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. HeitorCampos
    Mar 13, 2023
    9
    Really can´t praise it enough, almost a masterpiece. Fun, challenging, interesting, atmospheric, great metroidvania. The story is just Dark Souls with bugs and the process to get most of the endings is way too excessive, but still, unforgetable game.
  2. XXXAAAAQWERTY
    Mar 16, 2023
    0
    Раньше моя собачка любила есть говно, а теперь она ест только Hollow Knight.
    Игру мне эту брат посоветовал. Она ему очень очень при очень понравилась. А мне нравится геншин импакт. Игру прошёл, понравилась. Симулятор поиска сральников. Игра гонво, но есть и минусы. Первый - игра не бесконечная и этот цирк рано или поздно закончится. Второй - Таджикский фактор, он присутствует.    Раньше моя собачка любила есть говно, а теперь она ест только Hollow Knight.
    Игру мне эту брат посоветовал. Она ему очень очень при очень понравилась. А мне нравится геншин импакт. Игру прошёл, понравилась. Симулятор поиска сральников. Игра гонво, но есть и минусы. Первый - игра не бесконечная и этот цирк рано или поздно закончится. Второй - Таджикский фактор, он присутствует.
  3. Akash1Nt
    Mar 25, 2023
    2
    This game has a pretty good storyline with interesting ones, but that prevents it from being quite a difficult game because of its stupid combat system, which is why even if you play for more than a year you will still die from bosses due to the fact that they have to be memorized to every little mechanic that is thrown at the player without any explanation, which makes it seem like theThis game has a pretty good storyline with interesting ones, but that prevents it from being quite a difficult game because of its stupid combat system, which is why even if you play for more than a year you will still die from bosses due to the fact that they have to be memorized to every little mechanic that is thrown at the player without any explanation, which makes it seem like the developers have very little knowledge of combat mechanics. If you are a fan of making tens of thousands of attempts to nowhere to get past the boss with luck, then this game is for you… Expand
  4. anonytatoplayz
    Apr 4, 2023
    1
    I beat the pee 5 four years ago and never came back because the game was that good. I love this game so much. It is the best game I have ever played. I love this game.

    That being said the greedy developers added way too much content into this game and for that I hate them. greedy goddam developers trying to get as much money as they can from a perfectly good game and I hate them    I beat the pee 5 four years ago and never came back because the game was that good. I love this game so much. It is the best game I have ever played. I love this game.

    That being said

    the greedy developers added way too much content into this game and for that I hate them. greedy goddam developers trying to get as much money as they can from a perfectly good game and I hate them for that.    … Expand
  5. dubesor
    Feb 24, 2022
    7
    it's a very good game in terms of polish, gameplay, aesthetics. I finished it with KB+M but I think controller would work better. The issue I have with the game is the massive amount of backtracking required.

    Most areas in the game have cut off sections that require Skill A, B, C etc so you will find yourself revisiting the same areas over and over again. I also found the maps not    it's a very good game in terms of polish, gameplay, aesthetics. I finished it with KB+M but I think controller would work better. The issue I have with the game is the massive amount of backtracking required.

    Most areas in the game have cut off sections that require Skill A, B, C etc so you will find yourself revisiting the same areas over and over again. I also found the maps not detailed enough. It shows just a massive room with no detail whereas it should be showing the tunnels and maze if we already went through it multiple times. You have markers but cannot add text to the markers, making them significantly less useful. Indoor locations have no map whatsoever. Many of the areas are build like mazes, which was annoying because of this.

    Currency felt pretty useless very early on. I found myself with tens of thousands of currency with nothing to spend it on. The first 5-10 hours required currency and the other 20+ hours I basically needed none whatsoever. Definitely missing some vendors or stocked items here.

    While bosses can be annoying to deal with at times, in particular due to the map layout and often long backtracking (up to 15 minutes per attempt in some cases), they are overall pretty fun. The mechanics are done well and after 2-3 attempts I found myself having learned their moveset and timings enough to beat them. You cannot brute force them which was nice.

    Overall a good game with some annoyances.    … Expand
  6. Snodog
    Apr 3, 2023
    8
    Hollow Knight was better than I expected. However, I don't think it's perfect, or even one of the "best" games I've ever played. It's good, and there's fun to he had, but it has its flaws. 10/10 ratings are just disingenuous and I'll go over why. I like to start with the cons to get them out of the way first.

    Cons - Difficult, and not always in a good way. Some of the bosses are    Hollow Knight was better than I expected. However, I don't think it's perfect, or even one of the "best" games I've ever played. It's good, and there's fun to he had, but it has its flaws. 10/10 ratings are just disingenuous and I'll go over why. I like to start with the cons to get them out of the way first.

    Cons
    - Difficult, and not always in a good way. Some of the bosses are really fun and will have you on the edge of your seat. Others, however, will just leave you frustrated with cheap mechanics that turn the fight from a skill based dance into a luck base dodge fest. Some boss encounters will randomly spawn additional enemies with no pattern or indication. In fact, one boss is a constant trial of constantly spawning hazards that you have to contend with as you're fighting the boss. There is no way to recognize when or where they will spawn so you may be doing great, only to jump straight into one and it throws your whole tempo off and ramping up the frustration factor. Again, it turns the battle from one of skill into one of luck. Cross your fingers for a good spawning pattern.

    - The lack of respawn points will ensure that the trek back to some bosses is almost as difficult as the boss itself. There are one to two safe areas per zone, give or take, and maybe it will be close to the boss, or maybe it will be through 5 rooms, two of which will have difficult enemies you have to dispatch first. Along with the "fast travel" system being only one per zone, if even that, you'll find yourself.mapping out any journey you take, and you must return to zones multiple times to complete certain tasks. If the map wasn't such a maze with corridors that end and hallways that might not connect, you may find that your mapped out route is blocked and have to find another. With the complexity of the map, the fast travel system could be a bit more robust.

    - I personally enjoy the way they told the story in the game, but your goals are very arbitrary and a lot of people may not know where to go next. As a Dark Souls veteran, im used to finding the path I need to take, but it's not spelled out and very easy to lose your way. With the vast, complex map, it's going to be a lot for people who aren't good with their sense of direction. The game does a pretty good job in herding the player into the right direction. Basically if you haven't been somewhere, try to go. If you still can't get there, try somewhere else until you can. Which is great, but there is a lot of content that isn't explained and only vaguely hinted at. You'll find yourself just randomly going places and trying things until something eventually works.

    Pros
    - Controls are tight.
    - Music is grandiose.
    - Atmosphere is deep and changes frequently.
    - Traversal methods unlock and you will eventually be almost flying from one place to another.
    - Platforming challenges really teach you your potential and your limitations. They test your ability.
    - Fun characters and interactions.
    - Most boss fights are fun and engaging.
    - The game looks phenomenal.
    - It's an explorers dream.

