Shovel Knight

 Wii U
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. EGM
    Jun 26, 2014
    70
    Shovel Knight is a pretty stellar homage to simpler times, but it’s so unabashedly an homage that it never steps out of the shadows cast by the components it’s built from—DuckTales, Mega Man, Simon’s Quest. And while derivative doesn’t necessarily mean bad—far from it in Shovel Knight’s case—it certainly doesn’t make it any less pandering in a lot of ways.
  2. GameSpot
    Jun 26, 2014
    70
    Shovel Knight is a memorable re-imagining of what I grew up with, but doesn't have the longevity or inventiveness to be great in its own right.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Wii U Game of 2014
9
#9 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2014
10
#10 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 317 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 261 out of 317
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 317
  3. Negative: 38 out of 317
  1. VonSeux
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    YES YES YES just YES this is indie gamming prime. thanks to all the backers who made this possible, even tough it got delayed it now deliversYES YES YES just YES this is indie gamming prime. thanks to all the backers who made this possible, even tough it got delayed it now delivers a full, rich experience with 8+ hours on the first playtrough.… Full Review »
  2. Andonuts
    Jun 26, 2014
    9
    Shovel Knight captures the charm from the old fashion games of the NES, the game combines the adventurous dungeon exploring style ofShovel Knight captures the charm from the old fashion games of the NES, the game combines the adventurous dungeon exploring style of Castlevania with the challenging platforming of Megaman, however unlike most of the indies games who also take influence from older Shovel Knight doesn't feel like a direct ripoff of this but it holds up it's own personality. The characters are likable, the retro 16-bit art-style is outstanding, the music is catchy and the level design is fluid as it demands the player to gather skill as the he goes through the game.

    Definitively a must buy.    … Full Review »
  3. jholden3249
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    Shovel Knight is the type of game that comes once every 20 years or so. The last time I played a game which was able to invoke such awestruckShovel Knight is the type of game that comes once every 20 years or so. The last time I played a game which was able to invoke such awestruck wonder and emotion from me was back in the early '90s when I played Mega Man 3 for the first time. This game is what we would call a masterpiece. A masterpiece that will certainly be talked about decades from now, as titles such as Mega Man 1-3, Super Mario World and Zelda A Link to the Past are talked about today. Not only does Shovel Knight exceed all expectations, it actually manages to go toe to toe with the Capcom and Nintendo classics of old. Had this game released back in the late '80s or early '90s, it would most likely be regarded as one of the greatest video games of the retro era. What more can I say?… Full Review »
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