10 Outrageously Inventive Video Game Weapons

3. Shovel – Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games must have known they were onto a winner here because the design of this retro platformer’s titular weapon exudes confidence.

The shovel has a multitude of creative uses and lends the game heaps of charm. Like any good shovel it’s great for digging away dirt to unearth secret coins and expose new areas, but you can also use it in combat to swipe at enemies, knocking them back or flipping them over.

But Shovel Knight’s trademark manoeuvre is to point their shovel downwards while in mid-air, allowing them to bounce off enemies and obstacles in the environment to gain extra height and dodge attacks. The game makes sure to capitalise on this mechanic, with many platforming challenges requiring you to use the shovel bounce to cross gaps or propel floating platforms.

Expert players can chain large numbers of shovel bounces together, pogoing across levels with ease. The precision and versatility of this weapon makes for highly satisfying gameplay which players of all skill levels can enjoy. One thing’s for sure: you don’t have to dig deep to find the treasures this game has to offer.