Hollow Knight

 PC
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 2265 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,028 out of 2265
  2. Mixed: 123 out of 2265
  3. Negative: 114 out of 2265

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  1. skohl
    Dec 5, 2018
    10
    This is a pure action-platform gaming experience, based on the careful timing and spacing of your jump, attack, dash, and other abilities. The enemy variety and detail blows other metroidvania games out of the water! The bosses are more like something out of Mega Man, which is unusual in a genre of poorly balanced, janky bosses.

    It's a beautiful game with a gigantic world. I love the    This is a pure action-platform gaming experience, based on the careful timing and spacing of your jump, attack, dash, and other abilities. The enemy variety and detail blows other metroidvania games out of the water! The bosses are more like something out of Mega Man, which is unusual in a genre of poorly balanced, janky bosses.

    It's a beautiful game with a gigantic world. I love the sense of exploration when first entering a new area, before I have its map. This is the least linear metroidvania I've played, and that's a good thing. There were so many places I wanted to investigate at once, that I missed things that I could have found hours earlier. Only I didn't really miss out, because I was exploring to my heart's content the entire time, mapping out uncharted territory, killing bosses, and discovering secrets.

    The difficulty might be overstated, I guess it depends on your previous gaming experiences. I grew up playing every platformer on the SNES, every Mega Man X game multiple times, SotN and most other metroidvanias. For me this is perfectly balanced gameplay..    … Expand
  2. kings7
    Feb 25, 2017
    10
    This game isn't getting enough mainstream press. Really... the controls are the best I've ever felt in a side-scrolling game. The graphics and the music... there really are no words. The story is interesting and philosophical, although it does require you use your imagination. The game is difficult, yet accessible (with modes that make it 'Dark Souls' difficult, if you're enough of aThis game isn't getting enough mainstream press. Really... the controls are the best I've ever felt in a side-scrolling game. The graphics and the music... there really are no words. The story is interesting and philosophical, although it does require you use your imagination. The game is difficult, yet accessible (with modes that make it 'Dark Souls' difficult, if you're enough of a masochist). No qualms and no regrets, except that I wasn't an original Kickstarter backer. If you like video games at all, buy this. 9.8/10.… Expand
  3. Mandulum
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    Five Word Review: Best in class metroidvania, phenomenal!
    Favorite Thing: There aren't a whole lot of new concepts here but everything they do they do exceptionally well. The abilities, combat, animation, visuals, bosses, etc etc.
    Least Favorite Thing: Travel. Until you get the (optional) Dream Gate it's tedious. Date Completed: 2017-08-16 Playtime: ~ 41h (100% completion)    Five Word Review: Best in class metroidvania, phenomenal!
    Favorite Thing: There aren't a whole lot of new concepts here but everything they do they do exceptionally well. The abilities, combat, animation, visuals, bosses, etc etc.
    Least Favorite Thing: Travel. Until you get the (optional) Dream Gate it's tedious.

    Date Completed: 2017-08-16
    Playtime: ~ 41h (100% completion)
    Enjoyment: 10/10
    Recommendation: YES!    … Expand
  4. TSB
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    Simply it's 2D Dark Souls clone.
    +Great atmosphere.
    +Flued gameplay
    +Pretty graphics.
    +Sounds are impressive for indie game.
    +30 Bosses and 100+ enemies.
    +Enjoyable difficulty level.

    -Final boss fight wasn't hard.
    - Story is not interesting.
    9.5/10
  5. Dancuka
    Oct 18, 2017
    10
    This game is just awesome. Fantastic art, tight controls and superb atmosphere. Altho it borrows from Darks Souls a lot, I still feel they did a really wonderful game on its own. Some of the powerups feel pointless compared to others, but at least there is a lot to chose from, All in all, I have to say this is my favorite game this year so far. Highly recommended.
  6. AlexRaEU
    Mar 16, 2017
    10
    Great Metroidvania / Dark Souls combination. if you like metroid vanias and the souls games youll feel right at home. the art style is awesome, the controls are great, the progression is great, the atmosphere is superb. Story telling is similar to the Souls games and they borrowed quite a lot more and made it their own. The game has character and a lot of the npcs you meet are quiteGreat Metroidvania / Dark Souls combination. if you like metroid vanias and the souls games youll feel right at home. the art style is awesome, the controls are great, the progression is great, the atmosphere is superb. Story telling is similar to the Souls games and they borrowed quite a lot more and made it their own. The game has character and a lot of the npcs you meet are quite lovable and/or cute. The year just started but it is already acontender for GOTY. It is not quite as hard as the Souls games but it still feels very rewarding when you beat one of the countless bosses. it has a massive world and a lot to discover. for the asking price this game is definitely a steal. The devs are nice and working with the community to fix everything and patch in new content. This is a definite recommendation.… Expand
  7. HSuke
    Jun 12, 2018
    10
    I rare give perfect-score reviews, and Hollow Knight definitely deserves one. Of the dozen or so Metroidvania games I've played over the years, it's my favorite. The mechanics are precise and reproducible. The world is hauntingly gorgeous. The exploration is very enjoyable.
  8. sageol
    Mar 10, 2018
    10
    This game is one of the best games that I played for the last few years. And it is definitely the best metroidvania so far.
  9. T3RRAF0RM
    Jul 20, 2018
    10
    An absolute gem of a game. Loved every minute of the base game. The fact they have added 3 expansions for free, is so refreshing in this day and age of greedy game publishing companies. I loved the hand drawn art style and so did a lot of others looking at all the fan art hitting the team cherry Twitter thread. The game borrows from some other games (dark souls) but manages to always addAn absolute gem of a game. Loved every minute of the base game. The fact they have added 3 expansions for free, is so refreshing in this day and age of greedy game publishing companies. I loved the hand drawn art style and so did a lot of others looking at all the fan art hitting the team cherry Twitter thread. The game borrows from some other games (dark souls) but manages to always add its own twist. This isn't a small game you're probably going to get 30h plus from the title. So you're going to get a huge bang for your buck. This is probably my favourite metroidvania game of all time. It was also my game of the year (2017)… Expand
  10. gibran19
    Jul 12, 2017
    10
    The best indie metroidvania, and one of the best metroidvanias in general. Great gameplay, great design, great music. The only cons are some framerate issues and the backtracking can get a little bit tedious, no game is perfect but in spite of that details this game is a master piece that you must play.
  11. YetAnotherJohn
    May 30, 2021
    10
    If I had to describe Hollow Knight in one word, I'd call it 'atmospheric'. And then I'd ignore the one word requirement entirely and launch into a 2-hour-long monologue about how much fun it is. The background art, the soundtrack, the characterization of the enemies, everything about the game works perfectly to give each zone a unique feel, progressing towards a cohesive picture to theIf I had to describe Hollow Knight in one word, I'd call it 'atmospheric'. And then I'd ignore the one word requirement entirely and launch into a 2-hour-long monologue about how much fun it is. The background art, the soundtrack, the characterization of the enemies, everything about the game works perfectly to give each zone a unique feel, progressing towards a cohesive picture to the world and its bittersweet story. I absolutely fell in love with the game and its characters, and had a good time all around with both the combat and the platforming.

    Secrets and relevant items all have some sort of glow or sound, which makes locating them viable even if they're sometimes very well hidden, and the game provides multiple movement abilities and special skills to help you traverse locations. It's a lot of fun to gradually unlock access to new zones or reach spots in old places that you previously couldn't, and by the second half of the game you're so attuned to the locations and motions that you can traverse entire zones playing the floor is lava.

    The combat is delightful. Bosses have their own dedicated tracks and unique moves, and are all about having their patterns memorized so you can sneak in attacks without taking damage. The charms and spells you can use also give the combat a lot of variety, so you can customize how to fight.

