Uncover hidden gems and relive the retro magic with games that capture the essence of Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight is an action-packed, retro-inspired platformer developed by Yacht Club Games. The game is designed with an 8-bit aesthetic reminiscent of classic NES titles and features a timeless gameplay style that combines tight controls, unique level design, and charming characters. As the titular knight, you embark on a quest to defeat the evil Enchantress and her Order of No Quarter, using your trusty shovel to dig, battle foes, and uncover hidden treasures. The game has received critical acclaim for its nostalgic appeal, engaging mechanics, and visually appealing pixel art. For fans of side-scrolling platformers, Shovel Knight offers both a challenging and rewarding experience.
If you're a fan of Shovel Knight, you'll be delighted to know that there are numerous other games with similar gameplay styles and retro aesthetics that you might enjoy. These include titles that also pay homage to the golden era of 2D platformers, featuring intricate stages, challenging enemies, and a captivating mix of exploration and combat. Games like Celeste, Hollow Knight, and Dead Cells, for instance, provide rich, immersive experiences with unique twists on the genre. Each of these titles offers its own distinctive take on platforming, be it through storytelling, advanced mechanics, or modern pixel art design. If you're interested in discovering the full list of games similar to Shovel Knight and how each one stands out, keep listening, as I’m about to reveal an article that covers this in greater detail...
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25. Hollow Knight
If you loved Shovel Knight for its challenging platforming and unique art style, then you're in for a treat with Hollow Knight. Much like Shovel Knight, Hollow Knight features meticulously crafted 2D environments that are both beautiful and filled with secrets to uncover. The hand-drawn art style and detailed backgrounds create a visually engaging world that captivates players from the very beginning, making every location feel unique and alive.
Both games also emphasize precise controls and rewarding combat. In Hollow Knight, you can expect a similar level of tight gameplay mechanics, where every jump, slash, and ability feels satisfying and crucial for progression. Just like in Shovel Knight, you’ll encounter a variety of challenging enemies and epic boss battles that require skill and strategy to overcome. Exploration is another major highlight, as Hollow Knight presents an expansive interconnected world with hidden secrets, upgrades, and lore that encourage players to venture off the beaten path.
Hollow Knight is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $15 USD.
24. Celeste
If you enjoyed the pixel-perfect platforming challenges of Shovel Knight, then Celeste will be right up your alley! This critically-acclaimed title offers tight and responsive controls that make every jump and dash feel precise, just like in Shovel Knight. You'll find yourself completely engrossed in the intricate levels, where mastering your movements and timing is the key to overcoming tough obstacles. The similarity in the sense of reward after clearing a difficult section is what binds both games together, making them equally engaging and satisfying. And much like Shovel Knight, Celeste provides that traditional, nostalgic feel with its delightful pixel art style.
Much like how Shovel Knight presents you with a series of meticulously designed stages filled with secrets and hazards, Celeste also excels in level design. Each level in Celeste is crafted to challenge your platforming skills while also gently pushing you to improve. There's a compelling narrative woven into the game that mirrors the charm and adventure found in Shovel Knight's quest; you'll feel equally invested in Madeline's journey to the top of Celeste Mountain as you were with Shovel Knight's mission. Additionally, Celeste features a host of accessibility options that make it a great pick for both hardcore and casual players alike, a feature that ensures everyone can experience the game at their own pace.
Celeste is available on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
23. The Messenger
If you're a fan of Shovel Knight, then you're in for a treat with The Messenger. Both games pay homage to the retro platformers of the past, featuring pixel art graphics that are both charming and detailed. Just like Shovel Knight, The Messenger combines tight platforming controls with a rich, nostalgic aesthetic. You will find the same level of polish in the animations and environments, making every jump, slash, and maneuver feel satisfying and precise.
Where The Messenger truly shines is in its blend of action and exploration, akin to what you loved in Shovel Knight. The game starts off linear but evolves into a Metroidvania-style adventure, rewarding players for exploring every nook and cranny. The storyline is filled with humor and surprises, much like the witty dialogues and clever plot twists that kept you hooked in Shovel Knight. Plus, the dynamic soundtrack of The Messenger will definitely resonate with you, as it's tailored to enhance the adrenaline-pumping gameplay and atmospheric levels.