    Fundamentally, Hollow Knight is a very solid title and overall worth the price. I absolutely recommend it. However, it has some glaring flaws that reduce the experience.    … Expand
  7. ujinroth
    May 27, 2023
    4
    Hollow knight has good things, but navigation makes it unnecessarily long, the map is full of empty areas, you will have to deal with 80h only for travel, the full length game must be 150h...
    The balance is like 99% of the game is easy and medium easy, and then there's 1 impossible particular area and 1 impossible particular boss at the very end of the game. Sure it was necessary to put    Hollow knight has good things, but navigation makes it unnecessarily long, the map is full of empty areas, you will have to deal with 80h only for travel, the full length game must be 150h...
    The balance is like 99% of the game is easy and medium easy, and then there's 1 impossible particular area and 1 impossible particular boss at the very end of the game. Sure it was necessary to put those two, just in case people want to do it without glitch (they must be max 500 in the whole world). And now imagine people going to play Silksong after they beat everything in HK...?    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. Amsheagar
    Mar 7, 2023
    9
    Its a very nice and athmospheric game with fluid gameplay. Sometimes i felt desperate and lost because this game is a huge labirinth with more secret doors, walls and entrances. I finished the game without entering 3 whole areas, because i didnt find them. I was very sad when i saw that in wiki. Without guide you feel lost. The inventory, skills and equipment system is very good. I reallyIts a very nice and athmospheric game with fluid gameplay. Sometimes i felt desperate and lost because this game is a huge labirinth with more secret doors, walls and entrances. I finished the game without entering 3 whole areas, because i didnt find them. I was very sad when i saw that in wiki. Without guide you feel lost. The inventory, skills and equipment system is very good. I really liked it, though i feel the nail arts useless. Overall, this is a fantastic game with good story and unique world and atmosphere.… Expand
  10. 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!
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. mikepatyaev
    Jul 2, 2022
    9
    Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure game with an emphasis on traditional 2D animation and skillful gameplay. Journey to Hallownest
  15. 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.
  16. Leo_Manzano
    Jul 28, 2022
    8
    Working...........................................................................
  17. CzarSquid
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Tiny bug goes on a rampage slaying the old gods that have ruined the bug kingdom
  18. 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
  19. Darnok
    May 21, 2020
    10
    Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game. Great game.
  20. 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
  21. andrezero
    May 6, 2020
    9
    Magnífico, me encanta la jugabilidad, el diseño de los niveles, los bosses, la música. Las distintas habilidades. El nivel de dificultad es perfecto. La historia algo confusa para mi gusto, pero es muy satisfactorio ir avanzando en el juego. Sin duda uno de los mejores juegos del 2017
  22. 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
  23. balintmaci
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    It's the best side scroller or platformer I ever played. Amazing boss fights, incredible flora and fauna. Many visually different worlds, beautiful hand-drawn graphics, huge map.
    The only reason for not a 10 is that it gets quite slow sometimes which reduced the fun factor a bit.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. Defoxx
    Dec 2, 2020
    9
    Потрясаяющая смесь метроидвании и souls-like. Приятный стиль игры, хорошие анимации, звуки, интересная прокачка, сюжет, сеттинг, сложные боссы, интересные пантеоны. В игру хочется зайти и не выходить.
  27. 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.
  28. SilverOrlov
    Jun 5, 2022
    9
    It was for the sake of this game that I once bought a game-pad ... but because of the fear of my beginner-skill-level in hard games, I put it aside and played another games. In the end, I launched it only a year later... after Death Gambit, Nioh, Sekiro and a couple of other similar games :)
    All in all, the Hollow Knight is a rather difficult adventure in the World... of bugs. ALL who we    It was for the sake of this game that I once bought a game-pad ... but because of the fear of my beginner-skill-level in hard games, I put it aside and played another games. In the end, I launched it only a year later... after Death Gambit, Nioh, Sekiro and a couple of other similar games :)
    All in all, the Hollow Knight is a rather difficult adventure in the World... of bugs. ALL who we will meet in the game are different bugs and moths. And EVERYTHING that we will meet is an incredibly beautiful World of the bug's kingdom, divided into completely unique locations, such as zones overgrown with mushrooms and spores, or a deserted dead canyon, or a forest filled with live feral flowers... or small personal worlds in someone's dreams. In addition to the incredibly detailed environment, where even the smallest blade of grass reacts to our hero, this game has beautiful music and other sounds too. And some, in general, I want to keep and listen to again... for example, Emilitia's rude laugh XD
    ...
    Game-play: you get used to it quickly, it is easy to control your character, the buttons are remembered easily too. Very convenient, and compact, inventory and character menu. In fact, something can only be changed in amulets and on the map. Everything is very well done. Except one BUT. In fact, the only thing that greatly saddened in this masterpiece: half of the amulets are rubbish of varying degrees of usefulness. There are only 42 of them, it seems, and they can be divided into three parts: useful, optional, garbage. I won’t talk about useful ones, it’s understandable. Optional - a category of permanently replaced amulets, for different "builds" with some sacrifices due to the price of the slots, since normal ones cannot be inserted. And I threw in the trash all the amulets that have a disproportionate cost of inserting into the slot with their effects, or dumb nerfing(for example, the blood of the hive, which restores only the last HP only if you have not been hit for 10 seconds, or the extremely low poison damage in a stinky amulet). Some amateurs even made "crutches" for these amulets, so that the last third part would not just be for the sake of "funny builds for YouTube", but at least give some usefulness.
    ...
    But in general, except for the last point, I really liked the game. Of course, I look forward to Silksong.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. Rootthelucarien
    Jan 16, 2020
    10
    Great game this one is super fun and addicting hard and difficult but it feels like a good game and this deserves a movie in theaters. The characters just look adorable. The story is just epic. The gameplay is very addicting and fun like i mentioned earlier in this review. My only complaint is that the bosses are hard to defeat and i can’t really figure out how to beat the bosses. SoGreat game this one is super fun and addicting hard and difficult but it feels like a good game and this deserves a movie in theaters. The characters just look adorable. The story is just epic. The gameplay is very addicting and fun like i mentioned earlier in this review. My only complaint is that the bosses are hard to defeat and i can’t really figure out how to beat the bosses. So unless i know how i can defeat the first boss that complaint will do good for now. Anyways i really love this game and this game needs to be reviewed on jacksepticeye and markiplier’s channels i would really love to see how they react when they play this game being the jacksepticeye and markiplier fan i am. I think this game suits Markiplier and Jacksepticeye. I bet when i progress further the game will be even greater. So thats all i have to say about it. Well ok i could’ve thought of better things to say about it but this will do for now. Besides the gameplay speaks for itself.… Expand
  31. WaY_CuP
    Oct 8, 2020
    10
    Just one of the best platformer ever done. Beautiful and charming graphics style, great sound and music, nice mechanics. I write it after completing Ori and the will of the wisps, so now i know from were new ideas was stolen by Moon studio. So, just give it a try (controller exp is better, than keyboard).
  32. Babutto
    Nov 24, 2021
    9
    An amazing metroidvania.

