Shovel Knight Dig Reviews
Shovel Knight Dig is definitely worth playing for both platformer and roguelike fans. The twist on the Shovel Knight formula makes Shovel Knight Dig feel fresh, despite the mostly unchanged controls from the original. The fair random elements and generous meta-progression make it a good entry point for platformer fans unfamiliar with roguelikes, whereas hardcore roguelike fans can enjoy the tough bosses and challenges required to get the True Ending. Although the main campaign may seem rather brief, it's a blast while it lasts, and an easy recommendation.
Yet that is also what makes Shovel Knight Dig such an addicting experience.
Shovel Knight Dig finds our spade-wielding hero heading in another new direction, and while this trip goes downward, they manage to strike gold here as well. Addictive gameplay, gorgeous graphics and impressive levels that play host to a lot of unique challenges all get mixed together in order to create another winning action game worth checking out for fans and newcomers alike. It truly is another gem that's been dug up here.
Shovel Knight Dig, while far from being the furthest departure from the franchise's classic gameplay, still manages to be a unique experience thanks to the unique twist of having to use a platforming move set to make progress by traversing vertical space. The Shovel Knight gameplay is still as crisp as ever, and Shovel Knight Dig's story and progression systems do a great job of staying out of the way, and ultimately encouraging you to try one more run.
Nitrome and Yacht Club Games' collaboration makes for the best looking (and sounding) Shovel Knight game yet. Rock solid, tight controls and fun roguelite mechanics make this a must play for any fan of the genre.
Just like Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon, Shovel Knight Dig proves to be a very solid spin-off for a very beloved character. The familiar platforming of the original mixes well with the predominantly vertical focus, while still maintaining a responsiveness that fans expect. The roguelike nature of the title means that there's a good amount of randomization and temporary upgrades. The quick average runs mean that levels aren't a slog. Overall, it works well as a starter roguelike, and it's a perfect choice for both Shovel Knight and platforming fans alike who are looking for something different.
There is a lot to enjoy with the new challenges brought on by Shovel Knight Dig. Gameplay is fast paced, the music is just as catchy as its predecessor, and the quirky dialogue between the NPCs brings back the nostalgia from the original. Although the environments are repetitive, losing a run never feels like a typical game over; it is just a quick regroup and back into adventure. The only major drawback of Shovel Knight Dig is that it is relatively short. Unless trying to get the perfect run, it ends just as quickly as it begins. Still, Yacht Club Games has managed to make a fun new genre and chapter for its fans and new players alike.
Shovel Knight Dig is beautiful with great music and fits right into the franchise, even though it switches things up from the 2D platformer we are used to. It is an incredibly addictive game that is full of replayability!
Dig is not a sequel, but even calling it a spin-off doesn't feel totally right. This is just the 2D side-scrolling adventures of Shovel Knight's origins displayed through a different vertical lens with a dash of arcade roguelike design tossed in. Through it all, the bountiful creativity that Yacht Club has made their staple is everywhere throughout the experience.
Shovel Knight Dig may not be as fine-tuned as the original but it's still a ton of fun to dig deeper and deeper in its roguelike campaign. I definitely recommend it but try not to be disappointed if the fun is over within only a few hours like it was for me.
I've really enjoyed my time with Shovel Knight Dig, and it's a fantastic follow-up to the first Shovel Knight adventure. Everything comes together so well here, and it feels so great to play, that you'll have a tough time putting this one down.
Shovel Knight Dig is another fantastic new entry into the series by Yacht Club Games, and it will no doubt go on to be a beloved game.
Decent stop gap for something meatier
Shovel Knight Dig is a good Shovel Knight title, but it doesn't do anything different than any other roguelike on the market. I think that could be the sticking point for it. The game looks great, plays great, and sounds amazing. It just doesn't reinvent the wheel. With every other game being a roguelike or a deck builder nowadays, the game relies solely on the strength of its source material.
Shovel Knight Dig is a great little game. Small in length but big in quality. It's easy to start a game for a few minutes and come back to it later. It's also easy to lose yourself in a couple of more minutes of gameplay. Once again, a great success from Yacht Club Games that we highly recommend.
Review in French | Read full review
I’m certainly happy that the Shovel Knight franchise continues to thrive, and none of the magic has been lost with step up to 16-bit graphics. I’m personally a bit worn out from the tidal wave of great Roguelike titles but Dig certainly represents the genre well
Shovel Knight Dig isn't the best game in the ever-expanding indie series, but it's a solid addition nonetheless. It delivers a remarkable rogue-lite experience with tight controls, enjoyable bite-sized stages, enticing risk-versus-reward gameplay, and lovely graphics and sound. Only a short running time and an unsatisfactory sense of progression hold it back.
Preserving the standard of quality that defines Yacht Club Games and evolving several pillars of the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove experience, Shovel Knight Dig is not just a spin-off. This is a refreshing reinterpretation of the series' formula that, with refined platforming mechanics and an array of inventive enemies and gimmicks, has everything to satisfy fans of the genre and especially the paddled knight. However, this adventure is short-lived, especially if you just want to reach the end of the journey. Additionally, while the roguelite format adds to the longevity of this title, the process of generating the levels can lead to some mild frustrations.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Shovel Knight Dig is a great and accessible roguelike that proves that the Yacht Club Games knight is capable of leading good adventures in different genres. While not without its flaws, this nimble and fun journey manages to entertain by wisely using risk and reward dynamics in various aspects of its design until victory is finally achieved. Let's keep digging then!
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Nitrome definitely did a good job at making a fun gameplay loop, and with all the different options and modes to tinker with, fans of the original game will certainly enjoy this roguelike twist. Dig to it!