Hollow Knight

 Switch
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 2078 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,879 out of 2078
  2. Mixed: 74 out of 2078
  3. Negative: 125 out of 2078
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  1. donuts842
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    I’m about 10 hrs in and feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of this game. My gaming life started with watching my dad play Metroid on the NES while my mom drew the maps by hand, and the then eventually playing Super Metroid SNES. This game expands on every metroidvania experience there has ever been. Great game, worth the wait.
  2. Greysteel
    Jun 13, 2018
    9
    It's as if the masterminds behind Metroid, Castlevania and Bloodbourne tied an entomologist to a chair, put a gun to thier head, and demanded a refreshing new idea for a charming, yet still challenging, platformer RPG. It's that damn good.
  3. ion87
    Mar 22, 2021
    9
    Great fun gameplay. Awesome art style. Intriguing story. Worth more than the 15.00 price tag.
  4. Bidoulou
    May 12, 2021
    9
    Hollow Knight. Un metroidvania dur. Dur, vraiment, dark souls like il paraît (j'en sais rien, j'ai jamais joué à un dark souls...). Mais passionnant, avec un gameplay aux **** oignons. Ca fait fortement penser à Super Metroid (pour l'aspect exploration) à Ori and the blind Forest (pour la direction artistique et les pouvoirs) mais qui m'a vraiment plu. J'ai galéré comme un fou sur certainsHollow Knight. Un metroidvania dur. Dur, vraiment, dark souls like il paraît (j'en sais rien, j'ai jamais joué à un dark souls...). Mais passionnant, avec un gameplay aux **** oignons. Ca fait fortement penser à Super Metroid (pour l'aspect exploration) à Ori and the blind Forest (pour la direction artistique et les pouvoirs) mais qui m'a vraiment plu. J'ai galéré comme un fou sur certains boss, mais certains affrontements m'ont poussé à me dépasser, et c'était du pur plaisir vidéoludique. A faire absolument, et en plus c'est disponible sur switch, donc jouable en portable... parfait pour souffrir à toute heure du jour et de la nuit! Durée de jeu pour la fin (pas 100%, loin de là) : 46h11m20s (bon en comptant des pauses avec le jeu ouvert ^^').
    Un vrai bijou à 19/20.    … Expand
  5. SuperInkLink64
    Dec 2, 2018
    10
    This game is...incredible. Whether you are a fan of the Metroidvania genre or not, this game is a must have. The story is deep and brilliant, the art style is gorgeous, the characters are all easily memorable, the world is huge and packed with secrets, and the combat and bosses are all tuned to perfection. Plus, there have been 4 FREEEEE DLCs added to this already criminally underpricedThis game is...incredible. Whether you are a fan of the Metroidvania genre or not, this game is a must have. The story is deep and brilliant, the art style is gorgeous, the characters are all easily memorable, the world is huge and packed with secrets, and the combat and bosses are all tuned to perfection. Plus, there have been 4 FREEEEE DLCs added to this already criminally underpriced game. Plus, it provides a variety of challenges for any skill of player. When you get good at this game, you KNOW it. The cherry on the top of this ten layered cake is the amount of stuff packed intp Hollow Knight. I have spent over 50+ hours in this $15 game already, and I am not even close to done. If you have a Switch, PC, or any console, this game should be top priority to get.… Expand
  6. Mordecai_253
    Jun 30, 2018
    10
    I'm at one of the final bosses and about at about 88% completion. This game is fantastic. If you like platformers and Metroidvania-style games, this is one of the very best to be released in recent memory. I waited to pick it up for the Switch, as I like many other folks are drawn to sinking in the time on the switch version because of the portability. If you haven't playedI'm at one of the final bosses and about at about 88% completion. This game is fantastic. If you like platformers and Metroidvania-style games, this is one of the very best to be released in recent memory. I waited to pick it up for the Switch, as I like many other folks are drawn to sinking in the time on the switch version because of the portability. If you haven't played metroidvania-types before, the games are founded on a progression system that slowly but dramatically improves your mobility and combat skills while allowing access to areas - most of which are interconnected - as you obtain new skills.

    The combat and platforming is incredibly tight. The variety in skills and customization afforded by the crest system is deep and satisfying to experiment with. Boss battles are varied and intense; difficult but fair. Enemy and area variety are exemplary.