    Pros.: - The concept, story. It is interesting to play in this world of decay and decadance. Though, it leaves a hard feeling of sadness. - The game progression is balanced with some exceptions. - You can achieve multiple endings (except forth maybe, because it is extremely hard and long without trainers). - Design. Cons.: - Some of the buffs for bosses    An amazing metroidvania.

    Pros.:
    - The concept, story. It is interesting to play in this world of decay and decadance. Though, it leaves a hard feeling of sadness.
    - The game progression is balanced with some exceptions.
    - You can achieve multiple endings (except forth maybe, because it is extremely hard and long without trainers).
    - Design.

    Cons.:
    - Some of the buffs for bosses are insane. For example, the Traitor Lord is very powerful while Hollow Knight is not that impressive. It doesn't make any sense.
    - The forth ending should be granted without that painful gameplay polishing of finishing all bosses over and over again. It doesn't make sense again - the game is already quite challenging. The developers just force the players to jerk the joystick or keyboard off more and more. Same with the level in the dream world and the Pale King - the saw level I mean. It is insanity for speedrunners and extreme fans. But others will just say "screw it, I'll use trainer." And that will kill the whole idea of achieving the two other endings.

    Anyways, it is a great game. The concept of the game that you actually fight the light caught my eye. We basically play bad guys - the Void. But it make sense since the whole thing takes place underground. There is no need for light there - almost all creatures are bugs.

    BTW free DLCs. You MUST reward developers for that I guess. Respect!    … Expand
  33. TrombaAmarela
    Apr 30, 2019
    9
    Oi, tudo bom com você senhor ou senhora tudo ss e vc como está ah eu tbm to bem ah blz?
  34. CTEHA
    Oct 30, 2019
    10
    Очень атмосферный платформер, с плавными анимациями, не повторимым и прикрасным дизайном. Сюжет так как и битва с боссами сделаны по всем заветам серии игр Dark souls. Мой вирдикт, игра создана на все 10/10.
  35. MrCrowley
    May 17, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly, it's been a while since I've played a game this thoughtful. Almost every part of this game I enjoy. The story, while simple on the surface, is filled with hidden lore found throughout the game. The world is massive, consisting of multiple zones each with their own interesting features. The gameplay is solid with tight controls and well-paced combat. The difficulty, though challenging, is very rarely unfair. The only issue I have is the Metroidvania formula, for while I can tolerate it in this case, it usually frustrates me to the point where I have to look up a guide to discover where the items are, some of which are hidden under complex criteria such as the Void Heart. However, if a game is so near perfection that I can tolerate the Metroidvania aspects, something I've never been able to do in other games within the genre, then it must be something special. With it only being $15 on Steam along with free DLC, I have to recommend this game to anyone who wants an atmospheric title with some of the most polished elements any game has to offer.… Expand
  36. Redlank
    Jan 17, 2020
    10
    Maybe one of the best games ever made. Wonderful and amazing in every aspect.
    11/10
  37. UnTh
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    Its the best 2d platformer.Soundtrack is phenomenal.Atmosphere-perfect. Waiting Silksong
  38. Souls2
    Sep 2, 2023
    7
    Incredible graphics and gameplay, but very labyrinthine and more labyrinthine.
  39. Wweald
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time, super fun with amazing charm. A must play for metroidvania fans.
  40. Ragmuzhro
    Jun 25, 2019
    10
    One of my favorite games. This game is masterpiece for me, all good..............
  41. ROBits
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Magnífico. El diseño de juego y la ambientación son preciosos. Alguna de las mecánicas se hace algo pesada.
    El juego es inmenso y a la vez que avanzas, te absorbe más.    … Expand
  42. HarryPawter
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    I can't even imagine what could be more interesting than this game. I went through a fair amount of singles, but nobody could be able to drag me down to the gameplay in the way Team Cherry did. I can not convey my admiration on Hollow
    Knight. Even the feeling itself can hardly be transmitted. In this game, everything that can be perfect is perfect.
  43. Wysomar
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An absolute masterpiece, very difficult if not experimented in metroidvanias, the map can be very labyrinthic, but if you think about it, it has some sense, because you are in caves, when you reach the City of Tears and Royal Waterways you can see it is more linear.… Expand
  44. C45513
    Jan 13, 2021
    10
    Super Metroid has been my favourite video game since 1994. Now I'm not so sure. Hollow Knight is a masterpiece.
  45. mentez
    Oct 31, 2019
    9
    I think the game is a great example of how to create a metroidvania title when you are a small indie studio. It is really well designed and I really love the graphic style which I prefer to the vast number of titles that use pixel art these days and look very much alike.
  46. Zankyouo
    Oct 25, 2019
    9
    Sin duda el mejor metroidvania que he probado, tanto en mecánicas como en arte, banda sonora y personajes. Un cúmulo de ideas geniales bien empleadas que juntas, crean mi videojuego favorito.
  47. Mazhi
    Dec 1, 2019
    8
    Un metroidvania muy bien ambientado, con un mundo que bebe mucho de la saga Souls. Lo que más destaca es el apartado gráfico, ya que la jugabilidad tampoco es que sea nada del otro mundo.

    Va incluido con el xbox gamepass, así que si podéis dadle una oportunidad.
  48. Aidanator
    Oct 20, 2020
    10
    This game is so excellent. The combat is tight, the exploration is deep, the lore is awesome and really elaborate.
  49. Maticritic
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It's just an amazing game. The design of the zones, the soundtrack, the bossfight's, the lore, the beautiful graphics, the plataforms sections and the NPC's are all just great. I think it's one of the best metroidvania of the last decade. A "must-play" for sure.
  50. edxtan
    Feb 27, 2023
    8
    The polished mechanics and ease of exploration in Hollow Knight make it much more approachable than most Metroidvanias.
  51. Joe2126
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    After contemplating whether or not I should buy this game and having a bad experience with Cuphead and other 2d platformers, I judged hollow knight at first and thought it would be another boring 2d platformer with nothing to offer but then I saw a few videos of it and other reviews about the game. I was interested and decided to try it and after playing it, I found my judgements to beAfter contemplating whether or not I should buy this game and having a bad experience with Cuphead and other 2d platformers, I judged hollow knight at first and thought it would be another boring 2d platformer with nothing to offer but then I saw a few videos of it and other reviews about the game. I was interested and decided to try it and after playing it, I found my judgements to be completely wrong. At the same time, I was also judging the album, A seat at the table by Solange which I also found out to be a masterpiece of music.