The Messenger is available on platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
22. Axiom Verge
If you enjoyed the retro aesthetic and challenging gameplay of Shovel Knight, you'll find a lot to love in Axiom Verge. Both games pay homage to the classic titles of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, featuring pixel art graphics that are both nostalgic and beautifully crafted. Just like in Shovel Knight, Axiom Verge offers tight control schemes that make navigation and combat feel satisfying and precise. The atmosphere in both games is rich with immersive worlds that beckon you to explore every nook and cranny, uncovering secrets and battling unique enemies.
Beyond the visual and gameplay similarities, Axiom Verge also mirrors Shovel Knight's emphasis on rewarding curiosity and skill. While Shovel Knight captures the essence of NES platformers, Axiom Verge delves into the Metroidvania genre, offering complex labyrinthine environments that challenge your puzzle-solving abilities and exploration skills. The game provides a variety of weapons and power-ups that are reminiscent of the upgrades in Shovel Knight, allowing you to tailor your play style while overcoming increasingly difficult challenges. If you loved the methodical exploration and sense of discovery in Shovel Knight, Axiom Verge delivers on similar fronts with a fresh sci-fi twist.
Axiom Verge is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
21. Blasphemous
If you loved Shovel Knight for its challenging platforming and retro pixel art style, then Blasphemous will certainly catch your attention. Both games have tight controls and a unique visual flair that immerses you in their respective worlds. Blasphemous, like Shovel Knight, emphasizes precision in gameplay, requiring you to master your movements and attacks to navigate through its intricate levels and defeat formidable bosses.
Another fantastic similarity is the rewarding sense of progression. In Shovel Knight, upgrading your armor and abilities is essential to overcoming tougher challenges. Similarly, Blasphemous offers a deep customization system through relics, prayers, and abilities that enhance your character and gameplay experience. The exploration in both games feels rewarding as you uncover secrets and discover new paths that make your journey feel both meaningful and challenging.
Blasphemous is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $24.99 USD.
20. Ori and the Blind Forest
If you enjoyed the challenging platforming and retro-inspired graphics of Shovel Knight, you'll find a lot to love in Ori and the Blind Forest. Both games feature meticulously crafted 2D worlds filled with secrets and collectibles, where precise platforming and tight controls are key to overcoming obstacles. Ori and the Blind Forest's stunning hand-painted artwork and beautifully orchestrated soundtrack create an immersive experience that is similar to Shovel Knight’s rich, nostalgic charm.
Both titles offer a rewarding gameplay loop that combines exploration with a compelling story, encouraging you to master the mechanics as you progress. Much like you became invested in Shovel Knight’s quest and characters, you’ll quickly find yourself captivated by Ori’s emotional journey. The responsive controls and intricate level design in Ori will remind you of why you fell in love with Shovel Knight, while offering a fresh, heartwarming narrative to discover.
Ori and the Blind Forest is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
19. Dead Cells
If you loved the challenging platforming and tight controls in Shovel Knight, you'll find a lot to enjoy in Dead Cells. Both games offer a difficult yet rewarding experience, where each mistake is a chance to learn and improve. The procedural generation in Dead Cells keeps gameplay fresh and exciting, much like the continuously engaging combat and exploration in Shovel Knight. You'll find that both games require precision and skill, making every successful jump or attack feel incredibly satisfying.
Additionally, just as Shovel Knight is rich with secrets and hidden areas, Dead Cells is packed with exploration opportunities and power-ups that significantly change your experience. The rogue-like elements in Dead Cells mean that each run brings new challenges and rewards, keeping you hooked for the next attempt. Both games also feature pixel art that is stunning in its detail and animation, which adds a nostalgic yet modern twist to the gameplay experience.
Dead Cells is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $24.99 USD.
18. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon and Shovel Knight share a lot in common, capturing that retro essence with their pixel art styles and tight, responsive controls. Both games evoke a sense of nostalgia for iconic NES-era platformers, combining challenging, meticulously designed levels with modern touches that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. If you enjoyed the way Shovel Knight seamlessly blended old-school aesthetics with contemporary game design, you'll find a similar charm and satisfaction in Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon.
Much like Shovel Knight, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon features multiple characters with unique abilities, encouraging you to strategically switch between them to overcome various obstacles and enemies. This character-swapping mechanic adds a rich layer of complexity and replayability, comparable to the various upgrades and abilities you unlocked in Shovel Knight. Whether it’s the relentless difficulty spikes, epic boss battles, or the rewarding exploration and secrets, Curse of the Moon mirrors all the things you loved about Shovel Knight, while adding its own gothic twist to the formula.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $9.99 USD.
