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. Verbal
    Oct 24, 2018
    6
    Like many, I wanted to like this game but in the end decided it just wasn’t any FUN to play. My main beef would be the boss difficulty. While in of itself this isn’t terrible, every time you die (which will be lots) you respawn at a distance from the boss and have to grind through to get your way back and have another attempt at the battle. The graphics may be pretty, but the charmLike many, I wanted to like this game but in the end decided it just wasn’t any FUN to play. My main beef would be the boss difficulty. While in of itself this isn’t terrible, every time you die (which will be lots) you respawn at a distance from the boss and have to grind through to get your way back and have another attempt at the battle. The graphics may be pretty, but the charm wears off with the repetition, and dying punishes the player enough that you will end up cursing at the game… Expand
  4. Grimmush
    Jun 23, 2018
    3
    DO NOT BUY!

    Honestly as someone who is used to challenging games, I found Hollow Knight to be one of the worst. I found the challenge here to be gimmicky at best, with cheap mid-boss enemies, damage model based on hits and touches by enemies and awkward controls/platforming made even worse on the Switch thanks to the Joy-Cons. You start with a little guy that has 1 attack (3, if    DO NOT BUY!

    Honestly as someone who is used to challenging games, I found Hollow Knight to be one of the worst.

    I found the challenge here to be gimmicky at best, with cheap mid-boss enemies, damage model based on hits and touches by enemies and awkward controls/platforming made even worse on the Switch thanks to the Joy-Cons.

    You start with a little guy that has 1 attack (3, if you count directional attacks as well) , a heal spell and a jump. That's it. No block, no dash/evade, no way to avoid getting hit and as I've mentioned getting touched means getting hit. The enemies are very agile and have a long reach, you yourself are very small and cover a short area, which leads to a lot of cases where you are being hit while trying to hit.

    In short, the combat is abhorrent!

    There is no learning curve like what you had in the Souls games, where if you could overcome a difficult enemies/sequence you could get past it by learning from mistakes, learning new moves and strategies. There's none of the here, as the game is very straight forward.

    The platforming is probably the worst offender, it has this this awful downward attack that you have to use to get through some parts which is a pain to archive on the Joy-con. Add to that tight jumping sequences where you are harassed by enemies you cant avoid...

    Some enemies respawn while you rest at a bench, others respawn if you exit an area, making making it feel very inconsistent. The area maps that you have to purchase, which is incomplete when you buy it, also updates new areas you've been through while resting at a bench.

    You have to grind your ass off to buy basic game mechanics, like maps, map pins, etc.

    Overall I think this game tries so hard to be a 2D souls but falls flat due to all of the above, instead being nothing more than an over hyped poor attempt with pretty aesthetics.

    As it is, the game is unplayable and enjoyable without a scale back on the difficulty, maybe with a easy mode added.

    If you're looking for a Souls like, you won't find it in Hollow Knight. I strongly recommend waiting for Dark Souls Remastered or Dead Cells, both out later this year.
    … Expand
  5. ion87
    Mar 22, 2021
    9
    Great fun gameplay. Awesome art style. Intriguing story. Worth more than the 15.00 price tag.
  6. Peaceduke
    Oct 24, 2021
    5
    While fun at first, the game drags out and overstays its welcome. Dropped it after 20 hours or so due to uneven pacing/difficulty and just boredom.
  7. CTAN
    Jun 3, 2022
    5
    I completed this game, even all the side quest. It's basically Dark Soul in nut shell. There are good things about this game, good map, different style of storytelling, character designs, etc. But, I don't think the game system is fair and balanced, it's punishing system discourage players to play through the game, and action and movement are quite stiff to me.
  8. CapnHollywood
    Oct 5, 2020
    6
    Crafted with love and care, the game is unfortunately held back by its genre. If you're a fan of Metroidvania titles, this may be one of the best and the creator demonstrates a mastery of the genre. For anyone else, it may be worth admiring from a distance. Very creative, but it isn't fun.
  9. FrankyButters
    Aug 12, 2022
    7
    Great world design and soundtrack. Basically every character was adorable. However I got stuck too often and the difficulty lead me to an awkward place, where I was dragged from the fun zone to the frustration zone. Developers could have been on the side of the player with some more decisions. At least the first few hours in the game were very cool and fun!
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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!!!
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Neatqt
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    Cast: 9/10
    Story: 7/10
    Fun: 10/10
    Gameplay: 10/10

    MUST PLAY
    ----------------------
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. WizardOfBangkok
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    I struggle to find anything negative to say about this title. The gameplay and responsiveness of the character really is second to none. You are set in a beautiful world where you must search through the depths to find more and more about the story.
    The game is definitely quite unforgiving and requires patience if you wish to succeed. The best side scroller I have played in a very long    I struggle to find anything negative to say about this title. The gameplay and responsiveness of the character really is second to none. You are set in a beautiful world where you must search through the depths to find more and more about the story.
    The game is definitely quite unforgiving and requires patience if you wish to succeed. The best side scroller I have played in a very long time.
    It will provide you with hours upon hours of gameplay and also there is add on content coming for free to the Switch. A must buy for 15 bucks, hell I would have paid double and still been happy.    … Expand
  38. drlowdon
    Aug 18, 2018
    6
    Hollow Knight is a 2d metroidvania style game that mixes together platforming and combat as the player explores a labyrinth like underground world.

    The visuals and sound design are more than worthy of the praise they’ve received and really help to create an interesting, and unique feeling, world. The controls are also well implemented and help to make both the platforming and combat    Hollow Knight is a 2d metroidvania style game that mixes together platforming and combat as the player explores a labyrinth like underground world.

    The visuals and sound design are more than worthy of the praise they’ve received and really help to create an interesting, and unique feeling, world. The controls are also well implemented and help to make both the platforming and combat satisfying.

    Unfortunately I found this to largely all be undermined by the games design and the way that it never offers any clue as to where you should be going next. Every time you enter a new area you have to find an NPC before you gain access to the map, finding this NPC can often be a time consuming and frustrating experience as without the map navigating the similar looking areas successfully is all bit impossible. The problems don’t end there either, even once you find the map it’s still not clear which of the many directions available you’ll be able to traverse without unlocking additional powers. There is no real fast travelling from most areas either and check points (rest stations) are often spaced relatively far apart and dieing, which will happen quite often, means spending even more time repeating areas to get back to where you was. I’m all for games that don’t try to hold your hand but I played Hollow Knight for 6-7 hours before giving up and I’d estimate at least 4 of those hours were spent wandering around just trying to work out where I was supposed to be going!!

