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. Theobaer
    Jun 13, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. Can't recommend it enough. It's selling price is insanely low too (currently around 15 Euros). Money well spend!

    Yes it has it's downsides, sure. Sometimes you will struggle to find out where to go next. In these situations I would like to recommend you to use a walkthrough guide from the internet, but only until you made it pass that point, so the game won't slug    Absolute masterpiece. Can't recommend it enough. It's selling price is insanely low too (currently around 15 Euros). Money well spend!

    Yes it has it's downsides, sure. Sometimes you will struggle to find out where to go next. In these situations I would like to recommend you to use a walkthrough guide from the internet, but only until you made it pass that point, so the game won't slug you down too much. But this doesn't justify pulling it below a very solid 10, since it started as a 15 in my opinion. Plus, some really do enjoy the process of looking, looting and unlocking, even if it takes longer.    … Expand
  2. Sasarai
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Hollow Knight is a 2d Metroidvania filled with challenging battles, tight plateforming levels, and far-fetched exploration. Although the game may be tedious at times, rewards in the shape of pieces of storyline and challenging bosses greatly compensate for them.

    It is an excellent that melds beautiful art-style and visuals, tidy and responsive controls, a beautiful soundtrack, and an    Hollow Knight is a 2d Metroidvania filled with challenging battles, tight plateforming levels, and far-fetched exploration. Although the game may be tedious at times, rewards in the shape of pieces of storyline and challenging bosses greatly compensate for them.

    It is an excellent that melds beautiful art-style and visuals, tidy and responsive controls, a beautiful soundtrack, and an engaging and immersive world that awaits to be discovered, and to some extent understood.

    In a nutshell, a beautiful game.    … Expand
  3. ABGamer
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    I just find this game really fun. While it has some really difficult bosses and platforming sections it, the fun game play and feeling of satisfaction I get after beating them is more than enough to have kept me going throughout my journey.
  4. captainsnake
    Jun 24, 2020
    10
    Hollow Knight is one of the best games ever created. I finished the game with the "true" ending yesterday (which took about 40 hours for me). Hollow Knight has an amazing atmosphere around every corner, a story that made me want to learn everything I could about the world. Combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with each boss fight feeling different but still great. The world was expertlyHollow Knight is one of the best games ever created. I finished the game with the "true" ending yesterday (which took about 40 hours for me). Hollow Knight has an amazing atmosphere around every corner, a story that made me want to learn everything I could about the world. Combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with each boss fight feeling different but still great. The world was expertly crafted in a sense where no matter what I was doing, or where I was going, I always found something interesting. Whether it was an exciting boss fight, more health, or a bit of lore, there always something to see. The only thing that I think was a problem is how some bosses are located far away from benches (save spots) so every time you die you have to take a long trek back. This is especially bad if the route to the boss is populated with enemies. However, the few instances of that were not enough to sour this game for me and was small enough that the game is still a 10/10.… Expand
  5. JeffGramarley
    Jun 24, 2020
    10
    Juegazo simplemente espectacular para los escenarios el soundtrack los dibujos y por sobre todo la historia no esperaba menos desde que empecé el juego pero es una obra de arte no puedo decir menos y se complementa bien con la buena compatibilidad que tiene con los mandos de la switch simplemente deben de jugar este juego
  6. illumi3602
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    this is my first metroidvania type game, i was thinking of playing the metroid series before this but i decided to play this instead and i couldn't be much happier. this is my most played game on the switch, i spend about 140 hours in total for 112 percent completion and i feel like i scammed the developers because of the fact that the game cost 15 dollars and it has four free DLC packs, ithis is my first metroidvania type game, i was thinking of playing the metroid series before this but i decided to play this instead and i couldn't be much happier. this is my most played game on the switch, i spend about 140 hours in total for 112 percent completion and i feel like i scammed the developers because of the fact that the game cost 15 dollars and it has four free DLC packs, i just hoping that the developers increase the price of the sequel.… Expand
  7. MlloRevlews
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. God damn this is a masterpiece.

    Game-play: Feels great, combat and spells are amazingly controlled.
    Art: y e s
    Music: Every music track in the game makes you feel something. Even small tracks like the fake bench in Deepnest, it makes you feel calm, yet at unease at the same time.