17. Guacamelee!
If you enjoyed the action-packed platforming and tight controls of Shovel Knight, you'll definitely get a kick out of Guacamelee!. Both games excel at combining challenging, responsive gameplay with retro-inspired visuals that offer a modern twist. Guacamelee! uses a vibrant, Mexican folklore-inspired art style that feels both unique and familiar, much like Shovel Knight's homage to 8-bit graphics. Furthermore, both titles rely on clever level design, encouraging exploration and rewarding players for their curiosity with new abilities and secrets.
Like Shovel Knight, Guacamelee! features satisfying combat mechanics that require timing, precision, and strategy. While Shovel Knight has you wielding a trusty shovel to defeat enemies, Guacamelee! introduces a variety of wrestling-inspired moves and combos that add a fresh layer of complexity to the battles. You'll find that both games focus on gradually increasing difficulty, ensuring that as you gain new abilities, the challenges remain engaging and rewarding. The blend of platforming and combat in both games creates a captivating experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Guacamelee! is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
16. Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter and Shovel Knight share a rich, retro-inspired presentation that harkens back to the golden age of gaming. With vibrant pixel art visuals, both games captivate players right from the start, offering a visually nostalgic experience that feels fresh and innovative. The tight, responsive controls in Hyper Light Drifter will remind you of Shovel Knight's precision platforming, ensuring that every jump, dodge, and attack feels satisfyingly deliberate. The technical polish in both games means you'll be playing at a high level of responsiveness that makes exploring their beautifully crafted worlds a delight.
Moreover, both games excel in delivering a blending of action and exploration. Just like Shovel Knight's interconnected world and hidden treasures that kept you on your toes, Hyper Light Drifter provides an equally engaging experience with its vast, interconnected maps filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to conquer. The combat in Hyper Light Drifter, while more focused on a blend of swordplay and strategic dash mechanics, offers a similarly satisfying challenge where mastering timing and movement is key to overcoming foes and bosses. Both titles also feature memorable soundtracks that perfectly complement their gameplay and aesthetics, ensuring an immersive experience.
Hyper Light Drifter is available on platforms including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
15. Salt and Sanctuary
If you enjoyed the tight controls and challenging platforming of Shovel Knight, then you'll find a lot to love in Salt and Sanctuary. Both games feature meticulously designed levels that reward precision and patience, requiring you to master the mechanics in order to succeed. Salt and Sanctuary also offers a similarly retro-inspired aesthetic, with its hand-drawn, gothic 2D visuals creating an immersive world that's both beautiful and foreboding. Plus, the sense of accomplishment in overcoming tough enemies and obstacles is just as satisfying here as it is in Shovel Knight.
Another similarity lies in the rich upgrade systems that both games offer. In Shovel Knight, upgrading your armor and abilities is a key part of progressing through the game, and Salt and Sanctuary follows suit with its extensive skill tree and weapon enhancements. You'll find yourself constantly balancing the need to explore every nook and cranny for 'salt'—the game's currency and experience points—in order to level up and strengthen your character. This encourages replayability and experimentation with different play styles, much like how Shovel Knight's various relics and upgrades allow you to tailor your experience.
Salt and Sanctuary is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $17.99 USD.
14. Cave Story
Like Shovel Knight, Cave Story offers that rich, retro-inspired platforming experience that resonates with fans of classic side-scrollers. Both games feature tight, responsive controls that make navigating through their pixelated worlds a joy rather than a chore. You'll appreciate the nostalgia-inducing visuals and the challenge of mastering each level, similar to what you encountered in Shovel Knight. Additionally, Cave Story's detailed world and engaging storyline provide a compelling backdrop to its action, much like the epic adventures of Shovel Knight.
Moreover, both games emphasize exploration and discovery, rewarding players who take the time to uncover hidden areas and secrets. In Cave Story, you'll find a variety of weapons and upgrades that can significantly change your approach to combat, akin to the relics and upgrades in Shovel Knight that kept the gameplay fresh and exciting. The music in Cave Story, just like in Shovel Knight, is another highlight—its captivating soundtrack adds an extra layer of immersion that enhances the overall gaming experience.
