Shovel Knight

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 449 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 324 out of 449
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 449
  3. Negative: 65 out of 449
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  1. ClassyDevo
    May 5, 2015
    2
    Homage to old school games or rip off? This is just another repetitive, boring platformer. Plain and simple it's nothing special, it just takes from every old 8-bit game. Not worth the $15!
  2. houjo2000
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    I am not huge into 2D platformers, even as a child they were never my forte, so I was tempted to give this game a pass. I'm glad I didn't- this may be my favourite indie game since Castle Crashers.

    Everything about this game works. It takes the recognizable style and retro graphics of Mega Man, and makes a control scheme and level lay out that is not only unique and their own- but works    I am not huge into 2D platformers, even as a child they were never my forte, so I was tempted to give this game a pass. I'm glad I didn't- this may be my favourite indie game since Castle Crashers.

    Everything about this game works. It takes the recognizable style and retro graphics of Mega Man, and makes a control scheme and level lay out that is not only unique and their own- but works perfectly. The addition of free, well done DLC the size of the base game is just going above and beyond.

    The game works brilliantly- bringing in plenty of things you'll recognize from NES (Mega Man bosses/boss rush, Super Mario 3 map encounters), quick and precise controls, great level variety. It tells a simple, cute story without wasting my time- letting me get straight into the action.

    There's a lot of replay value and collectibles as well, and of course NG+ which definitely increases the challenge.

    Highly recommend this game.    … Expand
  3. Zimbardo
    May 17, 2015
    5
    This is a solid platformer and I think the devs did an amazing job for what they set out to make. But I guess that old school platformers just aren't that fun anymore.

    This was like taking a time machine back to my youth only to realize that the games that i was so nostalgic about weren't really that great.
  4. KidCritc
    May 22, 2015
    10
    Retro-gamers are transported to heaven with this game the story is simple but emotional the gameplay can rival huge games like super mario world and the controls are tight in my opinion one of the best games of all time no doubt.
  5. FogCityRoller
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    In a world where people rate actually rate the graphics of games based on what they are instead of what they are not, Shovel Knight is everything it is supposed to be. From a gameplay perspective it is a stellar nod to the 8-bit icons of the past. It excels everywhere from story to mechanics to screen design.
  6. Grigann
    May 4, 2015
    9
    Excellent old-school plate-former, combining various gameplay elements from classics like Super Mario 3, Mega Man or Duck Tales with a simple but nevertheless good story, great levels, great bosses, great trophies, and an incredible soundtrack.
  7. endtransmission
    May 4, 2015
    9
    Excellent game.

    The people that are saying this is overpriced are insane. Every screen, every song, every bit of text: all made very lovingly and bursting with charm. Great gameplay with simple mechanics but a lot of variety in which to use it - which makes the game fresh at most turns. It has elements, of: Dark Souls (Repeating sections to perfection, having to recover your cash),    Excellent game.

    The people that are saying this is overpriced are insane. Every screen, every song, every bit of text: all made very lovingly and bursting with charm. Great gameplay with simple mechanics but a lot of variety in which to use it - which makes the game fresh at most turns. It has elements, of: Dark Souls (Repeating sections to perfection, having to recover your cash), Zelda/Megaman (Equipment, format (in places)), Super Mario World (Music and graphics in places).

    Difficulty is actually quite high depending on how you play the game, you can use a standard armour set to increase the difficulty if it's not quite as tough as you'd like. It's not Dark Souls hard but it's pleasingly difficult.

    Story is whatever but the game is all about gameplay and the writing is supernaturally charming and nicely written, taking loving jabs at classic, genre-specific cliches.

    Graphics are lovingly made and perfect for the job.

    Some people will complain that it's too short but for the money it isn't short at all. Roughly 10 hours of gameplay on a normal playthrough and then a NG+ option.

