Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Simple yet very entertaining
Shovel Knight is a 2D platformer, meaning you only run left and right, jump up and down, and attack your enemies. You don't have to worry about the 3D environmental hazards that games nowadays love to throw at you. That simplicity doesn't take away from the game at all, and in fact is the key to making it fun; all you have to do is deal with what's on your screen.
Pro A risk versus reward aspect keeps the game fresh
You're able to destroy checkpoints, and in return you receive promises of loot. This is a system unique to Shovel Knight. It also makes the game more challenging, but since you're able to control it there's never really the issue of things getting overly difficult. Added (optional) challenge inherently makes games more fun, and Shovel Knight does it very well.
Pro Fast-paced gameplay
Shovel Knight really moves when it comes to gameplay. While you have the ability to take it slow and steady if you're stuck on a particularly difficult level, generally you're cutting through enemies and picking up treasure at high speeds. The faster you're moving through levels, the more loot you pick up, and more loot usually means more fun.
Pro The controls are very intuitive
Not only are the controls very easy to get down, or even master, the way they work together is seamless. On top of the fluid movement the game provides, it just feels good to play.
They're quite simple - you can only move in two directions, left and right, and can jump up and down the different levels. You can also attack your enemies while doing any number of other things (climbing, jumping, etc). You really only need to worry about the 4 directions, jumping, and fighting.