# Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

> 2014 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q123158447](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123158447)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shovel_Knight:_Treasure_Trove)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shovel-knight-treasure-trove

## Summary

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a platform game, action-adventure game, and action game. It combines these distinct genres into a single experience.

## Summary
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is a 2014 platform and action-adventure video game developed and published by Yacht Club Games. It serves as a compilation of the *Shovel Knight* series, featuring multiple campaigns, including *Shovel of Hope*, *Plague of Shadows*, *Specter of Torment*, *King of Cards*, and *Shovel Knight Showdown*, all bundled into a single package. The game is celebrated for its retro-inspired gameplay, indie charm, and critical acclaim, earning high review scores across platforms.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove*
- **Release Date**: June 26, 2014
- **Developer**: Yacht Club Games
- **Publisher**: Yacht Club Games
- **Composer**: Jake Kaufman
- **Genre**: Platform game, action-adventure game, action game
- **Game Modes**: Single-player, multiplayer, co-op mode
- **Platforms**:
  - Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux (via Steam)
  - Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
  - Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
- **Input Devices**: Gamepad, touchscreen (Android)
- **Distribution**: Digital distribution (Steam, Humble Store, Nintendo eShop, Microsoft Store, Google Play, PlayStation Store)
- **Review Scores**:
  - 89/100 (OpenCritic Top Critic Average, 2020)
  - 91% (OpenCritic Critics Recommend, 2020)
- **Languages Supported**: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
- **Part of Series**: *Shovel Knight*
- **Included Campaigns**:
  1. *Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope*
  2. *Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows*
  3. *Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment*
  4. *Shovel Knight: King of Cards*
  5. *Shovel Knight Showdown*
- **Steam Application ID**: 250760
- **Metacritic ID**: `shovel-knight` (PC), `shovel-knight-treasure-trove`
- **OpenCritic ID**: 4034
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Characteristics**: Indie game, retro-inspired design

## FAQs

**What is *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove*?**
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is a compilation video game released in 2014 that bundles all major *Shovel Knight* campaigns into one package, including *Shovel of Hope*, *Plague of Shadows*, *Specter of Torment*, *King of Cards*, and *Shovel Knight Showdown*. It is developed and published by Yacht Club Games and is known for its classic platforming gameplay and pixel-art aesthetics.

**On which platforms is *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* available?**
The game is available on a wide range of platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Android, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. It supports both gamepad and touchscreen controls (on Android).

**What are the different campaigns included in *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove*?**
The compilation includes five main campaigns:
1. *Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope* (the original game)
2. *Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows* (a prequel focusing on Plague Knight)
3. *Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment* (a prequel focusing on Specter Knight)
4. *Shovel Knight: King of Cards* (a card-based adventure featuring King Knight)
5. *Shovel Knight Showdown* (a competitive fighting game mode)

**What kind of reviews has *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* received?**
The game has received widespread critical acclaim, with an OpenCritic score of 89/100 (Top Critic Average) and a 91% recommendation rate from critics as of 2020. It is praised for its tight controls, charming visuals, and nostalgic yet fresh take on classic platformers.

**Is *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* an indie game?**
Yes, it is classified as an indie game, developed by the independent studio Yacht Club Games. The game embodies many hallmarks of indie development, including creative freedom, retro-inspired design, and a strong focus on gameplay mechanics.

**Can *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* be played cooperatively?**
Yes, the game supports a co-op mode, allowing players to team up in certain campaigns. It also offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, including the competitive *Shovel Knight Showdown*.

## Why It Matters
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is significant as a modern homage to classic 8-bit and 16-bit platformers, revitalizing interest in retro-style gameplay while introducing innovative mechanics and expansive content. Its success demonstrated the viability of crowdfunded indie games, inspiring a wave of similar projects. The game’s critical and commercial acclaim helped establish Yacht Club Games as a prominent indie developer, while its inclusion of multiple campaigns offered exceptional value, setting a benchmark for how to expand and repurpose a single game into a comprehensive experience. Additionally, its cross-platform availability and support for multiple languages made it accessible to a global audience, further cementing its place in gaming culture.

## Notable For
- **High Critical Acclaim**: Scored 89/100 on OpenCritic and a 91% recommendation rate, reflecting its quality and reception.
- **Compilation Model**: One of the first major indie games to successfully bundle multiple campaigns into a single, evolving package.
- **Retro Revival**: Revitalized interest in classic platformers with its NES-inspired art style and gameplay.
- **Indie Success Story**: Developed by Yacht Club Games, a studio formed by former WayForward Technologies employees, showcasing the potential of indie crowdfunding.
- **Multiplatform Support**: Available on over 10 platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile (Android).
- **Expansive Content**: Includes five distinct campaigns, each with unique gameplay mechanics and stories.
- **Co-op and Competitive Modes**: Offers both cooperative and versus multiplayer, adding replayability.
- **Language Support**: Supports 11 languages, making it accessible to a diverse global audience.
- **Award-Winning Soundtrack**: Composed by Jake Kaufman, known for his work in indie games.
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced a resurgence of retro-style indie games and inspired a dedicated fanbase.

