Shovel Knight, with its retro-style graphics, precise platforming gameplay, and nostalgic soundtrack, has captured the hearts of many gamers. But what if you’ve already completed Shovel Knight and are hungry for more?
Fear not! There are plenty of other games out there that capture the essence of Shovel Knight and offer equally enjoyable experiences. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best games like Shovel Knight that you can sink your teeth into.
Celeste
One game that shares many similarities with Shovel Knight is Celeste. Developed by Matt Makes Games, this indie platformer is known for its challenging levels and tight controls.
In Celeste, you play as Madeline, a young woman who embarks on a journey to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain. With its pixel art visuals and captivating storytelling, Celeste is a must-play for fans of Shovel Knight.
As you navigate through the mountain, you’ll encounter various obstacles and enemies that will test your skills and patience. But fear not, because each death is a learning experience, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally conquer a difficult section is unmatched.
The pixel art visuals in Celeste are truly a sight to behold. Every character and environment is meticulously crafted, with vibrant colors and intricate details. The attention to detail in the animation brings the world of Celeste to life, making it a visually stunning experience.
As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new abilities that will help you overcome obstacles and reach new heights. These abilities add depth to the gameplay, allowing for creative solutions to the game’s challenges.
Experimenting with different strategies and mastering each ability is a rewarding experience that keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Hollow Knight
If you’re looking for a game that combines the exploration and combat elements of Shovel Knight, then Hollow Knight is the perfect choice.
Developed by Team Cherry, this Metroidvania-style game features a vast, interconnected world filled with secrets to discover and challenging enemies to defeat.
In Hollow Knight, you play as the eponymous knight, a tiny insect warrior who must navigate the hauntingly beautiful kingdom of Hallownest. As you traverse the different areas, you’ll uncover the tragic history of this once-great civilization and encounter a diverse cast of characters along the way.
The game emphasizes exploration and discovery. Hidden passages, secret areas, and shortcuts are scattered throughout the world, rewarding players who take the time to thoroughly explore their surroundings.
Hollow Knight is a captivating and immersive game that seamlessly blends exploration, combat, and storytelling. With its vast interconnected world, challenging enemies, hidden secrets, and memorable characters, it offers a truly unforgettable gaming experience.
The Messenger
Another game that draws inspiration from Shovel Knight is The Messenger. Developed by Sabotage Studio, this retro-style platformer starts off as a straightforward action-adventure game but quickly evolves into something more.
The Messenger follows the story of a young ninja warrior who embarks on a perilous journey to deliver a mysterious scroll. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new abilities and travel between different time periods, each with its own unique challenges and enemies.
What sets The Messenger apart from other games is its clever use of time travel mechanics. You’ll need to master the art of switching between the 8-bit and 16-bit eras to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. This innovative gameplay element keeps the experience fresh and engaging from start to finish.
Axiom Verge
If you’re a fan of Shovel Knight’s retro aesthetic and love exploring mysterious alien worlds, then Axiom Verge is a game you can’t afford to miss. Developed solely by Tom Happ, Axiom Verge is a love letter to classic Metroidvania games.
In Axiom Verge, you play as Trace, a scientist who finds himself trapped in a strange and hostile alien world called Sudra. As you uncover the secrets of this world, you’ll acquire powerful weapons and upgrades that allow you to delve deeper into its labyrinthine depths.
One of the standout features of Axiom Verge is its surreal and atmospheric soundtrack, which perfectly complements the game’s eerie visuals. The combination of its intricate level design, satisfying exploration, and deep lore make Axiom Verge a must-play for fans of Shovel Knight.
Mega Man 11
Shovel Knight draws inspiration from retro platformers, and one series that epitomizes this genre is Mega Man. Mega Man 11, developed by Capcom, brings the blue bomber back in all his pixelated glory, with a fresh coat of paint and exciting new gameplay mechanics.
In Mega Man 11, you once again take control of Mega Man as he battles against Dr. Wily and his army of robot masters. With its challenging platforming sections and superb boss battles, Mega Man 11 is a delightful throwback to the classic Mega Man games that fans know and love.
The game introduces a new feature called the Double Gear System, which allows Mega Man to slow down time or power up his shots for a short period. This adds a new layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay and makes each encounter feel exhilarating.
Dead Cells
If you’re craving a game that combines elements of Shovel Knight’s challenging combat and roguelike gameplay, then Dead Cells is worth checking out. Developed by Motion Twin, this action-packed game seamlessly blends fast-paced combat, exploration, and permadeath.
In Dead Cells, you play as a nameless warrior who must fight their way through a sprawling castle infested with deadly creatures. The game features a combination of hand-crafted and procedurally generated levels, ensuring that each run feels fresh and unpredictable.
