Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
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Critic Reviews for Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Specter of Torment is a focused and satisfyingly challenging 2D platformer which retains Shovel Knight's strong aesthetic and sense of charm.
Spectre of Torment stands up well next to the previous Shovel Knight and Plague of Shadows campaigns. It's a bit on the short side and the bosses are a bit easier, but Yacht Club Games has kicked out some excellent new stages this time around. This prequel still offers precise platforming and a unique, more aggressive style of play to the series.
For my tastes, Specter himself features the least compelling of the three games’ platforming styles, but it’s not due to a mechanical or half-baked implementation: I just love the original Shovel Knight. As a timed Switch exclusive on a console with what is currently a modest number of games, there’s little reason not to play Specter of Torment unless you’re revisiting Shovel Knight proper via Treasure Trove first (which includes them all). My recommendation? Go for that. These games are worth it.
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is worth picking up on its own, but you should really just get the total package and play through all three campaigns. They each offer something unique like a Vegas buffet, and coincidentally enough the new price point of the Treasure Trove edition matches up.
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is an expansion to live up to the original game that will allow to enjoy the essence of Shovel Knight in a different and challenging way. If you have played Shovel Knight and you have Nintendo Switch, you can´t miss this great additional content.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
For those who yearn for the days of platforming yore, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is a dream come true.
Specter of Torment is an outstanding prequel, independent game and expansion (all in one) despite recycling lots of assets from the original.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
More of what Shovel Knight fans love, and a superb entry point for people new to the series, Spectre of Torment is a great take on modernised nostalgia.