## Body

### Overview and Development
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is a 2014 video game developed and published by Yacht Club Games, an independent studio based in the United States. The game began as a Kickstarter project, originally funded in 2013, and quickly gained attention for its nostalgic yet fresh take on classic platformers. The base game, *Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope*, was released on June 26, 2014, with subsequent expansions and campaigns added over the years. *Treasure Trove* serves as the definitive edition, compiling all major content into a single package.

### Gameplay and Mechanics
The game is a side-scrolling platformer with action-adventure elements, drawing heavy inspiration from *Mega Man*, *DuckTales*, and *Castlevania*. Players control Shovel Knight or other characters, each with unique abilities, as they navigate levels filled with enemies, traps, and treasure. The core gameplay revolves around using a shovel to attack, dig, and pogo-bounce on enemies, a mechanic that has become a signature of the series.

*Treasure Trove* includes multiple campaigns, each offering distinct gameplay styles:
- *Shovel of Hope*: The original campaign, following Shovel Knight’s quest to rescue Shield Knight.
- *Plague of Shadows*: A prequel focusing on Plague Knight, introducing alchemy-based mechanics.
- *Specter of Torment*: A prequel starring Specter Knight, with a focus on agility and wall-climbing.
- *King of Cards*: A card-based adventure featuring King Knight, blending platforming with a collectible card game.
- *Shovel Knight Showdown*: A competitive fighting game mode supporting up to four players.

The game supports single-player, co-op, and multiplayer modes, enhancing its replayability.

### Platforms and Distribution
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is available on a wide array of platforms, including:
- **PC**: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux (via Steam, GOG, Humble Store)
- **Consoles**: Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
- **Mobile**: Android (via Google Play)

The game is distributed digitally through platforms like Steam, Nintendo eShop, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and Google Play. It is also compatible with the Steam Deck, as verified by Valve.

### Reception and Awards
The game has received widespread critical acclaim, with an OpenCritic score of 89/100 (Top Critic Average) and a 91% recommendation rate based on 23 reviews as of August 13, 2020. Critics praised its tight controls, charming pixel-art visuals, and nostalgic yet innovative gameplay. The soundtrack, composed by Jake Kaufman, has also been highlighted as a standout feature.

### Localization and Accessibility
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* supports 11 languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. This broad language support has contributed to its global appeal and accessibility.

### Technical Details
- **Steam Application ID**: 250760
- **Metacritic IDs**: `shovel-knight` (PC), `shovel-knight-treasure-trove`
- **OpenCritic ID**: 4034
- **GOG Application ID**: `game/shovel_knight`
- **HowLongToBeat ID**: 19512
- **MobyGames ID**: 84827
- **PCGamingWiki ID**: `Shovel_Knight`

### Related Projects and Expansions
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is part of the broader *Shovel Knight* series, which has expanded beyond the original game to include:
- *Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon* (a puzzle game spin-off)
- *Shovel Knight Dig* (a roguelike platformer)
- Various amiibo figures and merchandise

The success of *Treasure Trove* has also led to collaborations, such as Shovel Knight appearing as a guest character in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* and *Indivisible*.

### Community and Legacy
The game has fostered a dedicated fanbase, with active communities on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Steam forums. Its modding scene, though not as extensive as some other indie games, has seen fan-made content and challenges. The game’s legacy lies in its role as a modern classic, bridging the gap between retro and contemporary gaming while proving the commercial and artistic viability of indie platformers.

### Business Model and Sales
*Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* follows a digital distribution model, with sales primarily driven through online storefronts. The game has been featured in numerous Steam sales, Humble Bundles, and console promotions, contributing to its longevity and continued popularity. While exact sales figures are not provided in the source material, its presence on platforms like VGChartz (ID: 222992) suggests it has been a commercial success, particularly on PlayStation 4.

### Cultural Impact
The game’s success has had a ripple effect in the indie gaming scene, inspiring other developers to explore retro-style games with modern twists. It has also been cited in academic discussions about game design, particularly regarding its use of nostalgia and iterative level design. The character of Shovel Knight has become an iconic figure in indie gaming, appearing in crossovers and cameos in other media.

### Future Prospects
While *Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove* is a complete package, Yacht Club Games continues to support the franchise with new spin-offs and updates. The studio has expressed interest in exploring other genres and platforms, ensuring the *Shovel Knight* series remains relevant in the evolving gaming landscape.

## References

1. Steam
2. OpenCritic
3. GOG.com
4. Humble Store
5. [Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove | Deku Deals](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/shovel-knight-treasure-trove)
6. IndieMag
7. Lutris database
8. [Source](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
9. [PCGamingWiki](https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Shovel_Knight)
10. Q124398839
11. PlayStation Store
12. Q117506892
13. Game Input Database
14. VGChartz