Shovel Knight

Why recommended

• Anticipated to deliver highly refined and challenging 2D platforming and combat, requiring skill and precision akin to Shovel Knight's demanding encounters.
• Criteria — Strong Story is expected to be a key element, expanding on the lore of Pharloom and Hornet's journey, with narrative depth for a single-player experience.
• The core gameplay loop revolves around Adventure, with extensive exploration of a vast, interconnected world filled with secrets, new abilities, and formidable foes.

Why recommended

• Features precise, challenging platforming and combat that requires mastery of movement and abilities, similar to Shovel Knight's demanding level design.
• Criteria — Strong Story is central, with a compelling narrative about Sargon's quest to rescue Prince Ghassan, featuring character development and plot twists.
• The game is a rich Adventure, encouraging exploration of its interconnected world to discover secrets, upgrades, and new paths, much like the hidden depths of Shovel Knight's stages.

Why recommended

• Features satisfying 2D action-platforming with a strong emphasis on acquiring new abilities and equipment to overcome increasingly difficult challenges, much like Shovel Knight's upgrade path.
• Criteria — Strong Story is present, with a clear narrative, named characters, and lore that drives Miriam's quest to defeat Gebel and save humanity from demonic forces.
• The game is a grand Adventure, inviting players to explore a massive, intricate castle map, uncovering hidden areas, secrets, and powerful bosses.

Why recommended

• Offers exceptionally tight and challenging 2D platforming that demands precision and mastery of movement, reminiscent of Shovel Knight's more difficult stages.
• Criteria — Strong Story is told through Madeline's personal journey up Celeste Mountain, featuring well-developed characters, dialogue, and a powerful narrative about self-discovery.
• The game is an Adventure at its core, as players navigate treacherous environments, uncover secrets, and overcome obstacles on a quest to reach the summit.