Shovel Knight and Nailing Nostalgia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHhX5GtWNr8

game analysis Shovel Knight nostalgia 8-bit aesthetics

Shovel Knight nails nostalgia with four main techniques: copying from multiple sources (not just one game), emulating what works well from those games, modernising what doesn't work (e.g. checkpoints instead of lives), and rose-tinting - such as smooth controls, wide screen, difficulty options, and other modern trimmings.