Shovel Knight |OT| The 8-bit adventures of Butt Butt Goes to Europe & Australia

I've had interest in this game since the crowdfunding was announced but I've allways been on the fence because I felt it would be a game too hard for me to properly enjoy.

Do you think this would be the case? How hard is it?

For reference, i'm pretty terrible at games that require lots of skill. I was unable to pass DKC Returns wold 5 (stuck on 5-2 if my memory serves). But I can deal with games that require less skill and let you prepare or buff yourself a little like Monster Hunter or Rogue Legacy.

Also, are the 3DS controls good? How about a keyboard?

You should be fine - there's actually a relic you can get super early on in the game that lets you turn invincible temporarily, that you can use a lot.

Also, you could grind up gems and buy lots of meal tickets for more health.
 

Chunky

Member
Thanks for the answers. Will bite later on. Still undecided on the platform.
The fact that they all look equally as good on each platform, the 3DS's 3D would push it over the edge for me. Although the PC has multiple controller options and the WiiU has the gamepad. Just consider which one means the most to you.
 

Andrew.

Banned
Finished up yesterday. It was pure bliss through and through. Even though the difficulty spike got launched big time from Propeller Knight through the final three stages, I didn't mind.

Raged pretty hard at one point fighting that final boss though, and that shit never happens with me. The game seriously channelled that NES Anger from childhood at that point, but man that sense of accomplishment when all was said and done!

Fav track by far was the music for Spectre Knight.
 
D

Deleted member 125677

Unconfirmed Member
Now that cross buy seems to be a possibility between Wii U and 3DS, it would have been the most awesome gesture ever by YCG to enable this for Shovel Knight
 

TDLink

Member
Playing on 3DS and I just glitched out on Tinker Knight. Went into the second phase and I couldn't do anything except return to the map, loosing the relic, two music pages, and gold I found in the level. Really sucks.
 
But poor, poor,(last level spoilers)
Black Kinght. My bro getting friend zoned.

Even more so when you realise that
he's probably been on his personal quest to rescue Shield Knight ever since the incident, even when Shovel Knight was basically being a hobo farmer drowned in sadness.

I love the many nuances within the story and character relationships of Shovel Knight. There's only scant few instances of dialogue, but even within them you could see hints of relationships that are either "I've heard of you before strangers to "why have things come to this, my friend?" broliness.
too bad no bromance
 

HawthorneKitty

Sgt. 2nd Class in the Creep Battalion, Waifu Wars
Bit on the game and it's glorious fun on the 3DS. I have no nostalgia for the NES roots of this game and think it's amazing.
Already failed the falling into pit feat though.
 
Beat it. 75 deaths, 6:05:30, 76% conpletion. Not bad all said and done. Probably would take me quite a few more hours to finish the rest to 100% completion, but I don't think I will bother. Looking forward to more hidden cheat codes coming out and battle/other modes being patched.
 
I think I got 81 deaths, 4:50, and 86% complete on WiiU. Loved every second of it and will definitely be playing more and/or double-dipping on 3DS.

I paid absolutely no attention to this game and had no idea what it was until that awesome Gamasutra article by the team last week, and my ignorance was completely because of the name Shovel Knight. I like it now that I know what the game is, but I think my mind subconsciously assumed it was some kind of indie shovelware satire of middling quality. Hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

I got all achievements in Mega Man 9 & 10 and was eagerly awaiting the next in the line. This is absolutely it.
 
First Update!

•Now you can save to the cloud! Steam saving error should no longer display. All of your current progress will transfer over on next game start.
•No Feat should go unnoticed! Added an option to the Feats menu which allows you to sync previously unlocked Feats to your Steam Achievements with the F4 key.
•Additional controller support. Thank you to everyone who submitted their devices! - http://yachtclubgames.com/2014/03/steam-controller-support/
•Direction inputs can be bound to multiple buttons. Just press more than one input at once. Intended for players who wanted to map Shovel Drop to its own button.
•Removed an “empty” Song Scroll from Clockwork Tower which could never be collected or turned in.
•Fix: The following Feats not unlocking in Steam Achievements: “I’m Alive”, “Hurry Up”, “Untouched”, and “Shovel Economy”
•Fix: “Halfway” Feat unlocking when re-clearing a stage.
•Fix: Black Knight ignores damage during Plains intro. For some players, there was a small window of opportunity to Ground Spark which could cause Black Knight to go off script.
•Fix: Sparker Feat not unlocking when defeating Black Knight.
•Fix: Player and Encounter Map movement halting the game under certain vsync/video settings.
•Fix: Monitors running higher than 60hz running at double speed or faster
•Fix: Some Boot up crash repairs for Steam
 

Chuckpebble

Member
I love how the skeletons are smart (dodging your attempts to shovel drop on them) and then become stupid once you knock their heads off.
 