Cave Story is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
13. Iconoclasts
If you enjoyed the charming retro-inspired graphics and tight gameplay of Shovel Knight, you'll definitely want to check out Iconoclasts. Like Shovel Knight, Iconoclasts features beautifully crafted pixel art that brings its vibrant world to life. The game combines action-platforming with puzzle-solving elements, offering a rich and engaging experience with a similar level of polish and care. The protagonist, Robin, is just as endearing and determined as the Blue Burrower, making her quest one you'll eagerly follow. The controls are responsive and intuitive, harking back to the classic feel that Shovel Knight nailed so well.
Both games also shine in their storytelling, providing robust narratives that enhance the gameplay rather than distract from it. Iconoclasts offers a compelling story filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists, much like the episodic adventures of Shovel Knight. The addictive gameplay loop is complemented by challenging boss fights that test your skills and strategy, offering that satisfying sense of achievement after every victory. Moreover, Iconoclasts' atmospheric soundtrack perfectly sets the mood, just as Shovel Knight's memorable tunes do, ensuring every moment is a delight for your senses.
Iconoclasts is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
12. Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
If you enjoyed the classic retro-inspired platforming and tight controls of Shovel Knight, you'll find a lot to love in Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight. This game features the same kind of challenging but fair gameplay that makes every victory feel earned. Both titles emphasize precise timing for attacks and dodging, allowing you to master the mechanics as you progress. The pixel art style in Momodora is also meticulously crafted, creating a visually rich experience that's reminiscent of old-school gaming while introducing its own unique aesthetic.
Another great similarity is the sense of exploration and discovery. Much like Shovel Knight, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight offers a world full of secrets and hidden areas. You’ll find yourself constantly backtracking and revisiting previous sections to uncover new paths and items that can aid you in your quest. The game’s atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful and provides a darker, more atmospheric experience compared to Shovel Knight’s more lighthearted tone. Both games offer rewarding experiences for players who appreciate finely-tuned indie platformers with a lot of heart and creativity.
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $9.99 USD.
11. SteamWorld Dig 2
If you're a fan of the tight platforming and treasure hunting found in Shovel Knight, you're going to love SteamWorld Dig 2. Both games excel in offering a rewarding blend of exploration and action, with an emphasis on uncovering hidden secrets and valuable loot. In SteamWorld Dig 2, you'll navigate through intricately designed underground landscapes, using your tools to dig and uncover riches, much like digging for hidden gems in Shovel Knight's various levels. The sense of progression as you upgrade your abilities and equipment gives a similar satisfying advancement feel.
Another great similarity is in the game's vibrant art style and loveable characters. Just as Shovel Knight captivates with its charming 16-bit aesthetic and memorable characters, SteamWorld Dig 2 offers a beautifully crafted steampunk world, filled with intriguing robots and quirky personalities. Both games feature a soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the immersive experience. The responsive controls and challenging enemies ensure that each moment is as engaging as it is fun.
SteamWorld Dig 2 is available on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
10. Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy shares a lot of the charming, retro-inspired essence that made Shovel Knight such a standout. Both games employ pixel art graphics that evoke nostalgic feelings for classic gaming while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics. In Rogue Legacy, just like in Shovel Knight, you’ll find tight, responsive controls that make every jump, slash, and dash incredibly satisfying. The combat is straightforward yet engaging, requiring both strategy and quick reflexes to overcome enemies and obstacles.
One of the exciting similarities is the sense of progression and accomplishment. While Shovel Knight focuses on upgrading abilities and equipment through collected treasures, Rogue Legacy introduces a unique twist with its roguelike elements. Each time you perish, you’ll come back as a new descendant in your family line, carrying forward some of the gold and upgrades acquired. This creates an addictive cycle of persistent improvement and makes each run feel fresh and rewarding. The blend of action-platforming with roguelike elements ensures that every playthrough offers new challenges and opportunities, much like exploring the varied stages and bosses in Shovel Knight.
Rogue Legacy is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
9. Fez
If you loved the pixel-perfect platforming experience of Shovel Knight, then Fez is another indie game that should be right up your alley. Like Shovel Knight, Fez embraces charming retro-style graphics and a captivating soundtrack that pay homage to the classics. While Shovel Knight immerses you in a thrilling action-packed adventure with precise jumps and challenging enemies, Fez offers a more puzzle-oriented experience that still demands your full attention and problem-solving skills. Both games create a nostalgic yet fresh experience that pulls you in from start to finish.
Moreover, the exploration aspect in Fez is quite akin to the curiosity-driven elements of Shovel Knight. In Fez, you play as Gomez, a lovable character who gains the ability to perceive a third dimension in his 2D world. This mechanic adds a unique twist to the platforming genre, making each level a delightful puzzle that requires cleverness and spatial reasoning to navigate. As you rotate the world's perspective, much like finding secrets in every nook and cranny of Shovel Knight, you'll discover hidden pathways, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover the mysteries of the game world, all of which offer that satisfying sense of discovery and accomplishment.
Fez is available on multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $9.99 USD.
8. La-Mulana
If you enjoyed the intricate level design and challenging platforming of Shovel Knight, you'll find La-Mulana to be a delightful treasure trove of adventure. Like Shovel Knight, La-Mulana offers a retro aesthetic that pays homage to classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, complete with pixel-perfect graphics and a captivating chiptune soundtrack. The game is brimming with intricate puzzles and hidden secrets, encouraging players to explore and think outside the box, much like in Shovel Knight where every nook and cranny could hide valuable treasures or essential items.
Both games also share a rewarding difficulty curve that caters to both seasoned gamers and newcomers looking for a challenge. While Shovel Knight captures your heart with its tight controls and memorable boss battles, La-Mulana takes it a step further by incorporating deep lore and mythology that will immerse you in its mysterious world. You'll spend hours engaging with the game’s expansive maps, just as you would spend time perfecting your skills and strategies in Shovel Knight. The sense of accomplishment you get from solving La-Mulana's riddles and overcoming its numerous challenges is immensely gratifying, providing a similar thrill to what you experienced in Shovel Knight.
La-Mulana is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and WiiWare, typically priced around $15-20 USD.
7. Chasm
If you loved the retro charm and challenging platforming of Shovel Knight, you'll feel right at home with Chasm. Just like Shovel Knight, Chasm is a 2D action-adventure game that immerses you in beautifully crafted pixel art environments. The game embraces the same level of meticulous design, featuring tight and responsive controls that make every jump, slash, and dodge feel satisfying. The combat mechanics are similarly rewarding, requiring skill and timing to master, much like your experience in Shovel Knight.
Moreover, both games excel in their homage to classic genre staples, blending nostalgia with modern gameplay innovations. In Chasm, you'll explore procedurally generated dungeons filled with unique enemies and hidden secrets, evoking a sense of wonder and discovery reminiscent of Shovel Knight's varied and imaginative levels. The Metroidvania elements in Chasm offer depth and replayability, with an intricate map that encourages exploration and backtracking, ensuring that fans of Shovel Knight's adventurous spirit will find plenty to enjoy in Chasm.
Chasm is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $15.99 USD.
6. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
If you enjoyed Shovel Knight, you'll find Castlevania: Symphony of the Night right up your alley with its meticulously designed 2D levels and challenging platforming elements. Just like Shovel Knight, Symphony of the Night boasts precise controls that make jumping, attacking, and exploring a sheer delight. The exploration aspect is elevated with interconnected rooms and secret areas, reminiscent of what you've loved in Shovel Knight's varied environments. The elegant sprite art and atmospheric music in Symphony of the Night also evoke the same retro charm that made Shovel Knight a visual and auditory feast.
Beyond aesthetics and level design, both games share a rich sense of progression and masterfully crafted combat. In Symphony of the Night, you have a vast arsenal of weapons and magic to choose from, similar to Shovel Knight's diverse relics and abilities. The RPG elements in Symphony of the Night add another layer of depth, letting you customize your character's stats and equipment much like Shovel Knight's upgrades and armor sets. Both titles encourage revisiting previous areas with new abilities, keeping the gameplay fresh and rewarding.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and various other platforms, typically priced around $10 USD.
5. Mega Man 11
If you loved the precise platforming and retro aesthetic of Shovel Knight, then Mega Man 11 is sure to capture your attention in the best way possible! Just like Shovel Knight, Mega Man 11 brings together tight, responsive controls, and a nostalgic yet polished 2D action experience. You'll find Mega Man 11's levels are meticulously designed with unique challenges and intricate enemy patterns that evoke a similar sense of accomplishment once you conquer them, much like the levels in Shovel Knight. Both games impressively balance difficulty and reward, giving you the joy of mastering each level with practice and skill.
Mega Man 11 also shares with Shovel Knight a captivating visual style that's both a tribute to classic gaming while feeling modern and fresh. The game uses a vibrant color palette and detailed character sprites that are reminiscent of Shovel Knight's charming 8-bit-inspired visuals. Furthermore, Mega Man 11's engaging boss battles require strategic weapon use and pattern recognition, a rewarding challenge that will resonate with anyone who enjoyed outsmarting the diverse knights in Shovel Knight. Both games feature an array of upgrades and power-ups that keep gameplay dynamic and interesting, encouraging experimentation and replayability.
