Must Dig Deeper: A Familiar yet Unfulfilling Experience

Shovel Knight is a beloved retro game series that has been delighting players with its charming pixel art and addictive platforming mechanics. The latest addition to the series, Shovel Knight Dig, takes this formula and adds some new twists in the form of roguelite elements. Unfortunately, while these changes are intriguing, they ultimately feel like an afterthought rather than a necessary evolution.

The gameplay is where Shovel Knight Dig shines. As you dig down through stage after stage, you'll encounter familiar platforming challenges, but with a new sense of urgency and stress. The addition of procedurally generated levels adds a layer of complexity to the game, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting. However, it's in the boss battles that things get disappointing.

The final boss is where Shovel Knight Dig's unique dig platforming mechanics come into play, and it's a welcome change of pace from the standard platforming sections. Unfortunately, this design is only used sparingly throughout the game, with most bosses feeling like they could have been lifted straight out of Shovel Knight proper.

The addition of roguelite elements also feels half-baked. The threat of Drill Knight's excavation machine adds a sense of tension to the game, but it's not enough to make up for the lack of meaningful exploration or backtracking opportunities. It's a shame, because this could have been an opportunity to really shake things up and create a more immersive experience.

Despite these shortcomings, Shovel Knight Dig is still a fun and enjoyable game that will appeal to fans of the series and retro games in general. The moment-to-moment gameplay is excellent, with well-designed levels and challenging platforming sections. It's just that the additions of roguelite elements feel like an afterthought rather than a necessary evolution.

Ultimately, Shovel Knight Dig feels like more of the same from the series, but with some new tricks up its sleeve. If you're a fan of the series or retro games in general, you'll likely find plenty to enjoy here. But for those looking for something truly innovative, Shovel Knight Dig may not be the best fit.

Must dig deeper game