    Finally, the added DLCs further polish the experience with both quality of life upgrades and actual, amazing new content, including an incredibly hard (but very satisfying) boss rush. Hollow Knight is, without a doubt, one of the best games of the genre, and I'd recommend it to anyone who's even remotely interested in metroidvanias.    … Expand
  12. theduffman7
    Nov 21, 2018
    10
    Con solo decir que le he echado mas de 55 horas a este juego creo que está todo dicho, pero no me voy a quedar solo ahí.
    Empezando por el contenido artístico, el juego es una pasada. Todos los niveles son preciosos y siempre te quedas mirando hasta el mas mínimo detalle.
    La jugabilidad es super cómoda (Yo use mando). Nivel de dificultad muy variado, como es un metroidvania tipo dark    Con solo decir que le he echado mas de 55 horas a este juego creo que está todo dicho, pero no me voy a quedar solo ahí.
    Empezando por el contenido artístico, el juego es una pasada. Todos los niveles son preciosos y siempre te quedas mirando hasta el mas mínimo detalle.
    La jugabilidad es super cómoda (Yo use mando).
    Nivel de dificultad muy variado, como es un metroidvania tipo dark souls, te puedes meter en zonas as difíciles ya que no tienes todas las habilidades necesarias.
    El lore es tipo dark souls, si quieres historia buscatela encontrando a los npcs.
    Para mi de los mejores juegos indie por no decir el mejor.    … Expand
  13. davion100
    Mar 26, 2017
    10
    Amazing................................................................................................................................................................
  14. JuanLuisGG14
    Aug 19, 2018
    10
    I definitely didn't expect this game to be this good
    Outstanding game in its genre (Metroidvania platformer) . From the hauntingly gorgeous artstyle to the rich lore, ost and map design... it is nearly perfect, Many routes and secrets ensure the sense of constant discovery. It's a must buy 9.5/10
  15. Flora
    Dec 4, 2018
    10
    Enjoyable game. This might be my favorite game despite not being a fan of having a grim tone in the games i play, and a less vibrant art style than i prefer (I prefer the vibrant nature of Ori and the blind forest a bit more).
    The difficulty of the game is on the low side for the majority of the game where it ramps up to a nice level close to the end, i would personally have preferred a    Enjoyable game. This might be my favorite game despite not being a fan of having a grim tone in the games i play, and a less vibrant art style than i prefer (I prefer the vibrant nature of Ori and the blind forest a bit more).
    The difficulty of the game is on the low side for the majority of the game where it ramps up to a nice level close to the end, i would personally have preferred a more difficult mid-game that'd force you to utilize more of your abilities, though it would be hard to maintain the same openness of the world, so i guess this is the best compromise.
    So why is this a 10/10, because i have seen no other game do so many things so right: the music is amazing with the exception of the combat soundtrack of City of Tears, the art style is awesome, the combat system is minimalistic is a really good way, and the world is massive yet filled to the brim with content. The story is kinda hit or miss, though it is mostly optional.
    i would easily have picked this game up for 30$, so 15$ (10$ if on sale) is a steal, if you do not have this game in your game collection, it is a mistake.    … Expand
  16. nichochar2
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    I'm giving this game 10/10, and I'm weighing my choice. This game manages to do a bunch of things absolutely perfectly, here are a few:
    * The physics and mechanics feel great, and have a high skill ceiling
    * the world is beautiful and mesmerizing, whilst being very diverse * Enemies are challenging and plentiful (144 different types) * Spells are found at good times, and make the game    I'm giving this game 10/10, and I'm weighing my choice. This game manages to do a bunch of things absolutely perfectly, here are a few:
    * The physics and mechanics feel great, and have a high skill ceiling
    * the world is beautiful and mesmerizing, whilst being very diverse
    * Enemies are challenging and plentiful (144 different types)
    * Spells are found at good times, and make the game shift every few hours
    * Some bosses will have you retry a _BUNCH_ of times    … Expand
  17. LimitedEdition
    Sep 13, 2020
    10
    A highly atmospheric game crafted with love. Available DRM-free on GOG.com. Wonderful side-scrolling game I can recommend to everyone! It has been a long time since a video game has caught my attention and enthusiasm as greatly as Hollow Knight did and does. Try it and be amazed!
  18. RainXH11
    Jul 18, 2017
    10
    i played demon souls, dark souls 1, 2, 3, Bloodborne
    then i played hollow knight , dark souls games felt like a walk in the park comparing to this one
    this game will brutally destroy u and crashs you, you'll die in this game alooooooooooot you'll go back at the checkpoint are and you'll lose all your geos and you have to go through that hell again to get them back and 99% you won't, the    i played demon souls, dark souls 1, 2, 3, Bloodborne
    then i played hollow knight , dark souls games felt like a walk in the park comparing to this one
    this game will brutally destroy u and crashs you, you'll die in this game alooooooooooot you'll go back at the checkpoint are and you'll lose all your geos and you have to go through that hell again to get them back and 99% you won't, the world is too big and mysterious and awesome to explore, level design is brilliant, and there's 0 hand-holding you're on your own lil one.
    this games nails it, 10/10 best game i've played this year, worth your money and worth your time    … Expand
  19. JSagittarius
    Jul 1, 2019
    10
    Neskutecne zabavna, tezka, vizualne hezka hra.

    Chytil jsem se zde na 35hodin (98% complete). Celou dobu jsem se bavil. Hra by se dala rozdelit na 2 zakladni pilire. Prozkoumavani sveta a souboj s bossy. Pruzkum toho sveta bylo neco neskutecneho. Hledani ruznych zakouti, zkratek, objevovani novych lokaci apod. Pravda je ze hra moc nepomaha s tim kam jit. Je to drsny pristup ale o to je    Neskutecne zabavna, tezka, vizualne hezka hra.

    Chytil jsem se zde na 35hodin (98% complete). Celou dobu jsem se bavil. Hra by se dala rozdelit na 2 zakladni pilire. Prozkoumavani sveta a souboj s bossy. Pruzkum toho sveta bylo neco neskutecneho. Hledani ruznych zakouti, zkratek, objevovani novych lokaci apod. Pravda je ze hra moc nepomaha s tim kam jit. Je to drsny pristup ale o to je to zabavnejsi. Mapa neni nic jisteho a vsechno si clovek musi ze zacatku prozkoumat sam. Bohuzel diky tomu jsem se 2x docela slusne zasekl na nekolik hodin a musel jsem to vzdat a nechat si poradit na iternetu (jednou to byla abilita pro prekonani prekazek kterou jsem nenasel a podruhe moje hloupost kdy jsem vladce kudlanek povazoval jen za vedlejsiho bose, rekl si ze se na ne podivam pozdeji a pak na ne uplne zapomnel) :) Takze bych byl urcite pro nejakou malinkatou napovedu nekde ve hre kdyz je clovek na nekolik hodin ztraceny.

    V tezkych soubojich se moc nevyzivam ale tady to nikdy nepreslo do absurdni roviny a zakladni bosove se dali po nejake dobe zvladnout. Samozrejme hra umoznuje dalsi masochysticke hratky v ruznych rezimech ale to uz neni pro mne :)

    Jeste k tomu pruzkumu. Platformovky me vzdycky bavily a tady je to parada. Ovladnout vsechny dovednosti chvili trva a o to je to pak vetsi zadostiuceneni kdyz clovek proskace celou uroven aniz by se ho nekdo dotkl (kde driv ze zacatku dostal na zadek). Navic kdyz clovek sam od sebe najde nejaky poklad (novou schopnost) tak radost z toho nalezeni je super.

    Vizual je nadherny. Hudba take. Pribeh "kouzelny".

    Fakt pecka. Kor kdyz je za tim jeste tak maly tym    … Expand
  20. Ignotum
    Jul 9, 2017
    10
    Easily one of the best metroidvanias to arise from the current genre revival. A captivating and otherworldly environment, challenging combat, rewarding exploration and secrets, fascinating lore, and a gorgeous art style.
  21. Killshotef1
    Dec 9, 2018
    10
    Don't listen to the negative reviews the ones that make them are idiots. This game is a masterpiece. 4 free story and qol based dlc's on top of an already great and content heavy story, on top of an amazing price. If you have 15 dollars to spare buy it, you wont be disappointed.
    Music 10/10
    Gameplay 10/10 Map design 10/10 exploration factor 10/10 Story 10/10 Delve deep into the lore    Don't listen to the negative reviews the ones that make them are idiots. This game is a masterpiece. 4 free story and qol based dlc's on top of an already great and content heavy story, on top of an amazing price. If you have 15 dollars to spare buy it, you wont be disappointed.
    Music 10/10
    Gameplay 10/10
    Map design 10/10
    exploration factor 10/10
    Story 10/10
    Delve deep into the lore and understand this game will not spoon feed you its story through cut-scenes but rather show you the story subtly through world changes.
    this game is one of the few that over delivers almost to an extreme level.    … Expand
  22. szarkam
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Wow! This is one of the best metroidvanias I've played in a while. The game mechanics are so smooth and feel great, the art is surreal and gorgeous, and the music is haunting. The exploration is open and invites you to get lost, figure out the level, and eventually buy a map for every new stage you reach. If you like exploration and metroidvanias this is an absolute MUST buy. Some mayWow! This is one of the best metroidvanias I've played in a while. The game mechanics are so smooth and feel great, the art is surreal and gorgeous, and the music is haunting. The exploration is open and invites you to get lost, figure out the level, and eventually buy a map for every new stage you reach. If you like exploration and metroidvanias this is an absolute MUST buy. Some may be put off by the directionless exploration, but I absolutely love the freedom. It is also not an easy game; you will die a fair amount. If you aren't up for a challenge this may not be the game for you, but if you are a masochist like me you'll love the controller spiking, curse inducing deaths that are inevitable. There is also a TON of content; the trailer showed a massive map that I've only just scratched the surface on and I'm eight hours in! There are over 1 hundred enemies and over 30 bosses! We are absolutely spoiled to get this gem for $16! If you are a fan of metroidvanias that aren't going to hold your hand, you owe it to yourself to play Hollow Knight.… Expand
  23. beakerboy666
    Jan 16, 2020
    10
    Let's remember some of the most legendary 2D games to date, before Hollow Knight: Super Meat Boy, Rayman Origins/Legends, Ori and the Blind Forest, Hyper Light Drifter, etc.

    Hollow Knight is like the result of every good 2D game ever made channeling all of their energy into a single game, to create the best, most epic, most beautiful 2D game ever.

    BUY. THIS. GAME.
  24. Floyderhead
    Mar 20, 2017
    10
    I am truly amazed by Hollow Knight. The game starts off slow; it feels a bit cartoony at first but later into the game you realize that it's a pretty dark game full of rich areas and even richer characters. The game is definitely influenced by Dark Souls, and it fuses that influence in a Metrovania style game beautifully.
  25. Brainstrain
    Dec 12, 2019
    10
    Practically perfect. As a platformer, as a souls-like, and as a metroidvania,, Hollow Knight succeeds wildly. Combat is tight, and you will be amazed what you're capable of by the end of the game. Platforming is wove into the map seamlessly, with true challenges hidden in many nooks and corners. And, of course, it is a brilliantly laid out metroidvania, filled with interesting powers andPractically perfect. As a platformer, as a souls-like, and as a metroidvania,, Hollow Knight succeeds wildly. Combat is tight, and you will be amazed what you're capable of by the end of the game. Platforming is wove into the map seamlessly, with true challenges hidden in many nooks and corners. And, of course, it is a brilliantly laid out metroidvania, filled with interesting powers and upgrades that send you combing through old areas to see what new secrets await - and there are a LOT of secrets.

    There will be moments when you think you are lost, or stuck, and the game can be pretty obtuse about showing you the way forward. But in a non-linear game I think that's inevitable, and it adds to the atmosphere tremendously.

    I could go on forever. It's a phenomenal game for anyone who likes games and enjoys the feeling of rising to a challenge.    … Expand
  26. clptothetop
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    I really think this is one of the best game ever made. It's flawless. The music, the characters, the story and the visual are amazing. A masterpiece with free DLC.
  27. yand
    Oct 8, 2018
    10
    This game is amazing - 10/10!
    Absolutely beautiful!
    Perfect!
    Iis one of the best indie games ever!
  28. MrSchipunov
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    Best thing we got from the booming of Indie gamedev industry, without a doubt. Gameplay is extremely polished and it hooks you up along with the atmosphere. Must play.
  29. spzHades
    Mar 15, 2022
    10
    This game is masterpiece.. i had so much fun with it but also frustrating.

    I wasn't able to do the last 2% for maximum completetion achievement.
    The 3'rd tower was too much for me and there was a part in trial of fools that tilted me after many tries and abandoned it.

    All in all super awesome game.
  30. Aegil
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    In Hollow Knight, you adventure across a range of diverse landscapes, from dimly lit caverns to jellyfish-infested jungles. The mellow soundtrack is an absolute pleasure to listen to, and sets the tone of the game excellently. The boss fights are creative and memorable, and there are over 30 of them. Even the normal enemies are a pleasure to look at and fight against. If you are even theIn Hollow Knight, you adventure across a range of diverse landscapes, from dimly lit caverns to jellyfish-infested jungles. The mellow soundtrack is an absolute pleasure to listen to, and sets the tone of the game excellently. The boss fights are creative and memorable, and there are over 30 of them. Even the normal enemies are a pleasure to look at and fight against. If you are even the slightest fan of platformers, nonlinear level design, or cute insects, you need to get this game. Hollow Knight is an incredibly atmospheric experience that I cannot recommend enough.… Expand
  31. DarkEdge
    Feb 27, 2017
    10
    A beautiful art-nouveau platformer. It has slick controls, great atmosphere and music. Every enemy has its quirks. When at first it seems hard, you'll adapt quickly and learn the ways of hallownest. An unconventional story told through the ruins of an old city. It has already risen to my favourite games of all time.
  32. Chinchiller
    Mar 5, 2019
    10
    This is without a doubt the best Metroidvania-Game ever made! Excellent world building, story, combat and music. Once you start playing you just can't stop until you get the next discovery, powerup or boss battle. A masterpiece!
  33. Prodromus
    Mar 20, 2017
    10
    Where so many metroidvania style games fail, Hollow Knight knocks it out of the park in terms of game play and presentation with some of the best 2D animation I've seen for a game. I won't lie, Hollow Knight is a brutal game and not for a casual play through. The game starts off pretty easy but ramps up exceedingly after roughly the second boss at which point you really need to investWhere so many metroidvania style games fail, Hollow Knight knocks it out of the park in terms of game play and presentation with some of the best 2D animation I've seen for a game. I won't lie, Hollow Knight is a brutal game and not for a casual play through. The game starts off pretty easy but ramps up exceedingly after roughly the second boss at which point you really need to invest yourself into the game and how it's mechanics and upgrades work in order to succeed. Many a time I found my self hitting a wall, getting frustrated and having to take a break, only to come back more composed and crush said wall with such satisfaction that I've only felt from Dark Souls and Blood Born.

    When I found my sweet spot I was suddenly blitzing through area after area looking for secrets and treasure being surprised and how many things are hidden. The game is a very decent length but totally doesn't feel it, by the time you're wrapping up all things in order to get the true final boss you can easily clock 30+ hours with very little of it feeling tedious.

    My biggest flaws with Hollow Knight are mostly to do with things like "end lag" on abilities and not being able to "jump cancel" others. With such a fluid, tight controlling game it's shame the combat doesn't go that little bit extra but these are very niche personal complaints that many people won't notice.

    Over all Hollow Knight represents the highest form of a challenging game play and should be treated as a such with any negatives reviews mentioning difficulty being void.    … Expand
  34. PabloDesigns
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    This game is **** amazing, hands down the best Metroidvania I've ever played.

    Excellent and perfectly responsive gameplay with cool mechanics and abilities, interesting lore told to you only if you go and search it, gorgeous art style and enviroments that tell you something, geniously crafted music that makes you feel what you need to feel and suites the enviroments like no other. This    This game is **** amazing, hands down the best Metroidvania I've ever played.

    Excellent and perfectly responsive gameplay with cool mechanics and abilities, interesting lore told to you only if you go and search it, gorgeous art style and enviroments that tell you something, geniously crafted music that makes you feel what you need to feel and suites the enviroments like no other.
    This game has it all, from challenging difficulty, to great side-quests and exploration, while meeting excellent characters and melancholic enviroments. 10/10.

    P.S: I have my Steam profile dedicated to Hollow Knight lol, if you wanna check it out: id/pablodesigns777    … Expand
  35. Raziel1984
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    This game provides such a wonderful experience, and it's simply one of the best Metroidvanias of this generation. Fun, deep gameplay, great art direction and lasting appeal. Give it a try and you will see!
  36. MiniMiner
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    This is the best metroidvania I've ever played. You explore a huge insect kingdom that now lies in ruins, while uncovering the cryptic plot and lore. You get new abilities, but not often, so you learn to use them to their full potential. The level design is superb and there are lots of shortcuts and secret ways that make it fast and fun to traverse the locations. The combat is super tight,This is the best metroidvania I've ever played. You explore a huge insect kingdom that now lies in ruins, while uncovering the cryptic plot and lore. You get new abilities, but not often, so you learn to use them to their full potential. The level design is superb and there are lots of shortcuts and secret ways that make it fast and fun to traverse the locations. The combat is super tight, each enemy requires its own tactics, and you can feel every hit you make. The art and soundtrack... just watch the trailers, they are awesome.

    The game offers little directions, so you can only figure out where to go by exploring the world. Initially you do not even have a map for locations (you need to find the cartographer and buy it). This may put some people off, but I personally loved it.

    You need to immerse yourself into the game to properly enjoy it, but you won't regret it.

    Buy Hollow Knight if you like challenging combat, platforming, exploration and mystery.    … Expand
  37. Fulcan
    Apr 8, 2017
    10
    As someone with a tremendous fondness for "metroidvania" style games, Hollow Knight gives me everything I could have ever wanted. Well-crafted level design, INCREDIBLE (truly stunning) world design, a tear-jerking soundtrack, and solid, fun gameplay all combine into a game I couldn't be happier with. The story begins lighthearted and whimsical, as you play as a bug in a bug-eat-bug world,As someone with a tremendous fondness for "metroidvania" style games, Hollow Knight gives me everything I could have ever wanted. Well-crafted level design, INCREDIBLE (truly stunning) world design, a tear-jerking soundtrack, and solid, fun gameplay all combine into a game I couldn't be happier with. The story begins lighthearted and whimsical, as you play as a bug in a bug-eat-bug world, but over the course of the journey you realize the depth and grandeur of what's past and what's at stake, bringing you to one of three conclusions that earn their weight in the story. My eyes welled with tears during the final battle.

    If you like 2D sidescrollers, "metroidvanias," and fun, soulful indie games, you'd be foolish to avoid this one for the VERY reasonable price of 15 dollars on Steam. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this one.    … Expand
  38. CzarSquid
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Tiny bug goes on a rampage slaying the old gods that have ruined the bug kingdom
  39. poopsd
    Mar 12, 2017
    10
    Best game I've played since Bloodborne. Get this if you are a fan of:

    - focus on exploration and combat. Seriously, this game's map is ridiculously large and filled with interesting things to find. It feels like you are exploring an actual world instead of a bunch of different levels. You will be rewarded with new abilities, optional bosses, equipment, NPC dialogue and other things I    Best game I've played since Bloodborne. Get this if you are a fan of:

    - focus on exploration and combat. Seriously, this game's map is ridiculously large and filled with interesting things to find. It feels like you are exploring an actual world instead of a bunch of different levels. You will be rewarded with new abilities, optional bosses, equipment, NPC dialogue and other things I won't spoil

    - interesting characters. They're everywhere. Some of them you will find in multiple locations (in a way that is reminiscent of Dark Souls quest lines)

    - Beautiful art.. Probably the best looking Metroidvania style game to date

    - Challenging gameplay. It starts of very tame, but ramps up smoothly. Some of the optional bosses take a lot of practice

    - Attention to detail. Every room has its own character. There is a huge amount of background art and the enemy variety is through the roof. Keeps adding tons of new enemies until the very end

    - Cryptic storytelling. Again, if you've played Dark Souls you'll feel right at home. The story is mostly told through NPC dialogue and the world itself.

    The only negative points I find worth mentioning are on the technical side of things. There are random framedrops here and there and the pause menu's navigation (and only that menu) navigation is slow. That's all I can come up with. On a more subjective note, if you are easily frustrating by navigating through complex maps, this game is probably not for you, as often you won't be able to rely on your map for various reasons.    … Expand
  40. metalreflectsli
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pros:
    Skills
    Items
    Music
    Graphics
    Gameplay

    Cons:
    You must enter deeply into a new area before obtaining a map.
    There are bugs and glitches that prevent you from getting 100%.    … Expand
  41. Metacook
    Apr 7, 2017
    10
    Honestly one of the best games I have ever played. Make sure you persist through the initial couple of areas as the game gets more and more beautiful as you go on. The enemy and boss designs are wonderful and the amount of content is unbelievable considering the size of the development team. Can't recommend this game enough.
  42. Roybusa
    Jul 3, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What an awesome game, in this time full of bad games, comes a savior, great music, great, gameplay, great everything, a must have for players who knows about video games… Expand
  43. ZaniceDG
    Apr 23, 2017
    10
    This game is amazing. The graphics are superb, the combat was fun and responsive, good music and great NPC and enemy designs. I loved exploring the huge and expansive world of Hollownest. I know many didn't like the map system but I very rarely got lost and I didn't mind having to go and find the cartographer to be to see the map. The difficulty was perfectly balanced, I felt. Every time IThis game is amazing. The graphics are superb, the combat was fun and responsive, good music and great NPC and enemy designs. I loved exploring the huge and expansive world of Hollownest. I know many didn't like the map system but I very rarely got lost and I didn't mind having to go and find the cartographer to be to see the map. The difficulty was perfectly balanced, I felt. Every time I died, I thought it was because I wasn't doing good enough and not because the game was being cheap. And I died quite a few times. It was never too easy and never too difficult. I also thought the punishment of being sent back to your last save spot after death was appropriate. I really didn't mind the punishment all that much. I know a lot of people complained of performance issues but I didn't experience any problems while playing. The only thing that I don't much care for is how cryptic and hard to understand the story is. But maybe that's a good thing. Less is more after all. I do love how intriguing and mysterious all the characters (living and dead) and environments are. After putting almost 50 hours into this game I can say it's one my new all time favorite games. When it gets released on the Switch, I'm absolutely buying and playing it again. Definitely the best game of 2017.… Expand
  44. maxmoefoe
    Dec 8, 2019
    10
    While the game is fun when you are going through areas, the game doesnt tell you how to get to the next area. This is a horrible mechanic and I cannot progress through the game because of this. So I'm forced to give this game a 0 star.
    Edit: after finishing this game 112% I am forced to change my rating from 0 to 10 stars.
  45. haveagooddavis
    May 9, 2017
    10
    The more I play this, the more I can say it's one of my favorite games of all time. It's certainly one of the most well-crafted Metroidvanias I've played. The controls are super tight, making combat feel fast, impulsive, and fun, which provides an excellent contrast to the dour and hopeless tone given off by the excellent score, sound design, visual style, and world design. They reallyThe more I play this, the more I can say it's one of my favorite games of all time. It's certainly one of the most well-crafted Metroidvanias I've played. The controls are super tight, making combat feel fast, impulsive, and fun, which provides an excellent contrast to the dour and hopeless tone given off by the excellent score, sound design, visual style, and world design. They really made a game fairly comparable to Dark Souls in tone and even in some of the mechanics. The combination of brutal, fast-paced combat and intriguingly depressing aesthetic and level design has kept me coming back, making me excited to revisit previously visited areas of the game upon unlocking new abilities. Luckily, this game gives you plenty of excuses to do this, and there is truly a lot to do in this game; I'm only about 23 hours in and I'm not even 60% of the way to completing the game. I am aware that other people have experienced technical hiccups in their playthroughs but I have only experienced one significant bug during a boss fight, but it's in no way a pervasive problem. Additionally, for the PC master race out there, this game runs at a nearly flawless 60 fps on my laptop, and I believe higher end machines have been able to play it at even higher frame rates. In every aspect, from the technical to the aesthetic to the mechanical, Hollow Knight is a gem that should not be overlooked. It deserves to stand alongside indie darlings like Braid, Limbo, and Bastion as a true testament to the capability of a small team with a coherent vision.… Expand
  46. alyoso
    May 24, 2017
    10
    This is the best Metroidvania to date and seeing Ori and the Blind Forest having a higher score is very sad. The art, atmosphere, music, enemy and boss design are superb.
  47. BellaSwan1992
    Apr 11, 2018
    10
    AMAZING game! Very fun gameplay that is easy to learn but hard to master, HUGE map with tons of stuff to find and great rewards for exploration, and lush, gorgeous artwork and music. Might be the best 2d platformer I've ever played!!!
  48. Catswork
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    I don't know how to describe it, just play it. "Your review must be at least 150 characters long." ok. This game if filled to the brim with content, I never once felt like what I was doing was pointless.
  49. thatpower
    Apr 13, 2021
    10
    Probably the best indie game to ever come out. Everything about it is very nearly perfect: combat is very enjoyable with perfect controls, gradually gained fun to use abilities and charm and a huge amount of diverse enemies. The soundtrack is beautiful and emotional, the sound design is perfect. The world is huge and EXTREMELY rewarding to explore. Each area has a distinct feel andProbably the best indie game to ever come out. Everything about it is very nearly perfect: combat is very enjoyable with perfect controls, gradually gained fun to use abilities and charm and a huge amount of diverse enemies. The soundtrack is beautiful and emotional, the sound design is perfect. The world is huge and EXTREMELY rewarding to explore. Each area has a distinct feel and atmosphere to it. Amazing bosses. A lot of free additional content that doesn't feel worse than the main game.
    Nothing to complain about. A true work of art.    … Expand
  50. Deme72
    Jun 26, 2017
    10
    Would have been a 9.5 out of 10 (If that were possible here) on launch because it was hampered with some performance issues in a couple of areas and an issue with the difficulty of finding the map giver in the game in a couple of areas in the game (which I didn't personally find to be an issue but I disagreed with how it was done) until one of the early patches, which mostly fixed theWould have been a 9.5 out of 10 (If that were possible here) on launch because it was hampered with some performance issues in a couple of areas and an issue with the difficulty of finding the map giver in the game in a couple of areas in the game (which I didn't personally find to be an issue but I disagreed with how it was done) until one of the early patches, which mostly fixed the performance issues and completely fixed the map giver issue.