    What makes this metroidvania so special, besides the excellent execution of the fundamentals, is the art style, world development, and Darksouls inspired story-telling and emphasis on pattern-learning to progress past certain enemies and bosses.

    The game has some difficult bosses and platforming sequences especially with optional bosses and collectible items like the Grubs that are scattered across the enormous map. But nothing feels cheap and the game never gates progression behind particularly difficult content.

    Also cheers to Team Cherry for their persistent support of the game with meaningful patches and free DLC. True mark of an earnest and well-intentioned developer.

    The game, unlike other ports, seems to run just as well on Switch as on PC. I guess the resolution could be higher (I'm playing on a 1440p monitor) but I believe it is constant 1080p and 60fps as I haven't noticed any slowdown. Loading times are also negligible.

    There isn't a ton to criticize here. I wish the player-map-icon functionality wasn't necessarily tied to the charm system. I have over 30 hours in the game and probably another 5 or so to go before 100%. I did find myself wandering around and backtracking a good deal. You get map icons later in the game that help in locating items and essence sources but without a map from the web and/or a solid plan on what you want to do, it's easy to get a little lost and 'waste' time not getting anything done. It can be frustrating but it's a small price to pay for a cunning and expansive map rife with secret passages, whole areas, short-cuts, hidden items, and bosses.

    The combat again is impressive. It starts out so simple but by the end of the game you have an impressive tool-belt and loads of customization options. Adding to the satisfying combat is the sound effects and music. I remember when I first started the game being impressed with the muffling of sound that occurs when the knight takes a hit; kinda like have your bell rung. It added a weight to the combat that persisted and grew throughout the game. The music is similarly well-composed and the voice effects of the NPCs are downright infectious ('ba-pa-nada').

    I can't believe how cheap this game is too. $60 would not be absurd for how much quality time one can spend with this game. They are charging $15.

    If this game even piques your curiosity, buy it. One of my favorite Switch titles and second only to BotW in terms of hours logged. Team Cherry puts Australia on the map for game development and I'm looking forward to what those folks have in store for us in the coming years.    … Expand
  7. AllySky
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    I've never had a good PC to run any of the good games, I could barely get by, by playing some pixel games or games from the 90's. So finally I was happy to get my hands on this game when it was so suddenly put on the eshop, and to my surprise what I had noticed on the day of its release, it became the best selling game in under twelve hours, so apparently this is something to look forwardI've never had a good PC to run any of the good games, I could barely get by, by playing some pixel games or games from the 90's. So finally I was happy to get my hands on this game when it was so suddenly put on the eshop, and to my surprise what I had noticed on the day of its release, it became the best selling game in under twelve hours, so apparently this is something to look forward to.

    I've played Dark souls 1 and 2, both enjoyable games, but I really loved the first one, and I must say, I've gotten similar feelings or emotions of discovery, fear and wonder while playing Hollow Knight.

    For 15 bucks this game is a steal, I honestly think it should have been 30 or more, for its quality, expansive world, and thrill. This game was an instant buy for myself, and many others, so obviously many think this is a must buy game, and I fully agree.    … Expand
  8. ShiverinEskimo
    Jul 2, 2018
    9
    While the initial hours you put into the game are punishing, there is just enough feeling of progression and achievement to get you to the point where it clicks and suddenly the abilities and map progression drive you onward and the addiction sets in. There is zero hand-holding, the punishment for failure can be high and there's a constant feeling that everything in the game is gearedWhile the initial hours you put into the game are punishing, there is just enough feeling of progression and achievement to get you to the point where it clicks and suddenly the abilities and map progression drive you onward and the addiction sets in. There is zero hand-holding, the punishment for failure can be high and there's a constant feeling that everything in the game is geared against you, but beating the maps and its bosses brings greater amounts of satisfaction and relief because of it. Highly recommended.… Expand
  9. runeasgar
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    I normally dislike games that are this difficult, but the total package this game offers is incredible. Story (ableit light), graphics, sound, controls, combat... all amazing. I've found myself beating my head against the wall on a few bosses, but each time I fight them, I get better. The game does a great job of giving you boss encounters that you can learn with a few tries, so theI normally dislike games that are this difficult, but the total package this game offers is incredible. Story (ableit light), graphics, sound, controls, combat... all amazing. I've found myself beating my head against the wall on a few bosses, but each time I fight them, I get better. The game does a great job of giving you boss encounters that you can learn with a few tries, so the frustration level never gets too high.