    There is much to admire about this title but in the end it was all just too frustrating.    … Expand
  39. JimmyE3
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Up there with Steamworld Dig 2 as one of the best Indie metroidvanias on the switch.
  40. vanillabarsad
    Jun 27, 2018
    9
    Simple 2d action platformer with nice style. Metroidvania vibe cannot be resisted, so make yourself a favor and buy it.
  41. ChrisFhey
    Jun 28, 2018
    10
    Hollow knight is one of, if not the best metroidvania game I've played in quite a while. Gameplay is great, although somewhat on the difficult side, but that makes it all the more rewarding. The artwork is gorgeous and the soundtrack is equally fantastic. Well worth its price.
  42. n00dle
    Jun 28, 2018
    10
    This is by far one of the best game I've played in many years. The artwork is fantastic, music is topnotch, gameplay simply amazing. There is so much to discover and the game simply get better the more you play it. There are so many secret areas that are discovered by trying different methods and it's so satisfying when you find something new. This is a challenging game but i wouldn't goThis is by far one of the best game I've played in many years. The artwork is fantastic, music is topnotch, gameplay simply amazing. There is so much to discover and the game simply get better the more you play it. There are so many secret areas that are discovered by trying different methods and it's so satisfying when you find something new. This is a challenging game but i wouldn't go as far to say that its painfully hard, it's just a matter of time and getting used to the enemy attack patterns, however I never felt like it was a waste of time. I know nowadays people tend to quit and refund games quite quickly, my own attention span is 0 and if the game is not entertaining enough i'll not hesitate to quit playing it. But please do not make the mistake with this game, it really is worth your time. The game is well worth more than the price tag and its rare to see games this well made in comparison to the big game developers that focus on greedy micro transaction and payable DLC's. it's a indie masterpiece.… Expand
  43. WingmakerPrime
    Jul 4, 2018
    10
    This review comes from the hand of a veteran of video games and at the same time someone who did not know the game until recently thanks to the Nintendo Switch.

    I must admit that at the beginning I did not get much attention this title and thanks to my friends who convinced me to buy it I can say that it was the best bet, experience and purchase that I made this year as far as indis    This review comes from the hand of a veteran of video games and at the same time someone who did not know the game until recently thanks to the Nintendo Switch.

    I must admit that at the beginning I did not get much attention this title and thanks to my friends who convinced me to buy it I can say that it was the best bet, experience and purchase that I made this year as far as indis games are concerned .

    Hollow Knigth is a videogame of platforms, exploration, adventure and why not say survival horror since the world is beautiful and at the same time, the history and lore behind is very interesting and it catches you immediately.

    its mechanics, control, difficulty, graphics and sound are sensibly magnificent.
    It boasts a quality and a waste of talent on the part of Team Cherry exceptional.

    highly recommended for those who like challenges.

    and in a subjective manner. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting video games that I have played with a very disturbing lore at the same time fascinating.

    I would give a 10 but I will be fair and here the objective part has.

    it has very few defects like the fact that it gets to have certain bugs like in the second battle against Hornet where if you apply the spiral attack (Technique of the stinger) against it the game will close saying that an unexpected failure occurred)

    out of that detail everything is superb and beautiful.

    congratulations Team Cherry for this gem.

    Spanish:

    Esta reseña viene de la mano de un veterano de los videojuegos y a la vez de alguien que no conocia el juego hasta hace poco gracias al Nintendo Switch.

    debo admitir que al principio no me llamaba mucho la atención este título y gracias a mis amigos que me convencieron de que lo comprara puedo decir que ha sido la mejor apuesta, experiencia y compra que he hecho en este año en cuanto a juegos indis se refiere.

    Hollow knigth es un videojuego de plataformas, exploración, aventura y por que no decirlo survival horror ya que el mundo es hermoso y tetrico a la vez, la historia y el lore detras es muy interesante y te atrapa de inmediato.

    sus mecanicas, control, dificultad, graficos y sonido son sensillamente magnificos.
    ostenta una calidad y un derroche de talento por parte de Team Cherry excepcional.

    muy recomendable para quienes les gustan los retos.

    y de manera subjetiva. es uno de los videojuegos mas hermosos e interesantes que he jugado con un lore muy inquietante a la vez de fasinante.

    yo le daria un 10 pero sere justo y aqui biene la parte objetiva.

    tiene muy pocos defectos como el hecho de que llega a tener ciertos bugs como en la degunda batalla contra Hornet donde si aplicas el ataque en espiral (Tecnica del aguijón) contra ella el juego se cerrara diciendo que un fallo inesperado ocurrio)

    fuera de ese detalle todo es soberbio y hermoso.

    felicidades Team Cherry por esta joya.    … Expand
  44. quanta
    Jul 15, 2018
    10
    A fantastic game in all aspects. A masterpiece. An art statement!

    This game has so much to offer: beautiful art-style and visuals; satisfying, tight controls; challenging yet fun combat and mechanics; fantastic, interesting bosses; an incredible soundtrack (check it out online!); a vast world with incredibly deep lore; numerous, and I mean really numerous different enemies;    A fantastic game in all aspects. A masterpiece. An art statement!

    This game has so much to offer:

    beautiful art-style and visuals;
    satisfying, tight controls;
    challenging yet fun combat and mechanics;
    fantastic, interesting bosses;
    an incredible soundtrack (check it out online!);
    a vast world with incredibly deep lore;
    numerous, and I mean really numerous different enemies;
    fantastic humor.

    It is clear that Team Cherry was able to focus on aesthetics beyond just gameplay and created something really special to be celebrated for years to come.

    Although it has sold decently and it is now picking more momentum with the Switch release, it is still rather underrated and deserves more publicity and recognition. I rate it above some awesome (if different) games I played in the last year like Zelda BOTW, Super Mario Odyssey, Cuphead, Axiom Verge. Only God of War satisfied me as much, if in different ways.

    Do yourself, Team Cherry and the future of gaming a favor: buy this game and spread the word!    … Expand
  45. LordDecky
    Aug 6, 2019
    10
    This is the best Metroidvania out there hands down. This has perfected the genre with environmental, dark souls-Esque storytelling with brutally challenging combat that is completely addicting after the first few minutes. Do yourself a favor and buy this game
  46. Sunshadow87
    May 14, 2020
    10
    Uno de los mejores metroidvanias que existen. Jugabilidad: genial. Arte: genial. Apartado sonoro: genial. Ambientación y construcción del mundo: genial. Dificultad: muy bien ajustada y desafiante. Duración: elevada para el genero, especialmente con los dlcs.
    Toma lo mejor de los juegos del genero (estando más orientado a la vertiente metroid) y pone su propio encanto y sus propias    Uno de los mejores metroidvanias que existen. Jugabilidad: genial. Arte: genial. Apartado sonoro: genial. Ambientación y construcción del mundo: genial. Dificultad: muy bien ajustada y desafiante. Duración: elevada para el genero, especialmente con los dlcs.
    Toma lo mejor de los juegos del genero (estando más orientado a la vertiente metroid) y pone su propio encanto y sus propias mecánicas sobre la mesa para un juego que debería estar en la estantería de todos los amantes del genero.    … Expand
  47. Salvale
    Nov 25, 2018
    10
    After reaching 112% and beating the game several times, I can definitively say that this is the best game I've ever played. It's easy enough to be turned off by the relatively slow beginning, but by the time you get to the City of Tears, the world opens up and keeps doing so at a consistently impressive pace until the very end. Don't mistake this for a simple case of quantity over quality,After reaching 112% and beating the game several times, I can definitively say that this is the best game I've ever played. It's easy enough to be turned off by the relatively slow beginning, but by the time you get to the City of Tears, the world opens up and keeps doing so at a consistently impressive pace until the very end. Don't mistake this for a simple case of quantity over quality, every area has new enemies, bosses, and mechanics to learn. This game will go on for far longer than you expect and will remain consistently amazing the whole time.… Expand
  48. kurt_russell
    Apr 6, 2020
    5
    Great game if you love back-tracking every time you die over and over again.
    How fun! /s
  49. Skyfellow
    Dec 17, 2018
    9
    Let me preface this review by saying that I've easily spent more than 50 hours on hollow knight; I've finished the core game but still haven't done any content from the two major free expansions. There is a game here for the playing, and at a very palatable price.