    Overall: 15/10 best game I've ever played    … Expand
  8. The-Phoenix
    Jul 9, 2020
    10
    I fell in love with the games art style immediately. The world is so mysterious and fascinating. I loved the way the World of the game toll a story with its art and locations which felt liked left out key details as to its history that lead to speculations lore theories that i can't get tired of. The game play was simple yet fun at the beginning it feels lacking, but picks up soon afterI fell in love with the games art style immediately. The world is so mysterious and fascinating. I loved the way the World of the game toll a story with its art and locations which felt liked left out key details as to its history that lead to speculations lore theories that i can't get tired of. The game play was simple yet fun at the beginning it feels lacking, but picks up soon after and all i can say is that the lead the way to some interesting fighting. Further on. I have never played a metroidvania but this is on another level. I recommend this game to people how have played metroidvanias before and new comers to the genre. 10/10 a masterpiece.… Expand
  9. Pedro_Pablo
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    Es un juego realmente sorprendente, visualmente tiene un estilo hermoso y espléndido, además de una jugabilidad que, a pesar de no ser agradable para todo el mundo, está muy bien estructurada y es extremadamente divertida. También cuenta con una historia muy destacable a pesar de no estar presente de forma explícita en el juego; posee personajes muy carismáticos y eventos muy impactantes eEs un juego realmente sorprendente, visualmente tiene un estilo hermoso y espléndido, además de una jugabilidad que, a pesar de no ser agradable para todo el mundo, está muy bien estructurada y es extremadamente divertida. También cuenta con una historia muy destacable a pesar de no estar presente de forma explícita en el juego; posee personajes muy carismáticos y eventos muy impactantes e incluso emotivos. El juego posee una gran calidad en todos los aspectos y es comparable con juegos de mayor presupuesto, es una de las mayores obras Indies y personalmente uno de los mejores juegos de la industria creados hasta ahora. También es de resaltar que su durabilidad puede llegar a ser muy extensa a partir de cuánto se explore el gigantesco mapa que posee y el contenido descargable que es totalmente gratuito.
    En pocas palabras, es una joya de principio a fin y posiblemente uno de los juegos más importantes para aquellos que lo han disfrutado    … Expand
  10. EatMyMayo
    Jul 29, 2020
    10
    God must be real seeing that this world gets to know the amazing game that is Hollow Knight. The best 15 dollars that I ever spent in my life was for this game..I have passed the 120 hour mark in this game and I would give anything to relive the first experience with this game all over again. I truly took for granted how magnificent this game is and I can not wait for the successor forGod must be real seeing that this world gets to know the amazing game that is Hollow Knight. The best 15 dollars that I ever spent in my life was for this game..I have passed the 120 hour mark in this game and I would give anything to relive the first experience with this game all over again. I truly took for granted how magnificent this game is and I can not wait for the successor for this game to come out. Buy the game people.… Expand
  11. HKolomar
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    i dont know was witch craft did the developer did to make this but omfg a must play, hated it initially but after around 9 hours turt me you wont put it down. the one game i will never sell and i cant wait for silksong defo day one buy
  12. watch3ye
    May 25, 2021
    4
    The art is great. That's it. As beautiful as the art itself can be, when you spend more time enjoying the scenery than the gameplay itself then there's a big problem as its not a point click exploration and relaxation simulator. Mind that I'm a huge fan of both Metroid and Castlevania series, I enjoy a lot when people inspire themselves on these titles but sometimes it just goes deathlyThe art is great. That's it. As beautiful as the art itself can be, when you spend more time enjoying the scenery than the gameplay itself then there's a big problem as its not a point click exploration and relaxation simulator. Mind that I'm a huge fan of both Metroid and Castlevania series, I enjoy a lot when people inspire themselves on these titles but sometimes it just goes deathly wrong.
    Hollow Knight here is just a mix of badly executed stuff put into a Castlevania skeleton - besides visual design, as I mentioned before. But let's be honest: for a game that cheap, what one should expect of great, right?
    Your character is incapable of doing the basics any other character would in the same conditions/other titles, consequently making the combat system a big pain fest: a genuine showcase of how one should not develop a metroidvania game. Things get worse when you see every hit landed turning out as a big fireworks performance, thus affecting negatively your view by occluding important details and delaying key actions players should take.
    Because wow, designing a great and slow-going fireworks performance every hit is the ideal when you deal with an ARPG. Why not? Why they should fight under a fluid combat system with modest effects and decent movements? Meh. Unfortunately, as combat is a core mechanic that's a big letdown, making this side of the game feel both tedious and a painful experience. Dealing with bosses? Good luck, I can't see how worse then could design some of them.
    But well, lore is kinda interesting (just that, kinda) with some good elements but nothing you will ever care or keep grinding and searching for more, seeking to turn on your Switch every morning in thirst for nice puzzle resolutions, big and epic fights, potentially awesome re-playability... To be honest, for a game said to be metroidvania Hollow Knight is just sad and disappointing. Ah, the music is also GREAT, but once you finish the title you wanna ask yourself why you wasted that many hours in your life when they could be well spent avoiding this and doing anything else that crosses your mind.
    If you're curious about it, go ahead but you have been warned. At least turn the volume up and enjoy both the music and the view, as it's all it got to offer.    … Expand
  13. YaBoiArj
    Sep 21, 2021
    0
    The world and the lore are just amazing! Not to mention the hundreds of secret areas and meaningful upgrades.
  14. Was_
    Nov 17, 2021
    0
    I played this game for an hour and I found it boring and annoying. People who like this game just have no taste.
  15. Bigcheese171
    Mar 12, 2022
    10
    This game is just incredible, I’ve played it 3 times and still never bored with its incredible enemy design and world that’s one of the biggest I’ve ever seen for a 2D game,also the music and artwork is spectacular
  16. Vareenkelly
    Mar 24, 2022
    2
    A gorgeous game that I absolutely would not recommend. I get the idea of being hard, but after all the difficult games, this game is punishes you in such asinine ways. Immediate spike death traps, god play dark souls for a better time that does difficulty better
  17. nicktheguy
    Sep 22, 2022
    0
    It's boring but I understand why people like it. It's just not my cup of tea.
  18. jiaw
    May 14, 2023
    0
    i cant killllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the **** boss i cant kill manthis lord plz help me my menthal health is very bad becouse of schol
  19. Zelda_fan
    Jun 9, 2023
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA hello… Expand
  20. doodlerman
    Jan 24, 2021
    10
    Hollow Knight is the gift that keeps on giving. I beat it at nearly 56 hours in my save file and I've only completed 79% of the game - and I'm not sure if that includes DLC. This is a $15 game. What's more, is its been 55+ hours of top quality game design that's challenging in all the best ways, and there's still so much more to uncover. It offers more bang for your buck than most AAAHollow Knight is the gift that keeps on giving. I beat it at nearly 56 hours in my save file and I've only completed 79% of the game - and I'm not sure if that includes DLC. This is a $15 game. What's more, is its been 55+ hours of top quality game design that's challenging in all the best ways, and there's still so much more to uncover. It offers more bang for your buck than most AAA games; and is just flat out better than most AAA games. I'm genuinely looking forward to diving back in to uncover the rest of the game's secrets.… Expand
  21. MrTusks
    Jan 12, 2021
    9
    A glorious Metroidvania. The hand-drawn aesthetic is beautiful.

