With Silksong just around the corner, we thought it would be the right time to take a look back at what made the original Hollow Knight special. Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania-style game that was developed and published by Team Cherry in 2017. The game became an instant classic for its beautiful visuals, immersive world, and gripping storyline. Today we will be revisiting and reviewing Hollow Knight to see if it still holds up in 2023.
Story
Hollow Knight’s story is a tragic tale that unfolds gradually as you explore the game’s vast underground world of Hallownest. Takes on the role of a small bug as they explore the ruined kingdom of Hallownest, searching for answers to the mysteries that haunt it. We learn about the game’s story through environmental storytelling, cryptic clues, and hidden secrets that make for a thrilling narrative experience.
Exploration
Hollow Knight’s world is filled with interconnected ruins and forgotten cities, with secrets, hidden paths, and deadly enemies. The environments are beautifully designed, each with its own unique style and atmosphere, from the desolate wastes of the Forgotten Crossroads to the creepy depths of the Deepnest. The attention to detail in each environment is exceptional, with interesting backgrounds and visual cues that give each area a distinct personality.
Enemies
The enemies in Hollow Knight are varied and challenging, with each having its own unique abilities and attack patterns. Each area is its own biome with local flora and fauna that help each newly explored area feel fresh and exciting. The bosses are particularly memorable, with stunning designs and epic battles that test the player’s skills to their limits. The game rewards careful observation as each enemy requires a different approach to defeat.
Combat
Combat in Hollow Knight is fast-paced and challenging, with the player using a nail as their primary weapon. You can also obtain spells that can be used to damage enemies, heal, or manipulate the environment. Enemies have unique attack patterns and require strategic planning to defeat. The combat is a satisfying back-and-forth between you and your enemies, where mastering timing is the key to success.
Movement
Hollow Knight’s movement and traversal mechanics are some of the best in any Metroidvania-style game. The knight can dash, jump, and wall-climb, making for a fast and fluid movement system that is satisfying to master. The game also features movement upgrades, such as a double jump and the crystal dash. Each upgrade opens up new areas for you to return to and explore. Paired with complex movement puzzles, this makes for some extremely satisfying parkour gameplay.
Music
The haunting melodies add to the game’s sense of mystery and wonder, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. For example, the haunting melodies of Soul Sanctum are one example of the music perfectly capturing the game’s ominous atmosphere. On the other hand, more cheerful and lively melodies, such as the music in Greenpath, give it a sense of life. Safe to say that each area has a unique sense of identity tied to its music, and the same can be said for a lot of the bosses.
Our Verdict on Hollow Knight
Overall, Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of game design, with exceptional storytelling, beautiful environments, challenging enemies, and satisfying traversal mechanics. It rewards exploration and patience while providing an engaging experience that will stay with players long after finishing it. With Silksong on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit this classic. Be sure to check out our blog for quick reviews on both popular titles and some underrated gems.