    Hollow Knight is truly a masterpiece. It is artwork- every environment drawn by hand in a consistent style that has unique    Let me preface this review by saying that I've easily spent more than 50 hours on hollow knight; I've finished the core game but still haven't done any content from the two major free expansions. There is a game here for the playing, and at a very palatable price.

    Hollow Knight is truly a masterpiece. It is artwork- every environment drawn by hand in a consistent style that has unique flourishes for each local you visit. The music is subtle but effective, drawing you into the game's atmosphere, ever present, never overbearing- it brings to mind the haunting atmospheric music of "Super Metroid". And the game-play: this is a metroidvania to the bone, a refinement of the best entries in the genre, exuding far more personality from it's environments than any other comparable game, motivating me to backtrack and explore every nook and cranny.

    And that leads me into my next point, what hollow knight is not. It is not a souls game, as so many have mistakenly labeled it in a poor attempt to define it's difficulty. It is an exploration-focused metroidvania, and it leans decidedly towards the metroid side of that formula. The bosses are almost all optional, the map is an interconnected maze full of secret doors that lead to new areas and new abilities, many of the challenges come from precise platforming segments and tanky bosses with very learnable attacks.

    Hollow knight is a refinement of the best of the metroidvania genre. But, it still falls in some of the same traps that plauge even the greatest of these games. The controls are notoriously punishing for new players, and while hollow knight is better than the archaic and unintuitive super metroid, it fails it's new players by mysteriously mapping multiple seemingly important abilities to a single button while others are free, only to reveal later that some new ability will slot in there: Also, almost everyone who I have had try this game complains that the jumping feels "wrong" for the first while. this is because there is no momentum when you jump- (a classic metroid control feature, if you jump from a standstill) unlike in mario, where if the stick is released in the air, the player will continue to move forward, in hollow knight, the character must be precisely maneuvered while in the air and will stop dead in the horizontal if the stick is released. This is by no means bad, and it is in fact more precise than the "mario" style jumping, but will leave you frustrated if you don't realize why you keep falling in the spikes.

    Ironically, that frustration is probably hollow knight's biggest weakness. you might have noticed a few reviews or threads in forums that read something like "I PLAYED FOR THREE HOURS AND THIS BOSS IS DUMB AND THIS GAME IS DUMB AND IT'S NOT FAIR". This is indeed somewhat childish bellyaching, but it highlights a sentiment that you're likely to feel: frustrated. the beginning of the game sees you with the fewest abilities: you have yet to acquire the token dash, double jump, wall jump, ect. that are the bread and butter of "metroid" style games. This leaves the character controlling the worst out of the entire experience during the first two or three hours of gameplay. And while hornet, the first real boss, isn't anything next to some of the others in the game- you, the new player, also don't have any "charms" (items you can equip to give you small bonuses), or movement options. This is exacerbated by the "linear" early game. you can't progress without beating this particular boss, so it's easy to get frustrated.

    After that short segment, though, the game opens up with many different routes, largely solving that weakness, and you acquire the "dash" ability, making the player character much more fun to control. if you can be patient with it's steep early learning curve, there is a world of quirky bugs and menacing bosses waiting to be discovered! The game sucked me in, letting me get lost in the deep, winding caverns of hallownest for hours on end. For me, Hollow Knight was without question my favorite game in 2018. And did i mention it's 15CAD$? That's like, amazing. Take a chance on this one, you won't regret it.

    TL;DR:

    Hollow knight is beautiful and brimming with content, but has a steep learning curve, so be patient and you will be rewarded with a gem of a game that is worth every penny.    … Expand
  50. caronte69
    Nov 17, 2018
    9
    de los mejores metroidvania que he podido jugar, muy recomendado, la musica del juego ha sido muy buena, me quede viciado con el juego y sus dlc no han defraudado.
  51. StoneBio
    Dec 12, 2018
    9
    Hollo Knight have a impreessive art and game play. It´s precisaly difficult.
  52. codymilo
    Dec 13, 2018
    8
    This game was a lot of fun to play. Some of the boss fights were very difficult, which I liked, but it is pretty annoying that you have to travel back to the boss from your last save point to try again. The final boss was too easy in my opinion, and I would have liked a little more storyline.
  53. PannacottaFugo
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Hollow Knight tries to be a modern Metroidvania and exceeds greatly at it. Simple but very fun gameplay, extremely expansive lore, and amazing boss fights, huge areas that are intriguing to explore, and many different enemies to fight. One thing I don't like much however is the lack of many weapons and ways to attack. Unlike Casltlevania: Symphony of the Night or even Metroid. You got aHollow Knight tries to be a modern Metroidvania and exceeds greatly at it. Simple but very fun gameplay, extremely expansive lore, and amazing boss fights, huge areas that are intriguing to explore, and many different enemies to fight. One thing I don't like much however is the lack of many weapons and ways to attack. Unlike Casltlevania: Symphony of the Night or even Metroid. You got a standard sword that goes in many directions that's length you can extend and that's about it. No sub-weapons or entirely new weapons. Other than that it's an excellent experience.… Expand
  54. Teirdalin
    Mar 16, 2019
    7
    The game is great from an artistic and controls perspective, but the difficulty is excessively unforgiving. Without any prior warning, dying twice will lose all of your collected money you made over the past day or so playing the game, encouraging heavy grinding to get it back. Wasted far too many hours trying to get back money lost from accidentally dying twice to some explosive plantsThe game is great from an artistic and controls perspective, but the difficulty is excessively unforgiving. Without any prior warning, dying twice will lose all of your collected money you made over the past day or so playing the game, encouraging heavy grinding to get it back. Wasted far too many hours trying to get back money lost from accidentally dying twice to some explosive plants and at this point am just getting sick of it. I read online that spending 1k at the shop you can get a key to unlock the crypt to the far right and get your money back~ but when going to there you discover that it's only previous death, which doesn't help at all and is a huge waste of a grind to unlock an waste your time on.

    The bosses are fun, the level design is fine, the world is easy to get lost in (in a bad way). I did enjoy the game up until the point I lost all my money; so you'll probably enjoy it too as long as you make sure to use the bank.

    And as much as I hate to call anything overhyped; the people saying it is overhyped are absolutely correct. It's a good game and all but definitely not a masterpiece.

    Also as an aside when looking up what peoples thoughts on the dying twice all your money penalty; people generally came to the consensus that the person should just "get good", which kind of hints at a very cancerous community.    … Expand
  55. Lucky1010101
    Apr 15, 2019
    9
    You know what I never wished that I could be? A bug. But I played Hollow Knight. And I loved every second of it. If you're looking for a negative review of this game, look elsewhere. However, I will be attempting to be fair in my assessment, so let's dig in.

    Let's start with the thing that will hit you immediately when you pick up the game- presentation. The opening cutscene sets the    You know what I never wished that I could be? A bug. But I played Hollow Knight. And I loved every second of it. If you're looking for a negative review of this game, look elsewhere. However, I will be attempting to be fair in my assessment, so let's dig in.

    Let's start with the thing that will hit you immediately when you pick up the game- presentation. The opening cutscene sets the dark yet loveable tone that haunts you throughout. Once your character (who has no name, but I will refer to as ‘the Knight’) drops into the opening area, you get to see the game’s art style, and it’s fantastic. The game looks like a cartoon. Every NPC, enemy and boss you’ll encounter (and you’ll encounter a lot) stands out well from the background, but still feels like part of the same cohesive whole. You’ll never find something that feels out of place; the spiders in Deepnest match the grim and dark caverns they reside in, for example. Those backgrounds are beautiful as well; the lighting is subtle but effective and the backdrops give the world and areas a sense of scale and wonder. Almost all of the areas feel very distinct (except from Greenpath and Queen’s Gardens, which feel rather similar) and some are simply breathtaking. The monotonous rain in City of Tears, the falling corpses of Kingdom’s Edge and the intense darkness of the Abyss (to name a few) are simply astonishing. Ari Gibson’s illustrations really were something to behold but they hardly hold a candle to the brilliance of Christopher Larkin’s soundtrack. Some tracks are beautiful but with a hidden menace to them, while others are exhilarating. The world is brought alive through the combination of these factors.

