A collection of five campaigns built in the style of NES classics: the original Shovel of Hope, plus Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, King of Cards and the Showdown fighting mode.
L1What it is
Shovel Knight is a love letter to 8-bit action games. The Treasure Trove bundles every campaign: Shovel Knight's quest to save Shield Knight, then three more campaigns starring former bosses, each with its own movement and levels, plus a local multiplayer fighting mode.
L2How it plays
Shovel Knight bounces on enemies with a downward shovel strike, digs treasure and uses relics. Plague Knight builds bombs, Specter Knight dashes along walls and enemies, King Knight shoulder-bashes and plays a card game called Joustus. Each campaign feels fresh. You can break checkpoints for extra treasure if you want a challenge.
L3Pixels & sound
The art follows NES rules closely but with more colours and smoother animation. The soundtrack by Jake Kaufman, with guest tracks by Manami Matsumae, is one of the best chiptune soundtracks ever.
L4Coming back
New Game+, challenge modes, collectibles and the four-player Showdown mode. The main campaigns are linear, so replay is more about mastery and collecting.
L5Value & tech
$39.99 for five campaigns is good value. It runs on anything and is Verified on Steam Deck, which suits it perfectly. Controller recommended.
Power-ups
- Precise, perfect controls
- Five varied campaigns
- Legendary chiptune soundtrack
- Generous checkpoint system
Game overs
- Linear levels
- Retro difficulty spikes
Score sheet
- Gameplay 30%
- 9.0
- Feel & controls 20%
- 9.4
- Pixels & sound 20%
- 9.2
- Replay 15%
- 8.4
- Value 15%
- 9.0
Weighted: 9.0 × 30% + 9.4 × 20% + 9.2 × 20% + 8.4 × 15% + 9.0 × 15% = 9.03, shown as 9.0.
The verdict
Verdict
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the definitive modern NES-style platformer, five times over. Precise, charming and generous, it is easy to recommend.
By the Game Pick Review editorial desk · Updated 3 Oct 2026 · How we score · Spotted an error?
