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. OpticMaster56
    Sep 19, 2022
    10
    Very good game. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a challenging game.
  2. KianKTheFirst
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's great, its amazing, its my perfect game. the start of the game starts off really slow and is kind of a snore fest for most, but when you find the next area, its hard to put the screen down. you have to Earn abilities to basically show you have the guts to play the game. would it be fun if it was easy? sure, its frustrating at the start, but once you get more and more things, you're hooked! I couldn't stop exploring after I beat hornet in greenpath. its absolutely amazing, but its pretty slow at the start and not many people know that. I ended up uninstalling the game because of this, but i gave it another shot, found the next area, and now I'm at 100% completion with 60 hours on the clock of the game. its a great game. I hope people figure that out themselves. especially for 15 bucks.… Expand
  3. Nurax
    Sep 14, 2022
    10
    Hollow Knight is an amazing metroidvania and one of the best games i have ever played. It has a great world, lore, gameplay, characters, enemies and so much more. Truly a masterpiece.
  4. oLonely
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    Radiance is annoying, Apart from that 10/10 game, one of the best i've ever played
  5. seethemorning02
    Sep 3, 2022
    10
    From a platforming perspective, this game is as good as it gets. It has easily become my favorite game of all time.

    I have logged over 120 hours from 3 different playthroughs, and every single one of them has been thoroughly enjoyable. Also, I’m confident that I have not experienced/discovered everything the game has to offer (though I’m probably close). The level design, puzzle    From a platforming perspective, this game is as good as it gets. It has easily become my favorite game of all time.

    I have logged over 120 hours from 3 different playthroughs, and every single one of them has been thoroughly enjoyable. Also, I’m confident that I have not experienced/discovered everything the game has to offer (though I’m probably close).

    The level design, puzzle design, control design of this game strikes a perfect balance of difficulty versus skill. I never feel slighted by the game and it’s challenges. In fact, most areas of difficulty that I experience are from my own mistakes or poor approach (especially with boss fights).

    Despite being a “2D Game” the sound/level/graphic/dialogue design of this game is an absolute masterpiece. All of these elements work together to make you “feel things”. When the environment is right; this game can be SO captivating. I found myself enjoying it the most in a quiet setting with my Switch docked to my TV, and using a pro controller. A darkened room with surround sound also added to the experience.

    My only “gripes” about the game are:

    1. Some of the story telling is cryptic and understated. The player is left to draw a lot of their own suspicions and conclusions (which I believe is entirely intentional on the creators behalf). As your traverse through the game, certain main story lines become more apparent. However, I think this type of storytelling makes a players intrigue for the game take longer to develop. I, personally, was not hooked/addicted to the game until about 25 hours of gameplay. After that, I couldn’t put it down!

    After completing the game, there is a lot of fascinating lore and conclusion-making by avid fans (especially on YouTube). It really makes you think back to certain interactions and environments, and makes you even more fond of the game, even after completing it.

    2. Some of the movements for the boss fights and platforming are VERY precise, which I find difficult on the Switches native handheld controller(s).

    I found myself needing to accomplish certain tasks in the game by connecting my Switch to my TV, and using my pro controller. This made several challenges more manageable (for me). Your mileage may vary, of course.

    Overall, I cannot recommend this game enough. If you enjoy long-form games that involve deep exploration within a challenging platforming style (including epic boss fights), then you HAVE to give this game a fair shake.    … Expand
  6. Third_Era
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    I typically play strategy games and have not played very many Metroidvanias, yet Hollow Knight may be the best game I have ever played.

    Everything about this game clicks together so smoothly. The movement mechanics, story, and art style will keep you hooked until the end. To top if off this game is only $20 and frequently goes on sale. It's not often Nintendo is outdone at their own    I typically play strategy games and have not played very many Metroidvanias, yet Hollow Knight may be the best game I have ever played.

