Shovel Knight Review

"Shut up and take my money." Philip J. Fry (Futurama)
The game almost everyone is saying is one of the best or THE best of 2014. And it's true! 10/10. No spoiler, it's that good.

But I can't leave you at that. No that be unprofessional. So lets talk about why the game is great.

Story
Shovel Knight and his love, Shield Knight were once brave heroes who went on adventures. One adventure led them to the Tower of Fate where a dark amulet took Shield Knight, sealing the tower and leaving a grieving Shovel Knight alone. Some time later, an evil Enchantress opens the Tower and her Order of No Quarter take over the land. Now Shovel Knight must defeat the Order, get to the tower and hopefully find Shield Knight.
This story is simple but very good. Shovel Knight is a well done hero, who is willing to talk someone down from fighting, but will fight if provoke or if the person deserves it. For example, every time he faces Black Knight, Shovel is always the one who doesn't want to fight.
Speaking of bosses, the Order of No Quarter are just awesome. Each of them of their own quirks and styles in both fighting and the way they talk. There are also NPC's in the village and other places that each have their own character and stand out, from the frog who likes puns to the different shopkeepers.
One of the best parts of the story is the loss Shovel feels for Shield. Some nights, Shovel will have dreams of Shield falling from the sky and you have to catch her and every time you almost catch her, the dream ends. And this is in gameplay too. it really made me want to save her. And that ending. Beautiful.

Gameplay
This is a 2D platformer that inspiration from NES games like DuckTales and Megaman, but it does it's own thing with it. You shovel is used as a weapon, dig up dirt for gold,open chests and secrets, pogo off enemies and other uses if you can buy the upgrades like having a ground attack at full health. There are no lives so when you die, you lose some of your money, which you can get back if you reach where you died but you can't die or you lose it. This isn't a big deal later but early on you want as much money to buy stuff.
Speaking of which, the relics you find are very useful. Besides the Ichors which can use Trouple potions, you have ranged weapons like the wand, anchor or sphere, the knuckles, locket, mobile gear and dagger can be use to get through obstacles and make sections easier. Never had much use for the coin though.
The levels themselves are pretty challenging, each with their ow gimmicks like falling chandlers or using snow to cover spikes. The bosses are also a good challenge, even weak little Tinker Knight can be a hassle if your facing them for the first time. My favorites were Mole Knight and Specter Knight. There are also optional levels and bosses that appear on the map at times and even a level you have to pay for.

Presentation
I wasn't around around for the NES era, I was a DOS man, so I don't have much thought on the NES graphics. That being said, I think Shovel Knight looks great. All the colors stand out and the sprites and scenery are nicely detail. The animation of most characters and objects is well done there was only one time i had no idea on what I was looking at.
Music is great. it's pleasant on the ears and is differently fitting and memorable. If I was to pick favorites, I pick the Lich Yard theme, the Explodatorium theme, the Stranded Ship theme and Shield Knights theme. Also the wolfs sound and look adorable.

Verdict
If you need more convincing, check out anyone else who's reviewed the game. but if you're a platformer fan, you should get it already.
10/10