    For contrast, I fully rage quit a couple of times on Axiom Verge, and went to play something else for a while, but I haven't picked up another game since getting Hollow Knight.    … Expand
  10. hoppynsc
    Oct 14, 2019
    9
    Superb 'metrovania' game that has you playing as the Hollow Knight, a mysterious being exploring a twisted kingdom to unearth its secrets. A classic game in the genre that is simple to jump into but gets more complicated as you acquire new items and abilities to fully explore the world and battle its many enemies. While it can be challenging at first, with each new area discovered andSuperb 'metrovania' game that has you playing as the Hollow Knight, a mysterious being exploring a twisted kingdom to unearth its secrets. A classic game in the genre that is simple to jump into but gets more complicated as you acquire new items and abilities to fully explore the world and battle its many enemies. While it can be challenging at first, with each new area discovered and monster defeated, you get a nice level of accomplishment. The world itself if wonderfully unique and fun to explore in itself, with gorgeous graphic and sound design. A true, modern classic.… Expand
  11. Aame
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    I've played this for over 50 hours and still haven't beat it yet I love the art style music and gameplay all of them are a 10/10 so I'll give this game a 10/10
  12. GoldBeard
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    from the moment you start controlling your character you can feel how good and amazing this game will be! the gameplay, music, animation, world design are all TOP NOTCH. an sorry for using the term, but it has a soulsborne feeling to it... and i LOVE IT for that. honestly this might be one my favorite games ever! GET IT NOW!!!
  13. ElijahBuckout
    Jun 27, 2018
    10
    For someone who was never into the Metroidvania genre, who didn't like the excess of indie platformers in the current market, and who had bought this game on sale out of caution, this game turned out to be by now both my most played game on Steam and one of my most revered.

    Outstanding art, music, combat, exploration, and overall gameplay. Difficulty curve has it's moments, but besides    For someone who was never into the Metroidvania genre, who didn't like the excess of indie platformers in the current market, and who had bought this game on sale out of caution, this game turned out to be by now both my most played game on Steam and one of my most revered.

    Outstanding art, music, combat, exploration, and overall gameplay. Difficulty curve has it's moments, but besides that, no complaints.

    Exceptional, 9.5/10    … Expand
  14. TheFlannelFox
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    Only a madman would look at a group of deadly praying mantis enemies as an opportunity, but after becoming a seasoned hollow knight that's exactly what you'll see.

    I’m The Flannel Fox Tim Swiernik and I reviewed Hollow Knight on the Nintendo Switch Beginning in Dirtmouth a small village above the Hallownest’s Ruins with nothing but your trusty nail by your side your adventure begins.    Only a madman would look at a group of deadly praying mantis enemies as an opportunity, but after becoming a seasoned hollow knight that's exactly what you'll see.

    I’m The Flannel Fox Tim Swiernik and I reviewed Hollow Knight on the Nintendo Switch

    Beginning in Dirtmouth a small village above the Hallownest’s Ruins with nothing but your trusty nail by your side your adventure begins. With a blind leap into the ruins of an abandoned world.

    In the beginning of the game you can only jump, melee attack with your nail, and regain health with your soul. As you defeat enemies you gain soul, when you hold down the A button Hollow Knight can charge back health.

    This simple health recharge mechanic is so potent that it forces you to take risks in order to continue. Where in a normal game if you are low on health, you would turn around and go looking for some or return to your closest regen point. However, in Hollow Knight you are drawn to battle, with one hit left in your health if you pull off the perfect attacks you can be back to full health in no time at all. There are so many moments, where you will assess the situation, pause for a moment, then run into battle knowing that one hit could be your last.

    Hollow Knight is a 2d metroidvania and one of the so called souls-like games, referring to the awesomely brutal gameplay in From Software’s Darksouls, Demonsouls, and Bloodborn. This shows itself in the many different systems in Hollow Night. For example while on your journey you are collecting geo, the games’ currency, if you die your geo is gone until you find your Shade, after defeat it to regain all that you have earned.