    Everything about this game clicks together so smoothly. The movement mechanics, story, and art style will keep you hooked until the end. To top if off this game is only $20 and frequently goes on sale.

    It's not often Nintendo is outdone at their own genre, but Hollow Knight has succeeded.    … Expand
  7. sassomagico
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A **** masterpiece! I beat the game a month ago and I want to re-play it again… Expand
  8. Ceok17
    Aug 16, 2022
    10
    Hollow Knight is as close as you can get to a perfect "Metroidvania", purely satisfying to discover new parts of the map and new Npc´s, beautiful design and scenario, awesome movement, it feels like you are always in control of the knight, every pixel it moves. If you like a beautiful challenge, this is your game.
  9. Silverfish003
    Aug 13, 2022
    3
    The only thing that saves this game from its coffin is the scenery and graphics. It really looks stunning.

    However, this game suffers from one huge issue: the game does not tell you where to go. At all. It is bad if you give way too many instructions to the player, but it is also bad if you give none.
  10. 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!
  11. briiiz
    Aug 8, 2022
    9
    这游戏最令人惊喜的是如此庞大的美术资源，制作组描绘了一个神秘切栩栩如生的地下世界，当玩家在下面探索时不免会好奇这里到底发生了什么，游戏在音乐方面也是相当优秀，可见制作组花费了多少去打磨他。除此之外地图探索也很有意思，寻找绘图师-填补地图空缺-找到重要boss/技能，这样的逻辑可以说贯通
    整个游戏，而技能的设计虽然不是特别新颖但是很好的做到了类银河恶魔城的特点，每有一个新的技能就意味着有了更多游玩内容，这样一个很好的正反馈循环就诞生了。
    游戏战斗方面虽然有一定初见难度，但是背板就很容易破解，下劈在游戏内的充分运用可以看出作者对这些设计的理解，还有就是攻击吸取灵魂再站定回血这个设计个人认为十分优秀，一方面对于跑图时难度有所把控，另一方面也不会降低boss战难度，同时还可以说是个鼓励玩家进攻的手段。    这游戏最令人惊喜的是如此庞大的美术资源，制作组描绘了一个神秘切栩栩如生的地下世界，当玩家在下面探索时不免会好奇这里到底发生了什么，游戏在音乐方面也是相当优秀，可见制作组花费了多少去打磨他。除此之外地图探索也很有意思，寻找绘图师-填补地图空缺-找到重要boss/技能，这样的逻辑可以说贯通
    整个游戏，而技能的设计虽然不是特别新颖但是很好的做到了类银河恶魔城的特点，每有一个新的技能就意味着有了更多游玩内容，这样一个很好的正反馈循环就诞生了。
    游戏战斗方面虽然有一定初见难度，但是背板就很容易破解，下劈在游戏内的充分运用可以看出作者对这些设计的理解，还有就是攻击吸取灵魂再站定回血这个设计个人认为十分优秀，一方面对于跑图时难度有所把控，另一方面也不会降低boss战难度，同时还可以说是个鼓励玩家进攻的手段。
  12. Kinkaka
    Aug 7, 2022
    10
    áaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaáaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaáaa
  13. Cleansup
    Aug 7, 2022
    10
    One of the best platforming games I've ever had the honor to play. The world and soundtrack is incredible, and lets not forget about the soulful gameplay.
  14. BetaPlayer
    Jul 31, 2022
    8
    It's an incredible game, just not the best thing, the opening is a little bit boring, but once you're finished with it, the game becomes way more enjoyable, the music is mind blowing and the artstyle, i love it, i just hoped it cautivated me from the first minutes of the gameplay.
  15. supdude80
    Jul 26, 2022
    9
    going into this game I wasn't expecting much, since I've had bad experiences with indie games hyped on social media, but I was pleasantly surprised by how amazing this game was. only reason it misses out on a 10 is due to the lack of engaging story but I just fell in love with the challenge, world, and gameplay, and it's one of the most fun experiences I've ever had with a video game, evengoing into this game I wasn't expecting much, since I've had bad experiences with indie games hyped on social media, but I was pleasantly surprised by how amazing this game was. only reason it misses out on a 10 is due to the lack of engaging story but I just fell in love with the challenge, world, and gameplay, and it's one of the most fun experiences I've ever had with a video game, even if I wasn't sure about it at the start of my playthrough.… Expand
  16. TheChalous
    Jul 23, 2022
    10
    Simplemente espectacular, todo es maravilloso, ambientación, banda sonora, jugabilidad, historia, todo es increíble y muy hermoso.
  17. giannis2001
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    Best 2D platformer, best indie and one of the best games on Switch. I have no words about how polished this game is.

