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CRITIK

Shovel Knight

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shovel Knight
Item: Shovel Knight
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Comedy, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 26, 2014

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperYacht Club Games

Overview

Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It's a hot mashup of new and old! You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this land with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and quest for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade: a multipurpose weapon whose techniques have now been lost to the ages. Always honest and helpful, Shovel Knight is a shining example of the code of Shovelry: Slash Mercilessly and Dig Tirelessly! But, between Shovel Knight and his beloved stands a cadre of villainous knights. These terrible foes, known as The Order of No Quarter, have been dispatched to prevent Shovel Knight from reaching the Enchantress, and will pursue their mission at any cost. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, crazy bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally praise the story of Shovel Knight for its simplicity and charm. CGMagazine describes it as an old-school, 2D side-scrolling platformer with a knight on a mission to rescue his comrade-in-arms, setting the tone for a classic adventure. Twinfinite appreciates the surprising emotional depth and excellent writing with humor, while Pure Xbox admires the mix of a simple premise with emotional weight, engaging players in the hero's plight. The story's focus on the protagonist's quest to save his partner, Shield Knight, resonates well with critics like Vandal, who appreciate the retro aesthetics and heart of the narrative. On the other hand, some critics find fault in the story's simplicity and lack of depth. Gamers' Temple notes that the story is not the main focus, with gameplay taking precedence over narrative, indicating a potential imbalance between story and gameplay. GameTrailers highlights the tragic aspect of the story but also points out its simplicity, which may not resonate with all players seeking a more intricate narrative experience. Despite the endearing qualities of the story, some critics like Impulsegamer and Level7.nu mention that it closely follows the formula of old-school platforming titles, lacking innovation in storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shovel Knight's story, while simple, effectively captures the essence of classic NES games and adds emotional depth to the gameplay experience. Critics like God is a Geek appreciate the sincerity of the narrative, while GamesRadar++ praises the retro nostalgia feel that the story evokes. Despite some criticisms regarding its simplicity, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the charm and effectiveness of the story in immersing players in a medieval world filled with fantasy and adventure. The tale of Shovel Knight's quest to save Shield Knight from the forces of evil resonates with many, making it a compelling aspect of the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