    Another reason this is a souls-like, is the brutally different encounters with npcs among the world. When exploring this beautifully grim environment, I try to be careful when moving into a new area as death is lurking around every single corner. When faced with a difficult foe you must learn their attack patterns, which can often take multiple lives doing so, in order to come out on top. Forcing you to get good and to get good fast, it’s so rewarding defeating a boss that kills you so many times, but even more rewarding to encounter that enemy again later in game, and conquering them with ease. Not because you’ve leveled up or gotten a new weapon, which you do not do in this game, but because you have gotten better as a player.

    Being a 2d metroidvania, as you play through the game you unlock new abilities that grant you access do different parts of the map. This being my first playthrough of the game, I truly knew nothing about it and did not know which mechanics were going to be introduced. That being said it took me about five hours to stumble upon the wall slide/wall jump, which was thrilling. One of my favorite 2d mechanics after playing super meat boy, this turned a game with incredibly challenging combat, into a cleverly difficult 2d platformer. Dashing and wall jumping through thorn covered areas, gave me a huge grin on my face almost immediately, and waiting this long into the game to introduce it made the reveal all worth the wait. Travelling back to an area in the beginning of a game that you remember specifically when you saw it the first time, then having that lightbulb moment when you get the perfect ability to now go there, is one of the best feelings in gaming and it will never gets old.

    Each area of the map is broken up into little sections or worlds, but in order to view them on your map you must purchase that area’s map from Cornifier the Cartographer. Not knowing where to find him multiple times in new ares was getting quite frustrating until you begin to hear some faint humming, then you see his papers on the ground, letting you know that he’s close and you find him to purchase that areas map.

    Along with having to purchase a map, you have to purchase the ability to locate yourself on the map, as well as fast travel points, resting benches, and basically everything that is on a normal map. Not being a big fan of this as spending my hard earned Geo to be able to see blue cocoons on my map, felt like a waste of my money.

    Hollow Knight is an amazing 2d metroidvania and a challenging platformer, will fantastically brutal combat that certainly scratches that souls like itch. Just as often as I would stumble into a deadly boss battle, I would be rewarded with amazing moments of discovery, accomplishment, and victory. I can solidly recommend this game to any Switcher who is up for a great challenge.    … Expand
  15. SilverSlayer
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    I bought this game two days ago on my Switch, I've already played over 16 hours and I have not been able to put it down. This is an awesome game, you constantly keep finding new ways to traverse this wonderful world with the many power-ups you discover, so you never really get bored or tired of it. It's definitely a bit challenging at times, but it is never unfair. The music, theI bought this game two days ago on my Switch, I've already played over 16 hours and I have not been able to put it down. This is an awesome game, you constantly keep finding new ways to traverse this wonderful world with the many power-ups you discover, so you never really get bored or tired of it. It's definitely a bit challenging at times, but it is never unfair. The music, the animations, the enemies, the joy of finding something new to play with, and many more aspects are what make Hollow Knight a very entertaining and beautiful game that you will not regret buying, specially not with it being 15 bucks and having several free expansions.… Expand
  16. Neatqt
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    Cast: 9/10
    Story: 7/10
    Fun: 10/10
    Gameplay: 10/10

    MUST PLAY
    ----------------------
  17. AGoodGame
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    An easy 10/10 the game is an amazing 2D Metroidvania and a strong amount of difficulty and it's cheap price make for an easy buy on the Switch.
  18. Carlinhos
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Best indie game EVER, and one of the best 2D games to date. It blends Metroidvania with Dark Souls in a challenging and lengthy masterpiece. Beautiful, dark artstyle and melancholic music add to create a very desolate atmosphere. It's no doubt a 10/10 game, and it's a steal for the price. I can only hope this becomes a full blown series of games.
  19. RevAustin
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is one of the best games I have ever played. I played through it twice on pc and jumped to buy it on the switch. Controls are tight and fluid and on switch the game shines. Hollow Knight is a beautiful game with a fully realized world filled with lore, hours and hours of content, and more free content to come. If you are a switch owner who loves platformers, rpgs, orHollow Knight is one of the best games I have ever played. I played through it twice on pc and jumped to buy it on the switch. Controls are tight and fluid and on switch the game shines. Hollow Knight is a beautiful game with a fully realized world filled with lore, hours and hours of content, and more free content to come. If you are a switch owner who loves platformers, rpgs, or soulslike games (like salt and sanctuary) then this is a must buy.… Expand
  20. keytwitchy
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    This is hands down my favorite 2D game to date. I've always held on to Metroid II: Return of Samus on Game Boy as my favorite 2D game, but Hollow Knight helped me put that to rest. For the amount of content and polish this game has, I would happily pay double, if not triple the current price which is $15. So rather than reading these reviews, if you have $15 and you like metroidvaniaThis is hands down my favorite 2D game to date. I've always held on to Metroid II: Return of Samus on Game Boy as my favorite 2D game, but Hollow Knight helped me put that to rest. For the amount of content and polish this game has, I would happily pay double, if not triple the current price which is $15. So rather than reading these reviews, if you have $15 and you like metroidvania games.. buy it. It's a steal and I have no doubt you'll love it.… Expand
  21. freigeistify
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    I've waited over a year for the Switch-Version, after a friend played it on PC and sang his highest praises. It was absolutely worth the wait.

    Im about 20h in and the game runs perfectly smooth (not one-hickup or input-lag so far!) and is simply a perfect fit for the portability and the grab-and-go playstyle of the Nintendo Switch. At the same time it offers a deeply lored and vast    I've waited over a year for the Switch-Version, after a friend played it on PC and sang his highest praises. It was absolutely worth the wait.

    Im about 20h in and the game runs perfectly smooth (not one-hickup or input-lag so far!) and is simply a perfect fit for the portability and the grab-and-go playstyle of the Nintendo Switch.

    At the same time it offers a deeply lored and vast mysterious world that inspires wonder and has SO much to discover, I've not been able to put it down in a week now. The lore is sprinkled over Hallownest in a very subtle way (I get Dark Souls vibes here), making it a joy to unravel and seek every last hint on what went down in the lost kingdom a long time ago.

    The art is just gorgeous too, boasting a vaguely Ghibli style of drawing that manages to look cute and beautiful yet sometimes gives you chills down your spine when you fight for your survival in the deepest darkest parts of the game.
    The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard in years and captures both the eerily lonely feeling of abandoned cities as well as the blink-of-a-moment thrill of a needle-duel with a boss.
    Also last but not least, the sound mixing is done incredibly well, giving your sense of movement and strength a big boost as every hit, every step and every dash feels real and powerful.    … Expand
  22. alejacma
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    For starters, I'm a big fan of the genre. And this is one of the best Metroidvania games I've ever played if not the best. Actually, it's one of the best games I've ever played, period. I love everything about it: its huge world full of mysteries, weird characters, and a great variety of enemies, its detailed 2D graphics with tons of attention to detail and a very nice use of ParallaxFor starters, I'm a big fan of the genre. And this is one of the best Metroidvania games I've ever played if not the best. Actually, it's one of the best games I've ever played, period. I love everything about it: its huge world full of mysteries, weird characters, and a great variety of enemies, its detailed 2D graphics with tons of attention to detail and a very nice use of Parallax Scrolling, its music and sound effects, the progression system, the soul system, the tight controls, its difficulty level, the fact that I have to find the guy with the map… I don't want the game to finish! Hours and hours of this for just 15 bucks? Shut up and take my money!… Expand
  23. xixphy14
    Jul 6, 2018
    9
    Me encanto, justo lo que esperaba. Es difícil, largo y con muchas cosas por descubrir cada vez que aumentamos las habilidades. Lo único q pensaría que falta seria contar en el inicio que personaje somos, q hacemos ahi y para donde vamos.
  24. thealexmott
    Jun 22, 2018
    10
    This game felt like Breath of the Wild.

    Now I know that's the kind of hyperbole that gets thrown around all the time, but what I mean is this: I entered a new world ill-equipped to handle most of its challenges. Without clear direction, I explored in whatever direction I chose. I found incredible and exciting upgrades that opened the game up in new ways. I kept exploring and exploring    This game felt like Breath of the Wild.

