Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope - Opinions

Although Shovel Knight is inspired by a number of classic games (particularly those on the NES), I'm not too familiar with any of them. While the most ready comparison I can make is to classic Mega Man, Shovel Knight is altogether less focused on maintaining a brutal level of difficulty throughout the game. There's a nice learning curve with a few sudden spikes throughout certain areas (mostly due to bottomless pits), but it still retains a "modern" approach with respect to progressive difficulty. For those with something to prove, there are numerous collectibles that require a bit more effort to obtain, as well as a selection of special challenges, which definitely evoke the frustration one would expect to get from playing any of Shovel Knight's influences.

After playing the other campaigns, Shovel of Hope is definitely the most plain, although that also makes it a very good starting point. Of the four playable characters, Shovel Knight easily has the least robust movement options, making his platforming particularly punishing even when you know what's coming. However, that fear of sudden death to bottomless pits does make this the campaign with the most "classic" feel, for what that's worth.