Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 12 hours ago

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To be clear from the start, both Games are excellent (S-Tier). But only Shovel Knight has been a big success so far (deserved!). I think Bat Boy's quality should put it into the line of best retro platformers on par with the inspiration. This review shows you what you can expect from the game in 2026 and what Bat Boy changes/adds to the mixture.

If you compare both games, they do have a lot of similarities, one is a goofy Knight with a shovel where as Bat Boy is trying to do that from the sports angle. The main difference is that Shovel Knight starts off strong but never evolves beyond that. Yes, Shovel Knight has spells to compensate for his short range but they are mostly used for combat. His mobility, doesn't change at all (beside one dash item). Boy Boy in contrast gets from each boss their signature ability which makes him at the end of the game a mobility power house. That gives the player a lot of ways to exploit the level design if they wish too. I am actually confused why nobody is talking about this game in high praises (maybe sports angle isn't doing so well as the joke knight angle). It does deserve it.

Tldr 9.5/10:
- Great graphics, charming animations, good music
- Tons of secrets, great level design
- Fair gameplay, no cheap deaths, Game feels like a breeze
- Abilities make the player a mobility power house
- Rewarding exploration
- 6 hours completion time (I want more!)

Bat Boy found here:
store.steampowered.com/app/1709350/Bat_Boy