Shovel Knight (PS4)

Shovel Knight is a game crammed with passion, creativity, humour... and shovels. Yacht Club Games have made one of the most fun video games in recent years. Whilst it's easy to see the game's retro influences, it is more than a nostalgia trip as Shovel Knight takes its lessons from the past whilst managing to dig out its own form of gaming brilliance.Even the basic controls, visuals and sound are enough to make other games covet thy neighbour's shovel. You feel in total control at all times and every challenge feels fair, regardless of its difficulty. The game has a steady progression throughout each stage and keeps its levels fresh, fun and oh so colourful. Along with the explorative areas like villages, the world of Shovel Knight feels like a real location, complete with its own quirky logic (witnessing horse-women in fine dresses is a moment one is likely to never forget). But the game manages to use the basics of gaming to weave a narrative throughout the game. And whilst the writing often leads to light-hearted chuckles (particularly with character interaction), it can actually be emotionally affecting, especially when the player has to act in small story based events.Not content with just making an amazing game, Yacht Club have included a free digital download of the soundtrack and the extra Plague Knight DLC, as well as the exclusive Sony content of fighting Kratos from the God of War series. And for the retro lovers, there's an old-style instruction booklet filled with charming illustrations and details.Shovel Knight uses its love of the past to create something new. It's a joyus game which celebrates everything great about the medium. And whilst some may not want to admit it, Shovel Knight utilises new technology to surpass many of the games that inspired it. Now, go forth, purchase this game and steel thy shovel!

The most fun I've had with a retro inspired game hands down is this one.Its a shame its still obscure to most but this a game made by fans of games gone by for gamers.The writing is great and the opening sets up a good tale with all characters from bosses to npcs feeling distinct and unique. Which is how each level feels too. With their own gimmicks and enemies.This is a platformer inspired by retro games from the 8 bit era from Mario, mega man, ducktales, Zelda and more.Easily my favourite soundtrack from the last gen of games. The compositions are enjoyably kinetic and set the mood of a level instantly.For the price (paid £15) this is a fantastic game to own. And hey ALL dlc is free and trust me with what they are adding to the base game it feels like I should owe yacht club games more.

So much fun to begin with, however the later larger levels can take around an hour to complete. There is checkpoints, however if you leave you lose the progress on the level. As I'm very limited to time, this makes it difficult to find and hour free to fully complete the level.Great for if you have around 20 hours free time to complete it. This game is proof that excellent graphics are not necessary to make a brilliant game.

Was cheap so I took a punt on a retro looking game, I'm always keen for a bit of nostalgia and I'd heard good things about it too. It's a straight up side scrolling platformer where you play the role of 'shovel knight', an actual knight in a suit of armour, who's armed with a shovel, an actual digging shovel, which you use as a weapon.The graphics are 16 bit esque Andy it does have a charming retro feel however in the case of this game it worked against it, I found it too shallow to enjoy, it quickly grew boring to me and I gave up playing it after a few hours. I also found the control system frustrating.I wanted to like this game but it wasn't to be.

This game is amazing, its so unbelievably fun and is a really good throwback to retro gaming.The story may be basic, but it's characters are fun and the game as a whole is really well written.Like the games that Shovel Knight takes its inspiration from, it can be pretty challenging, but thats all part of this games charm!I would highly recommend this game. Its definitely become a favourite of mine.

Great game. A little short but takes me back to my nes days

Purchased for my grown up son. He likes it

As frustrating as any game of old. Visually as polished as Metal Slug. Will automatically update to include all of treasure trove too. Very good stuff.