Shovel Knight

About

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a classic action-adventure game with 8-bit retro aesthetics, featuring the titular Shovel Knight in his quest to defeat the Order of No Quarter and save his beloved. The complete edition includes four additional games, following the stories of Plague Knight, Specter Knight, and King Knight, with various game modes like cooperative play, challenges, and local four-player Showdown. Customize your experience with Body Swap mode and uphold the virtues of Shovelry.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+13

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 11,648 reviews

music1.9k positive mentions

grinding59 negative mentions

music
2,894 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
35%
1%
The music in *Shovel Knight* is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting its nostalgic chiptune style that evokes classic NES games. Composed by Jake Kaufman and Manami Matsumae, the soundtrack is described as catchy, memorable, and perfectly suited to the game's various levels and themes, enhancing the overall experience. Players often find themselves humming the tunes long after playing, making the soundtrack not just a backdrop but a central element of the game's charm and appeal.
- “In secret, it is a perfectly assembled, delightfully complete video game, with a AAA level of content, and one of the greatest soundtracks ever devised.”
- “The music of this game is phenomenal, the pixel art is perfect, the writing and comedy is on point for this style of game.”
- “The game’s soundtrack is outstanding, with memorable tunes that perfectly complement the retro aesthetic.”
- “The music is chirpy-chiptune but none of the beats truly make your foot tap.”
- “The music, while catchy, gets very annoying after a while as well.”
- “The soundtrack is serviceable, but it’s nothing special, nor is it anything I would consider buying on the side.”
gameplay
2,574 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
55%
2%
The gameplay of "Shovel Knight" is widely praised for its tight controls, engaging mechanics, and nostalgic design that pays homage to classic 8-bit platformers like Mega Man and DuckTales. Each of the four campaigns features unique gameplay styles and mechanics, ensuring a fresh experience throughout, while the level design effectively teaches players new skills without relying on tutorials. Despite some frustrations with instant-death mechanics and enemy placements, the overall consensus is that the game offers a rewarding and enjoyable platforming experience, enhanced by a fantastic soundtrack and charming visuals.
- “An old classic of indie games, quite enjoyable & paired with some challenging moments, 4 (5 counting the fighting game) titles in one package, each with different gameplay styles, mechanics, and stories.”
- “Each campaign offers a unique perspective on the story and a different gameplay experience.”
- “The gameplay is excellent as well.”
- “The gameplay leaves much to be desired.”
- “The last one is a disappointment, no fun, no strategy, no tactics, no fun mechanics, no fun characters, just boring and bland.”
- “The gameplay is not good at all; shovel knight is really 'heavy', we can't move him really well, can't really understand how he is moving and he jumps way too high compared to how far he can jump, which is confusing.”
story
1,931 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
58%
2%
The story of "Shovel Knight" is a charming and engaging tale that follows the titular hero on a quest to rescue his beloved Shield Knight from the evil Enchantress and her Order of No Quarter. Each of the game's four campaigns—Shovel Knight, Plague Knight, Specter Knight, and King Knight—offers unique perspectives and gameplay mechanics, enriching the overall narrative and character development. While the story may initially seem simple and reminiscent of classic platformers, it unfolds with emotional depth and humor, making it a memorable experience for players.
- “Each campaign offers a unique perspective on the story and a different gameplay experience.”
- “The characters, world, and story also have plenty of love and development put into them, confirming that you are playing an extremely fleshed-out game rather than just experiencing good gameplay.”
- “The story is surprisingly confident despite its appearance.”
- “The story is pretty standard: defeat the 8 knights of no quarter in order to get to the final boss to save the damsel in distress.”
- “The story is simple and doesn't hide itself from the player like many other games; the story is great and all of the characters have so much personality in their designs, animations, and actions throughout the story.”
- “The story is significantly darker; it follows specter knight’s story to recruit 8 knights for the enchantress and get his life back.”
graphics
1,246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
48%
1%
The graphics of *Shovel Knight* are widely praised for their charming 8-bit aesthetic, which successfully evokes nostalgia while incorporating modern enhancements. Reviewers highlight the vibrant colors, detailed pixel art, and smooth animations that elevate the retro style, making it visually appealing even to those unfamiliar with classic games. The game's graphics, combined with an outstanding chiptune soundtrack, create a cohesive and immersive experience that resonates with fans of the genre.
- “The graphics are stunning, replicating the NES looks but exceeding its limitations, resulting in a truly modern NES experience.”
- “The graphics, gameplay, music, and plot are lovingly crafted to capture the best parts of the 8-bit console era, without the frustrating bits.”
- “The graphics and music are beautiful, and the gameplay is spot-on perfection.”
- “The gimmick of 'retro 8-bit' graphics has been done to death at this point, and it's easy to see through the gimmick in the modern age.”