    Almost all of the game is near perfect. From the atmosphere to the difficulty curve to the storytelling to the level/enemy design all of it does what a game like this should do and more. The amount of different systems for character upgrades is so big most other games with similar scopes to their upgrade systems would make the player feel overwhelmed but this game doesn't - almost all of which are usable in certain play styles. Some of the less taught, less mandatory systems you can go the whole game without realizing that they exist and yet not feel like you played an incomplete game. The controls feel natural and responsive. The bosses are well designed and for the most part fair (there is one minor gripe I have with one of them out of like 20 because it has a random chance issue that has a chance to screw you into taking damage before it is possible to react). To top it all of it is only 15$ (currently on sale for closer to 10) for the amazing 20-40 hr metroidvania that is Hollow knight.    … Expand
  51. TheKingOfHats
    Jul 4, 2017
    10
    +Great Gameplay, with a solid level of challenge.
    +One of the best soundtracks in years.
    +Addictive, honestly.
    Overall, it's one of the best games I've played this year. You should most CERTAINLY get this game. Ignore the negative reviews down below. I feel as if the people giving the lower reviews aren't familiar with how these types of games are played. Sad, really.
  52. TheEmbracedOne
    Jul 15, 2017
    10
    Responsive controls, fantastic hand-drawn artwork, beautiful music, lots of secrets and an impressive attention to detail. For $15, the amount of worthwhile content is astonishing and it's technically made by 3 people!
  53. JackJumpsCandle
    Aug 7, 2017
    10
    A must-have for any Metroidvania fan. Probably the new standard within the genre. A beautiful soundtrack, well balanced gameplay, an engaging story, and awesome art. What more can you ask for in a game?

    Hollow Knight is without a doubt a raging success, one of the few to come from Kickstarter.
  54. qwerty555
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    outstanding metroidvania.... cannot put this down. on par with ori for completely different reasons. if you are a fan of the genre you owe it to yourself to buy this.... it is worth much more than 14.99
  55. DanielAV
    Sep 1, 2017
    10
    Simply perfect in almost every way.
    The atmosphere, level design, controls, exploration, everything.
    The only game I've ever rated 10/10, and it truly deserves it.
  56. saiftk
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Great!

    Incredible!

    Highly Recommended!

    Play it if you love games like Metroid Fusion.

    Beautiful!

    Great!

    Incredible!

    Highly Recommended!
  57. BillyHerrington
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    "The market is oversaturated with Metroidvanias" I agree but unfortunately not a single one of them is on the same level as the Metroid and Castlevania games. Guacamelee and Cave Story may come close but that's it. My thirst for an amazing Metroidvania was still there and then I played Hollow Knight. Amazing. 10/10. Sadly it took me a while to get into it.
  58. kelvinsanchez15
    Jan 13, 2019
    10
    Obra maestra y sin duda mi juego favorito en el genero. Me quedaré sin palabras a la hora de describir tan maravilloso videojuego, su historia y ambientación son sobresalientes, sus controles y mecánicas geniales, la música y efectos de sonido son atrapantes y originales, sus dibujos y animaciones hechas a mano hacen la experiencia un orgasmo visual mientras se explora el vasto mundo deObra maestra y sin duda mi juego favorito en el genero. Me quedaré sin palabras a la hora de describir tan maravilloso videojuego, su historia y ambientación son sobresalientes, sus controles y mecánicas geniales, la música y efectos de sonido son atrapantes y originales, sus dibujos y animaciones hechas a mano hacen la experiencia un orgasmo visual mientras se explora el vasto mundo de Hallownest. Definitivamente un videojuego que tienes que jugar si o si en algún punto de tu vida. 10/10 más que merecidos.… Expand
  59. thomaddox4
    Sep 20, 2017
    10
    Absolute masterpiece, one of the best metroidvanias ever made, up there with Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid. Incredibly atmospheric, ranging from cute and charming with the bug theme (which isn't overused in the slightest), to dark and creepy. Music and art are both great, controls are very tight, and most importantly, the world design and combat are top notch. The sheer number ofAbsolute masterpiece, one of the best metroidvanias ever made, up there with Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid. Incredibly atmospheric, ranging from cute and charming with the bug theme (which isn't overused in the slightest), to dark and creepy. Music and art are both great, controls are very tight, and most importantly, the world design and combat are top notch. The sheer number of cool interconnections, level varieties, mix between combat and platforming, and sheer number of things to do is incredible given that its a small indie game, and it does an excellent job of being completable for those who don't want to necessarily get 100%. Takes around 20 hours to complete casually, and around 30-40 hours to 100% (and if you metroidvanias at all, or at least enough to finish this, than you'll likely want to get 100% as well). Though there are some flaws, such as most of the bosses not being very memorable or the map system not being ideal, they are extremely heavily outweighed by positives. Very well worth the money, a true modern classic in a time where metroidvanias are making a comeback from a very long dark age.… Expand
  60. Ozcaty
    Oct 2, 2017
    10
    I made an account, just to give this game a 10/10, its that dammed good.
    This game is a gem, that deserves universal praise.
    Hollow Knight is a metroidvania with enough heart to be one of the best games of 2017. There is so much to cover in this indie gem, that this review would not do it justice. instead ill rate every part of this game, with as much detail as possible without any    I made an account, just to give this game a 10/10, its that dammed good.
    This game is a gem, that deserves universal praise.

    Hollow Knight is a metroidvania with enough heart to be one of the best games of 2017. There is so much to cover in this indie gem, that this review would not do it justice.
    instead ill rate every part of this game, with as much detail as possible without any (major) spoilers.

    Pacing: The game starts you off with a nail for a basic attack, a basic jump and a basic heal. There is nothing else, classic to a metroidvania. You don't even own a map to begin with. As the game goes on, you acquire said map, and basic (besides the 3rd mobility item, hell yes) mobility items which unlock areas you couldn't get to before etc. Hollow Knight does an excellent job of having a reward at the end of each area, respectful of the time you put in and bosses you faced. The game is linear for the first three areas, then branches off spectacularly. Every aspect of the pacing is near perfect, it never feels too boring or like you're being forced into an area, it is very natural. The only possible complaint I could have is that the early parts are a tiny bit too slow, maybe starting off with the dash, or acquiring it in the first section, may have been a better way to jumpstart the game.
    Rating: 9.5/10

    Combat: The combat of this game is a clear focus, they did not brush over it such as in Ori and the Blind Forest, instead Hollow Knight explores a rich and rewarding combat system. Some bosses are absolutely incredible, the final boss is in my top three final bosses of all time. However as an indie team, it was impossible to flesh out each boss, so some, *cough* were not very interesting. One such boss only had a single attack and is easily cheesed, very underwhelming . The enemies in Hollow Knight had decent variety with some reproducing old enemies such as in a certain battle arena, but this is excused by the ridiculously large amount of enemies there were in a $15 game. The combat is beautifully fleshed out through these 'charms', with all of such being interesting and adding a new dimension to the combat. The charms are extremely polished and the idea of making some interact dynamically with others is genius.
    Rating: 9.3/10

    Controls: The controls of Hollow Knight are perfect, to a dot. I spent ages trying to think of a way to improve controls (on pc) but I could not find a single way. This is not to say that it won't take a while to get used to but when you make a mistake it is always, always your fault. The controls are tight, rigid and are a perfect compliment to combat and exploration.
    Rating: 10/10

    Exploration: When I set foot in one of the new areas, I spent a good 2 minutes sitting on a bench with another little bug ravelling in the beautiful scenery and accompanied harp and vocals. That area was such a contrast to anything I had seen thus far. If Hollow Knight can do one thing perfectly, its contrasting one area to another. Leaving the bleak forgotten crossroads and entering into a beautiful far more light area (to avoid details) was refreshing, and kept me wanting to see more of this world. Some area's require vigorous trial and error and double-checking to find every little charm or geo deposit. I can confirm after even 75 hours in this world, I still find videos of people finding new areas I had never seen. Even in a "100%" run, you don't find everything, there is still more to find and discover.
    Rating: 9.7/10

    Soundtrack: After listening to each track through full after purchasing the soundtrack, I had a new level on top of my already high appreciation for the superb soundtrack. It is so, damn, good. There is not a single track the feels out of place or weak in any way. Of course not to say some are not better than others, listening to the final boss fight's music gave me goosebumps; a perfect concoction of intensity, power, urgency and funereal feelings of "oh my god, this is it", I have felt in a long time. For comparison, for me it is on-par with Undertale and Nier-Automata.
    Rating: 9.8/10

    Verdict (and anything else I didn't cover) I paid $15 for a $30 dollar game. Hollow Knight is an absolute must-have an a steal in every respect for anybody who likes a challenging, dark, uplifting journey of a bug on it's journey through the kingdom of Hallownest. I didn't even mention the art, which is absolutely incredible in every way, wow, but I don't have the characters for that.

