Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment

Genre: Action-Platformer

Players: 1

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Review:

(Note: this game is included in Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, along with Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope, Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows (only in Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove), Shovel Knight: King of Cards, and Shovel Knight Showdown.)

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is an Action-Platformer that was created as a standalone expansion for Shovel Knight, the second of four such expansions, with the first three each casting a different boss from Shovel Knight in the role of the game’s protagonist (and the fourth being a Platformer/Fighting Game hybrid). As such, each of these games re-uses some of the assets of Shovel Knight, while including some new visuals and music as well. Specter of Torment, as the name implies, focuses of the character of Specter Knight.

While there are definitely some re-used visuals here, the recycling isn’t nearly as extensive as it was in the prior expansion, Plague of Shadows. In part that’s because Specter of Torment is a prequel, taking place before either of those games. Because of this, Specter gives us alternate versions of each of those games’ locales, with re-imagined music and visuals, such as depicting the opening area at night with a slightly sinister version of the theme. While not quite as iconic as the original game’s presentation, it’s definitely a nice touch that we’ve been given a remix of sorts here.

As for the gameplay, Specter of Torment pulls the same trick as Plague by giving us a protagonist who has yet another unique move set that the game is structured around, with the focus here being on Specter Knight’s ability to briefly run up most walls, as well as the ability to do a diagonal slash through enemies in mid-air to gain height. This plays very differently than Shovel Knight did, yet works on many of the same basic principles – the level design here is absolutely solid, and it’s fun to see where your new abilities make some old encounters more challenging, and others easier. It’s also fun to see how the game re-imagines the Shovel Knight formula to make sense for this new protagonist.

There are a few drawbacks this time around. Firstly, this game has no overworld map, with players simply warping directly to the level of their choice in any order. While this does make things more direct and less time-consuming, it also cuts out one of the more charming parts of the first game. Also, out of all of the playable characters in the Shovel Knight compendium, I have to say I think Specter Knight was probably the one I found the least fun – he’s not as versatile as Shovel Knight, not as fast and bouncy as Plague Knight, and doesn’t have the fun combo capability that King Knight has.

I should note that the Nintendo Switch version of the game is unique in that it supports the use of Amiibos, though I was not able to test this out as I do not own any Shovel Knight series Amiibos.

In the end, while it’s not perfect, this is an absolutely excellent addition to the Shovel Knight series, and those who enjoyed the original Shovel Knight would do well to get this game also, or simply get the Treasure Trove that contains the whole set. This isn’t quite as good as the original game, but it’s still a superb Action-Platformer that’s one of the best games in the genre.

tl;dr – Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is a standalone expansion to Shovel Knight, the second expansion out of four. This is an Action-Platformer that follows the Specter Knight boss from the first game, who has a unique move-set built around a wall run and a diagonal air slash attack. The game design and level design here is every bit as good as the first game, though it does re-use some assets and Specter Knight isn’t quite as fun a character to play as his shovel-wielding contemporary. Still, this is a solid entry in the series and an excellent Action-Platformer well worth playing.

Grade: A-

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