    Very hard, sometimes too hard.
  22. valrond
    May 15, 2021
    1
    Boring AF. You know, I have loved what now are called Metroidvanias since Symphony of the Night. I have finished that game in every system it has come out, then the 3 on GBA, 3 on DS, and Bloodstained, made by IGA himself. I was playing Bloodstained again, so I decided go give Hollow Knight a go. What a joke of a "game" this is. Graphics are boring, everything looks exactly the same, theBoring AF. You know, I have loved what now are called Metroidvanias since Symphony of the Night. I have finished that game in every system it has come out, then the 3 on GBA, 3 on DS, and Bloodstained, made by IGA himself. I was playing Bloodstained again, so I decided go give Hollow Knight a go. What a joke of a "game" this is. Graphics are boring, everything looks exactly the same, the "music" is barely a thing here, compare that to the awesome OST made by Michiru Yamane.
    Then the "combat". You have ONE attack (two if you count down) and a jump. That's it. Even the original NES Castlevania was more varied that this.    … Expand
  23. x2FingerTuesday
    May 15, 2021
    2
    So drab and boring. I honestly have no idea what people see in this game. Game seems aimless, pointless, and you only use like 2 buttons for AN ETERNITY
  24. I3AH9I
    Jun 11, 2022
    10
    This game is a masterpiece.
    It starts a bit slow but after getting ~3 abilities you are free to roam and explore most of the map.
  25. thryce3
    Mar 4, 2021
    9
    So it's another Metroidvania with great art direction and sound design and well refined gameplay and story. It has a reputation as one of the best, which I think is mostly well deserved.
    There are a couple of design choices that irritate me. You shouldn't have to spend $ and charm slots for a compass and to fill in your map as you go. Even when you do, it only fills in when you save at a    So it's another Metroidvania with great art direction and sound design and well refined gameplay and story. It has a reputation as one of the best, which I think is mostly well deserved.
    There are a couple of design choices that irritate me. You shouldn't have to spend $ and charm slots for a compass and to fill in your map as you go. Even when you do, it only fills in when you save at a bench and if you already have a map of the area. On top of that, I only found a few of the charms useful as many took too many slots to be worthwhile.
    That aside, I rarely had to look at a FAQ (which is rare for metroidvanias) and thoroughly enjoyed my time. It's also much bigger than expected.    … Expand
  26. TheRedFern
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    I can't believe I am raiting a game a 10 without beating it. I just couldn't! But I loved it and have since gotten into extremely difficult games. It is beautiful, its gameplay is flawless, and the animations are so wonderful to watch.
  27. seferpd
    Jun 3, 2023
    5
    I really don't get it.

