A Dark, Beautiful World Beneath Your Feet
Few indie games have left as lasting an impression as Hollow Knight by Team Cherry. Released originally in 2017, it continues to be one of the most recommended games in the metroidvania genre — and for good reason. But does it hold up today for new players? Let's break it down.
What Is Hollow Knight?
Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure game set in the sprawling underground kingdom of Hallownest. You play as a small, silent knight exploring ruined tunnels, forgotten cities, and dangerous bug-inhabited territories. The game blends exploration, precise combat, and deep lore in a way that feels wholly original.
Gameplay: Tight, Rewarding, Demanding
Combat in Hollow Knight is fast and deliberate. Your primary weapon — the Nail — is used for both offense and traversal. You'll unlock spells, abilities, and upgrades as you explore, opening up new areas and new ways to fight. The charm system lets you customize your playstyle, offering hundreds of viable builds.
- Boss fights are challenging but fair, each with distinct patterns you can learn and master.
- Movement feels fluid once you unlock more traversal abilities like the Mothwing Cloak and Mantis Claw.
- Death mechanics are punishing but not cruel — you lose your Geo (currency) and must retrieve it from your shade.
Exploration: A Map Worth Getting Lost In
Hallownest is enormous. With no quest markers or hand-holding, discovery is entirely in your hands. You'll buy map fragments from a traveling cartographer, and gradually piece together a world that constantly surprises you. Every area has its own visual identity, enemy roster, and atmosphere.
Art, Music, and Atmosphere
The hand-drawn art style is stunning — dark, melancholy, and full of tiny details. Christopher Larkin's soundtrack is exceptional, shifting from haunting ambience to intense orchestral swells during boss encounters. The atmosphere is genuinely one of the best in any indie game.
Story and Lore
The narrative is largely environmental. Hollow Knight doesn't spoon-feed you its story — you uncover it through NPC dialogue, item descriptions, and the remnants of a fallen civilization. It rewards curiosity, and players who dig deep will find a surprisingly rich and tragic tale.
Verdict
Hollow Knight is a landmark title. It's long, challenging, beautiful, and deeply satisfying. If you enjoy games that respect your intelligence and reward exploration, this is an absolute must-play. At its current price point, it's one of the best value games available on any platform.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | 9.5 / 10 |
| Visuals | 9 / 10 |
| Sound & Music | 9.5 / 10 |
| Story & Lore | 8.5 / 10 |
| Overall | 9.5 / 10 |
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One