As you progress, you’ll acquire new weapons and abilities that allow for different playstyles, whether you prefer up-close melee combat or long-range projectile attacks. The challenging gameplay, satisfying combat, and stunning pixel art visuals make Dead Cells a must-play for fans of Shovel Knight.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
If you’re a fan of Shovel Knight’s retro-style graphics and challenging gameplay, then Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is a game that should be on your radar. Developed by Inti Creates, this action platformer is a spiritual successor to the classic Castlevania games.
Set in the same universe as Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Curse of the Moon follows the story of Zangetsu, a demon slayer on a mission to vanquish a powerful demon named Gremory. Along the way, you’ll encounter other playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
One of the standout features of Curse of the Moon is its branching paths, which allow for different playthroughs and multiple endings. Whether you choose to take the honorable path or succumb to darkness, Curse of the Moon offers a satisfying and nostalgic experience reminiscent of the classic Castlevania games.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
If you’re looking for a game that captures the essence of Shovel Knight’s exploration and RPG elements, then Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a game you don’t want to miss. Developed by ArtPlay and published by 505 Games, this Metroidvania-style game is a spiritual successor to the beloved Castlevania series.
In Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, you play as Miriam, a young woman with the ability to absorb the powers of demons. As Miriam, you’ll explore a sprawling castle filled with dangerous enemies, hidden secrets, and challenging boss battles.
What sets Bloodstained apart is its deep and rewarding progression system. As you defeat enemies and bosses, you’ll acquire new weapons, abilities, and shard powers, allowing you to customize your playstyle and become a formidable force against the forces of evil.
Guacamelee! Series
If you’re a fan of Shovel Knight’s sense of humor and love for the indie scene, then the Guacamelee! series should be on your radar. Developed by DrinkBox Studios, these Metroidvania-style games infuse Mexican folklore with lucha libre wrestling.
In Guacamelee!, you play as Juan Aguacate, a humble agave farmer who is thrust into a world of undead enemies and dimension-hopping adventures. Armed with his newfound wrestling skills, Juan must rescue El Presidente’s daughter and save the Mexiverse from the clutches of evil.
The Guacamelee! series is known for its vibrant art style, catchy music, and hilarious dialogue. The games also feature a unique combat system that combines platforming and wrestling maneuvers, allowing you to unleash devastating attacks on your foes.
Katana ZERO
For fans of Shovel Knight’s fast-paced gameplay and intriguing storytelling, Katana ZERO is a game that delivers on both fronts. Developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital, this neo-noir action platformer is a thrilling and cinematic experience.
In Katana ZERO, you play as a samurai assassin who can manipulate time and slice through enemies with precision. As you progress through the game’s challenging levels, you’ll uncover a complex and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of trauma, identity, and morality.
What sets Katana ZERO apart is its emphasis on player choice. Throughout the game, you’ll be presented with decisions that can significantly impact the story and its outcome. This interactive storytelling element adds depth and replayability to the game, ensuring that every playthrough feels unique and engaging.
Owlboy
Owlboy is a visually stunning game that will immediately catch your eye with its pixel art style. The attention to detail in the game’s graphics is truly remarkable. Each pixel is carefully placed to create a vibrant and immersive world that feels alive.
The game follows the story of Otus, a young owl who must embark on a quest to save his village from impending danger. As you guide Otus through his journey, you’ll encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backstories.
The game’s storyline is emotionally charged and will tug at your heartstrings. As Otus faces various challenges and obstacles, you’ll witness his growth and transformation, both as a character and as a hero.
Unlike traditional platformers, where characters can only jump and run, Otus has the ability to fly freely through the air. This adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay, allowing for creative exploration and dynamic combat encounters.
As you progress through Owlboy, you’ll also uncover hidden secrets and collectibles, adding an extra layer of exploration and replayability to the game. Whether it’s finding hidden passages, discovering ancient artifacts, or unlocking bonus levels, there’s always something new to discover in Owlboy.
Owlboy is a must-play for any fan of platformers. Its visually stunning pixel art style, engaging characters, emotional storyline, unique flying mechanics, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the genre.
Specter of Torment
If you enjoyed Shovel Knight, then you simply cannot miss out on Specter of Torment. This standalone expansion puts you in the shoes of Specter Knight, one of Shovel Knight’s adversaries.
As you delve into Specter of Torment, you’ll find yourself exploring the dark and mysterious world of the Order of No Quarter. This secret organization, led by the enigmatic Enchantress, is filled with unique and challenging enemies that will test your skills to the limit.