    And what a world it is! By my count, there are 19 areas containing over 150 enemies and 46 bosses. Almost all the areas are visually distinct and the world is huge. Don’t fancy anything too taxing? Just go for a stroll and you’ll probably find something exciting to do or see. The world is at the forefront of this game (in much the same was as it was in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) and it’s the world that provides most of the experience. For example: after reaching the Mantis Village and claiming the Mantis Claw, I challenged the Mantis Lords and died very quickly. I had a base level nail and was definitely not adept at the game yet, so it’s no surprise… Quirrel showed up and told me to try the city, but I ignored him and pressed onwards. In fact, I only found out where you use the city crest after finishing the game! Eventually, I defeated the Mantis Lords and pressed past them into Deepnest, which is easily the most creepy and overwhelming area in the whole game. I couldn’t find Cornifer anywhere and was constantly being ambushed by spiders. It took me at least 3 hours to find my way up to the Forgotten Crossroads and it’s experiences like these that make Hollow Knight special. The game can make you feel like you really are lost in a huge Kingdom. The enemies only reinforce this- there’re so many that the world feels diverse, and they’re so different from one another. Some are similar, and many are just fodder for you to smack through, but every single one feels manufactured to fit the experience.

    So how do we take down these enemies? Let’s switch over to talking about the combat system and user interface. At the start of the game, the Knight can only jump, swing his nail and move. You gain the heal ability and learn about the importance of soul within the first couple of minutes of playing the game (which makes me wonder why it wasn’t just implemented into your base move set). Over the course of the game, you’ll gain a dash ability, a wall jump, a double jump, 3 nail arts, 4 nail upgrades, 3 spells (and void upgrades to all 3), a super dash and a dash upgrade that gives you dash invincibility on a short cool down. As the game progresses, the Knight does too, making you feel every empowered. Your charm collection (a system wherein you equip different charms with a variety of effects) also expands rapidly, so that by the end of the game you feel not like a stranger to Hallownest, but rather it’s ruler. My issue, however, is that it takes too long to advance far enough in the game that combat feels awesome. I feel like the base move set could’ve been upgraded and new moves could’ve been placed closer to the start of the game, allowing the player to progress quickly. Then, some more extreme, game-breaking abilities could’ve been placed for the endgame as a final twist.

    There are many more things that I could talk about; the bosses are great (though some feel more like fodder), the story is phenomenal, the 3 free DLCs greatly expand the game and everything feels cohesive and whole. Hollow Knight is a must play on Switch. If not for a too slow progression to a complete move set, this gam would be a 10.    … Expand
  56. bmdemora
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Es bonito, imprescindible, supone un reto y engancha de principio a fin por su ambientación única y jugabilidad.
  57. TomSawyer44
    Feb 4, 2021
    10
    Jeu exceptionnel! Gameplay très fun, lore et univers incroyable, DA et ost magnifiques!
    Fait par trois personnes incroyablement talentueuses et passionnées!
    Ce jeu fait du bien au monde du jeu vidéo !
  58. Hopwin
    Jan 22, 2020
    6
    The first 80% of this game is fantastic, it sets an amazing and mysterious tone and provides challenging platforming sections and bosses. This world is shattered however when you reach the white palace. Suddenly the game is full of moving saw blades and bouncing spikes that require literally pixel perfect platforming and millisecond timing, totally shattering the immersion of the worldThe first 80% of this game is fantastic, it sets an amazing and mysterious tone and provides challenging platforming sections and bosses. This world is shattered however when you reach the white palace. Suddenly the game is full of moving saw blades and bouncing spikes that require literally pixel perfect platforming and millisecond timing, totally shattering the immersion of the world they have built. The king lived in this palace full of his sycophants? Really? Such a crushing blow to what was an amazing game.… Expand
  59. JakeFlop
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    I’ve always been god awful at video games. My favorite game of all time in Tetris and put me in a COD match and I’d die instantly. Taking on such a challenging game like Hollow knight Probably isn’t the greatest idea is what I thought initially but for $15 I’d give it a shot. This game is amazing, the difficulty curve is perfect and the bosses and platforming improves with me. This gameI’ve always been god awful at video games. My favorite game of all time in Tetris and put me in a COD match and I’d die instantly. Taking on such a challenging game like Hollow knight Probably isn’t the greatest idea is what I thought initially but for $15 I’d give it a shot. This game is amazing, the difficulty curve is perfect and the bosses and platforming improves with me. This game never feels unfair and every death I couldn’t blame on anything except for myself. Sure I spent hours on bosses that others beat easily, but this game taught me about learning patterns and everything comes much more natural now. People say it has a git gud mentality but that’s a good thing as you feel such a rush after every boss it’s the perfect challenge.

    The cartoony art is timeless and the art style will allow the game to be enjoyed even 20 years down the line. The sound is great and puts you in the hollow nest universe. Controls are easy to understand but not too dumbed down. Map big and pretty. Good game 10/10    … Expand
  60. Epicgamerboi
    Apr 5, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is amazing. Everything has been expertly crafted, the story, art style, gameplay, and difficulty are all done in ways that i cannot even begin to talk about.
    As someone that grew up playing Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, i have a very personal connection with Metroidvanias, and, in my opinion, Hollow Knight is the only game that manages to surpass Symphony of the Night.

    The story is amazing, i love how it involves the player by making them interpret what happens, there over 100 pieces of optional dialog, created for those interested in a good story.
    The kingdom of Hallownest is massive and beautiful, from the bottoms of the Ancient Basin, the caves in Deepnest, the desolate Kingdom's Edge, and beauty of Greenpath, there are so many places to explore that it becomes a passion to run through the areas and admire the scenery.