    Everything you have heard about this game is true, it is a phenomenal game but also a masterpiece of artwork. Every stage you come across has a well designed atmosphere with a beautiful song to listen to, even the bench music, the song “reflection” is just astounding. Whenever you sit on a bench it really does make you reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far and that’s just how good it is. At times, I wanted to keep playing on to find out where I’d be headed next or I’d go through the stages to see whatever I had missed and when I got a new character upgrade to jump from wall to wall I’d go back to these stages and see the places that I needed to get the upgrade for. There are a lot of little secrets and things to come back for in each of these stages and that is how you make a game. The player should feel that all of these stages have a variety of meaning and exploration to them and it is something the game gets brilliantly right. In addition to this, Hollow Knight’s atmosphere is up there with Fallout 1-2 and Max Payne 3, probably better than the three of those games. The environments of Fallout’s Junktown and the master’s underground base were truly intriguing as well as Max Payne 3’s continuous cold and depressive atmosphere in levels like the New Jersey chapter. But with Hollow Knight, each new level feels like a new atmosphere. The stage “City of tears” is an example of this, the city is always raining while a compelling piano theme plays in the background. Another example, Dirtmouth, the first area of the game, has a very cold and windy atmosphere with the right track to go with it. Some of these stages have similarities with other games. For instance, City of Tears and the royal waterways reminded me a lot of Rapture from Bioshock while the Deepnest was similar to The master’s underground from Fallout 1, as mentioned earlier in the review.

    Whenever I play a stage of this game, I feel like I am in the stage because of the soundtrack and other details such as the confined areas of the royal waterways or the dark areas of the forgotten crossroads. The time the game really hit my senses was the stage crystal peak and the reason why is because when you get there you have no idea what’s going on and why things are happening. This is how great the exploration of this game is. The gameplay of Hollow Knight is amazing, it’s fair and you’ll have moments were once you defeat a boss, you’ll be happy. I’ve never felt such a high feeling of accomplishment in a game before when I killed each of the bosses in new levels and that’s why this game is amazing. It makes you proud to play it and go into more of what it has to offer.

    Are there any issues with this game? Only one. For some reason, the game can’t recognise MOUSE 4-5 buttons. For the sequel, this has to be fixed because I’d much prefer some bindings for those buttons rather than using the keyboard.    … Expand
  52. Malthegrey11
    Nov 1, 2019
    9
    I know I’m two years late to the party, but as someone who had only heard of this game in passing, I couldn’t keep quiet once I’d gone over this wonderful and refreshing entry in the often overlooked Metroidvania genre.
    In my experience, there’s three things that set games like these apart from your regular platformers: exploration, combat and writing. And I’m happy to say Hollow Knight    I know I’m two years late to the party, but as someone who had only heard of this game in passing, I couldn’t keep quiet once I’d gone over this wonderful and refreshing entry in the often overlooked Metroidvania genre.
    In my experience, there’s three things that set games like these apart from your regular platformers: exploration, combat and writing. And I’m happy to say Hollow Knight succeeds at all three of these elements spectacularly. Each area in the Kingdom of Hollownest is divided their unique environment and color palate. And all of them perfectly represented using the game’s charming and effective art style. Getting lost has never felt more satisfying as you venture deeper underground to fill out the blank spots of your map, find worthwhile collectibles, face greater challenges and all the while rewarding players with tons of power-ups.
    Combat starts simple enough. You can slash out with your Nail (sword) in four directions and you can jump. But as you explore, you’ll come across more moves and abilities. A dash, clinging to walls, group-pound, and special Nail moves are all optional unlockables one can find by dedicated exploration and difficult boss battles. Mix these with magical attacks that deplete a special meter that’s filled every time you land an attack on an enemy, and by the time you finish the game, a hell of an arsenal will be at your disposal.
    But the fun combat and fulfilling exploration sit side-by-side with the game’s dark story and lore. You are the Knight, a tiny little guy who goes to the bug-town of Dirtmouth to venture into the lost kingdom bellow and uncover its secrets: Hollownest. While the main plot might not be anything too complicated, more invested players will get more out of it by paying attention to the game’s environmental storytelling and captivating world-building. And the game’s bleakness only makes its lighthearted moments shine through with fun, likeable and even some helpful NPC’s found throughout Hollownest.
    When it comes to the soundtrack, Hollow Knight has a bit of everything. Mysterious melodies that will set your imagination on fire. Sad numbers that will fill you with dread. Epic scores that will help you along in the most difficult of boss encounters. And even soft tunes that you’ll cherish once you’re done with an area, only to revisit it later on and remember the fun you had exploring.
    And to add to the fun, Hollow Knight is filled to the brim with additional DLC content, completely free of charge! While two of these (Hidden Dreams and Lifeblood) are mostly improvements and minor additions to the base game, the last two add entire new chapters to the Hollow Knight story. The first, The Grimm Troupe, sets the Knight against a psychotic leader of a traveling circus. The second, Godmaster, sets you on the most difficult quest of all by adding a boss rush to the game. All of these come installed in the game when purchased now as updates.
    With this much content, Hollow Knight is more than worth the purchase. It has exceeded its predecessors and set a standard that will be hard to beat. It might be a great challenge, but its easy to pick up and rewarding to finish.    … Expand
  53. Shadran
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    Very challenging game with beautiful graphics. Starts really straight forward by giving you ability to jump and attack and forces you master those two things in order to beat progressively stronger opponents. Level design is very good making every zone unique with its own enemies. As you progress you can find a lot of shortcuts for later visits and a lot of secrets that rewards you forVery challenging game with beautiful graphics. Starts really straight forward by giving you ability to jump and attack and forces you master those two things in order to beat progressively stronger opponents. Level design is very good making every zone unique with its own enemies. As you progress you can find a lot of shortcuts for later visits and a lot of secrets that rewards you for attacking every wall and shaky ground. Often you find your first visits in zones very hard because of new enemies and obstacles but be beating more and more of them you get more abilities and items that make your life easier. Music makes every fight more intense, deep dark places more scary and shops and hot springs more relaxing. Over all this game is masterpiece but it can be really challenging for someone starting with this genre.… Expand
  54. smee_
    Oct 11, 2022
    10
    One of the best metroidvania ever made. Gameplay, art, music, immersion, challenge, it doesn't disappoint.
  55. ChrisWhiteWolf
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Phenomenal!

    Tight, responsive, challenging and enjoyable gameplay with a great difficulty curve, great art style and atmosphere. All in a fascinating world full of mysteries and interesting characters and enemies.

