Shovel Knight
Metacritic
IGDB
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About Shovel Knight
Yacht Club Games released this title on June 26, 2014 as a love letter to the NES era. You control a small knight armed with a multi-purpose blade who travels through various kingdoms to stop the evil Enchantress. The game launched on PC and consoles like PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch before reaching mobile and handheld devices. It is an action platformer that blends classic level design with modern polish. The story follows Shovel Knight as he battles the Order of No Quarter to rescue his lost love. This indie hit brought back a specific feel from the mid-eighties while adding fresh mechanics that keep players engaged for hours.
Gameplay
You run, jump, and slash through eight-bit stages using your shovel blade to dig or strike enemies. The controls feel tight because you can double jump and perform a dash attack to dodge projectiles. A typical session involves navigating screen-scrolling levels filled with spikes, pits, and tricky enemy patterns. You will collect treasure to buy upgrades between areas or spend it on items that help during boss fights. The game features single player campaigns and co-op modes where a second player joins as Shield Knight. Boss encounters require learning attack patterns and timing your strikes perfectly. You earn achievements for speed runs and specific challenges that test your mastery of the movement system.
What Players Think
Players rate this title highly with an IGDB score of 87.3 out of 100 based on 529 user ratings. Metacritic gave it a solid 85, reflecting its strong critical reception. Community moods describe the game as cozy and relaxing despite the difficult challenges. Many users note that the average playtime allows for multiple sessions without feeling rushed. Review snippets often mention the infectious music and memorable characters as standout features. The completion rate stays high because players want to see all the hidden secrets and defeat every knight in the order. Data shows that fans appreciate the humor and levity mixed into the serious quest narrative.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth your money if you enjoy tight platforming controls and retro aesthetics. It costs a standard indie price point and offers plenty of content for completionists chasing every achievement. The co-op mode adds value for groups wanting to play together. Some players might find the difficulty spikes frustrating, but the checkpoint system helps prevent excessive frustration. You get a complete story with distinct bosses rather than just filler levels. Shovel Knight stands out because it respects the source material while introducing new ideas. Buy it if you want a game that feels polished and finished from start to finish.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
IGDB Rating
87.3
RAWG Rating
4.3
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Videos
4Release Trailer
Official Trailer #2
Official Trailer #1
Screenshots
12Community Moods
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Articles
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