Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
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Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Specter of Torment is a focused and satisfyingly challenging 2D platformer which retains Shovel Knight's strong aesthetic and sense of charm.
Specter of Torment is the latest in a fantastic series of games; it further cements Yacht Club Games's reputation as a developer capable of crafting experiences that are not only on par with, but often surpass the efforts of some of the largest studios in the world.The game's excellent level design, charming art style and top-notch soundtrack hold up as well in 2017 as they did three years ago in the original Shovel Knight. If you haven't played a Shovel Knight game before, we would highly recommend you pick up Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove for your Switch instead of this, as it contains Specter of Torment as well, but if you'd rather save some cash you can't go wrong with Specter of Torment.
More of what Shovel Knight fans love, and a superb entry point for people new to the series, Spectre of Torment is a great take on modernised nostalgia.
Specter of Torment is an outstanding prequel, independent game and expansion (all in one) despite recycling lots of assets from the original.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
For my tastes, Specter himself features the least compelling of the three games’ platforming styles, but it’s not due to a mechanical or half-baked implementation: I just love the original Shovel Knight. As a timed Switch exclusive on a console with what is currently a modest number of games, there’s little reason not to play Specter of Torment unless you’re revisiting Shovel Knight proper via Treasure Trove first (which includes them all). My recommendation? Go for that. These games are worth it.
For those who yearn for the days of platforming yore, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is a dream come true.
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is an expansion to live up to the original game that will allow to enjoy the essence of Shovel Knight in a different and challenging way. If you have played Shovel Knight and you have Nintendo Switch, you can´t miss this great additional content.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is worth picking up on its own, but you should really just get the total package and play through all three campaigns. They each offer something unique like a Vegas buffet, and coincidentally enough the new price point of the Treasure Trove edition matches up.