    In short: It's the most legitimate homage to old-school gaming I've ever played and to someone like me that's in his early 30s and played games through the NES and SNES era it's a legitimate joy to play.    … Expand
  8. Jreilly89
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    Shovel Knight is a classic gamer's wet dream. The game is near perfect, offering tight controls, a kicking soundtrack, great backgrounds, memorable bosses, and a decent storyline. The game throws plenty of challenges your way, with some stages being almost too difficult. There is also plenty of challenge to be had in the extra modes, as well as secrets and easter eggs. On top of this,Shovel Knight is a classic gamer's wet dream. The game is near perfect, offering tight controls, a kicking soundtrack, great backgrounds, memorable bosses, and a decent storyline. The game throws plenty of challenges your way, with some stages being almost too difficult. There is also plenty of challenge to be had in the extra modes, as well as secrets and easter eggs. On top of this, Yacht Club Games just released free DLC of Plague of Shadows, a great continuation, in addition to the two free DLCs they'd released previously. At $15, this game is an absolute steal, and truly a classic among great games.… Expand
  9. AbyssTreader
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    This game is a love letter to old titles like Mega Man. After all the purest form of flattery is imitation, and yet Shovel knight manages to be nostalgic and quite new and unique at the same time. The controls are simple and intuitive. The stages are varied and imaginative, ranging from underwater levels to flying airships, with each one introducing some new mechanic to challenge you. TheThis game is a love letter to old titles like Mega Man. After all the purest form of flattery is imitation, and yet Shovel knight manages to be nostalgic and quite new and unique at the same time. The controls are simple and intuitive. The stages are varied and imaginative, ranging from underwater levels to flying airships, with each one introducing some new mechanic to challenge you. The boss fights are simply fun. Rest assured that the order of no quarter is one of the most impressive rogue gallery you will ever come across. With a few RPG themed mechanics and some old staples of the genre Shovel Knight can surely be attractive to a large crowd.With a lot of replay value this game is over all a must have, for both players who want to take a trip down memory lane, or newcomers. As an an indie title with a lot of love in the making as well as a lot of new content coming in the future I recommend Shovel Knight to any player who is looking for a good time.… Expand
  10. CntrlAltDel101
    Oct 1, 2015
    9
    This game is retro done right. There are a lot of half baked 2D platformers flooding the market these days with the majority of them feeling stale and repetative.

    Excellent level design, tough game play and oozing with 8bit charm this game is easily one of the best 2D platformers I've ever played sitting comfortably alongside the likes of the classic Super Mario games. If you like a    This game is retro done right. There are a lot of half baked 2D platformers flooding the market these days with the majority of them feeling stale and repetative.

    Excellent level design, tough game play and oozing with 8bit charm this game is easily one of the best 2D platformers I've ever played sitting comfortably alongside the likes of the classic Super Mario games.

    If you like a bit of retro gaming then this one definitely deserves your time.    … Expand
  11. GreenMachineG
    Jan 25, 2016
    8
    Shovel Knight is a very solid platformer. Good fun, and replay-ability. The game did fail to keep me interested however. The gameplay mechanics felt a little wonky at times, and didn't feel very good to me. I also found myself dying way too often due to missing a jump and not timing the enemies correctly. A good game for sure, and I would recommend it, but keep your expectations tempered.Shovel Knight is a very solid platformer. Good fun, and replay-ability. The game did fail to keep me interested however. The gameplay mechanics felt a little wonky at times, and didn't feel very good to me. I also found myself dying way too often due to missing a jump and not timing the enemies correctly. A good game for sure, and I would recommend it, but keep your expectations tempered. The old-school game lover of Metroid, Mega Man or the like should definitely feel some nostalgia with this game, but if you didn't play those or weren't fans of them I would move past this title.

    7.5/10    … Expand
  12. ThePigeonManCan
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    I have never played such a wholesome game. All together it's a beautiful story with fantastic characters....And free DLC ? Yacht Club Games got this right. 10/10
  13. Wineneeder
    Apr 24, 2018
    9
    An exceptional game that does retro-graphics right, everything is simple but beautiful, with interesting use of color and animation. The music is retro too and quite charming and there's plenty of it. I'm sure they were more hardware limited than I imagine, but if Cave Story is the best SNES game not on SNES, then Shovel Knight is the best NES game of 2015.

    This takes all the best    An exceptional game that does retro-graphics right, everything is simple but beautiful, with interesting use of color and animation. The music is retro too and quite charming and there's plenty of it. I'm sure they were more hardware limited than I imagine, but if Cave Story is the best SNES game not on SNES, then Shovel Knight is the best NES game of 2015.

    This takes all the best gameplay features of platformers, metroidvanias, and even modern games (dark souls-like "money" loss and retrieval, etc) and makes a wonderful experience.

    And HELLO!? There's three freaking expansions to it. I am only maybe 2 3rds done with the first, but it has been very fun and very much different from the original gameplay, even if some levels are full on reprisals. There's also even more unlocks, attacks, double jumps, triple jumps, powers, gadgets... It can be difficult to make them work together at first, but once you do, Plague Knight is a bouncy, exploding, firey bat of hell.