EasyMode

Member
#define CRTResolutionX 360 //[1 to 2048] Original input width of the game (ie. 320)
#define CRTResolutionY 240 //[1 to 2048] Original input height of the game (ie. 240)

Unfortunately, some of the colors are not displayed correctly, and it looks terrible in motion.

The game is actually rendered at a high resolution, which allows for the smooth parallax scrolling. This causes an odd shimmering effect when using SweetFX.

Can anyone find a fix?

The pixel art resolution is 400x225, so using those values will reduce issues. But like you said, it's a high res game, so the scrolling issues won't go away with a crt shader that treats it as low res.
 

Mesoian

Member
I've had interest in this game since the crowdfunding was announced but I've allways been on the fence because I felt it would be a game too hard for me to properly enjoy.

Do you think this would be the case? How hard is it?

For reference, i'm pretty terrible at games that require lots of skill. I was unable to pass DKC Returns wold 5 (stuck on 5-2 if my memory serves). But I can deal with games that require less skill and let you prepare or buff yourself a little like Monster Hunter or Rogue Legacy.

Also, are the 3DS controls good? How about a keyboard?

It's not that hard. If you can beat Mega Man 2, you can beat this.
 

theytookourjobz

Junior Member
Died a few times to the boss that throws the sceptre. I'm gonna play more after work but I'm a little confused by the controls. Using an Xbox controller and can't seem to reliably do the pogo unless I use the Y button. And is there a way to make the special just one button instead of up+attack?
 

Laconic

Banned
Oh gee. Another great indy got released on the 3DS. My wallet is the most fortunate of masochists, punnily enough.
this is a hype post, for the slow ones. ;)
 

Nabs

Member
Died a few times to the boss that throws the sceptre. I'm gonna play more after work but I'm a little confused by the controls. Using an Xbox controller and can't seem to reliably do the pogo unless I use the Y button. And is there a way to make the special just one button instead of up+attack?

It's right in the options menu.
 

Terrified

Member
Anyone know how much this is in the UK? Nintendo site doesn't show price, and between this and Pocket Football Club it might be time for me to rejoin the 2DS club...
 
I heard people say this game was easy...

...I'm getting my ass handed to be me on the first few stages of the game lol

Game is pretty tricky in spots but I wouldn't call it hard. Once you have some "cheat" items opened up to you the only difficulty is really pits/tricky platforming segments. For me the thing that made the game take a nosedive in difficulty was stocking up on a ton of health before magic, then getting the conjurer armor. Most bosses I just toss out a shit ton of Chaos Orbs and worst comes to worse use the chalice for full health. Few bosses left but I was stuck in the game until I found out this strat. I think most bosses can deflect orbs, but since they bounce and shit you can get them behind the boss pretty easy.
 

Andrew.

Banned
Really feel that this is a title that's meant for Nintendo systems only seeing as what it's primary inspirations were (I know it's on Steam). It just adds another reason to own a U or 3DS. If it eventually gets released on X1 or PS4 it just isnt gonna feel the same to me (granted, I'll double dip for sure) but for instance, things like trophies/cheevs that will get tacked on will, in a way, totally kill the actual in game feats that were included.
 

Goldmund

Member
I think I really dislike this game on a fundamental design level.

It's like casually talking to a stranger and learning that they share your love for, say, a certain seminal record: they know how it came about, who played what role during its production/recording, what the musical and political landscape was back then, they could tell you about and maybe even play the riffs and chord progressions from every song, even the b-sides etc. -- and you still can't stop thinking "I really can't stand this person."

It's never more creative than it needs to be to pay homage to what was a great game then and is still a better game now. It feels like it's constantly nodding and prodding with a lewd expression on its face one I guess is supposed to assume oneself. Yes, I do remember that, yes, it was exciting/fun/interesting/charming/novel then.

You can't hide how downright unimaginative some of your level design is by hiding meaningless trinkets in every other screen, making certain jumps slightly more dangerous to get another diamond the player won't need unless they want to buy their way into an even blander game with meal tickets, bottles, relics and the like.