The game’s level design is a work of art, with each stage meticulously crafted to provide a perfect balance of challenge and reward. From treacherous platforms to hidden secrets, every step you take will be filled with excitement and anticipation.
The game’s pixel art style is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and detailed animations bringing the world to life. Combined with the haunting melodies and atmospheric sound effects, the audiovisual experience of Specter of Torment is truly mesmerizing.
Whether you’re a fan of Shovel Knight or new to the series, Specter of Torment is a game that should not be missed.
20XX
For those who enjoy the fast-paced action of Shovel Knight, 20XX is the perfect game to add to your collection.
This roguelike platformer combines the best elements of classic Mega Man games with the ever-changing challenges of procedurally generated levels. With co-op multiplayer and a wide array of power-ups and abilities to unlock, 20XX will keep you coming back for more.
The game’s procedurally generated levels ensure that no two playthroughs are ever the same. Each time you start a new game, the layout of the levels, enemy placements, and power-up locations will be different, providing endless replayability.
As you progress through 20XX, you’ll encounter a diverse cast of enemies and bosses, each with their own unique attack patterns and weaknesses. Mastering the art of dodging and timing your attacks is crucial to overcoming these formidable foes.
The pixel art visuals in 20XX are a treat for the eyes, with vibrant colors and detailed animations bringing the game’s world to life. The retro-inspired soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, immersing you in the futuristic atmosphere of the game.
Whether you’re a fan of classic platformers or looking for a new challenge, 20XX offers an exhilarating experience that will keep you hooked for hours on end.
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy takes the platforming genre and adds a unique twist: every time your character dies, you play as their descendant.
Each heir you control has their own strengths and weaknesses, leading to a fresh and unpredictable experience with every playthrough.
As you progress through the game, you’ll discover new areas of the castle, each more treacherous than the last. From dark catacombs to towering turrets, every corner of the castle is filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Boss battles await you at the end of each area, testing your skills and determination. These epic encounters are a true test of your abilities, requiring precise timing and quick thinking to emerge victorious.
As you defeat enemies and collect treasure, you’ll earn gold that can be used to upgrade your character. Whether it’s increasing your health, unlocking new abilities, or purchasing powerful weapons, the progression system in Rogue Legacy is addictive and rewarding.
Rogue Legacy is a game that offers endless replayability. With its procedurally generated levels and unique inheritance system, no two playthroughs are ever the same. Each time you enter the castle, you embark on a new adventure, filled with excitement and uncertainty.
Cave Story+
Cave Story+ is a modern classic that pays homage to the 8-bit era of gaming. This Metroidvania-style platformer takes you on a journey through a mysterious cave as you uncover its secrets and battle hordes of enemies.
With its charming pixel art, memorable characters, and multiple endings, Cave Story+ is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.
Iconoclasts
Iconoclasts is a beautifully crafted platformer that tells a captivating story about power, faith, and government control.
You play as Robin, a young mechanic who must navigate through a world of corruption and oppression.
With its gorgeous pixel art, challenging puzzles, and thought-provoking narrative, Iconoclasts is a game that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Freedom Planet
Freedom Planet is a love letter to the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games. With its fast-paced gameplay, colorful visuals, and catchy soundtrack, this game captures the spirit of the 16-bit era.
Play as one of three unique characters and embark on a high-speed adventure filled with thrilling boss battles and exciting level design.
Super Meat Boy
No list of platformers would be complete without Super Meat Boy. This challenging game puts your platforming skills to the test as you guide Meat Boy through a series of deadly obstacles.
With its tight controls, lightning-fast gameplay, and punishing difficulty, Super Meat Boy is a must-play for fans of challenging platformers.
Undertale
While Undertale may not be a traditional platformer, it offers a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay that is sure to captivate players.
This critically acclaimed RPG puts you in control of a child who has fallen into an underground world filled with monsters. With its memorable characters, innovative combat system, and multiple branching paths, Undertale is an unforgettable experience.
Blasphemous
Blasphemous is a dark and atmospheric platformer that takes inspiration from Spanish folklore. With its stunning pixel art visuals and intense combat, this game immerses you in a twisted world where religion and myth collide.
Prepare to face challenging bosses, explore intricate levels, and uncover the secrets of this hauntingly beautiful game.
Conclusion
So, if you’re craving more platforming action after playing Shovel Knight, look no further than these incredible games. From the visually stunning Owlboy to the challenging and atmospheric Blasphemous, each of these games offers a unique experience that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Whether you’re a fan of retro graphics, challenging gameplay, or captivating storylines, there’s something for everyone in this list of games like Shovel Knight.
So grab your controller, get ready to jump, and embark on a new platforming adventure!