    I hope that this review will just get ONE person, to consider playing Hollow Knight.

    If that person is you, you will not regret it.    … Expand
  61. aditya1101
    Oct 5, 2017
    10
    Probably my favorite game so far this year. There are very few games that are able to make you feel like you are steadily getting better and better at the game through your skill alone, but this game manages to achieve that. There were some enemies that I initially spent 5+ minutes trying to beat that I eventually was able to dispatch in seconds without even gaining an extra ability toProbably my favorite game so far this year. There are very few games that are able to make you feel like you are steadily getting better and better at the game through your skill alone, but this game manages to achieve that. There were some enemies that I initially spent 5+ minutes trying to beat that I eventually was able to dispatch in seconds without even gaining an extra ability to help me. Beautiful art, amazing story, super responsive controls, and just overall a fantastic game.… Expand
  62. yzd
    Mar 19, 2018
    10
    I think that his game is not getting enough attention from the gaming community. Controls are the best I have seen in a 2D game. The atmosphere is beautiful, the art style is really stunning. The story is told by environmental clues and NPC dialogues mostly reminiscent of Dark Souls style. I should say that game is a bit hard but it is completely doable. In addition, the game packs tons ofI think that his game is not getting enough attention from the gaming community. Controls are the best I have seen in a 2D game. The atmosphere is beautiful, the art style is really stunning. The story is told by environmental clues and NPC dialogues mostly reminiscent of Dark Souls style. I should say that game is a bit hard but it is completely doable. In addition, the game packs tons of quality content(around 40 hours) especially considering its price. I don't think that a Metroidvania game can get any better than this one.… Expand
  63. vxRadiatonxv
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Hollow Knight has great controls, along with some enjoyable backtracking that doesn't get tiresome. Somewhat challenging bosses and enemies. Has excellent music and graphics, along with a vague plot that builds over the course of the game. The game is re-playable, and there is new content added on the regular. I would 100% recommend this game. Hollow Knight is a masterpiece, and it needsHollow Knight has great controls, along with some enjoyable backtracking that doesn't get tiresome. Somewhat challenging bosses and enemies. Has excellent music and graphics, along with a vague plot that builds over the course of the game. The game is re-playable, and there is new content added on the regular. I would 100% recommend this game. Hollow Knight is a masterpiece, and it needs more attention from the media.… Expand
  64. Darnok
    May 21, 2020
    10
    Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game.
  65. Woodguard
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    This game is help me to remember my childhood. A platformer with fights. How beautiful, cause all know that in old times, there's many of games like that type.

    Fight for your life, fight for understand what is going on. Fight if you want to understand your journey.
  66. Vankip
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    The best metroidvania ever released. For me, the best game of 2017! Damn beautiful hand-made drawing. Fantastic style and music. Super cute and at the same time gloomy and atmospheric world of beetles and spiders.
  67. SunKy
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Masterpiece.
  68. Ypp
    Jan 16, 2019
    10
    This game is an absolute masterpiece. From the graphics to the soundtrack, from the animations to the level design, everything adds up to make this game one of the most astounding experiences i've ever had with a game.
    The game is so clever and subtle in the way it teaches you the basics of gameplay without ever holding your hand, and in the way it distillates small bits of an incredibly    This game is an absolute masterpiece. From the graphics to the soundtrack, from the animations to the level design, everything adds up to make this game one of the most astounding experiences i've ever had with a game.
    The game is so clever and subtle in the way it teaches you the basics of gameplay without ever holding your hand, and in the way it distillates small bits of an incredibly intricate background story without ever forcing you to stand and watch big exposition scenes.
    It is hard, yes, but not once have I felt that the ennemies or the environment were unfair (looking at you, MonsterBoy). When I failed, it was my fault and not the game's.
    I cannot recommend this game enough. Please play it.    … Expand
  69. Memesmojo
    Apr 17, 2018
    10
    Spoiler free review

    CUP-WHO? The legend of zelda-breath of the what? Love the game :D Completed it whit all three endings and i LOVE THE GAME. I completed it 89 % so now im gonna go and get the 100%. THE GAME IS AWESOME. Team cherry is the best devs and publichers EVER. The visuals,the music,the difficulty, the bosses ,enemies Lore,ALL OF THEM IS AMAZING. Also team cherry is    Spoiler free review

    CUP-WHO?
    The legend of zelda-breath of the what?

    Love the game :D
    Completed it whit all three endings and i LOVE THE GAME.
    I completed it 89 % so now im gonna go and get the 100%.
    THE GAME IS AWESOME.
    Team cherry is the best devs and publichers EVER.
    The visuals,the music,the difficulty, the bosses ,enemies Lore,ALL OF THEM IS AMAZING.
    Also team cherry is doing patches and free dlcs!!!
    BUY THE GAME NOW!!

    Note:
    Storie is not detailedly told (and endings too)so if you want to know what the hell happend to the kingdom you must watch lot of youtube lore videos and read stuff online.
    But this wasnt an problem for me?
    I really liked the mistery and the way story is told

    Really dont have any major cons to the game.The problems from people that rated this game mixed or bad didnt really effected me and i never really noticed them

    And extra tip:dont use fragile strenght you will ruin the game for yourself    … Expand
  70. Sesak
    Dec 27, 2017
    10
    One of the best games of 2017 and also of my life. It's a very original metrodivania with a beautiful design and animation, charming music and sound effecs, perfect control, lovely story, difficult and challenging. Don't hesitate on playing it. It is a masterpiece that everybody should know.
  71. Lazy_Skeleton
    Jan 12, 2018
    10
    One of the best metroidvanias ever made. Awesome character design, looks beautiful, great controls and overall just very good.
  72. fuLmentLatheist
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    You enter Hollow Knight's world long past its prime—a dying kingdom, its society torn to pieces and its heroes already fallen. There's nothing but a desolate and dark landscape on the surface and a winding catacomb filled with the stink of death below. You control an emotionless knight, your purpose not entirely clear at the outset, and delve into that land to ward off the evil within.You enter Hollow Knight's world long past its prime—a dying kingdom, its society torn to pieces and its heroes already fallen. There's nothing but a desolate and dark landscape on the surface and a winding catacomb filled with the stink of death below. You control an emotionless knight, your purpose not entirely clear at the outset, and delve into that land to ward off the evil within.

    Except you're really an adorable little bug-man, fighting and befriending other adorable bug-people. While Hollow Knight is set in what is ostensibly a medieval fantasy kingdom, it's got a buggy carapace stretched over everything. The devastation and loss in Hallownest's history is palpable, but the cute art style means the tone never feels overbearing or depressing. The heavy themes have a light-heartedness about them without slipping into parody.

    The NPCs I meet are all quirky and cartoonish, but still feel like coherent parts of the world. A few of my favorites include a pudgy shopkeeper who can't stop giggling, a kindly wandering swordsman who has lost his memory, and the tiny but boisterous Zote the Mighty—who, later in the game, will explain to you all of his 57 precepts if you care to listen that long. These characters bring sparks of life to the otherwise dying caves, many of them reappearing at fixed points around the map, and sometimes even during boss fights to provide a few of Hollow Knight’s most thrilling moments.    … Expand
  73. Merc4Wrk
    Feb 21, 2018
    10
    Very well made indie metroidvania. Story is centered on just enough for it to be intriguing while also leaving a lot of it up to interpretation. In addition the combat focus is a great subversion from much of the other games in this genre. Basically have no complaints
  74. AlanWank
    Feb 10, 2018
    10
    If you enjoy games like Dark Souls and BloodBorne and crave something in the same genre but with a different flavor then play this game.

    Atmosphere is one of the best i've experienced due to the incredible Soundtrack, Mastapiece. Combat is super thrilling and rewarding. You can really feel that you're getting better at the game. Although I haven't ventured to much into the lore i    If you enjoy games like Dark Souls and BloodBorne and crave something in the same genre but with a different flavor then play this game.

