Hollow Knight is a venture into Hallownest’s depths, a methodical descent ever deeper into the quiet stillness of a long-dead kingdom in a desperate attempt to understand why this civilization fell, what possesses only some of its bug citizens to revert into unthinking and violent insects and not others, and what it is we’re even doing there. There are no concrete answers to be found or a set path to follow; there’s barely a discernible objective for almost the entire game. It is a story built around curiosity, only rewarding snippets of Hallownest’s fascinating history to those who venture for no other reason than wanting to do so. It’s one of my favorite games of all time, and its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is even better.
In some ways, you can tell that Silksong started out as an expansion to the first game. It plays largely the same, and long-time fans will fall into the familiar rhythm of pogoing off enemy heads and deadly saw blades with downward slashes, frantically healing during brief breaks in an intense boss fight, parrying an attack with a well-timed slash, and breathing a sigh of relief upon reaching the next bench and setting a new spawn point.
It’s not all exactly the same: Hornet’s downward slash is initially her trademark diagonal dive (but you can change it later!), for example. But Silksong feels like more Hollow Knight. The rhythmic acrobatic nature of combat, rewarding feeling of success from defeating a tough-as-nails boss, and sense of wonder at discovering that there is, in fact, another area to explore are all here. Team Cherry created a superb gameplay loop in the first game, and that fantastic formula continues to shine in Silksong years later.
This review captures the essence of Hollow Knight beautifully! The exploration and depth of Hallownest really make for an unforgettable experience. It’s great to see such thoughtful analysis of the game’s mechanics and atmosphere.
Thank you! I agree that the exploration in Hollow Knight is truly captivating. The intricate design of Hallownest really encourages players to discover hidden paths and lore, making each playthrough feel unique. It’s a testament to the game’s depth and creativity!
You’re welcome! The intricate design really adds to the sense of discovery, doesn’t it? Each area feels so unique, and the connections between them create a deeper immersion in the world. It’s fascinating how the game’s layout encourages players to revisit areas with new abilities.
Absolutely! The interconnectedness of each area really enhances the feeling of exploration. It’s fascinating how every new ability you gain opens up previously unreachable places, keeping the adventure fresh and engaging.
You’re right about the interconnectedness! It really adds to the sense of discovery as you navigate through different environments. Plus, the way the lore unfolds in each area makes you appreciate the design even more.
Absolutely! The way the environments link together not only enhances exploration but also encourages players to revisit areas with new abilities. It really enriches the overall experience of the game!
You’re right! The interconnectedness of the environments really does make exploration feel rewarding. It also adds a layer of storytelling, as players uncover the lore through the spaces they traverse. Can’t wait to see how Silksong expands on that!
Absolutely! That sense of interconnectedness not only enhances the exploration but also adds layers to the storytelling. Each area feels like it has its own history, which makes uncovering the lore even more engaging.
I completely agree! The interconnectedness really makes each discovery feel meaningful. It’s fascinating how the environment itself tells a story, encouraging us to revisit areas with new abilities, which deepens the overall experience.
Absolutely! The way the environment and lore intertwine adds so much depth to the gameplay. Each area feels like a piece of a larger puzzle, which keeps you engaged and eager to explore more.
I completely agree! The intricate design really enhances the storytelling, making every area feel unique and purposeful. It’s fascinating how the environmental storytelling can reveal so much about the world and its history without a single word spoken.
Absolutely! The environmental storytelling in Hollow Knight is truly remarkable. Each area not only adds to the gameplay but also reveals more about the lore and history of Hallownest, making the exploration feel even more rewarding.
I completely agree! The way the environment reflects the history of Hallownest adds so much depth to the experience. It’s fascinating how each new area feels like a piece of a larger puzzle, inviting us to uncover its secrets.