20 Video Game Clones Better Than The Original

Though the indie scene is rife with retro platformers, few nail the feel of an 8-bit side-scroller quite like Shovel Knight. The simplistic design, straightforward gameplay, and crunched chip-tunes are sure to satiate that nostalgic itch for old-school gamers.

Although parallels with Mega Man are apparent, Shovel Knight also took heavy inspiration from 1989's Ducktales, most notably with the way Scrooge McDuck uses his cane to hop around and bounce off enemies. Shovel Knight takes this simple mechanic and find countless creative ways to incorporate it into the gameplay.

Instead of having a limited life system, the titular knight loses a chunk of money when he dies, which he needs to purchase helpful accessories. Luckily, the shovel-wielding warrior can return to the spot of his death to reclaim his lost cash. The knight tends to die in enemy-crammed areas or instant-death pits, so players must decide whether to risk revisiting these hazardous places or take the loss, creating another strategic component to the gameplay.

After receiving universal praise, Shovel Knight spawned numerous expansions, some of which offered new gaming modes, including a fighting spin-off and an addictive card game.

With further expansions on the way, the adoration for Shovel Knight isn't going away anytime soon.