Experienced the debut hours of Silksong, purchasing it solely due to the viral enthusiasm – my personal observations now shared
In the world of video games, a new contender has emerged, captivating players across multiple platforms with its unique blend of Metroidvania-inspired gameplay, hand-drawn characters, and challenging combat. Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, has sold an impressive 15 million copies, placing it among the ranks of some major AAA titles like Call of Duty.
This indie phenomenon, available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, has garnered widespread popularity due to its high-quality gameplay, increasing reputation through word of mouth, and accessibility on various platforms. The game's success has solidified its position as one of the most successful indie games to date.
As players delve into the game, they encounter human-sounding voiced insectoid denizens, which can be both intriguing and disturbing. The protagonist, an action-junkie who prefers fast-paced games like Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, finds themselves in a strange underground cavern, on a quest to find a way out.
The gameplay in Hollow Knight: Silksong is reminiscent of a FromSoftware-developed title, with its demanding difficulty and intricate boss battles. The main weapon, a needle that can act as a sword and be tossed like a spear, provides satisfying sound effects and slight screen shake with each attack. However, the gameplay has somewhat loose-feeling controls, making jumps tricky, and combat can feel a little loose, but it is generally responsive.
Exploration is made easier with shortcuts, similar to those found in Dark Souls games, and paying attention to enemy patterns is crucial during boss battles. Small foes can be extremely aggressive, and boss battles can be over quickly if not careful. Dying in the game requires the player to return to where they died to retrieve collected items.
Despite the game's success, its plot remains somewhat mysterious, with the simple goal of escaping providing enough impetus to continue. Comparisons to games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Limbo, and Inside are not unwarranted, as Hollow Knight: Silksong's graphics and gameplay share similarities with these titles.
The release of Hollow Knight: Silksong has caused a surge of purchases, temporarily taking major gaming storefronts offline. Some indie game developers have even delayed their game releases to avoid competing with this indie powerhouse. With its captivating gameplay, intriguing characters, and challenging combat, Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to enthrall players, making it a must-play for any video game enthusiast.
At the time of writing, 490,490 people are playing Hollow Knight: Silksong on Steam, a testament to its enduring popularity. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of Metroidvania-inspired games, Hollow Knight: Silksong offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to keep you hooked.