In a nutshell, critics praise Shovel Knight for its simple yet charming story of a knight on a mission to rescue his comrade, Shield Knight. Some appreciate its emotional depth and humor, while others critique its lack of innovation and focus on gameplay over narrative. Overall, the story effectively captures the essence of classic NES games, immersing players in a nostalgic medieval world filled with fantasy and adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the gameplay of Shovel Knight, highlighting its engaging and precise controls, challenging yet enjoyable experience, and a perfect blend of old-school elements with modern design. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and PSNStores commended the tight controls and level design, with fun challenges and well-implemented power-ups. The game's ability to seamlessly switch between relics, as noted by Attack of the Fanboy, adds depth to combat and enhances the overall gameplay experience. The unique mechanic of using a shovel as both a tool and weapon, as mentioned by Impulsegamer, gives Shovel Knight a distinct personality and sets it apart from traditional platformers. While the overwhelming sentiment towards Shovel Knight's gameplay was positive, a few critics did mention some potential drawbacks. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and MondoXbox, noted the high difficulty level of the game, which might be a challenge for some players. Additionally, GameFront highlighted the limited move set of Shovel Knight, which, while cleverly designed to maximize gameplay, could potentially feel restrictive to some players. These minor criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the game's overall strengths and innovative gameplay mechanics. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Shovel Knight. The game's ability to capture the essence of classic NES platformers while introducing modern design elements was widely praised. Critics appreciated the challenging yet fair difficulty, precise controls, engaging boss battles, and the seamless integration of exploration and combat mechanics. Shovel Knight's ability to evoke nostalgia while offering a fresh and innovative gameplay experience, as noted by Eurogamer and USgamer, solidifies its status as a standout title in the platforming genre. Overall, the majority of critics found Shovel Knight's gameplay to be exceptional, making it a must-play for fans of retro-inspired platformers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Shovel Knight's gameplay, praising its engaging controls, challenging yet enjoyable experience, and seamless blend of old-school charm with modern design. While some critics noted the high difficulty level and limited move set as potential drawbacks, these were overshadowed by the game's strengths and innovative mechanics. Overall, Shovel Knight stands out as a must-play title in the platforming genre, capturing nostalgia while offering a fresh and exceptional gaming experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Shovel Knight, highlighting its nostalgic charm and attention to detail. Critics like Atomix and Worth Playing appreciated the beautifully crafted pixel art and character designs that evoke nostalgia for classic 8-bit games. Attack of the Fanboy and Game Rant commended the game for expertly defining the 8-bit era, with visuals that could have come straight off a NES cartridge. Gamers' Temple and Pure Xbox noted the game's ability to capture the 8- and 16-bit aesthetic flawlessly, with colorful levels and well-animated sprites reminiscent of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Mega Man. The attention to detail in the visuals, as mentioned by Twinfinite, further enhances the overall experience, with distinct visual flair for each stage. While the overall sentiment towards Shovel Knight's Graphics and Visual Design was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few critics who had some reservations. CGMagazine mentioned that the graphics were crude and distinct, resembling a game from the 80s, which might not appeal to all players. Eurogamer Italy pointed out that while the design aimed for a NES-era aesthetic, some levels lacked visual clarity, potentially impacting the gameplay experience for some individuals. These critiques suggest that while the majority of critics found the visuals to be charming and well-executed, there were differing opinions on the level of clarity and appeal of the retro 8-bit style. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Shovel Knight excels in delivering a visually appealing and nostalgic experience through its Graphics and Visual Design. The game successfully captures the essence of classic 8-bit games while adding its own charm and modern touches. Critics like IGN and GameFront praised the game for being a heartfelt love letter to the 8-bit era, with expertly blended visuals that pay homage to NES platformers. Despite some minor criticisms regarding clarity and appeal, the majority of critics appreciated the game's retro aesthetic, attention to detail, and diverse level designs. Overall, Shovel Knight's Graphics and Visual Design received high praise for its ability to transport players back to the golden age of gaming while offering a fresh and engaging experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Shovel Knight's graphics and visual design received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic charm and attention to detail, expertly capturing the essence of classic 8-bit games. While some critics had reservations about the retro style, the majority lauded the game for its beautifully crafted pixel art, character designs, and diverse level designs. Overall, Shovel Knight's visuals were praised as a heartfelt love letter to the 8-bit era, offering a fresh and engaging experience that transports players back to the golden age of gaming.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Shovel Knight, with many highlighting it as one of the standout features of the game. Atomix commended the memorable soundtrack composed by Jake Kaufman, consisting of 48 tracks that added a magical touch to the gameplay experience. Attack of the Fanboy described the music as addictive and on par with the best classic platforming games, while Gamers' Temple went as far as to call it a masterpiece rivaling iconic game soundtracks like Mega Man 2. Worth Playing also noted the incredibly strong soundtrack that perfectly fit the game's mood, almost reaching masterpiece status. The chiptune soundtrack was a common point of praise, with CGMagazine mentioning how it added to the retro feel and enhanced the nostalgic experience, and Pure Xbox highlighting its infectious and pumping nature, with songs that stayed with players for days. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Shovel Knight was positive, there were a few critics who did not provide specific negatives but rather focused on other aspects of the game. For instance, Game Rant mentioned the throwback sound of the game but did not delve deeply into the specifics of the music itself. Similarly, InsideGamer.nl appreciated the game's sense of humor and originality without explicitly discussing the sound design and music. These critics, while not offering negative feedback, did not contribute detailed insights into the music aspect of Shovel Knight. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Shovel Knight are exceptional and a standout feature of the game. The chiptune soundtrack composed by Jake Kaufman and Manami Matsumae received widespread acclaim for its catchy tunes, retro feel, and ability to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Critics like GameTrailers and USgamer praised the soundtrack for perfectly capturing the essence of classic NES games, while Vandal and Eurogamer Italy noted how the music complemented the visuals and gameplay seamlessly. The positive reception from multiple reviewers underscores the importance of sound design and music in creating a nostalgic and immersive experience in Shovel Knight, making it a must-play for fans of retro gaming and chiptune music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly laud Shovel Knight's Sound Design and Music, with Jake Kaufman's memorable chiptune soundtrack of 48 tracks standing out as a masterpiece. The music is described as addictive, on par with classic platforming games, and rivaling iconic soundtracks like Mega Man 2. While some critics didn't focus on the music specifically, the overall consensus is that it greatly enhances the game's mood and nostalgic experience, making Shovel Knight a must-play for retro gaming and chiptune music fans.