    I don't want to be that guy, but I am sure this is the one and only one metroidvania (or even 2D game) of most of these 9-10. If you have played any other before, Hollow Knight is ridiculously straightforward. Many of the highly praised features of Hollow Knight didn't existed before just because gamers would not accept such an easy design. I mean, it it superb    I really don't get it.

    I don't want to be that guy, but I am sure this is the one and only one metroidvania (or even 2D game) of most of these 9-10.

    If you have played any other before, Hollow Knight is ridiculously straightforward. Many of the highly praised features of Hollow Knight didn't existed before just because gamers would not accept such an easy design.
    I mean, it it superb obvious where you should use your double jump (I mean, it is obvious there will be a double jump in the latter game to beging with). It is superb obvious where you should use that horizontal jump, it is obvious where to use that shadow dodge. And even if it wasn't already very obvious, another "feature" is that there are many ways to complete the game. This means basically that it doesn't matter in what order you do the things, that means you will never get loss. And a Metroidvania where you don't get lost is like a platformer without pits.
    Yeah, I know, there are a whole bunch of people out there talking about how a big of a maze is Hallownest, but I insist. If they think that way, these people clearly didn't even tried the very first Metroid, or any metroid at all (maybe Metroid Fuzion is on par with Hollow Knight on terms of ease of exploration). Or barely any metroidvania at all.

    However, while the navigation is trivial, Hollow Knight has some pretty good boss battles that make you fell you are actually playing a somewhat challenging game. Unfortunately, boss battles are like 5% of the full game. And the good ones are the dlc/secret bosses. Other than that, it is just about spamming dodge until you get a place where you need a new power, pin it in the map, move to any other direction, repeat until you complete it. Oh, and a bunch of shiny collectibles.

    In my experience, it is pretty good to introduce 2D game to a kid with a decent knowledge of games in general. It has that Casino effect in which it is good rewarding you with nice sounds and upgrades whenever you do virtually any thing.

    The visuals are great.    … Expand
  28. dzbnkx
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    This indie metroidvania stands on exploration. The lore in this 40-hour game is surprisingly deep and engaging. The difficulty ("Dark Souls of metroidvanias") could be discouraging for some, but gives a lot of satisfation!
    + difficulty
    + exploration
    + details/lore
  29. ConsoleArgonaut
    Oct 13, 2020
    10
    I absolutely lost myself in this world for multiple months.
    This is one of the greatest games I've ever played.
    Give it a try. You won't be disappointed. Verdict: An absolute must play. Rating: Gameplay: 5/5 - Smooth AF. Exploration is absolutely great. There's nothing I'd want change. Level Design: 5/5 - Legendary. You'll absolutely loose yourself in this world. Soundtrack: 5/5    I absolutely lost myself in this world for multiple months.
    This is one of the greatest games I've ever played.
    Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

    Verdict: An absolute must play.

    Rating:
    Gameplay: 5/5 - Smooth AF. Exploration is absolutely great. There's nothing I'd want change.
    Level Design: 5/5 - Legendary. You'll absolutely loose yourself in this world.
    Soundtrack: 5/5 - Very atmospheric. You won't listen to the soundtrack in your free time, but it absolutely works here.
    Story: 4/5 - Simple Dark Souls-like storytelling with some very emotional moments
    Graphics: 5/5 - Perfect for what it wants to do
    Length: 5/5 - 30-60 hours depending on your completion criteria
    Replay Value: 5/5 - Boss rush, achievements, challenge runs. Just great.
    Enjoyment: 5/5 - Fantastic!

    Overall rating: 39/40 => 10/10    … Expand
  30. iRaidius916
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    Exploration 10/10
    Combat 10/10
    Music 10/10
    Art 10/10
    Characters 10/10
    Story 8/10
    Lore 9.5/10
    Pacing 9.5/10
    Bosses 10/10
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Pocket Tactics
    Oct 20, 2023
    90
    Hollow Knight is an incredible achievement that combines smart game design, a rich world, and sharp combat, with an enthralling insectoid world and a story just begging for you to find it. Team Cherry’s title is a high watermark for Metroidvanias, as the satisfying abilities and countless collectibles add variety and meaning to exploration, rewarding every discovery. Yet, while the challenge is a rewarding part of the process, I do wish that the title made some concessions and shone a bit of light in the darkness for those first fledgling steps.
    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 »