Shovel Knight is certainly testing my patience. It feels like a tantalizing challenge, much like a prize just out of reach at an arcade. The urge to give up and throw the controller is strong, yet I find myself thinking, "Just one more attempt." But deep down, I know I could continue this battle indefinitely, largely due to its impeccable controls. Shovel Knight plays like a brick that moves with the grace of a luxury sports car.
I don’t mean to imply that it’s simple or straightforward. The effort required to perfect this beautifully crafted, nostalgic platformer is akin to training for a marathon or mastering intricate jazz pieces on the piano. Engaging with Shovel Knight, which has recently launched on PC, Mac, Linux, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS, feels like splitting wood — where every move demands precise timing. While failure seems inevitable, the joy of trying again keeps the experience exciting.
You may recall similar games, though it’s been some time since they graced the scene. That absence adds to the nostalgia, and why wouldn’t it? This game is a near-perfect realization of an 8-bit side-scroller, featuring platforms that spit fire or crumble underfoot, rise to impossible heights, or shoot you across the screen, leaving you to fall like a classic cartoon character if you miscalculate your jump. You’ll encounter flocks of airborne foes that compel you to bounce across gaps and enemies that appear out of nowhere, creeping toward you relentlessly. Each encounter poses its own unique set of challenges, making every corner a potential delight.
In the realm of this game, you embrace a code of "Shovelry": Slash Mercilessly and Dig Tirelessly! This tagline captures the essence of the experience — charming and evocative of a time when games could engage without needing self-referential humor.
The game is full of playful nods to its theme of shovels. You assume the role of a brave knight wielding a formidable shovel, depicted as a stout, horned character with the endearing presence of a plush toy. As I journey through towns amassing power-ups, I hear quips like, "Double, double, soil and shovel," from a quirky character who insists she’s not a witch. Another character admires my weapon with, "I dig it," while yet another amusingly states, "You say shovelry, I say chivalry!"
A key mechanic is how your shovel also functions as a pogo stick, reminiscent of Scrooge McDuck’s cane in the beloved 1989 NES game DuckTales. By pressing down on the D-pad or thumbstick, the shovel tilts downward, allowing you to bounce off objects or enemies, break blocks, or leap to platforms that would otherwise be out of reach.
The shovel is essential for exploring the environment as well, allowing you to swipe at walls and investigate blocks for hidden treasures (and occasionally, eccentric vendors). You’ll use this versatile tool to navigate the terrain, timing your movements to dodge enemies while assessing how best to strike before retreating to safety. Along the way, you’ll uncover meals and precious gems while spending the rewards to unlock unique abilities at locations that hang in suspense above the ground, much like ladders leading to the sky in Faxanadu.