50 Best Xbox One Games Right Now

Best Xbox One Games #5 – Shovel Knight

Developer: Yacht Club Games

Synopsis: Shovel Knight follows the story of the titular character as he ventures to rescue Shield Knight from the clutches of The Order of No Quarter. Developed in the style of a classic NES platformer, players travel the land through exploring the game’s overworld mixed in with level-based platforming action. Your shovel is reminiscent of a Ducktales pogo stick, you can also use it to swipe at enemies. Power-ups throughout the levels add alternate, magic-using moves that improve the versatility of the protag’s skill set. Gender-swap modes and alternate campaigns were made available baked in, as well as free and paid DLC.

Why it’s one of the 50 best Xbox One games: Shovel Knight is a love letter to classic platformers. Mixing the best parts of Ducktales, Super Mario Bros. 3, Mega Man and Castlevania, players can expect a wide variety of characters on levels designed and tailored to the environment. The soundtrack is a marvel, with chiptunes creating a narrative as much as the dialogue is willing to weave. Platforming efficiencies offer neat tricks to improve player speed, acting as the perfect bait for the speedrunning community as well as casual fans looking to play a contemporary game with classic sensibilities.

For a game that looks like it was released in 1989, Yacht Club Games has made a supreme effort in catching the interest of today’s audience without sacrificing the ideals.

Next: #4 - Batman: Arkham Knight