Then there's weird, almost amateurish design flaws like making the relics optional (which could have informed the level design, added the aspect of having to learn and master new techniques). This makes every level after the first two or so when you're still thinking "wow! this is just like the games I loved" seem unnecessarily long and stretched out despite the beautiful and varied aesthetics.

There's still a steady learning curve and the game carefully introduces new challenges, but always with the head firmly turned back to make sure gramps, daddy & mommy (Mega Man, Ducktales and Zelda II) respond with a consenting and reassuring look whatever stupid little decision is to be made. Instead of applying the kind of thinking people used to overcome hardware constraints with modern sensibilities onto current concerns, they simply used the given solutions again, maybe using hearts instead of dots.

I'm not sure it helped that the people who made this game understand what makes the games they admire work. This game feels less inspired by action platformers of the past (and some very recent critical darlings) than a somewhat unambitious child under their custody.

I love how they thanked their Kickstarters, I love that games like this can be successful, and there's potential for something truly outstanding everywhere, but the actual execution rubs me the wrong way every time. I can definitely make out the WayForward lineage.

In my opinion, this is not a good game, but yeah, I just finished it, so my thoughts are still pretty jumbled. I even came dangerously close to using a car analogy.
 
I would completely disagree with almost everything you said. The game has lots of exciting new ideas that you don't see in the games it's inspired by. What you're describing sounds like an alternate universe game that Yacht Club could have made instead if they weren't as talented as they actually are.
 

maxcriden

Member
Goldmund, I respect and appreciate your opinion, but I am confused about what you said about a lewd expression. Where are you getting that from the game?
 

Laconic

Banned
I think I really dislike this game on a fundamental design level.

It's like casually talking to a stranger and learning that they share your love for, say, a certain seminal record: they know how it came about, who played what role during its production/recording, what the musical and political landscape was back then, they could tell you about and maybe even play the riffs and chord progressions from every song, even the b-sides etc. -- and you still can't stop thinking "I really can't stand this person."

It's never more creative than it needs to be to pay homage to what was a great game then and is still a better game now. It feels like it's constantly nodding and prodding with a lewd expression on its face one I guess is supposed to assume oneself. Yes, I do remember that, yes, it was exciting/fun/interesting/charming/novel then.

You can't hide how downright unimaginative some of your level design is by hiding meaningless trinkets in every other screen, making certain jumps slightly more dangerous to get another diamond the player won't need unless they want to buy their way into an even blander game with meal tickets, bottles, relics and the like.

Then there's weird, almost amateurish design flaws like making the relics optional (which could have informed the level design, added the aspect of having to learn and master new techniques). This makes every level after the first two or so when you're still thinking "wow! this is just like the games I loved" seem unnecessarily long and stretched out despite the beautiful and varied aesthetics.

There's still a steady learning curve and the game carefully introduces new challenges, but always with the head firmly turned back to make sure gramps, daddy & mommy (Mega Man, Ducktales and Zelda II) respond with a consenting and reassuring look whatever stupid little decision is to be made. Instead of applying the kind of thinking people used to overcome hardware constraints with modern sensibilities onto current concerns, they simply used the given solutions again, maybe using hearts instead of dots.

I'm not sure it helped that the people who made this game understand what makes the games they admire work. This game feels less inspired by action platformers of the past (and some very recent critical darlings) than a somewhat unambitious child under their custody.

I love how they thanked their Kickstarters, I love that games like this can be successful, and there's potential for something truly outstanding everywhere, but the actual execution rubs me the wrong way every time. I can definitely make out the WayForward lineage.

In my opinion, this is not a good game, but yeah, I just finished it, so my thoughts are still pretty jumbled. I even came dangerously close to using a car analogy.

This is a very well thought out and articulated post, and it is dangerously close to dampening my hype. :(

...say it ain't so, Retro-GAF. :/

Goldmund, I respect and appreciate your opinion, but I am confused about what you said about a lewd expression. Where are you getting that from the game?

I think he means it is having a perversely pleased, self-congratulatory lark at the player, the player being had into the con of the game being something it is not?

Perhaps leered would be slightly less sexual, but I get the masturbatory analogy. Hopefully upon playing it, I won't take away the same feelings of violations.
 

Aeana

Member
This is a very well thought out and articulated post, and it is dangerously close to dampening my hype. :(

...say it ain't so, Retro-GAF. :/

I don't understand why people pick out a single post and let it change their outlook on a game entirely. Did you ignore everybody else's posts in this thread? I'm not saying his opinion isn't worthwhile, but it's only one voice. There are others.
 

andymcc

Banned
It's one of those games where you'll keep seeing clever things that make you smile in how the level was designed.

I've beat the game already. I'm very well-versed in Famicom games. I think it is a fun distillation of games from that era, there was nothing that screamed "this is a brand new experience that i could never have in ducktales, rockman, akumajou densetsu, or zelda 2".
 

maxcriden

Member
I don't understand why people pick out a single post and let it change their outlook on a game entirely. Did you ignore everybody else's posts in this thread? I'm not saying his opinion isn't worthwhile, but it's only one voice. There are others.

Pretty much this. I can tell you, Laconic, that I've definitely fallen prey to this same line of thinking on GAF before. Something gets hyped and hyped and then one person with a dissenting and thorough opinion comes in and I think ohhhh, so this isn't really as good as people were saying, this person is speaking reasonably so they must be right. But as Aeana said, theirs is just one opinion, however well-reasoned, among many. So I've learned to remind myself that everyone one of my favorite games, be it Rayman Origins or Super Mario 3D World or SMB3, has significant detractors on this forum. I love all of those games, and I'm really enjoying Shovel Knight a great deal. I respect Goldmund's opinion and the level of thought and care he clearly put into articulating it, but I also respectfully disagree with it. I didn't get one twinge of any of the criticisms he's had of the game in any of the 5ish hours I've spent with it so far. To me it's a true delight, an evolving love letter to games of yore, and fully lives up to the hype.
 
I've beat the game already. I'm very well-versed in Famicom games. I think it is a fun distillation of games from that era, there was nothing that screamed "this is a brand new experience that i could never have in ducktales, rockman, akumajou densetsu, or zelda 2".
I guess we have different standards then.
 

maxcriden

Member
I guess we have different standards then.

I think you're absolutely right, Beelzebufo. There are plenty of little touches you didn't see in games back then--I'll keep this pretty spoiler-free--destroyable checkpoints, Digger's Diary, and a level with lightning flashes affecting platforming, to name just a few.
 
I'm closer to Tain/Dark Schala's opinion on this game than everyone else, I suppose. Its a fine enough game, but I don't think it approaches being great. Too unbalanced in its various game mechanics, long levels that don't nearly earn their length especially in the first half, lopsided difficulty curve with the checkpoint system, money becoming irrelevant 2/3rds of the way through the game, a primary method of attack that frankly isn't very satisfying(especially with the pushback on any enemy that takes multiple hits so ALL of them as you waddle into attack range). A bit less than the sum of its parts and inspirations, I'm afraid.

I have to agree with this. In a lot of ways I really like the game, but there are a few ways that REALLY hold it back from being great to me.

The game really should have upgraded the attack power of your swing, when you bought the dig upgrade for the shovel. That would have gone a long way. A quicker way to switch armor instead of having to go back to the airship would have been really nice as well.

My other big issues is that there are parts where the game expects so exact precision, almost pixel perfect, with out giving you that range of control or speed. It produces frustrating moments, or deaths.

It's a solidly good game, but not a great game.
 

redcrayon

Member
I

I love how they thanked their Kickstarters, I love that games like this can be successful, and there's potential for something truly outstanding everywhere, but the actual execution rubs me the wrong way every time. I can definitely make out the WayForward lineage.
.
Is WayForward lineage really a bad thing? After Contra IV and Aliens: Infestation on the DS, they are one of my favourite 2D games developers of recent years. Contra IV in particular is awesome.
 

Laconic

Banned
I don't understand why people pick out a single post and let it change their outlook on a game entirely. Did you ignore everybody else's posts in this thread? I'm not saying his opinion isn't worthwhile, but it's only one voice. There are others.

It ain't so.


There's probably too many to list. It's one of those games where you'll keep seeing clever things that make you smile in how the level was designed.

just listen to this and re-hype your hype!

Thank you, guys. :) My hype is renewed.

@Aeana it was a very well explained post. When someone takes the time to write out a dissenting opinion in such a level-headed manner, sans the usual "it sux" rhetoric, I am given to pausing to consider what they have to say.
 

Andrew.

Banned
The game really should have upgraded the attack power of your swing, when you bought the dig upgrade for the shovel. That would have gone a long way.

Well you do get that power swing (holding the attack button) when you finally get the upgrade for ground spark(?) that lets you hit enemies at a distance. Doesn't that count as an upgraded shovel attack?
 

Sullichin

Member
When using big picture mode with PS4 controller, this game has PS4 button prompts. And this works without using the Iputwrapper! Does anyone know if this is the case with any other games?
 
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