    9/10, not perfect for the levels being largely unchanged, though there is new content. This score may change as I finish the expansions.    … Expand
  14. skatevid
    Apr 27, 2015
    10
    Fantastic homage to old school video games. The great gameplay makes you forget about the graphics, that some may complain about, and immerse you heavily into the game. Play this game **** cause it's only like $10.
  15. PureGamer
    Jun 23, 2015
    7
    Well if you were born in the 70's & 80's and grew up with games like the Mega Man series then you cant help but love a bit of retro gaming 8-bit action.
    Shovel Knight has that retro appeal that some of us 'more experienced' gamers crave but it also has the ability to entice the younger audience with its fast pace and charm. For the price you can’t really argue that the developers have    Well if you were born in the 70's & 80's and grew up with games like the Mega Man series then you cant help but love a bit of retro gaming 8-bit action.
    Shovel Knight has that retro appeal that some of us 'more experienced' gamers crave but it also has the ability to entice the younger audience with its fast pace and charm. For the price you can’t really argue that the developers have produced a game of basic capabilities and asked you to pay the world which makes it an attractive proposition. If you are a sucker for a throwback then do not hesitate but if you are more into your fast pace, intricate, mind blowing RPG's & Shooters then perhaps this one might pass you by; after all an 8-bit platform game so do not expect to be blown away.
    What it does offer is fun filled gaming with a decent soundtrack that immerses you in the game.

    .................BUT saying all that we are living in the 21st century and I can not help but feel that a console which possesses so much power is being asked to run the style of games that I enjoyed in the 1980's. These games are hardly state of the art and it seems a shame that we tend to move backwards rather than forwards in our quest for fun; still that is by no means a swipe at the game itself; it does exactly what it sets out to do and for that you can only applaud it.    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. SaxPower
    Aug 12, 2015
    0
    in 2010, it woud have been a nice little amateur project on the net, trying to create a rom for the NES console. Today, it's one of the best rated game on the PS4... has everyone in the game industry become total dumbass ?
  18. mumbles
    Apr 27, 2015
    9
    Fantastic 8-bit throwback title. I know lots of people are probably sick of the retro indies on systems like the PS4 but this game truly does live up to the hype with it's fantastic soundtrack, pixel art and controls as well as humour. If you're into retro gaming I say give this a spin and if not, maybe wait for a sale. The huge bonus is that it's cross-buy/save... so you can buy it onceFantastic 8-bit throwback title. I know lots of people are probably sick of the retro indies on systems like the PS4 but this game truly does live up to the hype with it's fantastic soundtrack, pixel art and controls as well as humour. If you're into retro gaming I say give this a spin and if not, maybe wait for a sale. The huge bonus is that it's cross-buy/save... so you can buy it once and get it for the PS4/Vita/PS3 and play it across all platforms. The only big downside to this is that the cross save isn't automatic like Fez. You have to manually upload/download each time you want to save/load to/from the cloud. Don't listen to all the haters that want to play COD shooters or are just into games for the graphics. It's GOTY material.… Expand
  19. keithjonjonson
    Oct 24, 2015
    2
    This game is everything a retro game shouldn't be. The only retro feel it gives is the lack of tight and precise controls. When you win or lose based on control scheme, that takes the worst part of games pre-90's and shoves it down your throat. There are MUCH better retro games out there. Trust me, if you are under 50 don't waste your money.
  20. AkodoRyu
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    The game is tight as hell. Pretty much perfect execution for the genre.
    It's also a lot of fun, It's been a while since I've played such purely fun game.
  21. pithing_needle
    May 21, 2015
    8
    By 8 bit platforming standards, it does it's job. Problem is that I did this all back in the 80's. People, especially you folks under 20....go on ebay, bid on an NES , an SNES, or a Genesis....pick up a few platformers, and have yourself a ball. Then ask yourself why cynical little indie devs continue to crank out cliches. They are riding on the coat-tails of their predecessors and areBy 8 bit platforming standards, it does it's job. Problem is that I did this all back in the 80's. People, especially you folks under 20....go on ebay, bid on an NES , an SNES, or a Genesis....pick up a few platformers, and have yourself a ball. Then ask yourself why cynical little indie devs continue to crank out cliches. They are riding on the coat-tails of their predecessors and are adding NOTHING to the mix. This game is at best a final project for a game design degree. For heaven's sake, if your gonna do the whole retro chunky graphics thing, get original.