    Can't ask for more out of a 2D game!
  56. pedraww
    Dec 8, 2019
    9
    An outstanding visual and perfect gameplay. That's a Metroidvania, everybody.
  57. Deadlasertom
    Jan 15, 2020
    10
    10/10
    Я не умелец в писании обзоров, но после прохождения игры почувствовал, что обязан похвалить ее.
    Отличный представитель жанра Экшн-платформер-метроидвания. Безумно красивый, атмосферный, и завораживающий. Лично меня игра зацепила всеми аспектами. В нее интересно играть с геймплейной точки зрения, хотя в самом начале игра кажется несколько деревянноватой, но по ходу продвижения по    10/10
    Я не умелец в писании обзоров, но после прохождения игры почувствовал, что обязан похвалить ее.
    Отличный представитель жанра Экшн-платформер-метроидвания. Безумно красивый, атмосферный, и завораживающий. Лично меня игра зацепила всеми аспектами. В нее интересно играть с геймплейной точки зрения, хотя в самом начале игра кажется несколько деревянноватой, но по ходу продвижения по сюжету игроку будут открываться все больше способностей, по типу двойного прыжка, дэша и тд. В игре достаточно много красиво прорисованных локаций, в каждой есть множество видов противников, чувствуется разнообразие. При этом локации хорошо связаны друг с другом и полностью раскрываются опять таки по ходу получения новых способностей, когда открываются ранее недоступные места. Местами игра очень сложная, но более казуальные игроки могут чувствовать себя спокойно, совсем ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ские части игры не обязательны для прохождения сюжета, как минимум для стандартной концовки, а вот настоящие хардкорщики точно найдут чем себя занять. Отдельно стоит отметить отличный саундтрек, в некоторых локациях хотелось побыть подальше просто из за приятного сопровождения.
    В целом игра оставила очень приятные впечатления, на фоне современного игропрома(когда даже максимально расхваленные фанбоями продукты по типу RDR'a кажутся пресными и душными) очень приятно видеть что-то, что вызывает настоящие эмоции, в чем чувствуется именно душа и при всей простоте и небольшом бюджете собранном на кикстартере выдает такой результат.    … Expand
  58. SurrealKitten
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    A fantastic game, with a charming and uncharacteristically eldritch story, a beautiful and woeful soundtrack, and tons after tons of cute bug characters.

    Difficulty wise, Hollow Knight manages to be challenging enough to be fun and not overly difficult -- apart from a certain post-game Boss Rush mode. The map is fun to explore, and each location holds its wonderful (and sometimes    A fantastic game, with a charming and uncharacteristically eldritch story, a beautiful and woeful soundtrack, and tons after tons of cute bug characters.

    Difficulty wise, Hollow Knight manages to be challenging enough to be fun and not overly difficult -- apart from a certain post-game Boss Rush mode.

    The map is fun to explore, and each location holds its wonderful (and sometimes sinister) little surprises.

    Overall: 10/10,
    +20 because this is the one game that solidified my love for the Metroidvania genre.
    -10 points because Zote.    … Expand
  59. fromtehvoid
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Epic, tough as nails platformer with great story. Soundtrack is legend! Well worth buying.
  60. Ifix
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    This Game looks absolutely gorgeous. Gameplay and music, as well as the look is awesome.
  61. IMR707
    May 14, 2021
    9
    The art and music is awesome. The only things that kind off turns me off is the painful backtracking. Also although you can mark places that is inaccessible at early part of the game, i only realised that after halfway through the game, making some of the blocked place not marked and totally missed by me and end up finishing the game without it. The completionist inside me feels sad.

    It    The art and music is awesome. The only things that kind off turns me off is the painful backtracking. Also although you can mark places that is inaccessible at early part of the game, i only realised that after halfway through the game, making some of the blocked place not marked and totally missed by me and end up finishing the game without it. The completionist inside me feels sad.

    It is still a great game overall though.    … Expand
  62. Prometheus1241
    Feb 3, 2021
    10
    One of the best modern metroidvanias, a pure masterpiece and a modern classic. Reccomended for those who respect themselves as a gamer.
  63. Vezendeve
    Dec 8, 2020
    10
    hollow knight without a doubt is wanna the best or the best games i've ever played, it's so good and beautiful the caracthers are incredible, the music wanna of the best, and the gameplay, ambience and map are just a master-piece, every thing in this game is interesting even the little details. do yourself a favor and play
  64. Xenon5346
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    I made an account just for this game, definitely one of the best games I have ever played, if not THE best.
  65. AlephZero
    Apr 3, 2020
    10
    El mejor juego (sin exagerar) que jugué en los ultimos 10 años. El mejor, lejos. Buena jugabilidad, buena respuesta, la historia bien contada a traves de textos casi poeticos, secretos, habilidades interesantes, y personalizacion de personaje..... este juego es una joya
  66. pold10
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    I find this my favorite game, I loved the art, the music, the battle, the movement, the controls feel so good, the amount of control you have over your character is ideal. I also loved all the FREE DLCs, I can't recommend this game enough, GET IT, the amount of content you get for its price it's insane. The only reason you would avoid this game is because you dislike metroidvanias,I find this my favorite game, I loved the art, the music, the battle, the movement, the controls feel so good, the amount of control you have over your character is ideal. I also loved all the FREE DLCs, I can't recommend this game enough, GET IT, the amount of content you get for its price it's insane. The only reason you would avoid this game is because you dislike metroidvanias, otherwise get it.… Expand
  67. Gaisericus
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    This is by far one of the best games with an amazing amount of content and at a great price. It's amazing how developers like Team Cherry can exist in this industry and not get more credit where it's deserved
  68. PanMrkvicka
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    amazing game thats fair and challengin especially the pantheon, amazing combat platforming and story.
  69. NeverSm1Le
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Атмосфера,музыка, лвл дизайн, графика, персонажи, лор, геймплей все здесь на высшем уровне. Эта игра просто не способна оставить равнодушным, эта игра является маленьким шедевром сделанным с душой. Такого подхода не хватает многим современным ААА играм.Атмосфера,музыка, лвл дизайн, графика, персонажи, лор, геймплей все здесь на высшем уровне. Эта игра просто не способна оставить равнодушным, эта игра является маленьким шедевром сделанным с душой. Такого подхода не хватает многим современным ААА играм.
  70. shreyas16
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Perfection of the metroidvania genre. I thought no metroidvania could ever surpass Super Metroid, but this one definitely did. No other game comes even close to having the amazing world design that this game has.
  71. Spacechicken100
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    This game has fantastic art, music, and gameplay. Lots of great bossfights and fun exploration. This is one of my favorite games.
  72. Alvelian
    Jan 13, 2023
    10
    Супер приятная картинка и великолепный саунд. Тупо топ
  73. Soundras
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    Great metroidvania with loads of content for a relatively low price.
    The free DLC add good content to the gameand some of the best bosses.
    Although its pretty hard to achieve and see everything the game has to offer,
    it almost never felt "unfair" difficult. With enough training its pretty doable.
  74. NightmareX
    Feb 25, 2020
    10
    Sin lugar a duda es uno de los mejores metroidvania que he podido jugar.
    Tiene excelente banda sonora, jugabilidad 10/10 y su diseño del mapa es precioso y como te motiva a seguir explorando el mapa con bastantes buenas recompensas y ni hablar de su grendiosa y bellisima banda sonora que es lo mejor que he podido escuchar ya que te mete mucho en el juego.

    simplemente P E R F EC T O
  75. IAmDemi
    Mar 5, 2020
    10
    One of the best games I've played, hands down. Anybody that even remotely likes the Souls Series will grow to love this game. It recommends playing it with a controller but keyboard is just fine. It rewards exploration like few game does and offers a highly detailed hand drawn world that is full of content. Truly a fine game. I sincerely hope they will add more expansions other than theOne of the best games I've played, hands down. Anybody that even remotely likes the Souls Series will grow to love this game. It recommends playing it with a controller but keyboard is just fine. It rewards exploration like few game does and offers a highly detailed hand drawn world that is full of content. Truly a fine game. I sincerely hope they will add more expansions other than the one that is already announced, and I even more hope they will release a sequel or prequel spinning off of the same formula they used for this game.