Mega Man 11 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.
4. Risk of Rain
If you enjoyed the challenging and rewarding gameplay of Shovel Knight, you'll find a lot to love in Risk of Rain. Both games offer a rich pixel-art aesthetic that evokes a nostalgic feeling, combined with modern gameplay mechanics. Risk of Rain features procedurally generated levels and a focus on fast-paced action and platforming, much like the tight, responsive actions you experienced in Shovel Knight. The constant sense of progression as you unlock new characters and items echoes the upgrades and new abilities you find in Shovel Knight, ensuring that every playthrough feels fresh and engaging.
Another similarity between Risk of Rain and Shovel Knight is the intense, skill-based combat that keeps you on your toes. Just as you had to master shovel swinging and timing jumps in Shovel Knight, Risk of Rain demands quick reflexes and strategic use of abilities to overcome waves of enemies and epic bosses. The cooperative multiplayer option in Risk of Rain adds another layer of excitement, allowing you to team up with friends for even more dynamic and exhilarating gameplay. This cooperative play aspect amplifies the fun, as you strategize and work together, similar to how you might have tackled the challenges in Shovel Knight with friends by your side.
Risk of Rain is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $10 USD.
3. Mark of the Ninja
If you enjoyed the tight controls and challenging gameplay of Shovel Knight, you're going to love Mark of the Ninja. Both games reward precision and skill, making every level feel like a meticulously crafted puzzle. With Mark of the Ninja, you'll experience stealth-based mechanics that require as much forethought and timing as the platforming and combat in Shovel Knight. Successfully navigating through shadowy corners and taking down enemies without being seen provides a similar sense of accomplishment to defeating the clever bosses in Shovel Knight.
Moreover, just like Shovel Knight, Mark of the Ninja features beautifully designed levels and a captivating art style that draws you into its unique world. While Shovel Knight's pixel art evokes nostalgia, Mark of the Ninja's cartoonish yet dark visuals are equally engaging and immersive. Both games also offer a range of abilities and upgrades that allow you to customize your gameplay experience, ensuring that each challenge can be approached in a variety of satisfying ways.
Mark of the Ninja is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $20 USD.
2. Night in the Woods
If you loved the charming, nostalgic experience of Shovel Knight, Night in the Woods offers a similarly engaging and endearing atmosphere, albeit with a different gameplay style. Where Shovel Knight thrives on its action-packed platforming combat, Night in the Woods excels in its storytelling and character development. Both games, however, share a dedication to creating a rich, retro-inspired art style that captivates the player. You'll find yourself immersed in detailed, lush environments that transport you back to the golden age of gaming, much like Shovel Knight's pixel-perfect stages.
Just as Shovel Knight introduces you to a vibrant world full of quirky characters and varied locations, Night in the Woods presents you with an enchanting narrative filled with unique, relatable characters. The same way Shovel Knight kept you coming back for more with its tight controls and rewarding gameplay, Night in the Woods keeps you invested through its compelling story and emotional depth. Each conversation and interaction in Night in the Woods feels meaningful, much like each discovery and boss fight in Shovel Knight, combining to create a memorable experience.
Night in the Woods is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and macOS, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
1. Broforce
Broforce and Shovel Knight share a lot of similarities that make them both incredibly enjoyable experiences for fans of action-packed, retro-style games. Just like Shovel Knight, Broforce offers beautifully crafted pixel art that evokes a nostalgic feeling for classic 8-bit and 16-bit games. Both games have simple, yet satisfying gameplay mechanics, relying on tight controls and well-designed levels to keep players engaged. The sense of joy you get from mastering Shovel Knight's challenging platforming segments is mirrored in Broforce's explosive, over-the-top action sequences.
Another aspect where Broforce shines similarly to Shovel Knight is in its dedication to homage and celebration of classic gaming and pop culture icons. While Shovel Knight takes inspiration from classic arcade platformers, Broforce pulls from iconic action movies, featuring characters and epic set pieces that resemble some of your favorite heroes from the 80s and 90s. The humor, memorable characters, and fast-paced action in both games ensure you’re in for an adrenaline-pumping time, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or liberating territories from evil forces.
Broforce is available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
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