Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight by Yacht Games is an 8-bit classic from the late eighties at surface-level, but if you play long enough, you'll find a core filled with modern gameplay mechanics that make it stand out as a true classic.

One doesn’t have to adventure far into the world to discover where its influences come from, yet all the elements incorporated in this game have been altered or evolved just enough to consider them unique.

Take the plot for example. At face value, it’s no more than your classic tale of a gallant knight embarked on a mission to save his love. But they take that plot and make it their own. For instance, at this point you’re most likely assuming his companion is some helpless maiden or princess that cries for your help from a tower, right? Wrong. Your companion is none other than the mighty Shield Knight. That’s right – she herself is a knight who wields a shield. Unfortunately, she was trapped in The Tower of Fate during her adventures with Shovel Knight, and its up to him to save her. Oh and did I mention he uses a shovel as his weapon of choice?

Once Shovel Knight embarks on his journey, you’ll instantly notice other inspirations familiar to the classic 8 bit style games of the 80s. The levels are connected by an overhead map that is strikingly similar to the classic Super Mario Bros. 3. Yacht Games draws even more influence from Super Mario Bros 3 by including neutral bosses that march along the world map, blocking your progression for a brief amount of time. It’s an element that oftentimes infuriates me if it ruins the pacing of the game but in this instance I don’t mind it actually. They’ve made these foes fairly easy to defeat, but more importantly, have added a sense of character to them that makes the battles engaging. You don’t feel like you’re fighting some baddie that’s getting in your way just to get in your way. He has some connection to the plot or at the very least Shovel Knight’s past, so even these mini boss battles have a bit of allure to them.

These mini boss battles can’t hold a candle to the bigger boss battles scattered throughout the game though. And that’s by no means, a statement that’s supposed to undermine the mini boss battles – the main bosses are just that damn good. As you bash and bounce your way through a series of checkpoints leading up to the boss (yes…you can use your shovel like a pogo stick to defeat enemies), you’ll come to love the unique themes the levels display. Ice worlds, mechanical worlds, lush forests – a lot of the classic level themes are there. As you progress, you’ll learn how indicative they are towards the looming power to come. And these powers are no pushover.

The knights from “The Order of No Quarter” are minions for the Enchantress, the protector of the Tower of Fate where Shield Knight is held. They each employ unique attack sets and level designs that make each and every standoff, a thrilling hair-pulling experience. Think you’re about to land the final blow? The floor falls out below you. Think you’re safe on the other side of the screen? Nope he propels his scythe at you from afar. Yet it never feels unfair. The attack sets can be learned, and the items the developer make available to you can often turn the tide of the battle in your favor.

The bosses aren’t the only area where you should expect to die though. Clever platforming mechanics that rely on your shovel bouncing can and will result in deaths. But have no fear! Similar to From Software’s Souls and Bloodborne series, Yacht Games has included a gold retrieval system that allows players to fight their way back to their place of defeat. Again, this is another area where Yacht Games has cleverly implemented a new, modern twist to the classic 8 bit side scrollers we grew up playing and loving.

So all of this, plus a knockout soundtrack that is the best of 2014 in my opinion is what draws me to Shovel Knight (no but seriously, check out the soundtrack…it’s unreal). Sure I beat it in roughly 7 or 8 hours which some may feel is on the short side, but Yacht Games has kindly included a New Game+ mode which some may welcome as a means to extend the longevity of this gem.

For those that don’t own a PC, or even for those PC owners that may have missed out on this gem, I highly recommend Shovel Knight. It’s a standout highlight from 2014 and a solid addition to any gamer’s library.

4.5/5 liters for the amazing boss designs, incredible soundtrack, and sound platforming mechanics. The half-point subtraction is strictly for the shorter game length.