In the course of eight years, Hollow Knight has remained an admirable triumph. Yet, the question lingers: Can Silksong measure up to the heightened expectations?
In the realm of Hallownest, a captivating world densely packed with shortcuts and cavities, a not-so-silent cartographer named Cornifer hums absentmindedly. His melodic tune serves as a beacon for those seeking him, while a youthful squeak indicates a caterpillar grub in need of rescue. However, beware, the wickedly similar sound of the explosive kamikaze Belfly should not be mistaken for the squeak of a distressed grub.
Hollow Knight, initially released in an era where it was a minority, has since grown in popularity, attracting a vast number of players. The game's debut was backed by just over 2,000 Kickstarter backers in 2014, and it hit 65,000 sales in the first month after its release, a significant achievement for the small Australian studio, Team Cherry.
The game's combat encourages aggression, with no shield and parrying only possible by launching a well-timed attack. Defeating one's shadowy spectre is required upon reaching it, and healing is done by drawing on a gauge charged with each strike that lands. The player's movement options expand from a single jump to long chains of directional dashes, wall slides, and mid-air hops, allowing for a fluid and engaging exploration of the game's interconnected world.
The game's design shares similarities with FromSoftware's work, particularly in the dark, intertwining themes of Lovecraftian horrors and Arthurian chivalry. Combat becomes more challenging over time, with progress gated behind multi-phase boss encounters, making each victory a testament to the player's skill and determination.
Repeat encounters with NPCs build to their own payoffs, humorous or tragic or both at once. The first inscription discovered in Hallownest suggests that the game's message is aimed at the player, not characters in the world. The game relies on audio cues to guide the player, with distinctive sounds signaling the best rewards.
Free updates added over the next 18 months to Hollow Knight have made the game feel impossibly huge, promising something new around every corner. The game's maps are diegetically rooted, and the game oozes with personality, providing numerous magic moments that lodge in the memory.
As for the future, Hollow Knight: Silksong, a sequel to Hollow Knight, has become a subject of much hype but has yet to be released. The key people behind the development of Silksong are Team Cherry co-founders and co-directors Ari Gibson (designer and artist) and William Pellen (designer and programmer), along with programmer Jack Vine. They led the project after it evolved from downloadable content into a full sequel.
In conclusion, Hollow Knight offers a unique and immersive gaming experience that combines intricate combat, engaging exploration, and a richly detailed world. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, Hollow Knight is a game that will captivate your senses and challenge your skills.