    It's world is astounding, the gameplay is incredibly smooth and well designed, the characters are great and the visuals are excellent. Also, the lore is incredibly rich. This game also offers a great challenge with trial and error bosses. A must-play game for sure.
  18. Cartwheelgames
    Feb 17, 2021
    10
    I have so many fond memories of this game, when I listen to the music my eyes start tearing up. There is so much hidden power in a vast world with incredible exploration. The story though... You can skip it but if you work for it, wow, the world feels real. Each character Has there own story, past and can be impacted by your actions. The controls and HD rumble are the best I have used inI have so many fond memories of this game, when I listen to the music my eyes start tearing up. There is so much hidden power in a vast world with incredible exploration. The story though... You can skip it but if you work for it, wow, the world feels real. Each character Has there own story, past and can be impacted by your actions. The controls and HD rumble are the best I have used in years. There is so much texture in the world with rich graphics and music which can convey so many emotions or it can really give you a feel for what you are in for. The boss fights and enemy AI are so smart and so fun it just truly is a gem that I will cherish for the rest of my life… Expand
  19. RomanRiabusha
    Jul 17, 2022
    9
    This game isn't masterpiece but trully good game, if you have a switch(or other console) play it this is litterally best metroidvania i have played
  20. Joschi_030108
    Jul 8, 2022
    10
    For me personally the best game ever made, it's perfect and I love it. I'd recommend it to everyone who likes hard and frustrating games.
  21. Eoek
    Jun 30, 2022
    10
    Hollow knight literally changed my life.The game is awesome, the colors, difficulty, everything!!
  22. bigchocolate69
    Jun 28, 2022
    9
    The first 2-3 hours of the game are fairly bland. Once you get past that you have a phenomenal game packed with some incredible areas to explore, a variety of enemies and fun platforming!
  23. AnnaLynxy33
    Jun 27, 2022
    10
    Such a masterpiece. Everything in the game is made with an idea. Background, music, gameplay - everything. You can even see how many videos on YouTube with titles like "X secrets of HK you didn't know". So you can play for hundred of hours and still find something you haven't noticed. It's such a rare case in gamedev industry when developers contribute to things that most of the playersSuch a masterpiece. Everything in the game is made with an idea. Background, music, gameplay - everything. You can even see how many videos on YouTube with titles like "X secrets of HK you didn't know". So you can play for hundred of hours and still find something you haven't noticed. It's such a rare case in gamedev industry when developers contribute to things that most of the players even won't notice. But all these small details make this game so rich, that you believe that it's not a bunch of pixels, but a world with its own rules and history.… Expand
  24. MATOUTOU
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    9.7 out of 10 for me. I absolutely loved this game once I started making progress. However if i ever find those damn watcher knights on the streets ill be forced to throw hands. they are by far the dumbest and most terrible boss in this game and if i had the power to personally rip their heads off and drink their blood and feed their remains to their children i most definitely would. plus9.7 out of 10 for me. I absolutely loved this game once I started making progress. However if i ever find those damn watcher knights on the streets ill be forced to throw hands. they are by far the dumbest and most terrible boss in this game and if i had the power to personally rip their heads off and drink their blood and feed their remains to their children i most definitely would. plus they are fat and i am fatphobic.… Expand
  25. Triggerma
    Jun 23, 2022
    10
    It's one of those games that you can't forget a single thing about, nothing, and i mean nothing is this game is out of place, unfair or just "bad" in general. The soundtrack, the game-play and the lore are terrific, and i can't see why anybody should dislike this game, truly a masterpiece.
  26. Grize
    Jun 22, 2022
    6
    Hollow knight is like Mario meeting dark souls. Both in story and feel. But Hollow knight is not as dark and is a lot more child friendly. The 2d game looks stunning and the story is just how I like it mysterious but understandable. The boss fights are amazing and the slow but steady area progression and exploration make it worth it. The Art is a masterpiece and I could just endlessly lookHollow knight is like Mario meeting dark souls. Both in story and feel. But Hollow knight is not as dark and is a lot more child friendly. The 2d game looks stunning and the story is just how I like it mysterious but understandable. The boss fights are amazing and the slow but steady area progression and exploration make it worth it. The Art is a masterpiece and I could just endlessly look at the game sometimes even just stop moving and watch and admire the art. The music is basic but that does not make it bad. In fact, Mantis lord OST is one of the best boss fight music in gaming. It fits perfectly.
    The developers really know how to hit the feeling depending on what they want you to feel. And thx to that I could really lose myself in the game and just play for hours

