User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 527 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 53 out of 527
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  1. Apr 9, 2022
    8
    It's really hard to judge the game as a single game. I'll just review the games separately:

    Shovel of Hope is good. The controls feel nice. The pixel graphics are awesome. There are some instant deaths, but you can avoid some using an item. The story is decent, with an interesting twist at the end. The level design is really thoughtful and well executed. Plague of Shadows is garbage.
    It's really hard to judge the game as a single game. I'll just review the games separately:

    Shovel of Hope is good. The controls feel nice. The pixel graphics are awesome. There are some instant deaths, but you can avoid some using an item. The story is decent, with an interesting twist at the end. The level design is really thoughtful and well executed.

    Plague of Shadows is garbage. For a platformer, it's an extremely bold choice that Plague Knight can't pull off a decent jump. Even with the double jump, the height is ridiculous. You have to throw something at the peak of the double jump (with very difficult timing) to get the few extra pixels of height you need. The other option is the dash, which moves you way too fast and too far. It's very hard to control, you'll constantly touch enemies just to get knocked back ten meters, and die in a pit. Also, someone had the genius idea that you have to hold down the attack button for (what feels like) a minute to dash. This means that you can't attack while you charge the dash move, and you can waste a bomb because there's a limit on how many bombs you can throw at a time.
    The bombs also feel like trash. You constantly have to go to the menu to change what bomb you use or how you throw it. There's a quick selection, but it's useless because all the icons look the same, and you have to read the description. Also, it's frustrating that sometimes you forget to change the bomb (after every single enemy!) and you throw a wrong bomb, and then you die.
    The story is the only good thing about this game. Honestly, it plays like s**** and every good aspect can be found in the other games. Just don't play this game, and you'll have a good time with Treasure Trove.

    Specter of Torment is the best game of Treasure Trove. The wall climbing and dash move make Specter Knight the best playable character in the whole game. It's just incredible how good movement feels. As standalone game, it would be one of the best 2D platformers of all time. The story is also very dark and engaging, the hub world is full of dark charm and has an extra vicious challenge. My only criticism is that Specter Knight can feel a little overpowered sometimes, especially when you fight bosses from Shovel of Hope who weren't adapted for Specter Knights moveset.

    King of Cards is just a little better than Shovel of Hope. The moveset is a little more interesting. It is very clever that it is so forgiving, other than Plague of Shadows. Your dash move can be halted, and you can make another dash if you got hit by something to save your skin. The additional card game is fun, but it's just like EA games: pay to win. You can simply destroy your opponent with cheats you bought with in-game currency. The story is very funny, especially King Knight's mother.

    Showdown is like Super Smash Bros. for retro 2D characters. The menu is very unintuitive, the characters are not balanced well, and a few of the stages suck, but all in all, it's very much fun. The counter move is very nice, and it uses the elements from the previous games in a very clever way.