- “It's hard to believe there was once a time when the promise of retro graphics and a pixel art aesthetic was enough to get people excited for an indie game.”
- “The graphics, despite using the retro NES type, still delivered unbelievably great graphics with superb color combinations, cute drawing along with great music & funny dialogues.”
humor
390 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Shovel Knight" is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, seamlessly blending whimsical dialogue, quirky character interactions, and lighthearted puns throughout the gameplay. While some players noted occasional moments where the humor felt forced, the overall consensus is that it enhances the experience, providing a delightful contrast to the game's more serious themes. The writing is consistently funny, with memorable characters and engaging storylines that keep players entertained from start to finish.
- “The humor isn't off-putting, and adds a lot to the experience overall, and while it may occasionally feel a bit forced, it's still written with the setting in mind, rather than in contrast to the setting.”
- “The writing is consistently funny, and the gameplay while tough is never unfair.”
- “The characters are lovable, and the sense of humor complements the game immensely.”
- “I'm slightly sick of quirky and unfunny indie titles.”
replayability
277 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
56%
4%
Shovel Knight is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, offering a wealth of content through multiple campaigns, new game+ modes, and a variety of achievements and challenges that encourage players to revisit the game. The inclusion of different characters, unique playstyles, and numerous collectibles further enhances the replay value, making it a game that players can enjoy repeatedly. Overall, it is considered a modern classic with an impressive amount of replayable content that keeps players engaged long after the initial playthrough.
- “I finished the main quest in about 7 hours, but there is loads of replayable content in this game: new game+, different characters with different stories, and even a pseudo fighting game, not to mention all the different accomplishments and challenges available in the game.”
- “The gameplay, aesthetic, and soundtrack are all phenomenal and there is a crazy amount of replayability between the different campaigns, game modes, and achievements available.”
- “The challenge mode and new game+ give each campaign lots of replayability, and there are tons of collectibles exclusive to each character to keep you coming back if you're a completionist.”
- “The game scores very high in replayability; at first, you think, well if all 4 parts are as short as this one, it will be over, then you realize there is a new game plus which doubles the amount of levels and adds a serious challenge to every one of them, then there is showdown, challenge mode, and some insane achievements.”
- “While it is still the same campaign, it adds replay value in the sense that you are required to hone your skills further.”
- “All-in-all, the game encompasses great retro gameplay, music, and story -- on the negative side, even with a new game+ there isn't a lot of replayability involved in the title.”
emotional
113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Shovel Knight" is highlighted by its heartfelt storytelling and character-driven narratives, which resonate deeply with players. Despite its retro aesthetic, the game weaves touching tales of love, sacrifice, and personal growth, often evoking genuine emotional responses, including tears. The combination of charming dialogue, engaging gameplay, and a nostalgic soundtrack enhances the emotional experience, making it a standout title in the platforming genre.
- “From Shovel Knight's quest to rescue his beloved Shield Knight to Specter Knight's tragic backstory, there's an emotional depth to the game that resonates with players of all ages.”
- “The story, though simple, is heartfelt, with memorable characters and a surprising amount of emotional depth that elevates it beyond a standard platformer.”
- “The ending and the constant saving of Shield Knight in dreams made enough of an impact to keep me interested and emotionally engaged in the game, which just added that one more layer that it needed as a creative and interesting game.”
grinding
67 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
10%
88%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, especially when replaying levels for upgrades or achievements. While some appreciate the challenge and fun mechanics like rail grinding, others feel that the necessity to grind detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to frustration during difficult sections. Overall, the experience can vary significantly based on personal preferences and skill levels, with some players enjoying the grind while others find it exhausting.
- “There's no grinding or tedium, just great platforming.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “But this one is too tedious and just unfair.”
- “Trying to beat a section with the same enemies and traps for the umpteenth time starts to become tedious, especially after you manage to beat a hard section just to die to something at the end of that section, just before a checkpoint...”
atmosphere
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
37%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its nostalgic charm, vibrant pixel art, and an exceptional chiptune soundtrack that enhances each level's unique theme. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke the feel of classic 8-bit and 16-bit titles while maintaining a fresh and engaging experience, with humor and character design contributing to its overall appeal. However, some critiques mention that while the atmosphere is strong, it occasionally overshadows gameplay elements, leading to a mixed reception in that regard.