    Amazing, well done Team Cherry.    … Expand
  76. ebb
    Jun 18, 2020
    10
    absolutely amazing and simply beautiful. everything about this game is aesthetically pleasing.
    you owe it to yourself to play hollow knight.
  77. Relkad
    Mar 23, 2020
    9
    Except for the "go here go there now go to the other side of the map" non-sense,game is one of the best metroidvania you can play.
    Other metroidvanias might have decent mechanics and visuals,but they don't combine'em with an immersive story like hollow knight does these days.
  78. enzo-pannacotta
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    really the best game to date

    "Your review must be at least 75 characters long."
  79. belisarius93
    Apr 3, 2020
    8
    Traditionally I dislike it when people tell me to play a game for X hours because that's when it gets good. Regrettably, I have to tell you that you got to give Hollow Knight a bit of a chance.

    I was very lukewarm on this game for the first 2 hours or so; I liked it, but I wouldn't recommend it. When I unlocked the dash, I was immediately far more interested. When I unlocked wall    Traditionally I dislike it when people tell me to play a game for X hours because that's when it gets good. Regrettably, I have to tell you that you got to give Hollow Knight a bit of a chance.

    I was very lukewarm on this game for the first 2 hours or so; I liked it, but I wouldn't recommend it. When I unlocked the dash, I was immediately far more interested. When I unlocked wall jumping I fell in love.

    The primary thing I desire in a game is solid controls and fun mechanics. My God is this game fun to control once you unlock those abilities (and range extenders for your trusty nail!). The way the world opens up with these moves as well is just brilliant.

    I'm a huge fan of metroidvania games, my favourite of all tie being Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, and Ori and the Blind Forest. I haven't completed this game yet but it's definitely contending for a spot on the list.

    This game really gets everything right for me once you unlock those two abilities; the fact that it takes a little longer than it should is going to mean I have to dock a couple of points though because the game play is really mediocre before then.    … Expand
  80. abcdefgg11
    Apr 6, 2020
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. It takes the metroidvania genre to its maximum potential. Gameplay, atmosphere, soundtrack, characters, visuals... every element is of the highest level. And if you are a completionist prepare for some tough optional challenges.
  81. DAUN42
    Nov 23, 2020
    9
    Игра классная, мне очень понравилась, но есть одна проблема-карта, она большая и запомнить закрытые места, чтобы потом к ним вернуться сложно, так что ставьте метки на эти места, метки можно купить в магазине
  82. Ilmu011
    May 5, 2020
    10
    Hollow Knight is a 2D Sidescroll Metroidvania and one of my favorite games of all time.

    The standard gameplay involves you exploring the world, which consists of platforming, fighting enemies and bosses and exploring new areas you couldn't access earlier by finding new items/abilities granting you moves like Dash or Double Jump that let you further explore the world. The most    Hollow Knight is a 2D Sidescroll Metroidvania and one of my favorite games of all time.

    The standard gameplay involves you exploring the world, which consists of platforming, fighting enemies and bosses and exploring new areas you couldn't access earlier by finding new items/abilities granting you moves like Dash or Double Jump that let you further explore the world.

    The most important thing in a platforming game is the handling. If the game is not well optimized, if the movement feels clunky or unresponsive, playing the game feels more like a chore instead of having fun. Hollow Knight absolutely (dream-)nailed it in this department. I played it on the PC and on the Switch, and the controls and physics feel so fluid and intuitive that you always feel like you have 100% control of your character. Never once when I died or missed a jump did I blame it on poor controls or glitches, but because I did something wrong.

    The combat system of this game also feels super-refined. The key, like in many other games, is to learn enemy attack patterns to find out vulnerable openings or dodge their attacks. To kill enemies you have to hit them a couple of times with your weapon (the nail), which in turn provides you with "SOUL", a resource you can use to heal yourself or use other damage-dealing spells. Combined with "charms", which grant you unique abilities (like increasing your strength, HP, granting you familiars, special moves, etc.) there are many different ways and strategies you can try out to approach combat and bosses, which makes it very intriguing to hone your strategy and progress in the game.
    It feels like the devs spent a lot of time to balance all the different aspects of combat and in my opninon they definetely succeeded.

    The worldbuilding in this game is phenomenal too. There is so much to explore, there are so many different areas, abilities, challenging bosses, that during the time you didn't yet finish this game, which lasts about 30-40 hours, you're driven by the desire to explore more, to discover new things, constantly. I hadn't had this feeling with a game for a long time and Hollow Knight absolutely takes it away on this one.

    If there is a downside to this game, it might be the pacing. Progression in this game is very slow and although I personally prefer that, it might drive away a lot of people. The areas are kind of built in a way, that is supposed to throw you off and get lost and you can spend a lot of time in a place without knowing what to do next which can get frustrating. The fact that the graphics, music and overall ambience are so beatiful definetely fight that frustration, even when lost or backtracking huge parts of the areas, I still enjoyed admiring the scenery and music, but I do get that many other people wouldn't feel the same way.

    Also, it is worth mentioning, that this game is difficult, especially the boss fights. I have played games like these for a long time, so I didn't have a real problem with those, but to someone who is new to the genre or gaming in general, the bossfights can be a huge blockage. The game is kind of merciless at this aspect, why some people have compared it to Dark Souls. The boss designs themselves are very good, in my opninion, each one of them offers a unique and new challenge and you will never beat them at your first attempt, but exactly that is what makes them more fun. Every time you go into a boss fight, you learn a little more of how to approach them, how to dodge certain moves and strike at the right time and there is no better feeling in the world when you finally beat the boss you have been trying to defeat for a couple hours and hear the little victory jingle at the end.

    Another thing I would note on the negative side is the aspect of "secrets". In Hollow Knight, there are a TON of secret walls and areas. So much that a lot of game content can be missed if you rush through areas and don't pay attention to every single wall. Both the Godmaster and Grimm Troupe bonus DLCs which offer a LOT of new content are hidden behind some unintuitve secret walls you can easily miss. If I didn't have bothered to look it up on the wiki and social media, of how to enter those areas after searching for them by myself for hours, I would have missed that content, what would be a shame.

