Yacht Club Games’

Polygon — 9/10

“There is a reason we can all remember so much from games that are almost 30-years-old, and Shovel Knight has tapped into that reason in a profound way. We don’t love the brands of our youth, we love the characters, the settings, the way actually playing those games made us feel. Shovel Knight doesn’t settle for acknowledging those aspects; it includes them around every single corner. Shovel Knight is so much more than a love letter to the genre–it is, in fact, the kind of game people write love letters about.” [Full review]

Joystiq — 4.5/5

“I’ll admit that my glasses are exceptionally rosy when it comes to the games that Shovel Knight is trying to emulate, but the point is that Shovel Knight goes beyond simply embodying the traits of its inspiration. It builds upon them, introducing us to an eccentric world that was clearly crafted with care. The rock-solid core mechanics are supplemented with vibrant art, intricate animation and odd, adorable little characters. Shovel Knight isn’t just inspired by 8-bit classics, it is inspired in and of itself.” [Full review]

Eurogamer — 7/10

“If the continuing appropriation of 2D pixel-art sprites and game styles from yesteryear was nothing more than an exercise in aesthetic nostalgia, then Shovel Knight would be difficult to recommend. But the game offers another demonstration of the enduring power and appeal of this form of play–even if it was forged within a set of technical boundaries that are no longer relevant. The game has a light, fresh appeal, even for those who never played 16-bit platform games the first time around, skewering the old publisher lie that only the latest, loudest, most technologically accomplished video games are worthwhile. There is gold in these old genres, and Shovel Knight is a successful dig.” [Full review]

GamesBeat — 93/100

“Shovel Knight isn’t just a nostalgic act. Yes, nostalgia plays a big part in its charm, but it’s an expertly crafted action-platformer that’s just as enjoyable to play as Mega Man or Castlevania. Old school gamers will love Shovel Knight’s retro sensibilities, but they’ll also appreciate its modern touches. Sure, classics inspired it, but Shovel Knight could soon be a classic of its own.” [Full review]

Game Informer — 8.75/10

“It looks like a simple, straightforward trip down memory lane, but I was surprised by the subtle, emotional story Yacht Club Games delivered. After some boss fights, Shovel Knight rests and dreams of his lost partner, Shield Knight. In his dreams she falls from the sky as he fights waves of enemies in an attempt to catch her. These recurring segments are capped off with a satisfying and memorable payoff that raises the experience
to a new level. Indie throwbacks to video games of the early ’80s are a dime a dozen, but Yacht Club Games successfully rises to the top. The tried-and-true game design principles and elegant checkpoint system make Shovel Knight worth a try no matter which era of gaming you prefer.” [Full review]

Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @TheSmokingManX
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