    Now I know that's the kind of hyperbole that gets thrown around all the time, but what I mean is this: I entered a new world ill-equipped to handle most of its challenges. Without clear direction, I explored in whatever direction I chose. I found incredible and exciting upgrades that opened the game up in new ways. I kept exploring and exploring and never got tired of it. Sometimes I got my butt kicked and had to try boss fights up to 10 times before finally winning. But it always felt amazing.

    Hollow Knight is the best game I've played so far in 2018. Recommend to anyone who's up for a challenge.    … Expand
  25. Xoren
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    This game really surprised me. At first it sends you into the woods (or actually caves) a bit directionless, but the smooth combat and beautiful levels really impressed me after a while. I actually like the fact that you don't have mini-maps of new areas, so it really feels like you are exploring. Striking enemies recharges your soul meter that you can use to heal, so even when low onThis game really surprised me. At first it sends you into the woods (or actually caves) a bit directionless, but the smooth combat and beautiful levels really impressed me after a while. I actually like the fact that you don't have mini-maps of new areas, so it really feels like you are exploring. Striking enemies recharges your soul meter that you can use to heal, so even when low on health you are inclined to fight on, which makes for some exciting moments when you are lost and low on health in some uncharted area. For a metriodvania game it is also surprisingly non-linear and big. I would definitely recommend Hollow Knight if you like platformer/metroidvania games.… Expand
  26. Nicklope
    Jul 2, 2018
    9
    Hollowknight is a challenging adventure, crammed with content and secrets that will keep the player coming back for more. Exploration is complemented by tight combat and platforming mechanics. The game oozes immersive atmosphere through it's charming art style, vague lore, and ambient music. Reflecting on my 25 hour experience, any gripes i had were few and far between. Although myHollowknight is a challenging adventure, crammed with content and secrets that will keep the player coming back for more. Exploration is complemented by tight combat and platforming mechanics. The game oozes immersive atmosphere through it's charming art style, vague lore, and ambient music. Reflecting on my 25 hour experience, any gripes i had were few and far between. Although my experience was rewarding and memorable, be forewarned, the casual gamer may not find this experience enjoyable.

    Hollowknight's mechanics leave every mistake at the players fault. The player is put in control of a nameless knight. From the start, the knight has the ability to run, jump, attack in four directions (left, right, up, and down while airborne), and utilize "soul" to heal. Jumping isn't dictated like most platformers. Rather than having a short jump and a high jump, the height of jumping isn't restricted to binary. Jump height is totally varied based on how long the button is held, allowing for tight platforming sections to be in complete control of the player. The knight wields a nail. Which is a sword for insects. Attacks are executed near instant and have knock back on contact. Attacking an enemy downward while airborne, if timed properly, allows the knight to bounce consecutively with each successful hit. This downward attack also makes for interesting platforming sections where the knight must bounce off of spikes and other hazards to progress. As mentioned above, the knight could also heal through "soul". Soul is essentially a magic meter that charges when the knight lands attacks on enemies. To heal, the knight must create a safe distance as healing takes a few seconds and could be interrupted by enemy attacks. This allows for a satisfying 'risk-reward' system where the player must decide if they will heal or sneak in more damage. The combination of these mechanics (and mechanics you gain throughout your adventure) makes for excellent exploration and intense boss fights.

    Checkpoints in this game are benches. At benches the player has the option to switch up charms, which give bonus abilities such as a longer sword or faster attack execution. Switching charms is restricted to benches, so it is important make sure your load out matches what your next goal may be. The amount of charms the knight can equip is dictated by notches which are found throughout the adventure. It is possible to equip more charms than the notches allow, but doing so will put the knight in an over charmed state which causes enemies to deal double damage. When you (inevitably) die, you are returned to the last bench you rested at. Upon returning to a bench after death, the knights max soul is lowered, all geo (currency) is lost, and a 'shade' is left behind. Max soul and geo can be regained by returning to the death location and defeating the shade but beware, if the shade is not defeated and the knight dies before reaching it, the geo is permanently lost.