    Finally, I'd say that Shovel Knight is very good. The separate games recycle a lot of enemies and stages, but for each game, movement changes a lot. The level design is adapted to it, so it looks the same but feels different. I just wish they would make more bosses, or at least change their moveset more. It's a great platformer. Just don't play Plague of Shadows.
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  2. Sep 28, 2020
    8
    I do feel the name speaks for itself. This game is truly a treasure trove of content. Fun throughout.
  3. Aug 3, 2021
    10
    this is one of the legendary indie games, and a must buy. my favorite part of these games are how they adds new mechanics constantly throughout the level, usually to combine them all in the final stretch in a very difficult section. King of cards has more simple, shorter levels, similar to mario games.
    Shovel of hope:10/10
    Plague of shadows:7/10
    specter of torment: 10/10
    king of cards:11/10
  4. May 26, 2022
    9
    Played the first three and they are brilliant. Actually brilliant. Can be difficult, but the checkpoint system makes the game feel fair, like you’re able to jump straight back into things. Brilliant games.
  5. Feb 3, 2023
    9
    Definitely a highlight in the modern indie game scene. The full package with every story expansions adds so much, so many fresh stories and mechanics to each character. The team did a beautiful job translating a classic genre for new generations looking to dip their toes in the games many inspirations and and references.
  6. Apr 16, 2017
    10
    What more do you want a game that is the son of megaman, mario 3 and many more, with coperative game, all DLC with game mode very different than the normal and the best you can take with you to wherever you want.
  7. Jun 4, 2017
    8
    A lot of games are out to emulate the retro-platformer format, but none do it quite like Shovel Knight - a game that take the best elements of mario, megaman and the like, and integrates them into one immensely playable game. Recent DLC is enough to keep players busy for years. Top-notch game design, plenty of fun and a whole lotta value for money.
  8. Jan 13, 2019
    10
    I heard a lot of amazing things about this game so I figured I'd give a shot. I went to the Nintendo Eshop, and bought the game for only 20 to 25 dollar, and holy **** This is one of the best **** games I have ever played. Fighting through all of these enemies with such a peculiar character such as shovel knight. Each of the enemies more creative than the last, all with different attacksI heard a lot of amazing things about this game so I figured I'd give a shot. I went to the Nintendo Eshop, and bought the game for only 20 to 25 dollar, and holy **** This is one of the best **** games I have ever played. Fighting through all of these enemies with such a peculiar character such as shovel knight. Each of the enemies more creative than the last, all with different attacks and different mechanics, and each level was structured completely different and would always have something new. These made it so whenever you turn a corner you never what the **** to expect. You could be jumping on bubbles, floating over propellers, bouncing off cannonballs, avoiding griffins, and each on of these can be past in a number of ways. You can fly past them with the propeller dagger, attack from a distance with the flare wand, go by them with phase locket. Though playing as shovel knight is great playing as specter and plague knight make it feel like an entirely new game. Even though you can realize that these are shovel knights obstacles these other characters have their own ways of passing them. Like playing as plague knight you can find bubbles for shovel knight to jump onto, but you don't need these, you can just use your triple jump and fly past it. You can tell its the same world that shovel knight went through, the same rooms and obstacles, but these new characters make it an entirely new game. The game is just a continuous feeling of satisfaction because you always feel like you're improving. You're always doing better than you were last time. You'll end up turning a corner and find an enemy you don't know how to face, and you'll die from it a few times, but after a bit you finally know how to beat it, and that feels so good. Then after that comes more and more things that work the same way, until eventually you've mastered fighting it, you'll be able to take down that first enemy in an instant. I know a lot of games do this sort of things, but shovel knight does it so well. They don't keep pulling out this new concept until it's boring, as soon as you've gotten used it it switches to something new. This game sent me through a series of emotions and that makes it so good. I absolutely adore this game. After beating it with all three characters I couldn't help the need to play it again so I did. I've beaten it a shovel knight once, plague knight and specter knight twice and I'm working on a Co-op game. One of my favorite games of all time. I'll be sure to buy the next expansion. Expand
  9. May 2, 2017
    9
    Shovel Knight doesn't just honor old school platformers, it embraces them. It takes all the best characteristics of old school gaming and some elements from some legendary titles and shows it off in spectacular fashion. The music and difficulty curve are my favorite parts about this game.
    Yacht Club games deserves a lot of credit for finding ways to keep this game going after all there
    Shovel Knight doesn't just honor old school platformers, it embraces them. It takes all the best characteristics of old school gaming and some elements from some legendary titles and shows it off in spectacular fashion. The music and difficulty curve are my favorite parts about this game.
    Yacht Club games deserves a lot of credit for finding ways to keep this game going after all there few years, when an indie usually fades away a bit. The Plague Knight and Specter Knight campaigns are adventures that deserve to be their own games apart from Shovel Knight. They are so much fun and the new mechanics in each one add a variety I cannot get enough of.
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  10. Jun 7, 2017
    9
    Amazing game, looks really nice, music is insane. Platforming might be a bit tricky for some, but never gets boring since every level adds something new. Bosses can be a bit repetative, and after getting used to the controls, they are gonna be very easy.
  11. Mar 7, 2017
    9
    This is a fantastic game. The inclusion of all DLC makes this more than worth every penny.