    Atmosphere is one of the best i've experienced due to the incredible Soundtrack, Mastapiece.
    Combat is super thrilling and rewarding. You can really feel that you're getting better at the game.
    Although I haven't ventured to much into the lore i trust that it is on par with Souls

    MUST PLAY    … Expand
  75. AirDeLisi
    Feb 11, 2018
    10
    One reviewer here commented that this game isn't getting enough mainstream press, and I couldn't agree more; this game has exceeded all expectations I had for it. It's astonishing that this game was made by a small team of two to three people. As a Souls fan, this game resonates strongly with me. Every delicate chord that Dark Souls has struck within me was also struck by Hollow Knight,One reviewer here commented that this game isn't getting enough mainstream press, and I couldn't agree more; this game has exceeded all expectations I had for it. It's astonishing that this game was made by a small team of two to three people. As a Souls fan, this game resonates strongly with me. Every delicate chord that Dark Souls has struck within me was also struck by Hollow Knight, and with pinpoint precision. The controls are crisp and tight. Every enemy and every boss fight is memorable. An intriguing story is told through gameplay and NPC interaction, and the inquisitive player is greatly rewarded if he chooses to dive a little deeper and look a little harder. The soundtrack is superb, and it works with the sound design and color palette to bring areas of the game to life. Hollow Knight also does a great job at understanding its medium as a 2-D platformer; the developers know the limitations of the medium and work within its bounds, but also play to the strengths of it and offer challenges that wouldn't work in a 3-D environment. Ultimately, this game has so, so much depth and I enjoyed every second of it. Keep up the good work, Team Cherry!… Expand
  76. JonsGone
    May 21, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest metroidvania out there and quite possibly one of the best games ever released.
    Runs on most platforms.
    Requires a controller if playing on a computer. Controls are smooth like butter except when coming out from a Crystal Dash, **** that. Worldbuilding is excellent, leaving much to be deduced while not being completely mute like Dark Souls. Characters are very    One of the greatest metroidvania out there and quite possibly one of the best games ever released.
    Runs on most platforms.
    Requires a controller if playing on a computer.
    Controls are smooth like butter except when coming out from a Crystal Dash, **** that.
    Worldbuilding is excellent, leaving much to be deduced while not being completely mute like Dark Souls.
    Characters are very endearing and most of the main ones are memorable.
    Is VERY hard.
    Some later parts are even harder, but are 100% optional.
    And then a few of them are just complete ****
    Lacks character customisation, would have been neat.
    Takes roughly 30+ hours to get the true ending on a first playthrough.
    Price is insanely fair considering the mountainload of content.
    Bapanada.    … Expand
  77. siz20971
    Mar 15, 2018
    10
    This is best MetroidVania style game I played ever.
    Level designed attractive and boss fight is exiting.
    Boss fight might be hard to many player, But this feels challenging!
  78. juanXD6
    Mar 27, 2018
    10
    lo único que puedo decir de este juego es que es hermoso en cuanto a mapas y detalles además la historia es muy compleja y trae una profundidad tan buena que a uno lo deja con ansias el sistema de combate es bueno pero le falta pulirlo pero de resto todo good :v
  79. eded9999
    May 21, 2018
    10
    A LOT of content.
    Free DLCs.
    Great art design.
    Great OST.
    Great bosses.
    Good difficulty.
    Great gameplay.

    The BEST Metroidvania out there.
  80. ChosenUndead99
    Apr 29, 2018
    10
    I fell in love with Hollow Knight and enjoyed it so much that I ended up spending 50 hours on it in under two weeks. If you like metroidvania games then this game is for you! Controller recommended.
  81. Kbek
    May 15, 2018
    10
    I have never been a fan of "Metroidvania" game. I like them, I have played a few Metroid and Castlevania but only completed the Metroid on GBA. I usually get bored at some point or simply lose interest after not playing for a while.

    Hollow knight got me hooked the second I started. I had to complete every single thing that could be done in the game and was pretty sad at the end to know    I have never been a fan of "Metroidvania" game. I like them, I have played a few Metroid and Castlevania but only completed the Metroid on GBA. I usually get bored at some point or simply lose interest after not playing for a while.

    Hollow knight got me hooked the second I started. I had to complete every single thing that could be done in the game and was pretty sad at the end to know I could not discover this word for the first time ever again.

    The graphics are pretty, the music is gorgeous, the gameplay on point. The controls are super clutch and the storyline gives just enough to keep you wondering what happened in this strange land.

    In a time where game have a nasty tendency to hold your hand the whole way, Hollow knight let's you explore the way you want. If you went too far, you might need to backtrack and regroup. The game will punish you for being too arogant. You will have to walk back, you will lose all your hard earned money.

    I have heard a lot of "Hollow knight is dark soul" retoric. Did anyonw ever player on the NES or the SNES? Games were brutal back in the days. I was raised on this so any "dark soul" comparison seems silly. I am ok with a boss or level needing to be done again and again and again until I can do the perfect run. This is my fix. I am bored by modern game that assume you can't handle any hard part of will trow a tantrum if it's to hard. People will talk about classics like Kid Icarus or Ghouls and Ghost, ever played the Star wars on SNES? All of those game were BRUTAL! That's what I liked.

    This game is the best game I played since I can't ever remember when. Team Cherry created a masterpiece that is way up there with the big boys.    … Expand
  82. RubikPinkiePie
    May 19, 2018
    10
    10/10 the best metroidvania ever made, long story, perfect controls and the artwork is wonderfull
  83. Gnaughty_Gnome
    May 28, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is a triumph of 2D platforming and combat. It is one of the few games that would not be incorrect to call it "Dark Souls" like. This game stands as a shining beacon of an example; how to run a kickstarter, how to create fun 2D combat, how metroid-vanias are still relevant. And with a price tag of only $15, it has one of the highest bang for your buck of any game I have seen.
  84. arieljbz
    Dec 1, 2020
    10
    Que puedo decir de este juego, llevo aproximadamente 40 horas de juego y me ha encantado por no decir todos en la mayoría de sus aspectos. Es de destacar la gran cantidad de cosas y secretos que tienes por hacer, tiene una dificultad apropiada desde mi punto de vista me he quedado en algunos boses bastante tiempo pero en otros no, y cada vez que mueres siente que juegas mucho mejor queQue puedo decir de este juego, llevo aproximadamente 40 horas de juego y me ha encantado por no decir todos en la mayoría de sus aspectos. Es de destacar la gran cantidad de cosas y secretos que tienes por hacer, tiene una dificultad apropiada desde mi punto de vista me he quedado en algunos boses bastante tiempo pero en otros no, y cada vez que mueres siente que juegas mucho mejor que antes y te motiva mas. La banda sonora me encanta! Lo pondría en top 3 juegos de este estilo, super recomendado!… Expand
  85. BlisteringFury
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Without question the best Metroidvania ever made. Only challeged by Ori and the Blind Forest.
  86. alexrus911
    Aug 26, 2018
    10
    хорошая игра , но на клавиатуре не очень удобно играть
  87. IloveIndie
    Jun 26, 2018
    10
    Artılar
    +Fiyatı çok uygun (3)
    +Kontroller çok rahat (0.5)
    +Müzikler efsane (4)
    +Karakter tasarımları muazzam (2)
    +Atmosferi çok iyi (4)
    +Sesler çok başarılı (2)
    Eksiler
    -Buglar (0.5)
    -Bazı karakterlerin sadece görünüşü farklı, saldırıları aynı (3)
    -Birçok şey Dark Souls benzeri (2)
    Puan: 10/10 Tam bir görsel şölen.
    -IloveIndie
  88. BigBoi69
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    This game too hardd d
    Okay so the map system very bad. Was even a little harder too deal with than Metroid, and that game is imp posiple, gaemz shuld b a st8 line, much ez er. Combat is hard and borign, u can only do a slash until u beet first boss adn healing should be automaticccc liek in COD XD, andd not starting with good mobility was badd d, remind me of Metroid like why is this gam    This game too hardd d
    Okay so the map system very bad. Was even a little harder too deal with than Metroid, and that game is imp posiple, gaemz shuld b a st8 line, much ez er. Combat is hard and borign, u can only do a slash until u beet first boss adn healing should be automaticccc liek in COD XD, andd not starting with good mobility was badd d, remind me of Metroid like why is this gam liek Metroid, it's supposed to be Dark Soulz?!?! Um itz so mucc hardurr than a Souls gaem too, liek I wanted a Soulz not a tryhard gaem XDDDD Refundedddd. The game iz so confusignn like "oh you'll be fine therez 2wo ways to get to every area" liek hello?!?! I need 5ive ughhhh. Y can The story iz so boringgg, leik who is this "False Night"? So gimmiky 2, liek y enemy hav shooty butt I don't, stoopidd. Gaem still gudd tho, cuz Hornet best gurl    … Expand
  89. Assasiki
    Feb 8, 2023
    10
    Even compared to massive games like GTA or God of War this masterpiece stands in a class of its own. By far the best game I've ever played and cannot wait for the sequel.
  90. dosey
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    amazing controls and i hate to be that guy but all the people giving 0-3 ratings just say "it's too hard" which is a good thing imo
  91. sakuutio
    Sep 27, 2018
    10
    It's a masterpiece