    As the last point, a design note: I like that this game is not pixel-styled. It seems like every good 2D indie game these days has to have pixel graphics and 8bit-retromusic (take Celeste, Shovel Knight, Dead Cells, Terraria etc. for example) and I am kind of fed up of that. Hollow Knight has normal 2D vector graphics and standard orchestra music, which is SO refreshing after playing all those retro styled games and shows how well that can be done. I wish we would see more of that in the future and move away from retro.

    In short: One of the best metroidvania titles out threre. Definetely try it out, even if you're not a fan of the genre.    … Expand
  83. Feminist19
    Jun 13, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, the good:
    -The art style is beautiful; everyone already knows this. (10/10)
    -The bosses are tough, but fair. Some attacks are pretty **** tough. (9/10)
    -I actually really like the map system; it forces you to actually make a mental map in your head, and not be led by the hand. Cornifer is also really easy to find. The only area i got lost in is Deepnest, but that makes sense, that's kind of the point of that area. It also forces you to use benches more. It can be confusing to some people. (9/10)
    -The atmosphere is gloomy and dark, but always with a glimmer of hope so it doesn't feel overly depressing. (10/10)
    -The NPCs all have personalities, even without a voice. From them you can get worldbuilding, quests, or just quirky dialogue. Some are pretty pointless, like the bug in Queen's Station. (9/10)
    -The worldbuilding and the world itself is amazing. It's interconnected with stag and tram stations, and when you see some ruined, the situation of the kingdom really hits you. You can learn about the world through enemies, hunter's notes, etc. It really feels alive. (10/10)
    -The pacing in the mid-game is amazing. There is just so much stuff to do and to see. You can go back and retry some bosses. You can try to beat some dream bosses. You can get mask shards etc.
    -The controls and movement are so statisfying to master. This is perfectly summarized in the White Palace. I was raging, but deep down I knew that I should've timed that better, or that I used my dash too high. (10/10)
    -The story overall is amazing. Like I said, the atmosphere is really good, and so is the story. (i'll talk about storytelling later.) 10/10
    -The helaing mechanic and soul are really good. Insted of having passively recharging system or consumable projectiles, you need to go in to then be able to use safer and stronger spells. This also applies to healing. This discourages players from being a **** and camping in the corner waiting for your soul to recharge, or farming consumables to chees the bosses. 10/10
    -Upgrades aren't original, that's true, but the statifaction comes from realizing "Oh, wiht the double jump I can go there and there!" and when you do that and get for example a mask shard, it's so statisfying.
    The bad:
    -Pacing in the early-game and the late-game is pretty slow and linear. At the start you get the dash and the claw and it's pretty linear, and at the end you get Kingsoul and have it for 5 minutes before you replace it. Some areas are also underused, like Queen's Gardens, where I only went once and came back just for the flower quest. Sam thing with White Palace, only went back for Path of Pain. 7/10
    -There are very few indications for what you need to do for the true ending. If I didn't watch a lore video before I got the game, I wouldn't know what to do. There is one indication that you need to dreamnail the kingsmould with the upgraded dream nail, and that indication is if you dream nail him earlier and the you see the description for the upgrade. There is also no indication for the second half of the Kingsoul, but you will probably explore the Queen's Gardens eventually. 5/10
    -The storytelling is pretty bad. I know they went the path of vague storytelling, but this is a bit too vague. The saving grace is that you can play through some cutscenes. 6/10
    Great game. Get it.    … Expand
  84. L0_GUN9
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    This game is absolutely **** amazing, to every degree. The gameplay gets so good as you unlock new spells and abilities, allowing for quick, fluid combat. The art is amazing, keeping a cartoonish look, but keeping a mellow, gloomy feel. The music is absolutely beautiful as well, keeping the melancholic atmosphere of the game at all times, with sad pianos and violins, to quick paced themesThis game is absolutely **** amazing, to every degree. The gameplay gets so good as you unlock new spells and abilities, allowing for quick, fluid combat. The art is amazing, keeping a cartoonish look, but keeping a mellow, gloomy feel. The music is absolutely beautiful as well, keeping the melancholic atmosphere of the game at all times, with sad pianos and violins, to quick paced themes with the harpsichord. This is a must play for anyone who likes Metroidvanias, or **** it, anyone who plays games at all.… Expand
  85. ObscureSena
    Apr 26, 2020
    10
    The game is just a masterpiece that balances difficulty and a deep experience, the game is not hard, you just have to know how to play and execute your abilities as The Knight, I recommend it to literally every soul in this world
  86. gut1
    Jul 31, 2020
    9
    hollow khight es un metroidvania que te obliga a perderte ya adentrar es su mundo su sistema de comabate es muy satisfactorio y te obliga a hacer decisiones rapidas de hacer mas daño o curarte la vida su musica es increible este es el sucesor de castlevania que estavamos esperando :D
  87. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    8
    Without a doubt one of the best indies I have ever played and one of the best games of 2017. This adventure / platforms manages to keep you hooked until you see each of the secrets that this peculiar underground world hides. A very challenging game that has a vast amount of skills and a wide variety of enemies. Highly recommended.
  88. StavBorochov
    May 11, 2020
    10
    A game thats as perfect as this is very rare. Every little thing feels like it has been put a lot of love in and it all combines into a super immersive expierience.
    The music is out of this world! No matter where you are the music fits with that location and in the boss fights really gets you pumped up, and its absolutely beautiful.
    The combat is really addictive and feels amazing. You    A game thats as perfect as this is very rare. Every little thing feels like it has been put a lot of love in and it all combines into a super immersive expierience.
    The music is out of this world! No matter where you are the music fits with that location and in the boss fights really gets you pumped up, and its absolutely beautiful.
    The combat is really addictive and feels amazing. You never get the feeling that you're not in control and it always feel that anything that happened was because how you did it and not because the game had a bug or clunky movement.
    The one bad thing for me was that I got lost alot. Some of the entrances to the place you're supposed to go aren't very noticable and you just miss it sometimes. It could be that I'm a multiplayer person and don't play alot of singleplayer so I'm not used to that stuff. Either way it didn't really affect my experience much.    … Expand
  89. BentedLeon
    May 16, 2022
    9
    Gameplay-wise game is pretty aged and isn't that innovative, but the game progress and world discovery process is involving and moderately hard for a platformer game. Difficulty-wise game is pretty forgiving and isn't hardcore at all, unless we are speaking about ONE certain area, which easily could be missed on first playthrough. Only thing making this not a perfect game is absence ofGameplay-wise game is pretty aged and isn't that innovative, but the game progress and world discovery process is involving and moderately hard for a platformer game. Difficulty-wise game is pretty forgiving and isn't hardcore at all, unless we are speaking about ONE certain area, which easily could be missed on first playthrough. Only thing making this not a perfect game is absence of in-game route management tools and annoying input eating bug/feature (not really that noticeable, only when platforming is really HARD and precise)… Expand
  90. Artitem
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece. Just.... Just perfect. The best game not of 2017 year, but of a whole decade.
  91. Rustick
    Jul 7, 2022
    10
    шикарный платформер интересный лор потрясающий визуал интересная боевая система шикарные босс файты
  92. ItsMeAGamer
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    i start to play this game just because see some rando on internet say "just go play this game, isa masterpiece", so i play it after almost a year untouched in my library. oh well, not even a regret, its my best decision to start 2021 after some terrible launch of a Game in 2020.