    If you like retro platformers such as Mario 3, Megaman, etc, you NEED to play this game.
  12. Feb 10, 2018
    10
    No es sorpresa que tenga éste juego en PS4, Wii U, PSV y 3DS, y es porque es el indie perfecto, controles responsables, música suprema, un estilo nostálgico que toma buenas mecánicas de otros clásicos y DLC gratuito que aumenta el contenido del juego un 100% por vez hacen de "Shovel Knight" un ejemplo.
    Éste paquete incluye todo el material que ha sumado Yacht Club más una próxima aventura
    No es sorpresa que tenga éste juego en PS4, Wii U, PSV y 3DS, y es porque es el indie perfecto, controles responsables, música suprema, un estilo nostálgico que toma buenas mecánicas de otros clásicos y DLC gratuito que aumenta el contenido del juego un 100% por vez hacen de "Shovel Knight" un ejemplo.
    Éste paquete incluye todo el material que ha sumado Yacht Club más una próxima aventura que protagonizará King Knight y amiibos de éste, Plague Knight y Specter Knight que le darán un toque exclusivo a ésta versión y a la de Wii U.
    No tengo palabras para "Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove" que no sean cumplidos, sencillamente es un juego perfecto que siempre se jugará bien sin importar la plataforma. Aunque en Switch la portabilidad y el tamaño de la pantalla suma mucho para que valga la pena sumarlo a su catálogo de juegos.
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  13. Mar 9, 2017
    8
    The same game of Ps4 and One but on my point of view a little better since they have fixed the story and the gameplay is still as fresh but with some better and the other content that have added to the game that if it is not much me It looks like I was pretty good at this indie game.