    Your review must be at least 75 characters long.Your review must be at least 75 characters long.
  92. alsione
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Одна из лучших игр, что я играл. шедевр. Ждем силксонг.
  93. BulgarianCritic
    Feb 25, 2020
    10
    Everything about this game is a masterpiece.From the wonderful characters to the amazing atmosphere that is made even more beautiful and haunting thanks to the wonderful soundtrack.The game play is great and challenging but with a learning curve so from the start till the middle it will not be hard.The characters are charming and everything about the ruined Kingdom was just so masterfullyEverything about this game is a masterpiece.From the wonderful characters to the amazing atmosphere that is made even more beautiful and haunting thanks to the wonderful soundtrack.The game play is great and challenging but with a learning curve so from the start till the middle it will not be hard.The characters are charming and everything about the ruined Kingdom was just so masterfully crafted that it made me shed a tear.… Expand
  94. RagingMillia
    Nov 21, 2018
    10
    Simply put, this is one of the best video games ever made. I don't say that lightly. The art style finds that perfect balance between showing its dark mood while also being colorful and vibrant. It's impossible to ignore how beautiful this game looks. it bleeds character and you know even just glancing at the screen for a second that this is Hollow Knight, plus due to the nature of itsSimply put, this is one of the best video games ever made. I don't say that lightly. The art style finds that perfect balance between showing its dark mood while also being colorful and vibrant. It's impossible to ignore how beautiful this game looks. it bleeds character and you know even just glancing at the screen for a second that this is Hollow Knight, plus due to the nature of its hand drawn colorful 2-D art style, this game will always look amazing...The graphics also work in this way...the game tells you everything you need to know. Enemies you fight all have a distinct look so you know what to look out for, you know which enemies fly and shoot projectiles, which ones will charge at you with a melee attack, etc. after just a couple hours of play so nothing ever feels cheap or unfair. Boss fights in this game are unapologetically difficult and a very good test of your skills while still maintaining balanced gameplay which makes them incredibly satisfying to fight with, even when you die to some of the hardest bosses in the game it's hard to be upset because you know it's because you didn't time your jump or your attack or whatever it is you failed to do properly, and figuring it out later and winning will make you feel like a big brained gamer. The story takes a bit of inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne with its vagueness but make no mistake this is its own thing and does much differently, if you are the type who wants a traditional story with cutscenes explaining everything than maybe you won't like it but I still reccommend the game based on gameplay and exploration alone. Oh also, DLC is free and the game is only $15 with a ton of replay value and it's an easy 40-60 hour playthrough for most people...There are $60 games with $20-50 season passes with one fifth as much content as this. If you haven't already played this for whatever reason. I beg of you, treat yourself.… Expand
  95. Drevni
    Dec 4, 2018
    10
    This game was truly amazing.
    The game feels great to control and while playing trough the game new power-ups are gained which makes the combat more complex and thus more interesting.
    The game looks beautiful and the dark tone is greatly used. The atmosphere is constantly changing and even tough it is constantly sad, it is somehow very varied. The music is mostly sad and epic (during    This game was truly amazing.
    The game feels great to control and while playing trough the game new power-ups are gained which makes the combat more complex and thus more interesting.
    The game looks beautiful and the dark tone is greatly used. The atmosphere is constantly changing and even tough it is constantly sad, it is somehow very varied.
    The music is mostly sad and epic (during combat) which absolutely fits the game.
    The story/lore is very interesting and even tough it is vague and you have to look for it, IT IS GREAT.
    And the last but not the least; the amount of content in the game is huge for a 15 dollar game. And three free DLC content packs have been released, in addition a new paid DLC will come out in the future. if you cannot decide werther to buy this game or not; i strongly recommend it.    … Expand
  96. Jidou
    Dec 5, 2018
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. Hollow Knight binds together a really nicely developed environment with a pretty complex hidden story and an amazing music score. Hollow Knight makes you believe that you are free to go wherever you like from the beginning of the game, while it actually guides you slowly and kindly to the actions you have to make or the places you have to visit. The 2D ambianceAn absolute masterpiece. Hollow Knight binds together a really nicely developed environment with a pretty complex hidden story and an amazing music score. Hollow Knight makes you believe that you are free to go wherever you like from the beginning of the game, while it actually guides you slowly and kindly to the actions you have to make or the places you have to visit. The 2D ambiance that this game adds in your experience is amazing while every single location on the map has a unique theme that changes its backgrounds based on the story or the surrounding locations. The gameplay of Hollow Knight mostly combines fast critical thinking and very good timing actions. Your mistakes will be punished harshly but not always. It needs tons of concentration and good strategy before winning any boss. For me, the ultimate thing about Hollow Knight is how well everything combines together to deliver an extremely fast-paced ( in battles ) game while in a really slow-quiet and moody environment ( sometimes ). From the way, they blend-in the music in the battles to how the player's fillings can be taken into count, is what makes this game an absolute masterpiece and a MUST PLAY. The only game in my life that I would rate 10/10 was Breath of the Wild. But comparing the hours you can spend and the fun you can have in this one, to the industrial gap between Nintendo and Team Cherry delivers a 10/10 for Hollow Knight.… Expand
  97. ICE_01
    Dec 11, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight its a beautiful game and its so fun discover new area, bosses, charms e etc.
    When i purchased that game, i dint think that game will be so good.
  98. misterzack
    Aug 10, 2019
    10
    10/10 game best indie game i ever played and even. better than most of AAA games
  99. mocochang
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. It's simply hard to come to terms with the fact that this game was created by an indie team of 3 people. From the stunning art design and phenomenal sound track, to the tight and excellent controls and mechanics, to the sheer amount of content available (this game is massive), this game is beyond impressive in it's own right, but when you combine it with howThis game is a masterpiece. It's simply hard to come to terms with the fact that this game was created by an indie team of 3 people. From the stunning art design and phenomenal sound track, to the tight and excellent controls and mechanics, to the sheer amount of content available (this game is massive), this game is beyond impressive in it's own right, but when you combine it with how small the team who created it is, it's just mind blowing. Every since I first played it I keep finding myself going back to this game and replaying it. It has easily become one of my absolute favorite games.… Expand
  100. ElCour
    Feb 18, 2019
    10
    Probably the best metroidvania I've ever played. While its style can feel bland at first, the visuals become amazing as you go along. The controls are some of the tightest I've ever felt, and the mechanics are solid, simple and intuitive. Some of the boss fights are truly the biggest challenges in gaming, yet they feel immensely rewarding and fair. In addition, this game is huge, took me aProbably the best metroidvania I've ever played. While its style can feel bland at first, the visuals become amazing as you go along. The controls are some of the tightest I've ever felt, and the mechanics are solid, simple and intuitive. Some of the boss fights are truly the biggest challenges in gaming, yet they feel immensely rewarding and fair. In addition, this game is huge, took me a good 70 hours to 100% it, before all the DLC. And all for the low price of $15. Buy this, now.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best PC Game of 2017
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017
77
#77 Most Shared PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Hooked Gamers
    Jul 29, 2018
    100
    Hollow Knight is one of the best 2D platformers I’ve ever played - it is a beautiful, quirky and dynamic game; challenging yet rewarding; mournful yet brimming with hope. When it comes to console, it’s going to cause a real stir.
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    Jun 22, 2018
    94
    Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania with a well of content to discover that’s as deep as its labyrinthine caves. The world of Hallownest is compelling and rich, full of story that’s left for you to discover on your own, and built with branching paths that offer an absurd amount of choice in how you go about discovering it. With such a high density of secrets to find and fun, challenging enemies to face, it’s worth spending every moment you can in Hollow Knight.
    Read full review
  3. GameStar
    Jan 2, 2018
    84
    A very difficult and hand-drawn Metroidvania with an enormous size for players with a lot of patience and a high frustration tolerance.
    Read full review
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