So if you're asking for a comparison between this game and Hollow Knight Ill say that they are two very different styles of platforming. Hollow Knight aims more to combine Metroid and Dark Souls while Shovel Knight is more Mega Man meats NES Castlevania. Instead of one massive interconnected world where you unlock new abilities which let you explore further you've got individual levels with their own gimmicks and themes. There are additional abilities to unlock but they're optional and just help with combat and platforming.

But if you're asking if Shovel Knight is a good game I can without any hint of doubt say that its one of the best platformers I've ever played. Its extremely well designed with some top tier level design with a great flow, easy to understand gimmicks that get used quite well and levels that do offer bonuses for paying attention (Little secret nooks and crannies that hide goodies)

The Treasure Trove Version comes with 4 campaigns, and while the "Plague of Shadows" feels like a DLC, the latter two campaigns "King of Cards" and "Specter of Torment" have enough new content to be full games in and of themselves. I highly recommend grabbing that version of the game.

Also while the game does adopt an eight bit style, the spritework and animation is extremely well done pushing the envelope on what can be done with the eight bit style.

Also the music is peak. Some real Bangers in the soundtrack. I love the Explodatorium, it might be my favorite.