This is probably one of the smoothest experiences I've ever had in a videogame. I know that is an easier element to achieve in a 2D platformer, but with how fast paced this game is it really is important. Very responsive, very polished, feels actually finished... which was hard to come by in the mid-late 2010's.
This is 100% a rage game. If you get angry easy, avoid at all costs. I've not gotten this mad at a game since Fifa 16 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It's quite easy to think that something is unnecessarily difficult before you actually figure out how to overcome it. The good thing about this type of difficulty though is that it is entirely achievable so long as you're willing to put in the time to learn each level and each boss to their core. What adds to the difficulty most is the sheer amount of one-hit-kills throughout the levels, especially nearer the end. On top of all this though, if you're hoping to get all of the 'feats' or achievements, you will be unlocking a whole new difficulty for yourself. They are so... so hard.
The story backing this game is stereotypical, it's simple, it's heart fulfilling. There isn't much reading to do at all, but the impact is still there. The way everything comes together in the final level is actually really nice. The story was actually perfect. I can't fault it at all.
The level design is brilliant. Everything you look at has a pleasing aesthetic and every ledge, enemy, platform, spike, and kill hole has been meticulously placed - and it shows. Each level and boss has it's own unique pixel tune and wow... just wow. Despite hearing them all on repeat trying to do the achievements, I never got tired of hearing them. They fit in perfectly. Jake Kaufmen and Manami Matsumae, bravo to you both. Each and every track is masterful.
The passion oozes from this project. The team at Yacht Club Games should be incredibly proud of what they have made here. This was my first ever experience trying to finish a 2D platformer. I didn't think I was going to do it initially because of how hard it is to a new player to the genre, however by the end I had become one with the game. I now have a connection with this game that I will never let go. What an experience.
(Bynski, 45/45 Achievements, 83h logged on Shovel Knight as of 07/05/24, Speed run time 01:23:55) (DLC not yet started)
4.5