    Not only did this development team due a great job with level design and enemies, but also with bosses.
    Each boss has its own attack style, so no 2 relics will be equally handy in these encounters, gratefully though, they all die the same way, hit them an x amount of times.
    Games can get in the habit of making bosses a little too unique, what shovel knight does so great is make the encounters similar enough to give you a sense of pride and feeling like you used skill to defeat a new enemy rather than you just got completely lucky.
    It isn’t common to die during your first encounter with a new boss and that is so refreshing.
    I wont get into story all too much, but I will say that it is there, there is reason to the madness and it, at least to me is beautiful.
    After you’ve completed the game and have picked every level apart for its secrets and treasures, you have the option to start a new game +.
    New game plus lets you start from the beginning with everything you collected in your previous play through, but this time levels are a little tougher as youll notice some checkpoints are missing, enemies do double damage, and there are no health pick ups.
    There are tons of challenging feats to accomplish in shovel knight.
    Totally worth the playthrough just to experience, a highly recommended game title to both casual and hardcore gamers alike.
    I truly believe that everyone can find something to love about shovel knight.
    For what it is
    Action platformer 10/10
    and as an overall game my first ever 10/10    … Expand
  25. edwartexe
    Mar 11, 2015
    10
    ITS PERFECT this game is great! from the simple controlers than can be aplied to interact in so many ways with the enviroment and enemies. the level design which is intuitive and fun to travel while creating new challenges and new ways for you to act in them. the boss characters have enough charm and personality to make themselves notable and their fights have great variety. the storyITS PERFECT this game is great! from the simple controlers than can be aplied to interact in so many ways with the enviroment and enemies. the level design which is intuitive and fun to travel while creating new challenges and new ways for you to act in them. the boss characters have enough charm and personality to make themselves notable and their fights have great variety. the story seems simple at first but it turns deeper and much more rewarding than initialy expected i wont spoil just gonna tell you its great XD. the 8bit graphics are amazing, colorful and detailed enough to give off all sorts of characters and animations. the upgrades are not about making the character stronger but about giving you new tools for you to traverse the levels without breaking the dificulty. i just wanna say i didnt play the 8bit era of games so i can see that this is not merely nostalgia bait, its a full experience on its own I LOVE THIS GAME… Expand
  26. Uygar
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    Shovel Knight is a 2014 2D side-scrolling platform game, developed and published by independent video game developer Yacht Club Games. Following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, the game was initially released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U in June 2014, and ports of the game for OS X and Linux followed in September of the same year.
  27. Platinum48
    Nov 24, 2015
    10
    This is one of the few platform games sold on Steam that are not spiritual successors of other series to get along in campaigns to raise funds and it was no wonder, the game is quite challenging, is with graphics that much resemble the 8-bit games, and has an interesting plot . I recommend this game for the nostalgic duty that has money to spend on Steam. Your money paid will not be in vain
  28. zamapa
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    I have never owned an NES, I have never played an NES game yet I still love this game. It has solid controls and teaches through game-play instead of text. You constantly obtain new abilities in the game, and encounter new enemies and objects. The level design is extremely clever, teaching you something in a low stress situation, and later adding pressure to test you on what you'veI have never owned an NES, I have never played an NES game yet I still love this game. It has solid controls and teaches through game-play instead of text. You constantly obtain new abilities in the game, and encounter new enemies and objects. The level design is extremely clever, teaching you something in a low stress situation, and later adding pressure to test you on what you've learned.

    The graphics and music and charming, and I think they're great even though I have no nostalgia for them. The story is simple and skip able, I couldn't ask for much more. The game become's very challenging, and even though it teaches the mechanics of levels well before you encounter them in a deadly situation, you can still die in some cheap ways. The game is full of adorable characters, and it never felt like it was wasting my time. If I didn't want to talk to a character I usually didn't have to, and if I did I could skip their dialogue if I wanted.

    This is one of my favorite platformers mostly because of the amazing level design. There is so much polish on every detail of this game and it's noticeable. It's fun, and even though the gameplay can be unforgiving checkpoints are frequent and give you some breathing room. This entire game is an example of a great tutorial.    … Expand
  29. SMGamer
    Jun 2, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. WARNING:This review contains spoilers, so if you don't want to hear spoilers, then don't press the button Expand.This game is perfect! It's well done, the controls are tight, smooth and amazing graphics and backgrounds, and to top it all off, the gameplay is amazing!! I love the bosses, especially Plague Knight and The Enchantress. I can't forget the second phase of the enchantress when you down-stab on Shield Knight's shield and smacking the Enchantress' head with my shovel, using my favorite Relic: The Propeller Dagger to continue stabbing her mercilessly till she dies! God, everything is amazing!… Expand
  30. Gigaflops
    Dec 1, 2016
    10
    Solo para nostalgicos de los 8 bits. Los niñosrata nunca entenderán este tipo de juegos. Un 10 para este fantástico juego que te devuelve a la epoca de los 80/90.
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PC Game of 2014
60
#60 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
48
#48 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Gamer.nl
    Nov 13, 2014
    85
    Shovel Knight is a beautiful tribute to the era that used to be. With it's graphics and gameplay it refers to 8-bit games, but it does have a unique touch of its own. It might be a bit short, but it sure has a strong personality.
    Read full review
  2. GameStar
    Nov 1, 2014
    82
    A modern retro platformer that plays in the same league as the classics.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Oct 22, 2014
    90
    If you spent your childhood playing DuckTales, Super Marios Bros. or Contra on your NES, no one can convince you that a pixel art indie game can bring that feeling back. Except for Shovel Knight. Shovel Knight can. [Sept 2014, p.68]
See all critic reviews »