    this game must be the cheapest and the most expensive game, i mean its cheap at the price, and expensive    i start to play this game just because see some rando on internet say "just go play this game, isa masterpiece", so i play it after almost a year untouched in my library. oh well, not even a regret, its my best decision to start 2021 after some terrible launch of a Game in 2020.

    this game must be the cheapest and the most expensive game, i mean its cheap at the price, and expensive because the muchton of content in this game has. the level design is beautiful, ive never been to internet to search "where i need to go" while playing because it's really clear how neat they make it.

    the boss fight is imo the most important thing in this game, challenging, fun, and rewarding af. you can use any build you want base on what kind of boss you fight to make it more easier. very atmospheric, there's so many different kind of world, like a cheerful one, relaxing one, and a gloomy one. it has many interesting music theme too.

    i just hope for more challenging platforming instead just a boss fight in their next game, Silksong. white palace and path of pain is so much fun (of course it's stressful too)

    i cant believe it, im gonna say it, what an absolute 10/10.
    "a masterpiece for your wallet" - dunkey    … Expand
  93. Extremis_Review
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Hollow Knight is one of the best metroidvanias i ever played in my entire life!
    The game is beautiful, the soundtrack is amazing, the story is subtle but if you pay atention to the details and the things around the scenarios you will notice some elements that clarify the story.
    the gameplay is amazing, it's accurate and challenging but when you get the hand of it it gets a lot easier,    Hollow Knight is one of the best metroidvanias i ever played in my entire life!
    The game is beautiful, the soundtrack is amazing, the story is subtle but if you pay atention to the details and the things around the scenarios you will notice some elements that clarify the story.
    the gameplay is amazing, it's accurate and challenging but when you get the hand of it it gets a lot easier, the art direction of the scenarios and the enemys is just beautiful, everyithing about this game is just amazing and well done.
    One of the best games i've played in my entire life.    … Expand
  94. pexxan
    Jan 20, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest games ever made. Theres very few games that i would consider tp be perfect and this is one of them.
  95. SmazenyRizek
    Oct 15, 2020
    10
    his game is piece of art. I love every single moment of this game. One of the best games i ever played.
  96. VirtualRapist69
    Jun 25, 2020
    10
    One of the best games in the genre to the point where it even might give super metroid a run for it's money
  97. Nikolay_
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Игра с интересным геймплеем и лором. С красивой стилистикой и необычайно большим количеством контента. Чтобы с уверенностью сказать, что я прошел игру на 112 процентов, понадобится не менее 90 часов, а может и больше.
  98. AllanWake
    Nov 26, 2020
    9
    Mundo construído com maestria e gameplay muito divertida, porém a história não é muito clara, o que pode causar confusão e deixar você sem saber o que está fazendo
  99. luXtreme
    Jan 5, 2021
    10
    Incredible. A 9.75/10 game

    Soundtrack: 10/10 ( gorgeous) Lore: 10/10 ( rich and deep ) World and Graphics: 10/10 gorgeous, rich, extremely diversified, uncountable enemies, incredible bosses. Sublime Difficulty: 10/10 **** ass casuals not allowed in this game ( jk, but the game is in fact very very hard, but never unfair ) Gameplay: 9/10, the classic platform gameplay with dash, double    Incredible. A 9.75/10 game

    Soundtrack: 10/10 ( gorgeous)

    Lore: 10/10 ( rich and deep )

    World and Graphics: 10/10 gorgeous, rich, extremely diversified, uncountable enemies, incredible bosses. Sublime Difficulty: 10/10 **** ass casuals not allowed in this game ( jk, but the game is in fact very very hard, but never unfair )

    Gameplay: 9/10, the classic platform gameplay with dash, double jump, wall crawling. It fells very polished and fluid. There is also spells and the “Nail arts”: a different type of melee attack. Sadly I didn’t find that last one very useful since you have to charge this special attacks for a considerable amount of time, turning them almost useless and ALSO you have to keep the attack button pressed until you liberate the attack, and I don’t know about the rest of the players, but for me it is extremely hard to keep the square button on my ps4 control pressed at the same time that I do even a slightly tricky parkour. You can move around while doing it, but I find it almost impossible since moving around is not the most simple thing in places like the Coliseum of Fools for example. It just make me sad that this feature is in the game but because that most people will never really get to use it. The more different gameplay features in the game to diversify the gameplay, the better. And for me, this one was a very good opportunity threw out in the trash. You can use a special charm to significantly reduce this time, but beside the fact that you are not getting this charm until very late in the game and you still have to press the attack button all the time, there is also a lot of better charms that you can use, and you don’t want to waste one slot with this one. With lead us to another problem: I got all the charm slots and I still feeling that there is too few of them. Like, there is 40 charms in the game.. Why can I only equip like 4 or 5 at a time? I had the same feeling with Witcher 3 skills. Those games offers SO MANY possibilities for gameplay increases, and personalizations. But you still only get to use so few of them. And my last gameplay issue: the map. I am the type of player that really don’t like to get lost. I like to know what I am doing and where I am going. So more or less when I killed that soul master boss in City of Tears I started playing the game looking at a complete map on the Internet to guide myself and oh my god. I was the best thing I ever did in my life. Looking at a complete map I could finish my first run with 97% completion and 65 hours. It felt so much better knowing where I’m going. To know exactly what I’m doing, what I already did, and what I am going to do next. I DEFINITELY wouldn’t have this much fun just wandering in Hallownest until I finish the game. If you depend only on the map that the game offers you, you have basically 4 options: 1 Explore EVERY room and EVERY corner util you finally find what you are looking for and spend hundred of hours doing it ( considering that you didn’t forget it yet and if you know what you are doing in first place )

    2 just get bored of meaningless walking around and quit the game

    3 beat the game and enjoy like 50% of all the game has to offer and than quit or try another run

    4 just like me, guide yourself with a complete map and enjoy aaaaaaaaaall the content that you want

    Looking at a complete map gave me the possibility to enjoy almost ALL ( not counting dlc content ) that Hallownest has to offer. And oh my **** flying Radiance. I LOVED it. Hallownest... bruh... It is just incredible. I think that I’m not good at talking about stuff that I like, but for me, everything besides the few things that I complained here, is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT in this game    … Expand
  100. iortyh
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    хорошее метраидвание с открытым миром и увлекательным сюжетом и богатым лором
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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