    Great game 8/10
  14. Apr 20, 2017
    9
    Overall an extremely enjoyable experience. I would consider the Switch port superior to the others, as it is the one that functions as both a home console and a handheld, with no drawback in performance or graphics. A few minor complaints keep it from the perfect 10/10, like the unforgiving death mechanic, and I find most levels impossible to complete in multiplayer mode, but apart fromOverall an extremely enjoyable experience. I would consider the Switch port superior to the others, as it is the one that functions as both a home console and a handheld, with no drawback in performance or graphics. A few minor complaints keep it from the perfect 10/10, like the unforgiving death mechanic, and I find most levels impossible to complete in multiplayer mode, but apart from that, a nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up playing Mario World, Sonic, and I would definitely recommend a purchase! Expand
  15. Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Every campaign is incredibly solid and unique mechanics to each campaign and really reflects the characters. There's a ton more to do even after just beating the campaigns from challenge mode, to countless "feats", and even New Game+. There's just always more to do in this game than can keep me coming back. And being portable really helps. I can't wait for King of Cards. I don't know whatEvery campaign is incredibly solid and unique mechanics to each campaign and really reflects the characters. There's a ton more to do even after just beating the campaigns from challenge mode, to countless "feats", and even New Game+. There's just always more to do in this game than can keep me coming back. And being portable really helps. I can't wait for King of Cards. I don't know what else you want in a game.
    Also the music is nearly flawless
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  16. Jun 15, 2018
    9
    I never really enjoyed these kinds of games really but Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove became a very adictive and enjoyable experience. Platform games tend to be repetitive and boring after a while but since Shovel Knight has elements of an RPG makes it fresh and a great experience.
  17. Dec 1, 2018
    10
    shovel knight is to indie games what Mario is to Nintendo. this game is delightful from start to finish. an absolute must play
  18. Mar 24, 2019
    10
    One of the best indie games ever, and arguably the greatest crowdfunded game in history, Shovel Knight delivers. I rarely replay single-layer games after I've completed them, and I've already played through SK at least five times. The DLC campaigns are solid, with Specter of Torment being the better of the two, but there's still a ton of fun and value to be found here. A must-own for everyOne of the best indie games ever, and arguably the greatest crowdfunded game in history, Shovel Knight delivers. I rarely replay single-layer games after I've completed them, and I've already played through SK at least five times. The DLC campaigns are solid, with Specter of Torment being the better of the two, but there's still a ton of fun and value to be found here. A must-own for every Nintendo Switch user. Expand
  19. Mar 9, 2017
    9
    Shovel Knight brings the best of NES-era platformers to present-day. Shovel Knight is the love child of Megaman, Ducktales and Castlevania, with a tiny bit of Dark Souls sprinkled over the top. Yacht Club Games put tons of care and polish into each unique level and character. The only negative I took away from this game was that after playing through each of the characters, I wanted toShovel Knight brings the best of NES-era platformers to present-day. Shovel Knight is the love child of Megaman, Ducktales and Castlevania, with a tiny bit of Dark Souls sprinkled over the top. Yacht Club Games put tons of care and polish into each unique level and character. The only negative I took away from this game was that after playing through each of the characters, I wanted to play even more. With 3 characters, however, and one more coming soon, Shovel Knight Treasure Trove is well worth its asking price. Expand
  20. Apr 24, 2017
    10
    Shovel Knight is a game I buy on every platform I own and will continue to until the end of time. It is a fantastic representation of the NES greats, and each update just adds a new blast of fantastic content worth every single moment of your time. Nothing is more satisfying than pogo-bouncing your way across an intense gauntlet of enemies and pits, and the only bad part about this game isShovel Knight is a game I buy on every platform I own and will continue to until the end of time. It is a fantastic representation of the NES greats, and each update just adds a new blast of fantastic content worth every single moment of your time. Nothing is more satisfying than pogo-bouncing your way across an intense gauntlet of enemies and pits, and the only bad part about this game is that eventually you beat it and have nothing left to play. Expand
  21. Sep 6, 2017
    9
    Where should I start? What an AWESOME game! I gotta admit this is my type of game (platformers with hidden items, real hand fighting + weapons). I had played the Shovel Knight compaign a few months ago which I really liked (8.5 out of 10). This Treasure Trove game on the Switch especially the Specter Knight compaign is a gem! The levels are well-designed, the hidden items were at the rightWhere should I start? What an AWESOME game! I gotta admit this is my type of game (platformers with hidden items, real hand fighting + weapons). I had played the Shovel Knight compaign a few months ago which I really liked (8.5 out of 10). This Treasure Trove game on the Switch especially the Specter Knight compaign is a gem! The levels are well-designed, the hidden items were at the right places, the abitilies were perfect, you can ride a skateboard at certain times, good variety of enemies, the story is interesting, the bosses's difficulty is well-balanced, etc. This game is a 9.5 out of 10 in my book! Very well done. Some people say it is the best game on the eShop...it is also one of the best games for the Wii U period. Can't wait for the next compaign (King of Cards I believe). Expand
  22. Mar 16, 2017
    10