    Exploration is at the forefront of this adventure. Hollowknight starts off a bit linear, but quickly branches off into a perplexing cavern of secrets and danger. As the player explores and defeats bosses, the knight gains new abilities such as a dash and a wall jump. These abilities allow progress in exploration and access to areas that at one point were inaccessible. For example, you may come across an acidic lake that can only be traversed after you obtain a certain ability. Once you gain the ability, the game doesn't hold your hand on what to do with it. It's up to the player to remember the acidic lake that is now cross able thanks to the knights new found power. This aspect of exploration is extremely rewarding. Exploration is also rewarded with a seemingly endless amount of secrets, which are a joy to discover. Each new area leaves you exploring without a map until you stumble upon the cartographer NPC Cornifer. Cornifer will sell you a map of the area for a reasonable amount of geo. It can be frustrating to explore an area without a map, but thankfully Cornifer leaves a trail of feathers and has audio ques notifying the player as to when they are close to his location.

    The art style Team Cherry chose is both dark and adorable simultaneously. The world is populated by insects who at times are aloof and at others arrogant (but are always charming). The backgrounds are detailed and lovingly crafted, while also doing a wonderful job differentiating the games diverse areas. The ambient music and sound design only adds to the polish and immersion. Though the music while exploring is mostly somber, the music while fighting a boss is triumphant and epic, which at time left me with chills and excitement.

    Hollowknight has little hand holding and the 'risk-reward' based challenge isn't for everyone, but if you are looking for a memorable odyssey, look no further.    … Expand
  27. bobss
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Clearly my personal GOTY of 2018.

    This game is brilliant and makes you want to surpass yourself in every way. It has a nice base gameplay with and incredible gamedesign that pushes the metroidvania to it's finest. The art direction is amazing and serve the gameplay by making you curious and by encouraging the exploration. The only downpoint is that the game is sometimes really    Clearly my personal GOTY of 2018.

    This game is brilliant and makes you want to surpass yourself in every way.
    It has a nice base gameplay with and incredible gamedesign that pushes the metroidvania to it's finest.

    The art direction is amazing and serve the gameplay by making you curious and by encouraging the exploration.

    The only downpoint is that the game is sometimes really brutal and some bosses are quite hard.

    Absolutely must-play if you own a Switch !    … Expand
  28. TheMolester
    Jun 27, 2018
    10
    Excellent game. Not only is it a relaxing platform — very welcome in our time of increasingly complex games — but also one with a state-of-the-art animation and soundtrack that resembles a but skme macabre-yet-still-cartoonish version of Cuphead. A must play for gamers of all sorts.
  29. gustave154
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Best game on switch not named BOTW and Super Mario Odyssey. Just amazing from the start until 100% completion. And the best thing is there is one more update coming
  30. destinyfan1
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    INCREDIBLE ,no not the movie,but this game,i think this might be my favourite indie game I ever played.
    The graphics are beautiful and unique,the sound is also really good
    It's also unbelievable that this game holds so many secrets and is good for 20 hours or even more ( 15 bucks!) it has some frustrating moments ,but those are easily outshined by all the great moments. Was going to    INCREDIBLE ,no not the movie,but this game,i think this might be my favourite indie game I ever played.
    The graphics are beautiful and unique,the sound is also really good
    It's also unbelievable that this game holds so many secrets and is good for 20 hours or even more ( 15 bucks!)
    it has some frustrating moments ,but those are easily outshined by all the great moments.
    Was going to give a 9 ,but then i realised this indie game has more content then destiny 2 (at launch),so i give it a 10    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Switch Game of 2018
3
#3 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
15
#15 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Pocket Tactics
    Oct 20, 2023
    90
    Hollow Knight is an incredible achievement that combines smart game design, a rich world, and sharp combat, with an enthralling insectoid world and a story just begging for you to find it. Team Cherry’s title is a high watermark for Metroidvanias, as the satisfying abilities and countless collectibles add variety and meaning to exploration, rewarding every discovery. Yet, while the challenge is a rewarding part of the process, I do wish that the title made some concessions and shone a bit of light in the darkness for those first fledgling steps.
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  2. Universo Nintendo
    Sep 10, 2018
    90
    A very fun game and full of interesting characters is what await players in this incredible adventure. If you like Metroid style games, Hollow Knight will leave you satisfied.
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  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Sep 5, 2018
    100
    There's never a low point. Only the desire for more. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 17]
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