    The difficulty is good, yet on the more punishing side. The game has constant difficulty spikes that you can't avoid, some bosses may be easy, while others are incredibly hard. Some hard bosses include the dream versions of older bosses, which are either the same boss from before but with a buff, or a completely new boss that you didn't know about. These ruin the pacing of the game, because dying to the boss means you have to go back and fight it and hope you don't die, making the act of traveling the kingdom to fight the boss very repetitive. (Spoilers) In Godhome, lies the pantheon of Hallownest, a boss rush that contains every single boss in the game. You need to fight and defeat the bosses, except if you die you have to do it all over again from the start, no save spots, checkpoints, nothing. There are some checkpoints, but they are very scarce and still makes you fight the bosses. If you die to a boss after the checkpoint, you have to fight all the bosses that came after said checkpoint to return to that boss. These include two bosses in the end that are completely different from the original ones, the Pure Vessel (harder version of the Hollow Knight) and the Absolute Radiance (harder version of the Radiance). These two are not the same bosses from before, and they are the hardest bosses in the game and if you die to them you have to the entire thing all over again. Aside from that, this game is still amazing and i still love it. While the difficulty is on the more random side of things, i still love this game for what its trying to do, and how it does it.    … Expand
  61. Arnau
    Apr 6, 2020
    5
    Su mecanica es aburrida, y es un juego repetitivo hasta decir basta, Los metroidvania suelen tener diferentes escenarios y mecanismos divertidos que hacen el juego más llevaderos, este juego simplemente es lo mismo como si fuera un juego pasillero
  62. cytoplasm
    Dec 29, 2020
    9
    A Phenomenal Game. The artstyle is gorgeous, the score is fantastic, and the gameplay is challenging yet fun. Has over 50 hours of content for only $15 bucks! Get it while you can. (The game often has deals around holidays)
  63. lalun
    Apr 1, 2022
    10
    So ein geiles Game. Hab schon über 70 Std über 1000 Tode und es fazieniert mich noch immer.
    Will noch das Wahre Ende erspielen, aber das kann noch etwas dauern.
    Es fesselt einen und es ist nie unfair und das Gefühl weiter zu kommen ist Hero mässig.
    Danke
  64. moschidae
    Nov 14, 2022
    6
    This game has been reviewed to hell and back since it's release, but I would like to add some insight as a disabled player which I haven't really seen any commentary on before.
    This game would of REALLY benefited from the same system Celeste has, where you can give yourself additional jumps (or just make you immune to damage all together). It would not of been detrimental to anyone else,    This game has been reviewed to hell and back since it's release, but I would like to add some insight as a disabled player which I haven't really seen any commentary on before.
    This game would of REALLY benefited from the same system Celeste has, where you can give yourself additional jumps (or just make you immune to damage all together). It would not of been detrimental to anyone else, it would of only made things easier for people like me who ended up just becoming frustrated and made the game just not fun to experience, even though it's clear a lot of detail went into it.
    There is so much stigma in adding accessibility options to games, but to me, even if I was not disabled and I buy a game and i just want to have fun and enjoy the beautiful, meticulously handcrafted world.. what's the problem with that? People say it makes things too easy, but Celeste went above and beyond for people like me and I've never, ever seen anyone call that game easy. I know in my heart it's just a gamer ego thing but Hollow Knight just made me absolutely miserable, and it was entirely preventable.
    I bought HK when I was slightly younger, and I was really, really good at the combat but I just could not do the platforming for the life of me. There is no reason a game should make someone cry and beat themselves up because no matter how hard they try, they literally just can not do it. That's not what a video game is about. I know they probably had a vision about how cool and epic and "challenging" it would be to make the game the way that it is, but you can't design for everyone.
    Give people options, I don't understand.. shouldnt devs want as many people to experience what they've worked so hard on, even if not related to gameplay, like the characters and the immersive atmosphere, the beautiful background art, things like that? It's foolish and Nintendo-esque to demand that people play only the way you think they should.
    My biggest hope for silksong is that they take a note out of Celeste's book and implement more options for accessibility. Not even just for me, but (at least on the switch version) I really don't remember there being much in what you could alter in the game. It needs to start happening because things are just becoming less and less fun in the world for individuals like me.    … Expand
  65. mo12
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    first ever Metroidvania game I ever played and I was astonished by the visuals, the gameplay, and the depth this game has. I would price a game like this at 40+ dollar and somehow it only costs 15$
  66. Rtheom
    Jan 16, 2019
    7
    A good metroidvania, but not great. It's fun, but repetitive and there are some questionable mechanics that seem to be there simply to pad out the run time of the game. The map mechanic is just annoying, needing to find an NPC in a maze of identical rooms with traps and pitfalls that you often can't see unless you've hit them once. Several of the broaches you collect that give youA good metroidvania, but not great. It's fun, but repetitive and there are some questionable mechanics that seem to be there simply to pad out the run time of the game. The map mechanic is just annoying, needing to find an NPC in a maze of identical rooms with traps and pitfalls that you often can't see unless you've hit them once. Several of the broaches you collect that give you "abilities" just end up making your character feel normal, instead of improved, like the broach that prevents you from bumping backward after a strike.

    The game does get more fun as you play, but the first several hours are a slog and it doesn't feel like it was a necessary one. It just feels like you start of lacking several basic abilities/characteristics that any standard metroidvania needs to make your character competent, and the only seeming explanation is "We needed a level up type system because all games have them now."

    The art style is interesting, but a little too bland for its own good as the novelty of it quickly wears off. The music is there, but doesn't really add anything. The controls are good, but could be a little bit tighter. The gameplay is fun, but its been done much better very recently.

    TLDR: Skip Hollow Knight. It's fun, but there's better stuff out there.    … Expand
  67. huynguyen916
    Jul 1, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is fantastic and it is absolutely a must play on the Nintendo Switch. It is is a metroidvania + dark souls sort of game. For just $14.99, it is completely worth it in anyone's library. The game is definitely challenging, but never unfair. The times you die in game is either the mistake(s) you made or you are not familiar with the rhythm of the challenges yet.

    Ratings:    Hollow Knight is fantastic and it is absolutely a must play on the Nintendo Switch. It is is a metroidvania + dark souls sort of game. For just $14.99, it is completely worth it in anyone's library. The game is definitely challenging, but never unfair. The times you die in game is either the mistake(s) you made or you are not familiar with the rhythm of the challenges yet.

    Ratings:

    Graphics: 10/10 - it is absolutely gorgeous and the game only cost $14.99, INSANE!

    Sound/Music: 10/10 - the music is absolutely beautiful and it sets the tone for the environment the game is in.

    Gameplay: 10/10 - the controls are VERY responsive and makes the entire game fun and fair.

    STORY/LORE: 10/10 - it might be a bit confusing at first because you have no idea what is going on, but when you understand what's going on, then it'll make sense and it's pretty damn awesome.    … Expand
  68. Genericblue
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    My favorite single player game growing up was Super Metroid and fell in love with the genre. it didn't take long after starting Hollow Knight for me to realize that it was just strictly better than Super Metroid. The game improves on many aspects of SM, whether they needed to be or not. it feels good to control your character, it is satisfying to complete challenges, and it even feelsMy favorite single player game growing up was Super Metroid and fell in love with the genre. it didn't take long after starting Hollow Knight for me to realize that it was just strictly better than Super Metroid. The game improves on many aspects of SM, whether they needed to be or not. it feels good to control your character, it is satisfying to complete challenges, and it even feels great to just sit and take in the atmosphere. Can't wait for the next DLC!… Expand
  69. bulger_paul
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight, the pros and cons:

    Pros:
    -this game is incredible

    Cons:
    -this much content for only $15 feels like stealing
  70. milero91
    Jul 17, 2018
    10
    For me this is an absolute masterpiece and one of the games of this generation. I've just hit 107% completion after 53 hours and enjoyed every moment of it. Whilst it is challenging at times, every challenge felt like one I could overcome. The music in some of the areas is outstanding and the atmosphere the team was able to create throughout should be commended.
  71. faceisname
    Jul 2, 2018
    10
    I can not put into words how awesome this game is. It starts off a tad slow but develops into something exceptional.
  72. Stamantha
    Jun 26, 2018
    8
    This game delivers a sense of exploration and survival in an unknown mysterious world like no other. The fact that the game doesn't really take you "by the hand", forcing the player to discover many things, coupled with difficult enemy encounters that take the player by surprise play a significant role in this [exploration and survival feel]. Plus, the small size and initialThis game delivers a sense of exploration and survival in an unknown mysterious world like no other. The fact that the game doesn't really take you "by the hand", forcing the player to discover many things, coupled with difficult enemy encounters that take the player by surprise play a significant role in this [exploration and survival feel]. Plus, the small size and initial "powerlessness" of the main character makes overcoming obstacles and the sense of achievement all the more pleasing.… Expand
  73. Alsethe2nd
    Jun 30, 2018
    8
    This game was made for switch! Although I haven't finished it yet, because I play it in my spare time, it is definitely one of the best games for switch and in my opinion is worth far more then the price you can get it for on the Eshop. This game introduces you to the controls with out feeling like its holding your hand and provides challenge that most of which can be avoided if desired.This game was made for switch! Although I haven't finished it yet, because I play it in my spare time, it is definitely one of the best games for switch and in my opinion is worth far more then the price you can get it for on the Eshop. This game introduces you to the controls with out feeling like its holding your hand and provides challenge that most of which can be avoided if desired. This game is one of the best Indie games I have ever played and with the accessibility provided by the switch, it's perfect for planes or any situation that requires the killing of time, definitely pick this one up if you have £11.00 to spare.… Expand
  74. DeusGod
    Jun 26, 2018
    10
    Great artwork and music, also game-play is excellent.
    Perfect game for switch. This beyond indie game level..
  75. Critic_Bash
    Jun 25, 2018
    8
    History
    ☐ The best of best
    ☑ Great ☐Acceptable ☐ Bad ☐ a... ☐ Didnt have Gameplay ☐Original and excellent ☑Close to excellent ☐Good ☐Acceptable ☐Bad ☐Why do you play this game right now? Mechanics ☐299 IQ ☑230 IQ ☐180 IQ ☐100 IQ ☐50 IQ ☐mmm... Well, a 0 IQ Soundtrack ☐Ohh... Buy one thousand times ☑One of the best ☐Good ☐Decent ☐Bad ☐Play without sound    History
    ☐ The best of best
    ☑ Great
    ☐Acceptable
    ☐ Bad
    ☐ a...
    ☐ Didnt have

    Gameplay
    ☐Original and excellent
    ☑Close to excellent
    ☐Good
    ☐Acceptable
    ☐Bad
    ☐Why do you play this game right now?

    Mechanics
    ☐299 IQ
    ☑230 IQ
    ☐180 IQ
    ☐100 IQ
    ☐50 IQ
    ☐mmm... Well, a 0 IQ

    Soundtrack
    ☐Ohh... Buy one thousand times
    ☑One of the best
    ☐Good
    ☐Decent
    ☐Bad
    ☐Play without sound

    Grapchics
    ☐Your can't stop to see this
    ☑Very good
    ☐Only good
    ☐Passable
    ☐A badass drawn created with paint (With 10 seconds how much time)

    Art
    ☑Excellent
    ☐Very good
    ☐Good
    ☐Acceptable
    ☐Bad
    ☐Didnt see this boy

    Requeriments
    ☑Potato PC
    ☐Decent PC
    ☐Good PC ☐NASA PC ☐NASA PC AND A OPTIMIZACION MAKE BY 2 MONKEYS Final NOTE:8.6/10 Note:I didnt talk from the difficult because your can kill me if put bad and didnt have desire to make this    … Expand
  76. kastuasha
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    one of the best 2d games i've ever played/ best art design/very creative game design-combo system.
  77. djdnauk
    Aug 28, 2018
    10
    best value game ever on any platform, challenging, beautiful art & music... really really fun gameplay!! gaming doesnt get any better than this!
  78. Romorais
    Jul 13, 2018
    10
    This game will punish you, but don't get me wrong this is a great game.

    If you hate challenges this game is not for you, but not hard enough that would make it impossible to finish.
    The art is nice, the game play is fluid, the music is great. After buying this game I just stopped playing after I 100% it(107% to more precise)
  79. ToxicParasite
    Aug 16, 2018
    10
    It's not perfect but it has so much work and affection put into the development that it deserves a 10.
    The last game that caught me so much was before playing Hollow Knight was Breath of the Wild.
    Two masterpieces in all its artistic sections.
  80. MrHero
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Worth every penny you pay. It has so many powers you unlock by fighting bosses and every single time you get one you feel so rewarded. It has a lot of extra content and it's pretty long for its cost. It's simple combat allows it to be appealing to casual players. However, the game can be hard at times so it could not appeal to them as much as it looks. Hollow Knight is one of the bestWorth every penny you pay. It has so many powers you unlock by fighting bosses and every single time you get one you feel so rewarded. It has a lot of extra content and it's pretty long for its cost. It's simple combat allows it to be appealing to casual players. However, the game can be hard at times so it could not appeal to them as much as it looks. Hollow Knight is one of the best metroidvania games there are and I would definitely recommend it.… Expand
  81. Therno3456
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    The game is damn adventure. The world is seriously magical and that is accredited to the aesthetic, audio and hands down the best level design in any game I've ever played. The world conjures so much excitement from its modal style and serenity. By modal i mean seriously emotional and compelling. Everytime a big title in a fancy font fades into view onto my screen saying that I'veThe game is damn adventure. The world is seriously magical and that is accredited to the aesthetic, audio and hands down the best level design in any game I've ever played. The world conjures so much excitement from its modal style and serenity. By modal i mean seriously emotional and compelling. Everytime a big title in a fancy font fades into view onto my screen saying that I've discovered a new area, a bolt of excitement goes through me as I simultaneously hear new music, and new creatures' sound effects, see a new colour scheme and feel myself curious to know once more what this region holds.… Expand
  82. Dienforce
    Jul 12, 2018
    10
    Want a laugh? Read the negative reviews on this game.

    This game is intentionally difficult, but there is always an answer to every problem. Sometimes, it requires you to experiment and find a playstyle that works for you. That is the genius of this game, the charm system alone makes this game stand out as one of the all-time greats as it allows a huge range of different ways to    Want a laugh? Read the negative reviews on this game.

    This game is intentionally difficult, but there is always an answer to every problem. Sometimes, it requires you to experiment and find a playstyle that works for you. That is the genius of this game, the charm system alone makes this game stand out as one of the all-time greats as it allows a huge range of different ways to combat anything thrown at you.

    Gameplay is punishing to say the least, but it's worth putting the effort into.
    Story is very thin at times but it's like a souls game, once you get into it, it'll suck you in.
    Aesthetics are beautiful, the score works really well to help get you into the headspace for the landscapes you encounter.
    Controls take a bit to learn and seem to be oddly responsive at time, but it seems that's intentional as there are in-game charms that change up response time.

    It has its quirks, but it makes up for them. Definitely worth your time.    … Expand
  83. StoneColdBread
    Jul 17, 2018
    9
    One of the best games I've played in a while. Typically I would like to make two lists of what I liked and what I didn't like about a game but if I'm being honest, there's really nothing I would change about Hollow Knight. DO NOT get discouraged if you get lost or don't know what's going on in the game even after 10-15 hours of gameplay! That's normal, the story is a puzzle that you needOne of the best games I've played in a while. Typically I would like to make two lists of what I liked and what I didn't like about a game but if I'm being honest, there's really nothing I would change about Hollow Knight. DO NOT get discouraged if you get lost or don't know what's going on in the game even after 10-15 hours of gameplay! That's normal, the story is a puzzle that you need to put together by talking to characters and exploring.

    The Music:
    The soundtrack for the game is phenomenal and really adds to the entire experience. For each section of the dungeon we hear a unique song that just really sets the mood for the user. In some areas I feel relaxed despite having enemies attack me but as I travel deeper into Hallownest the music will feel more intense and I feel my nerves creeping up on me to the point of borderline fear.

