'Shovel Knight' free 'Plague of Shadows' DLC release date in Q2

Yacht Club Games

"Shovel Knight" is an adventure game set in a classic but expanded 8-bit style. Following time-tested gameplay popularized by "Mario," players control the Shovel Knight as he hopes to defeat the Enchantress and save his beloved. Available originally on PC, 3DS, and Wii U, "Shovel Knight's" detailed design, balanced gameplay, and different modes became so popular that Yacht Club Games, the title's developer, will import the game to the Sony PS3, PS4, and PS Vita as part of Sony's Spring Fever on April 21. 

Also, Yacht Club Games, based in Valencia, California, has announced the release of the update pack for the side-scroller. Aptly titled "Plague of Shadows," the free update follows the quest of mad scientist Plague Knight as he uses potions and poisons to get the ultimate potion. 

Featuring a new storyline and gameplay, the expansion pack will have updated game content. Players can now collect loot and upgrade equipment and power-ups using crafting and alchemy. The Plague Knight also uses alchemy, bomb jumps, and explosives all throughout the game, defeating both his former allies and new bosses and get the ultimate Serum Supernus potion. 

As an added bonus to "Shovel Knight" fans, plush merchandise is also available for pre-order at WeLoveFine. This plush toy features Shovel Knight with a magnetic shovel that fans can attach to the toy's back or on its hands.

With an ESRB rating of "Everyone," "Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows" will be available in the second quarter of this year, but the exact date has yet to be announced. It will be released across all platforms, for PC, Mac and Linux; consoles Wii U, Xbox One, PS3 and PS4; and handhelds Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita. The free update is also playable as demo content on Yacht Club Games' booth at the PAX East event, to be held from March 6 to 8 in Boston, Massachusetts.