    Having said that, to be fair, the game works. It's actually quite good. I may have even liked it about 25 years ago. That's why it deserves an 8 out of 10. But the developers deserve a 3 for exhuming the remains of games that died in 86, reanimating them, and passing them off as new.    … Expand
  22. unclomz
    Oct 4, 2015
    4
    Let me start of by saying I have been playing 2d platformers for maybe close to 25 years they are my favouritegenre of game by a mile from captain keen to donkey kong tropical freeze I am there and I will complete them.

    Anway I wanted like this game. I had high hope from it. In reality to me its a ish mash of duck yales pogo stick and wom3 shoveling, not steam world dig levelk    Let me start of by saying I have been playing 2d platformers for maybe close to 25 years they are my favouritegenre of game by a mile from captain keen to donkey kong tropical freeze I am there and I will complete them.

    Anway I wanted like this game. I had high hope from it.
    In reality to me its a ish mash of duck yales pogo stick and wom3 shoveling, not steam world dig levelk shoveling i mean the boring kinf.
    The graphics are diharea I am sorry but a little more efoort dont give this 8 bit 16 bit bolloks Hokus Pokus made by apogee in the erlly 90s is leaps and bounds better its taht little polished touch i feel its missing. he music drove me insane.

    The one thing saving this game to me were hidden parts of the map im a sucker for that stuff and thats why i colppeted the game.

    Would i reccomened meh.
    NO
    is it overgyped.
    YES
    Isi tow roth 10 to 12 pound
    NO its worth 6.99 thankyou

    Sorry Il shut up now
    Its borderline crap

    on steam play freedom planet tesla grad the list goes on    … Expand
  23. Markolius
    Apr 27, 2015
    9
    Fun gameplay, great personality, and well-paced. It's one of the best side scrollers in years, retro or otherwise. Think classic mega man with a humorous fantasy theme. Definitely worth having in your PS4's digital library if you don't already have it elsewhere.
  24. MisterBirdy
    May 4, 2015
    5
    When are the reviewers going to quit being so damned charmed by retro games? If it is a fine retro game it deserves a mediocre review, not high praise. And they certainly shouldn't cost more than $1.99 .
  25. ForsetiX
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Fantastic homage to old school video games!!! The great gameplay makes you forget about the graphics, that some may complain about, and immerse you heavily into the game. Play this game **** cause it's only like $10.
  26. AF1
    Sep 3, 2016
    0
    A game that pisses one of time after time with unfair and idiotic situations only to lose all your gems you have collected . What an electronic **** !
  27. Tornado130
    Jun 9, 2015
    0
    VEry very bad this disappointed me in many ways ,being 2d and have bad graphics. Constant crashes of the game on the ps4 version stopped me enjoying it ,however, i dont know anyone else whos game crashed.
  28. JRG
    Aug 10, 2015
    9
    There is a 150 character lomit for reviews? Okay dude. Gonna see if my score can influence the user score. Great game, lots of enemies and worlds and cool places. Great if you wat a colorful platformer with character.
  29. Minge
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    Fantastic game remembering the old classic games from it really REALLY good side scrolling adventure hope more developers go back and make some old school games 10/10
  30. Jakubris
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    If your childhood entailed blowing on cartridges and changing the tv to channel 3 then Shovel Knight is a must play for you! The graphics bring us back to a time when things were simpler, the classic 8-bit style combined with smooth game-play make for a stunning match. To top it all off the sound design and music in this game are top notch. All these pieces come together in one thrillingIf your childhood entailed blowing on cartridges and changing the tv to channel 3 then Shovel Knight is a must play for you! The graphics bring us back to a time when things were simpler, the classic 8-bit style combined with smooth game-play make for a stunning match. To top it all off the sound design and music in this game are top notch. All these pieces come together in one thrilling experience that present challenges and hours of entertainment to keep you locked in and remembering how things used to be! But we're not sad that they've changed!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PS4 Game of 2015
54
#54 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
60
#60 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Impulsegamer
    Sep 25, 2015
    84
    Shovel Knight perfectly encapsulates what is so great about playing modern-retro games inspired by the 8-bit era of the 1980s and early 90’s without being derivative or trapped in the past.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jun 30, 2015
    90
    A glorious, funny, occasionally touching and often maddening tribute to the 8-bit platformer. [July 2015, p.87]
  3. Play UK
    Jun 27, 2015
    90
    A well-written love letter to the classic games of the Eighties that blends a variety of classic platformers into a game that works regardless of any nostalgia. We dig it. [Issue#258, p.72]
See all critic reviews »