    Artwork:
    Hollow Knight reminds you that simple can be beautiful. it's funny that the main character is very cartoon-ish and so are many of the other characters, but for some odd reason when they place these strange looking cartoony bodies onto the backdrop it becomes beautiful.

    Gameplay:
    Your character feels about as fluid with his movements as water. There is no such thing as a mis-input in this game, 30 hours in and I have never complained that the character did something that I didn't want him to or that he didn't do something that I wanted him to. Oh and the game balances fun and challenge very well between the puzzles and enemies.

    Final Recommendation:
    Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of the genre and almost anyone would love it. Having said that, Hollow Knight is a challenging game and although I would basically recommend it to anyone, I would not recommend it to very inexperienced gamers or people who enjoy Easy Mode gaming. The game has one difficulty but it's the perfect difficulty, it gets harder as you get better and I really like that.    … Expand
  84. PicsL8ed
    Dec 16, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is the game I've been waiting for since finishing Super Metroid and SotN 20 years ago. It is the true successor to both Metroid and Castlevania; the game I always wanted but the game that neither franchise will ever give me again. That being said, know what it is you are getting.

    I vividly remember playing Super Metroid for the first time. I remember those dark, unfamiliar    Hollow Knight is the game I've been waiting for since finishing Super Metroid and SotN 20 years ago. It is the true successor to both Metroid and Castlevania; the game I always wanted but the game that neither franchise will ever give me again. That being said, know what it is you are getting.

    I vividly remember playing Super Metroid for the first time. I remember those dark, unfamiliar corridors around every corner, finding horrifying creatures I was unequipped to initially handle, getting lost while searching for important items everywhere. It was both an adventure and a giant puzzle; that was the appeal. If you enjoy Metroid but like more modern/guided experiences like Prime, this may not be for you. Needless to say, if you don't enjoy Metroidvanias in general, definitely shy away from this.
    However for those who truly want a 'let's get lost in a deep cave and fight horrifying, difficult monsters' experience, this is the game for you! Speaking of which, I love how difficult the fights get, it's very refreshing and exhilarating to walk towards an open area, see a large, detailed, menacing figure and actually feel tension and hesitation. That's a RARE feeling in video games today. So many devs pull punches to not alienate modern audiences. This game doesn't. If you want to win, particularly later in the game, you have to fight for that victory and earn it. The music, while not super catchy like in Super or SotN, is very well done and fitting for each area. The graphics, while simple, are gorgeous, especially in some areas. Hollow Knight uses actual 2D animation, which is both appropriate for this genre and beautiful; truly a lost art in this age where so many other games settle for 2.5D.

    I gave it a 10, but I have some complaints, all incredibly minor and each only deserving of -0.2 or so off the score, so a 10 feels a little disingenuous, but it's definitely higher than a 9! It feels like a solid 9.5, but the scoring system here doesn't allow for that.

    I will reiterate again, I love how punishing this game is.. in combat. The flow of exploration however is a bit hit or miss, and sometimes punishing in a way I don't like. Don't misunderstand me, it's very serviceable still, but you can royally screw yourself in some situations simply by going left instead of right. Example, I went through the entire Hive area and encountered the boss at the end before realizing there was a single save bench at the start of this new place. If I had just gone left instead of right when I entered, I would have been good. There was nothing in the 'flow' of the level design that made me want to go that direction though. Save locations are pretty important in a game that isn't shy about killing unprepared players. Many of the first saves are marked on signs to help you, cool, however I think most players would have liked a few subtle hints for later ones as well, especially in areas that immediately start with 4+ different routes off the bat.

    The music is also almost 100% ambiance, which is ok and fitting for this game, sure. I would have still liked more than just a handful of catchy tunes though, even if that's just a preference thing. I still can't help but compare this game to Super Metroid and SotN (mostly because it's so well made) but that also makes me feel like something is missing when it comes to BGM. Again, this is a preferential nitpick. The music in it is still good, moody and invokes feelings of wonder and desolation, so it does its job at least!    … Expand
  85. whowe
    May 15, 2019
    10
    Man, this game sucks 99.99% of the time. But the moment you beat the true boss... So much pain and frustration and yet incredibly satisfying.
  86. JonnyMenthol
    Sep 27, 2018
    6
    A deeply flawed game that is somehow compelling enough to keep you strolling on through it's horribly slow pace. Don't believe the people who say this is a masterpiece or an incredible metroid vania. It is a good game, a fairly average side scroller anda decent metroid vania. It's held back by it's rythym combat, it's trial and error bosses that tip the balance with player skill failingA deeply flawed game that is somehow compelling enough to keep you strolling on through it's horribly slow pace. Don't believe the people who say this is a masterpiece or an incredible metroid vania. It is a good game, a fairly average side scroller anda decent metroid vania. It's held back by it's rythym combat, it's trial and error bosses that tip the balance with player skill failing the balance, it's god awful slowness the first few hours, the developers cheap way to extend gameplay and avoid having to animate a good chunk of enemies by implementing contact damage to all enemies among many other things.
    I hope you, like me, do not get drawn in by the near universal praise. There are so many other Medroid-vanias this year on PS4 and switch that deserve higher praise than this. It's a good game, nothing more.
    If you want a much better game than this with the same artstyle and Metroid-vania base try Dust and elysian tail or Ori and the blindforest on PC.    … Expand
  87. tuanis
    Apr 1, 2019
    5
    One of the most frustrating games I've ever played. No direction or assistance at all. You never know if you're in the right area, if you have the right skills, or if you're even making progress. This game is a great example of the power of hype.

    Thought the visuals and soundtrack were great. Would have loved it if the game helped me more.
  88. he110me
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    Stellar metroidvania that pulls off the genre flawlessly, while improving on the formula significantly.

    Everything from pacing, environments, level design, enemy design, boss design, characters, and music feels finely tuned. It starts off slow and empty, but builds into a deep and dynamic world full of mystery as the player progresses. There are challenges to be had, most of them    Stellar metroidvania that pulls off the genre flawlessly, while improving on the formula significantly.

    Everything from pacing, environments, level design, enemy design, boss design, characters, and music feels finely tuned. It starts off slow and empty, but builds into a deep and dynamic world full of mystery as the player progresses. There are challenges to be had, most of them optional, but none of them meaningless.

    The game very much takes a "git gud" approach to it's challenges, but the difficulty curve isn't too steep. If you find yourself stuck on a section, you would be wise to put a pin in it and explore other sections (in true metroidvania fashion).    … Expand
  89. Bloodish
    Aug 4, 2018
    9
    I bought Hollow Knight on a whim as my first game on my recently aquired Nintendo Switch. I though it would just be something to keep me busy until I could buy some other main Nintendo titles like Breath of the Wild or Mario Odyssey. But before I knew it, the game had me sucked in, and I've now spent 55 hours on it and completed the game 105%.

    The first couple of hours were a bit rough.    I bought Hollow Knight on a whim as my first game on my recently aquired Nintendo Switch. I though it would just be something to keep me busy until I could buy some other main Nintendo titles like Breath of the Wild or Mario Odyssey. But before I knew it, the game had me sucked in, and I've now spent 55 hours on it and completed the game 105%.

    The first couple of hours were a bit rough. You feel weighed down by the fact that you don't have much mobility and don't know where to go. But as soon as you get the compass and start having a sense of direction, the game picks up speed.

