Shovel Knight Dig Reviews
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
Shovel Knight Dig remixes the popular indie platformer into a clever roguelike that's an entertaining-if somewhat diminished-Shovel Knight experience.
Decent stop gap for something meatier
Shovel Knight Dig has lacklustre progression and flawed design choices, but solid core gameplay and levels.
Yet that is also what makes Shovel Knight Dig such an addicting experience.
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 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.
A fresh new take in the Shovel Knight adventures which succesfully embraces the roguelike trend and wraps it in wonderful pixelart.
Review in Italian | 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!
Despite the insidious roguelike trappings, this is a Shovel Knight title to its core. Dig is a nasty slog with no shortcuts to slump against. Spend your money as you might, only your skills can get you further. Like the original games, you can only throw yourself into the meat grinder until your muscle memory spits you out the other side. Although it looks and sounds great, I found myself tangled in the roguelike mechanics. If you’re incompatible with that genre, you might have to pass on this one. But Shovel Knight Dig hides a pretty decent game under all those frustrating outer layers.
Shovel Knight Dig is yet another win for the popular indie icon. A highly enjoyable action roguelike that will keep you busy for a good gaming night or in short bursts. Suitable for gamers of all skill levels thanks to its use of accessibility features. New content is dropped regularly, if not a touch light, but with the game’s addictive gameplay and random generation, I found it hard not to always sneak in another run. Shovel Knight is in the rare comfortable position where his mere presence in a game is a sign of quality. But whether you are a fan of the series or jumping in for the very first time Shovel Knight Dig will not disappoint.
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
Still though, because most of my eight hours with Dig were spent spelunking through stages leading down, I rarely had to think about the game’s roguelite efforts. I spent most of my time playing through beautiful stages to the tune of chippy synth tunes, fascinated with how far Nitrome and Yacht Club were able to stretch the “dig” aspect of this game. Perhaps the roguelite nature of Dig will play a bigger role in my post-game excavations because I’m rearing to jump back in to discover all of its secrets. Even if it doesn’t, though, I know I still have at least a few more hours of great Shovel Knight gameplay ahead of me and in the world of platforming, that’s a treasure worth digging up.