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PlayStation platforms, the majority of critics had positive feedback for Shovel Knight. Atomix highlighted the well-adapted gameplay on PlayStation platforms, emphasizing advantages like screen size and comfortable controls. Gamers' Temple praised the smooth performance without any slowdowns, even during intense action sequences, across all Sony platforms tested. Twinfinite also mentioned that the game plays great on both PS4 and PS Vita without any reported problems. Worth Playing echoed similar sentiments, stating that the PlayStation 4 version runs perfectly with no technical issues mentioned. ZTGD noted tight and responsive controls on both PS4 and Vita, with only a small issue related to cloud saves that was easily fixed. On the other hand, there were a few minor negatives mentioned for the PlayStation version. GamingTrend pointed out two minor bugs, one involving incorrect price displays and another causing a respawn loop after falling in battle. Despite these issues, the overall consensus among critics for the technical performance on PlayStation platforms remained overwhelmingly positive. Moving on to the Xbox One platform, SpazioGames praised the technical performance for providing a fresh look to the pixel art while maintaining its charm. The animations were noted to be smooth, and the game ran well on the platform. As for the PC version, Eurogamer Italy mentioned solid technical performance with faithful recreation of NES-era elements, although some parts like villages and characters lacked polish. However, the majority of PC critics, including GameCritics, Multiplayer.it, Post Arcade, USgamer, and ZTGD, highlighted the stable performance without any technical issues or concerns, ensuring a seamless gameplay experience. In conclusion, the overall sentiment among critics regarding the technical performance of Shovel Knight across all gaming platforms was highly positive. The game was commended for its smooth performance, stable gameplay, and faithful replication of retro gaming elements. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Multiplayer.it noted the seamless experience without compromising on stability, while GameCritics and USgamer emphasized the absence of technical issues. Despite a few minor bugs and lack of polish in certain areas, the consensus remained that Shovel Knight delivered a very good technical performance on PlayStation, Xbox One, and PC platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Shovel Knight for its excellent technical performance on PlayStation, Xbox One, and PC platforms, highlighting smooth gameplay, stable performance, and faithful retro elements. Minor bugs were noted, but overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive across all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of the positives regarding the Replay Value of Shovel Knight, multiple critics highlighted various aspects that contribute to the game's lasting appeal. Critics like PSNStores and Eurogamer Italy praised the presence of multiple playthroughs, optional content, and challenging achievements, which add depth and enjoyment to the overall experience. Additionally, the inclusion of New Game+ mode, special battles like the one with Kratos from God of War, and free post-release DLC, as mentioned by Impulsegamer and Vandal, provide players with additional incentives to revisit the game and explore new content. The diverse environments, hidden artifacts, and optional bosses, as noted by SpazioGames and GameOver.gr, also enhance the replay value by offering players the opportunity to discover new elements and challenges. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the Replay Value of Shovel Knight. Game Rant and Gamer.nl mentioned that the game may feel short for some players, potentially limiting the desire for multiple playthroughs. Additionally, GameTrailers and The Escapist highlighted certain levels or aspects of the game that players may not find appealing to revisit, which could impact the overall replayability. Ragequit.gr also pointed out that the relatively short duration of the game, around 5-8 hours, may be a drawback for players seeking longer gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Replay Value of Shovel Knight. The game's challenging gameplay, diverse content, and additional features like New Game+ mode and hidden secrets are widely praised for providing an engaging and enjoyable experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. Critics like IGN Spain and Multiplayer.it emphasize the depth and lasting appeal of the game, while acknowledging its potential shortcomings in terms of length and certain repetitive elements. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers appreciate the replay value offered by Shovel Knight and recommend it for players looking for a rewarding and content-rich gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Shovel Knight for its high Replay Value due to multiple playthroughs, optional content, and challenging achievements. Features like New Game+ mode, special battles, and free DLC provide incentives to revisit the game. However, some critics feel the game may be short and certain levels may not be appealing for replay. Overall, most reviewers recommend Shovel Knight for its engaging gameplay and diverse content that encourage multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about Shovel Knight, praising it for various aspects. Atomix described it as a "must-play title that pays homage to retro gaming while offering fresh and enjoyable gameplay experience." Attack of the Fanboy commended it as a "fantastic love letter to the 8-bit era" and recommended it for fans of classic games. Gamers' Temple considered it one of the best games in recent times, highlighting its blend of old and new elements, challenging gameplay, and nostalgic feel. IGN Spain highly recommended Shovel Knight for its excellent gameplay, retro visual style, and addictive soundtrack, praising its tribute to NES classics. While the game received widespread acclaim, some critics did point out a few minor drawbacks. Game Rant mentioned that while the game remains challenging and addicting, it may not offer much new for consumers seeking innovation. Eurogamer Italy noted some minor issues but still found Shovel Knight to be a worthwhile title for fans of classic platformers. GameFront acknowledged that while the game successfully modernizes the 2D platforming genre, it may not offer enough for existing owners on certain platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Shovel Knight being praised as a modern classic that successfully captures the essence of retro gaming while offering a fresh and enjoyable experience. Critics like Pure Xbox and Vandal described it as an essential purchase for fans of retro aesthetics and classic NES games, with a bright future ahead. The game's tight platforming, charming graphics, pitch-perfect sound design, and innovative gameplay were highlighted as its standout features. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics highly recommended Shovel Knight as a must-play title that excels in blending nostalgia with modern game design, making it a standout in the modern-retro genre.

TL;DR

Shovel Knight is hailed as a must-play modern classic by critics for its nostalgic charm, challenging gameplay, and innovative blend of old and new elements. While some noted minor drawbacks, the overwhelming consensus is highly positive, with critics recommending it as an essential purchase for fans of retro gaming aesthetics and classic NES titles.

CRITIK

Reviews

119 reviews found

100

ZTGD

PlayStation 4

May 5, 2015