    I really, REALLY enjoyed this game. My only drawbacks are the slow start and the fact that most of the story is very vaguely told. The universe is interesting, and the journey throughout the game is
    very enjoyable, but it can be hard to put the pieces of the story together without reading a bit on the wiki for the game.    … Expand
  90. Frankyboy
    Dec 6, 2018
    10
    Excelente Metroidvania, mapa de buen tamaño, una dificultad mas alta a los juegos promedio actuales, música exquisita, un ambiente gráfico hermoso y la cereza del pastel, una historia interesante.
    Se agradece que te den los DLC gratis, dicho sea de paso, expanden la historia y te invita a recorrer el mata de una manera mas profunda.
    Es un "DEBES TENER" para tu Nintendo Switch.
  91. mefzeldernx
    Jul 7, 2018
    10
    Es necesario destacar cuando un juego hace todo bien. "Hollow Kinght" es todo lo que un juego del género "Metroidvania" debe ser, o se supone que es. Múltiples caminos, backtraking, nuevas habilidades y objetos hacen que la experiencia con el juego sea muy personal.
    El diseño y la música hacne que esta sea una gran aventura, cada jefe se siente amenazador y los movimientos son tan fluidos    Es necesario destacar cuando un juego hace todo bien. "Hollow Kinght" es todo lo que un juego del género "Metroidvania" debe ser, o se supone que es. Múltiples caminos, backtraking, nuevas habilidades y objetos hacen que la experiencia con el juego sea muy personal.
    El diseño y la música hacne que esta sea una gran aventura, cada jefe se siente amenazador y los movimientos son tan fluidos que hacen una acción vertiginosa y divertida, te da gusto cada enfrentamiento porque explota la creatividad de cada jugador.
    Sin lugar a dudas la Nintendo Switch es el hogar perfecto para éste juego, ya que te atrapa tanto que lograr el 100% se vuelve tan natural como vencer el juego, y poder jugar "Hollow Knight" en modo portátil es muy práctico.    … Expand
  92. juanlobo
    Jun 28, 2019
    7
    Well the game isn't bad, I like the graphics, the level design, the atmosphere, the gameplay etc ... but jezz the difficulty is horrendous, is cheap and is a chore that when you die in a boss (you are going to die, die, die, die, die, die, DIIIEEEEE!!! A LOT in every boss) you respawn in a checkpoint that almost always are faaar away and you have to walk a lot to try and die again, andWell the game isn't bad, I like the graphics, the level design, the atmosphere, the gameplay etc ... but jezz the difficulty is horrendous, is cheap and is a chore that when you die in a boss (you are going to die, die, die, die, die, die, DIIIEEEEE!!! A LOT in every boss) you respawn in a checkpoint that almost always are faaar away and you have to walk a lot to try and die again, and again, and again ...… Expand
  93. gilbertofp16
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    40 hours of gameplay, awesome price, huge map and music. I can say it is a must buy game for the switch, it is difficult also but without making you enough interesting to keep playing.
  94. FORGETxMExNOT
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight was my first Metroidvania game, and all I can say is that it's one of the best indies I've ever played. I've put in over 50 hours and I still have the urge to play it every now and then, maybe even start over at times. The cryptic story, cutesy and sometimes creepy art, ambient music, tight gameplay and tough bosses really sing in harmony and make this game stand out from aHollow Knight was my first Metroidvania game, and all I can say is that it's one of the best indies I've ever played. I've put in over 50 hours and I still have the urge to play it every now and then, maybe even start over at times. The cryptic story, cutesy and sometimes creepy art, ambient music, tight gameplay and tough bosses really sing in harmony and make this game stand out from a lot of titles I've played, including even AAA releases which seem to be on the decline these days considering they're chasing the ridiculous dream of becoming playable movies.

    Overall, I recommend this game to any Switch owner looking to drown themselves for hours in the world of Hollownest, because I sure did and enjoyed every minute of it.    … Expand
  95. EnriqueAcevedo
    Nov 22, 2018
    10
    I loved this game... very recommendable for everyone (in this game you have to love to suffer because you are going to die very often)... the price for all the content you receive is surprising... the best indie in the last year
  96. nusco
    Mar 23, 2019
    10
    It's hard to review Hollow Knight and not repeat everything that everybody else has been saying: it's a fantastic metroidvania game, it's beautiful to look at, it's hard, it's vast... But ultimately, all you can give is a short list of the reasons why it's worth sinking dozens of hours (hundreds, in my case) into this game.

    Yes, Hollow Knight is Dark Souls-hard. Sometimes, it asks you    It's hard to review Hollow Knight and not repeat everything that everybody else has been saying: it's a fantastic metroidvania game, it's beautiful to look at, it's hard, it's vast... But ultimately, all you can give is a short list of the reasons why it's worth sinking dozens of hours (hundreds, in my case) into this game.

    Yes, Hollow Knight is Dark Souls-hard. Sometimes, it asks you to do things that are way beyond your league as a gamer–no matter how good a gamer you are, this game will eventually push you to your limits. And yet, you'll stretch for those limits and eventually surpass them, because the game makes it feel like every victory is rightfully earned.

    For me, the depressingly dark atmosphere of Dark Souls was always a put-off. Hollow Knight is also dark in its own way, but its graphics is also cute and crisp, and the mood verges more towards melancholy and reflective. It's impossible not to be consistently sucked in by the gorgeous art style of this game.

    Another thing that kept me playing is the awareness that this amazingly vast game was produced by a tiny team of young indie developers. For me, Hollow Knight redefines what is possible to do in gaming. Not ever since the early '80s and the works of Ultimate I've been staring at a screen and wondering how a team of two or three people could ever produce something this amazingly refined. Hollow Knight challenges most 300-people-team AAA titles on their own ground (the sheer amount of content) and puts them to shame in a way that looks effortless.

    In conclusion, Hollow Knight is a game to respect. It sucks you in gently, and then locks you up and asks you to achieve impossible feats–and then keeps a stern eye on you and you struggle to comply. Nobody can guarantee that you won't hate Hollow Knight–but it could also be your favourite game ever. It's worth giving it a chance.    … Expand
  97. Urises
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    Un gran juego, aunque sea Indie, pero la calidad que presenta es fantástica. Si te gusta los metroidvania este sin duda es para ti, llevo más de 30 hrs de juego y estoy seguro que me faltan muchas horas más. Hay muchas cosas por hacer y jefes únicos en todo el mapa, además de un estilo artistico único. Conforme avanzas vas conociendo la historia y hay lugares donde es más complicado. SinUn gran juego, aunque sea Indie, pero la calidad que presenta es fantástica. Si te gusta los metroidvania este sin duda es para ti, llevo más de 30 hrs de juego y estoy seguro que me faltan muchas horas más. Hay muchas cosas por hacer y jefes únicos en todo el mapa, además de un estilo artistico único. Conforme avanzas vas conociendo la historia y hay lugares donde es más complicado. Sin duda uno de mis juegos favoritos, me ha encantado!… Expand
  98. RealGameCritic
    Jul 12, 2018
    9
    Hollow Knight is a remarkable and truly enjoyable experience with some good challenges and vivid places to adventure and explore within. A forty dollar experience for $15 is truly a steal and definitely a Switch game every Switch owner should have.
  99. orzovictor
    Jul 27, 2018
    9
    It's a great game, lots of hours of fun, more than 60 for 15€ hard and with a lot of depth. The only downside is that despite having a great story is not integrated into the normal course of the game and you have to look for it losing from my point of view an unnecessary time.
  100. Flamedonine
    Oct 14, 2018
    10
    It's absolutely amazing. I got it a couple of days ago and i've already spent almost 20 hours into it! It's really cheap too! Strongly recommend.
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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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