As début releases go, Yacht Club Games' Shovel Knight is a clear statement of intent in the studio's drive to create exciting new games with retro-themed design. A success on Kickstarter, its since seen some delay to its original release window before, recently, pinning down 31st March as a firmer target.
Trailers to date have shown plenty of sidescrolling action that can bring comparisons to various games of the 8- and 16-bit eras, but the developer has now outlined some unique features coming to the Wii U and 3DS eShop versions of the game — it's also being released on PC.
The studio's Sean Velasco explained to Polygon that the Wii U version of the game will utilise Miiverse to allow gamers to leave messages and advice for others in each room; its working title right now is the Digger's Diary. It seems like a more detailed, in-depth equivalent to message bottles in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, for one example.
The cool part is that it's room-based. Every time there's a room where you don't know what to do, or if you just want some more information, you can tap on this diary. [Maybe you'll] leave a message for other players or get a message yourself, or maybe learn a little more the same way you would trade secrets on the school ground.
The 3DS version will have a different option in the form of the codenamed "StreetPass Arena", which sounds slightly peculiar. You record five second clips in a stage — perhaps collecting gems or fighting another Knight — and this clip is saved and exchanged via StreetPass; when you pass another player you can then watch the recorded battle and adjust your tactics. It seems similar to StreetPass duel mini-games from 3DS titles such as Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition and even LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, though a little more complex.
We've done it, and it's just ridiculous. There are some goals that you're all going for, but you don't know what the other player is doing. You don't know which gem they're going to go for first. You don't know if they're going to use a weapon ... It's just craziness because you do it in these little five second rounds, and you do three rounds over and over. And then it's just done.
Velasco explains that although Shovel Knight is a "classic-style game", the team has worked to utilise the technology available to them. These features sound intriguing, so let us know what you think and whether you have a preference, at this stage, for a particular version of the game.
[source polygon.com]
Comments 30
Looks interesting! I really liked the tingle bottle in WWHD. Im looking forward to this game, seems like they know what they're doing!
both wiiu and 3ds version for me, no doubts!
I want both versions but I'll likley get this for Wii U since Treasurenauts is coming soon after and has simular gameplay.
StreetPass Arena sounds promising. Can't wait to find out more about how it works in practice.
The Miiverse integration doesn't sound too bad either.
when will we see some good 2d space shooters like( nemesis Guardian r type
Wow! I definitely want both versions now. Well played Yacht Club Games, well played
Dang, Yacht Club Games has so many great ideas, full steam ahead!
Picking up the U version.
Iv been debating Wii U or 3DS for a while now. I still am unsure.
@sadsack777 Think Steel Empire is coming at some point as a 3D Classic.
I actively don't want social features in games (Especially Miiverse).
Which version I get depends on a few things like if it uses an upscaling filter or if the art is redone properly.
Don't have enough time for both version so I'm hoping for a review of both before it comes out please not after?!
The digger's diary can't be used for the 3ds because...
Cool. I'll probably get the Wii U version, simply because I like to play my games on a TV.
If I get it, it will be for Wii U. Bigger screen (even on the Gamepad) and Deluxe Digital promotion too.
@sinalefa I agree because of those same reasons. Also, I want to support the WiiU .
As long as it's not missing features I'm OK.
Not a fan of these in-game messages. In Wind Waker most people leave spoilers or feel the uncontrollable urge to share their - oh so funny - selfies with everyone else.
This has been a day one Wii U purchase for me for a long time ... Absolutely Amazing looking game!!!!!!
Already got my Wii U version pinned down as a backer of the Kickstarter. Couldn't be happier with the Nintendo focus.
Nice! Like @BrightBeing, I've got the U version on lock via Kickstarter, so that must leaves the 3DS version for me to get
Toki Tori 2 really could have used that Diggers Diary. I'm happy that I made it thru unaided but I also waited for 2+, which I've read was a little easier to figure out. It's like having Gamefaqs built into the game. And it doesnt seem like you NEED to read it if you don't want to, people are always complaining about the optional dumbing down in games.
I could also see it as a nice competitive tool as some people will try to race their friends thru the game to see who can leave a message in a room first. The diary becomes a finish line of sorts.
Seems like the Wii U version for me then, I don't streetpass many people if at all because I don't take my 3DS with me everywhere I go and if I ever did streetpass anyone I doubt they'd have shovel Knight's on there 3DS. In any case I'll probably end up getting both versions eventually anyway but the Wii U version would probably be the first version I get.
It's so rad to see an indie dev picking up the slack and implementing Nintendo's hardware features in the game.
Streetpass Arena sounds like fun. Was already planning to get the 3DS version so this will be a nice bonus.
Knight hype
@wasf
Same for me. I cant wait to play this game.
Can't wait for the 3DS version!
It would be nice if they would do some sort of "Cross-Buy" -type program for this game. Buying one version could give you a download code to get a significant discount on the other, or something like that.
Because I can't decide between HD or 3D.
As if this didnt seem a ton like dark souls already. The message system is pretty much the exact same thing as the one in dark souls (not a bad thing to copy one of the best games of all time IMO, of course)
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