    This is to offset that one ignorant person who gave this a 0 because "He played this stuff in the 80's". It's called nostalgia, get a clue, man. This game is great, just like the original shovel knight. Specter of Torment especially is great. the movement feels very fluid.
  23. Nov 1, 2017
    8
    Good game, but not a gem nor a masterpiece. People should control their hype before writing a review. The main adventure is actually good, but too short. The DLCs are not as good.
  24. Jan 2, 2018
    8
    Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove 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.
  25. Nov 1, 2019
    9
    I was just looking for something to play when i first got my switch, i can tell you that im not the biggest fan of indie games but man did this game blow me away! My god is the soundtrack not absoolutely amazing, and gameplay is just superb! Definetly a must buy.
  26. Aug 10, 2017
    10
    Best version of an amazing game. Shovel Knight and the first expansion are brilliant, however specter of torment is my new favorite. Specter controls and platforming is too much fun.
  27. Aug 4, 2017
    9
    Shovel Knight Treasure Trove is a game I would recommend to just about any fan of 2D retro platformers. There's 3 different gameplay styles that all share the same levels with different designs. To be honest I can't be bothered to write a serious review so heres my rating on all 3 campaigns
    Shovel Knight: 8.5/10
    Plague Knight: 7.4/10 Spector Knight: 10/10 theres also King Knight DLC
    Shovel Knight Treasure Trove is a game I would recommend to just about any fan of 2D retro platformers. There's 3 different gameplay styles that all share the same levels with different designs. To be honest I can't be bothered to write a serious review so heres my rating on all 3 campaigns
    Shovel Knight: 8.5/10
    Plague Knight: 7.4/10
    Spector Knight: 10/10
    theres also King Knight DLC coming soon
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  28. Aug 7, 2017
    9
    Fun and inventive platforming with a great soundtrack to back it up, this game just has it all. The game shows of the best from retro gaming but also invents in its own right and borrows some modern ideas as well, for example dark souls death system where you loose your money when you die to create tension without crippling the player with for example having checkpoints few and farFun and inventive platforming with a great soundtrack to back it up, this game just has it all. The game shows of the best from retro gaming but also invents in its own right and borrows some modern ideas as well, for example dark souls death system where you loose your money when you die to create tension without crippling the player with for example having checkpoints few and far between. The treasure trove package includes all the DLC yet releast and probably ever releast for Shovel knight, which makes the game gain some much needed value and since all the DLCs are more like games of their own and not just extra levels and stuff, makes this package well worth both your time and your money. Expand
  29. Jun 8, 2017
    10
    Épico, increíble, una vuelta al pasado hecha con lujo detalles, las 2 expansiones alargan el juego bastantes horas y aportan una nueva perspectiva de pasarlo dando la sensación que son 2 juegos nuevos. La banda sonora?.. ufff brutal, increíble, música en 8 bits en su máxima expresión.
    Este juego es de 10 y lo recomiendo para todas las personas que crecimos jugando video juegos en los años
    Épico, increíble, una vuelta al pasado hecha con lujo detalles, las 2 expansiones alargan el juego bastantes horas y aportan una nueva perspectiva de pasarlo dando la sensación que son 2 juegos nuevos. La banda sonora?.. ufff brutal, increíble, música en 8 bits en su máxima expresión.
    Este juego es de 10 y lo recomiendo para todas las personas que crecimos jugando video juegos en los años 80s y 90s
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  30. Jul 8, 2017
    9
    If you like retro platformers then this is simply a must-buy. Combining the best traits from games like Mario, Castlevania and MegaMan. There is a lot of content within the game as you are able to play as 3 different characters. I loved every minute of the campaigns, but i didn't care for the extra tasks once i beaten the game with all 3 characters. The game is reasonably priced and if youIf you like retro platformers then this is simply a must-buy. Combining the best traits from games like Mario, Castlevania and MegaMan. There is a lot of content within the game as you are able to play as 3 different characters. I loved every minute of the campaigns, but i didn't care for the extra tasks once i beaten the game with all 3 characters. The game is reasonably priced and if you like 2D-platformers you won't be disappointed. Only real problem with this game is the multiplayer aspect, i played it with my brother for a few hours, but eventually we gave up because we kept running in to each other and blocking each others way which got really frustrating in the end. It feels more like a competition than being able to help each other out. Even though we had good intentions. 9/10 Expand
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Apr 21, 2017
    90
    Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is practically a must-own for anyone who has just picked up a Nintendo Switch. The expected excellent platforming fun, enjoyable storytelling, and impressive art and sound of all three campaigns not only comes all packed together in one title, but also includes better accessibility than ever before on a platform the title feels made for.
  2. Apr 6, 2017
    100
    Treasure Trove is packed to the brim with content and the different ways you can play through these games is wonderfully broad. Whether its co-op or solo, handheld or docked – it’s up to you. I don’t care. Just go play Shovel Knight.
  3. Mar 22, 2017
    90
    Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a compilation of the previous Shovel Knight adventures that gets everything right. Its long lifespan, very detailed and quality level design, as well as its challenges and plot make the Shovel Knight series one of the best contemporary platformers designed in the 8-bit retro style. With Treasure Trove, fans of old school sidescrollers will find everything they could want.