Today Yacht Club gaming gifts has come to an end, revealing Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX, a brand modern entry in the Shovel Knight series, and more.
The nearly 30-minute presentation gave fans a better look at the retro game developer’s plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking platformer. What this means for players, however, is that the future of the blue shovel hero is brighter than ever.
That’s thanks to things like Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX, an improved version of the Yacht Club classic that it bills as the “definitive edition” of the experience. It promises 20 unique playable characters such as the Shield Knight, the Sorceress, and multiple members of the Order of No Quarter. Shovel Knight DX also adds rewind and save functionality, as well as over 300 cheats for those who want to tailor gameplay to their desires. Other promising features include online multiplayer modes and the return of challenge stages, the custom knight, and the Battle Ghost arena. No release date or platform lineup has been revealed yet, but you can find its Steam page Here.
We’re excited to announce Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX, an enhanced edition of the adventure that started it all. Embark on a mission to save the Shield Knight, defeat the evil Sorceress, and overthrow her Order of No Quarter.
But that’s not all… THERE ARE TONS OF NEW FEATURES! pic.twitter.com/XVstU21H9D
— Yacht Club Games – YCG Presents airs 6/14 (@YachtClubGames) June 14, 2024
Shovel Knight DX is a remastered version of the experience fans know and love, but in the future the team will reveal what it calls “an all-new mainline Shovel Knight game.” The mystery project is in development, and the Yacht Club refrained from showing off too much today. However, the team seems to be heavily teasing that the untitled Shovel Knight game could finally bring the title character to 3D.
“We want to create a game that not only honors Shovel Knight’s legacy, but also pioneers groundbreaking and innovative gameplay mechanics,” said Yacht Club designer Sean Velasco. “This isn’t just another sequel – it’s a bold new adventure that will take Shovel Knight to a whole new dimension of gaming.”
The only footage that could have been the first mainline Shovel Knight game in 3D was a shiny modern 3D version of the studio’s logo. Yacht Club teases that players can also check out titles like Shovel Knight Dig, Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon, and the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove collection for “hints” on what’s to come.
In other Shovel Knight news, the team says players can expect the free Shovel Knight Dig Wicked Wishes DLC this summer, which adds quests, bosses, and more. Meanwhile, the Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon Paradox Pack is scheduled to launch for free this summer and brings mod support to PC as well as modern playable characters, challenges, secrets, and more. The Shovel Knight chaos will continue in other non-Yacht Club games like For Honor, Brawlhalla, and Fall Guys Ultimate Knockout, where crossover content will soon return for a restricted time.
The organizers of Yach Club Games Presents put Shovel Knight on a pedestal on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, but the team also made sure to distinguish their next game, Mine Blank. In the update, the team explained that Mina’s debut adventure has “grown significantly larger than initially anticipated,” although she is nearing the end of her first playthrough of all the content. The “Big Gameplay Reveal” will be coming in the near future, but there is still no release date.
Fans can expect additional Shovel Knight celebrations soon, including a Shovel of Hope vinyl repression, modern merchandise, live events and worldwide jams. More information can be found in our original Shovel Knight review 9/10. You can also check out why we think the game is one of the best games of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generation Here.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor to IGN. He began writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work on outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP and Gameranx.
Be sure to follow him on Twitter @MikeCripe.