- “The game's pixel art and chiptune soundtrack are stunning, evoking the charm of classic NES titles while feeling fresh and vibrant, with meticulously crafted visuals and an energetic score that perfectly complements the action-packed gameplay and nostalgic atmosphere.”
- “The flawless combination of some of the tightest and most responsive controls, a beautiful and expressive soundtrack, and very well-executed visuals blend to create a wonderful atmosphere.”
- “Charming pixel art, tight controls, a lovely atmosphere with delicious sound and one of the best video game soundtracks I've ever had the pleasure of hearing.”
- “It's pretty hard to describe, but the overall atmosphere is just... stale.”
- “It looks like the game was built around the atmosphere, but the developers just weren't sure how to carry all of that over into level design.”
- “A soundtrack is supposed to create an atmosphere, and this one completely misses the mark in that regard.”
character development
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
27%
5%
Character development in the game is generally viewed as limited, with some players noting a lack of depth in the main storyline, particularly in the base game "Shovel of Hope." However, subsequent campaigns, like "Specter Knight," are praised for offering more substantial character arcs and unique NPCs, enhancing the overall narrative experience. The character designs are consistently highlighted as exceptional, contributing to the game's charm and nostalgic appeal, even if the development of the characters themselves remains somewhat superficial.
- “The story and dialogue are very good, and the character design fits the world.”
- “What's really attractive about Shovel Knight is the character design, since it uses themes that one might have come up with on their own as 'cool characters' when they were a kid, and fleshes them out into believable figures that are both interesting to fight and to play.”
- “Specter Knight is legitimately better than the main Shovel Knight campaign in my opinion; it has a better story, better characters, more character development, and an entirely new cast of unique NPCs in a base so amazing you can literally spend more time there than you do on the actual levels.”
- “The base game - Shovel of Hope - is a typical 'you're a good guy and you must save the world' story with zero world-building and character development.”
- “Either you can just talk to them, which is useless, you can buy something from them, which can be useful, or you fight them; there's no real character development.”
- “While the premise is silly, I like it much more than the cliché that Shovel of Hope is, and we actually get a little character development this time (but just a little, god forbid the developers actually try expanding the almost non-existent game lore).”
optimization
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
Overall, the optimization of the game receives mixed feedback; while many players praise its smooth performance, solid 60 fps, and thoughtful design for speedrunning, some report significant performance issues on lower-end systems. The game is generally well-crafted with rebindable controls and immersive gameplay, but individual experiences may vary based on hardware capabilities.
- “Does a great job of capturing the feeling of the old 8/16 bit console days without sacrificing on performance or playability.”
- “Amazing soundtrack and pixel graphics with incredible optimization.”
- “Nothing about this game is not polished, optimized and well crafted.”
- “Plague of Shadows: feels the worst to play, levels are too similar to Shovel of Hope but are worse because it's not optimized for a shorter king.”
- “The PC port was running slowly on my computer, but I would recommend it if you have something better than a potato.”
- “Baffling, weird performance issues.”
stability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
6%
69%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting smooth performance and no significant glitches or crashes across various platforms, including PC and Steam Deck. However, a few players experienced occasional freezing and minor bugs, particularly with achievements and localization. Despite these issues, the game is largely considered a solid release that allows players to focus on gameplay rather than technical problems.
- “The game also includes a competitive brawling mode, co-op support, looks fantastic, and runs great on both PC and the Steam Deck.”
- “Runs great on Linux.”
- “It's like going back to the past when I got my NES from my cousin 12 years ago, and it runs great on both my gaming desktop and my i3 laptop with Intel HD graphics.”
- “I really wanted to get into this game but it freezes every 10 minutes or so.”
- “This sort of feeling is perfect for a game like this because you want to feel like you're mastering the game and battling the monsters, rather than battling the game itself for being so buggy.”
- “A few achievements/feats seem buggy, there are some delays with localization and Mac/Linux ports, plus not all features are available yet (Kickstarter stretch goals to be added in free updates later).”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
88%
Overall, reviews highlight a strong preference for games that avoid aggressive monetization strategies, such as microtransactions and cash grabs, favoring instead models like Kickstarter funding and free DLC. Players appreciate developers like Yacht Club Games for their commitment to traditional gameplay experiences where in-game currency is earned rather than purchased.
- “Props to Yacht Club Games for having no microtransactions... it's like the NES days; if you want in-game currency, you earn it, not pay for it. Are you listening, EA?”
- “Why support cheap cash grabs?”
- “Try 1001 Spikes for a game that has actually thought put into the design and isn't a quick cash grab.”
- “Zazazaza losers cash grab.”