As a fan of the 8-bit era when games like Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Castlevania and several other countless classics during that timeframe stood tall above everyone else (including its imitators), it's always fun to go back to them especially during this time in gaming where the mere sight of 8-bit would make a lot of the younger gamers turn away in disgust because it's not realistic or full of gore and violence. In comes Shovel Knight which basically combines games from the NES days into one charming, well executed and slightly difficult game that no matter how many times you have played it, you will come back for more.
Shovel Knight follows the same cliche from past games when it comes to its story. You take control of, well, Shovel Knight as you seek to find and save your long lost partner (and possible love interest) Shield Knight from the Evil Enchantress. Along the way you will come across numerous shout-outs to other games which is where a lot of the charm comes from. Final Fantasy references, Legend of Zelda, you name it.
Now onto the game mechanics. If you are familiar with 2D platforming, or basically the identical mechanics of the Mega Man franchise, then you have a pretty good idea as to how Shovel Knight plays. Before you encounter the Evil Enchantress you'll have to travel across the large landscape (with the map identical to Super Mario Bros. 3) and defeat 8 knights in the process. Yes, the bosses of this game are knights just like you......with a 9th one acting as your rival throughout the whole game and several other random bosses to fight depending on what conditions you pull off as you progress. As stated with these 8 bosses, you make your way through their stages until you finally reach the knight at the end of it. There's the usual jump and climb, but what about attacking? You are the Shovel Knight so there's you go. You attack with your shovel. As strange as that sounds your shovel is super effective against regular enemies and the knights in general along with a downward thrust attack reminiscence to Uncle Scrooge's pogo stick attack on Duck Tales. And after beating the knight, you unlock more paths leading you closer to facing the Evil Enchantress. Each knight has a unique 'gimmick' behind them to go with their stage (one of them takes place under the ocean in a submarine while another takes place in a graveyard) and not make the game feel repetitive at all.
Another element about the game is, well, digging. Scattered around are dirt mounds that can easily be dug up for gems that will tally your overall currency. They are also some chests and secret areas scattered throughout the stages with more gems to collect as well as hidden items to make your progress through the game a bit easier depending on how well you get through. Gems are a key to beating this game too. Collecting more of them means more chances to purchase more equipment or upgrades for your progress. And rightfully so. One key thing to note about Shovel Knight: the game is difficult. Not ridiculously difficult to the point where it cannot be beaten. Shovel Knight is one of those games where it will be difficult at first, but with enough practice it becomes one of the easiest games you have ever played. And they are plenty of 'achievements' in Shovel Knight to make you go back to it again and again. Beating the game without using items. Beat a level without taking a hit. Collect everything or complete the whole campaign in a set amount of time. There's plenty here to make you want to go back and get better.
Presentation wise, Shovel Knight looks and sounds beautiful. The 8-bit colors really stand out on the Wii U (especially with full HD) and the soundtrack has to be one of the best ever produced. And to think this was not made by a major gaming company either which makes it even more incredible. Shovel Knight can be played with the Wii U Gamepad as well as the Classic Pro controller, but the Gamepad is the better choice. One can play the game on the TV while keeping the inventory on the Gamepad with items accessible with the simple press of a finger. The Classic Pro controller, from personal experience, is the more preferred choice for old-school gamers. There's always an instinct to constantly press the Pause button and quickly running through your inventory that never goes away. Either way, the look and feel of this game is craftily well done.
Whether you were born and raised through games like Mega Man, Super Mario Bros, Castlevania and etc. Or a new gamer that wants to know what the big fuzz was about the NES, you must make it your best bet to play Shovel Knight. This game has enough praise as it is. Availability? It's everywhere. PC, 3DS, Wii U, OS X, Linux, PS3 and PS4. Shovel Knight is available for a lot of platforms to play. Shovel Knight has been nominated for Game Of The Year in 2014 on several websites and have won a few. Do yourself a favor and play Shovel Knight. Just do it.