    In the end, the switch version was nice but if you have a pc and a controller to the pc then I recommend getting the pc version. The switch version thx to the controllers feels weird and clunky and really get on my nerves when I am playing against a boss or just trying to do some jumping    … Expand
  27. grandmaslayer
    Jun 22, 2022
    10
    This game is incredible. Specially if you have it on a portable platform like switch, since you don't want to stop playing it once you start making progress.
  28. stupidopinion
    Jun 20, 2022
    10
    Just incredible. Off the bat I'll say I haven't played many metroidvania games, namely Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Metroid Dread, and Super Metroid, but of these I would say HK is the king. Its brilliant combat system, gorgeous art and music, and engrossing world will suck you in like no other game can. I've never experienced a game where I was so utterly captivated by the worldbuildingJust incredible. Off the bat I'll say I haven't played many metroidvania games, namely Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Metroid Dread, and Super Metroid, but of these I would say HK is the king. Its brilliant combat system, gorgeous art and music, and engrossing world will suck you in like no other game can. I've never experienced a game where I was so utterly captivated by the worldbuilding and story, to the point that I wanted to continue exploring every nook and cranny just for the smallest piece of lore to better explain the complex world it develops. Every question Hallownest poses has an answer if your willing to dig, and no other game out there will provide such a high quality experience for such a cheap price. The game is quite difficult and can be quite punishing, so I understand why this may not be for everyone, but to me this is firmly placed as my 2nd favorite game of all time. If Team Cherry can make a game this good on their first try I can't wait for what's in store for SilkSong.

    70 hours in the game    … Expand
  29. fanmadeendings
    Jun 19, 2022
    10
    I'm just at the start and I already love everything about this. I love the dark, moody atmosphere, I love that it is challenging but not unfair, I love how the controls feel, I love the insane amount of content for the price, and, most of all, I love Metroid.
  30. Pozzu
    Jun 17, 2022
    10
    This game is intresting. At first I really didn't know what was happening or what to do. But when playing it forward I really started to like it. New abilities are so cool and the player movement is very satisfying. The environment is so mysterious and there is always something new to find. Music is awesome and boss fights fun and challenging. Story is good but I would not have understoodThis game is intresting. At first I really didn't know what was happening or what to do. But when playing it forward I really started to like it. New abilities are so cool and the player movement is very satisfying. The environment is so mysterious and there is always something new to find. Music is awesome and boss fights fun and challenging. Story is good but I would not have understood anything of it without Mossbag.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »