If you're looking for a game that perfectly balances challenging gameplay, a rich world to explore, and a stunning art style, then Hollow Knight by Team Cherry is the game for you. This 2D Metroidvania has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide, becoming one of the most acclaimed games of all time. In this game review, we'll delve into what makes Hollow Knight such an amazing game and why it's worth every minute of your hours of play.
From the moment you descend into the kingdom of Hallownest, you're greeted with a vast world of Hollow Knight left for you to discover. The world of Hallownest is a sprawling underground realm filled with secrets, lore, and countless areas of the game that will keep you engaged throughout the game. Whether you're wandering through the eerie caverns of Deepnest or the fungal wastes, there's so much to explore that you might find yourself getting lost—and loving every minute of it.
The game design encourages exploration without holding your hand. There's no right or wrong way to explore Hallownest; if you want to explore every corner, the game doesn't stop you. You start in the quiet town of Dirtmouth, a hub that serves as your gateway to the kingdom of bugs. An important NPC in Dirtmouth is Elderbug, who provides hints and lore. As you delve deeper, you meet various NPCs scattered throughout the kingdom, each adding depth to the story and sometimes offering unique items or abilities. The map maker, Cornifer, is an essential character who helps you navigate the labyrinthine passages, though you'll have to find him in each new area.
Fast travel is facilitated by the Stag Stations, allowing you to move quickly between key locations. This is particularly useful as you backtrack to previous areas with new abilities. The world of Hollownest is vast, and with so much left for you to discover, the game doesn't feel like it's holding anything back.
Hollow Knight is renowned for its challenging combat and intense boss fights. With over 40 bosses to defeat, each with unique attack patterns, the game will test your skills and patience. Hitting enemies with your nail—the game's primary weapon—requires precision and timing. Enemies with your nail will drop Geo, the in-game currency, which you can use to purchase items, charms, and upgrades.
One of the most exhilarating aspects is how the game punishes recklessness but rewards strategy. Finding time to heal during boss battles is crucial, and standing still during a fight is not an option. If you die, you'll lose all your collected Geo and have to summon your Shade at the spot of your demise to retrieve it. This adds a layer of tension to every encounter, especially in the more difficult platforming sections where one wrong move can send you back to the last bench you sat on.
The boss battles are a highlight, ranging from duels with the agile Mantis Lords to epic confrontations with the enigmatic Radiance. Each boss fight is a test of skill, requiring you to learn and adapt to their attack patterns. The game doesn't feel like it's unfair; instead, it challenges you to improve, making each victory immensely satisfying.
As you progress, you'll unlock new abilities that open up new routes and areas. The Dash ability allows you to zip across gaps, while the Mantis Claw lets you cling to walls, adding depth to the already intricate platforming mechanics. Hollow Knight also offers double-jump and other abilities that enhance mobility. These abilities not only enhance combat but also introduce new platforming challenges that test your reflexes and timing.
The Charm system is another layer that adds customization to your playstyle. With over 40 charms to collect, you can mix and match abilities to suit how you want to play. Whether you prefer to focus on healing, increasing damage, or enhancing movement, the charm system lets you tailor your experience. Some charms are hidden behind secret areas or tough challenges, adding to the collectible aspect of the game.
Collectibles like Grubs are scattered throughout Hallownest, and rescuing them rewards you with Geo and other bonuses. You'll often need to backtrack to previous areas with your new abilities, discovering secrets and collectibles you couldn't reach before. This Metroidvania staple is executed flawlessly, making the entire game feel interconnected and cohesive.
One of the standout features of Hollow Knight is its gorgeous hand-drawn art style. The atmospheric visuals bring the kingdom of bugs to life, from the luminescent mushrooms in the Fungal Wastes to the haunting beauty of the City of Tears. The attention to detail is astounding, making every area distinct and memorable.
The atmosphere is a big part of Hollow Knight's appeal. The game conveys its history and lore through visuals and subtle cues, making the world of Hollownest feel alive. The art style complements the melancholic tone of the game, making it both eerie and captivating.
The atmospheric experience is further enhanced by the game's exceptional soundtrack. Composed by Christopher Larkin, the music sets the mood perfectly for each area. From the somber melodies in Dirtmouth to the intense tracks during boss battles, the soundtrack is a masterpiece in its own right.
Sound effects also play a crucial role. The clink of your nail hitting enemies, the ambient noises in the background, and the distinct sounds of different environments add layers to the immersive experience.
Hollow Knight offers immense replayability, especially with the addition of multiple free DLC packs like The Grimm Troupe and Godmaster. These expansions introduce new bosses, areas, and challenges, enriching the already vast world. The Grimm Troupe DLC, for instance, adds a new storyline and some of the most challenging bosses in the game.
For those seeking an even greater challenge, the Steel Soul Mode offers a permadeath experience where one mistake can end your entire playthrough. The game also features multiple endings, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny to uncover the full story.
Originally released on PC, Hollow Knight has made its way to consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Xbox. Playing on the Nintendo Switch allows you to take the world of Hollow Knight on the go, which is perfect for grinding Geo or tackling a few bosses during commutes. The game runs smoothly across platforms, ensuring that no matter where you play, you'll have an exceptional experience.
In conclusion, Hollow Knight is not just a great game; it's an amazing game that stands as one of the best Metroidvanias ever created. From its challenging combat and intricate world design to its stunning art and music, it's a game that every gamer should experience. Whether you're a fan of platformers, action games, or just looking for a game like Zelda in terms of exploration, Hollow Knight won't disappoint.
With hours to reach the end and so much left for you to discover, the game is great and will keep you engaged for a long time. The entire game is crafted with such care that it ranks among my favourite games. It's no wonder that on Metacritic, Hollow Knight has received high praise from both critics and players alike. So grab your nail, sit at a bench, and dive into the enchanting and challenging world of Hollow Knight.
