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. da_one23
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    This game is an incredible achievement and has got to be my favourite open world game, and they're the best kind. This game has a few pretty major flaws but I think the best way to describe it is that this game is what non - gamers think the average game is like: a sprawling adventure that, at it's core, is not the protagonists, but yours. wrote that for botw but it applies to hk too
  2. KhanJJ
    Dec 30, 2020
    10
    Que jogo maravilhoso meus amigos, Hallownest é única com diversas regiões para se explorar, o nível de dificuldade do game é extremamente alta, eu diria que é um Dark Souls em 2D hahaha.
    Esse jogo me fez passar raiva ao ponto de gritar e chorar, mas gente, EU AMO ESSE JOGO, eu estou ansioso pela continuação e posso dizer que esse com certeza entra para o top 5 melhores Indies que eu já    Que jogo maravilhoso meus amigos, Hallownest é única com diversas regiões para se explorar, o nível de dificuldade do game é extremamente alta, eu diria que é um Dark Souls em 2D hahaha.
    Esse jogo me fez passar raiva ao ponto de gritar e chorar, mas gente, EU AMO ESSE JOGO, eu estou ansioso pela continuação e posso dizer que esse com certeza entra para o top 5 melhores Indies que eu já joguei.    … Expand
  3. 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
  4. MerijnBras
    Jan 2, 2021
    10
    This has to be the best game I've played in a long time. Everything works everything clicks. It starts of very slow, but then you start gaining new abilities, so you can go to that one spot you remembered and find a complete different area with new enemies, new amazing bosses and lore. I was pretty hesitant starting with this game, but I've fallen in love, and it would be a shame if youThis has to be the best game I've played in a long time. Everything works everything clicks. It starts of very slow, but then you start gaining new abilities, so you can go to that one spot you remembered and find a complete different area with new enemies, new amazing bosses and lore. I was pretty hesitant starting with this game, but I've fallen in love, and it would be a shame if you wouldn't try this game and fall in love too.… Expand
  5. Fe_nkg
    Jan 4, 2021
    10
    Gioco stupendo. Semplicemente perfetto in ogni cosa: longevità, dlc, gameplay, aspetto grafico, animazioni, lore, combact sistem, personaggi, dialoghi, ambientazioni, colonna sonora ecct. Un gioco che non ha assolutamente punti dolenti... Un must have! Voto: 9.5 (ho messo 10 approssimando per eccesso)
  6. Hyped
    Jan 9, 2021
    10
    This game is just perfection. The animation, the characters, the writing, and especially the mood are all just so good. A masterpiece for only 15 dollars.
  7. OrenjiAo64
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    Great game. The graphics are beautiful and the combat system is simple but expands as you progress. The story may not be apparent when you begin, but will unfold as you explore new areas and beat new bosses. This game is quite challenging and many of the negative reviews say so. Please don’t post bad reviews saying that you just can’t beat a section of a game. It’s not a problem with theGreat game. The graphics are beautiful and the combat system is simple but expands as you progress. The story may not be apparent when you begin, but will unfold as you explore new areas and beat new bosses. This game is quite challenging and many of the negative reviews say so. Please don’t post bad reviews saying that you just can’t beat a section of a game. It’s not a problem with the game - it’s a problem with the player… Expand
  8. Robo_Jobo
    Jan 15, 2021
    10
    Hollow Knight is a masterpiece! It’s one of those rare games where every aspect of its design seamlessly blends together to create an unforgettable experience. First of all, it's a Metroidvania, a genre based around 2D exploration and combat, and Hollow Knight excels in both categories with flying colors. As the Knight, you descend into the ruins of a once great kingdom trapped in a stasisHollow Knight is a masterpiece! It’s one of those rare games where every aspect of its design seamlessly blends together to create an unforgettable experience. First of all, it's a Metroidvania, a genre based around 2D exploration and combat, and Hollow Knight excels in both categories with flying colors. As the Knight, you descend into the ruins of a once great kingdom trapped in a stasis of decay, Hallownest. Throughout your adventure you meet all sorts of charming characters, dangerous creatures, and fierce combatants. Speaking of combat, it is fantastic. The genius of Hollow Knight's combat hinges on two factors, precision in timing and the soul mechanic. In fights, every swing of your nail has to be performed at the right time. Demanding it may be, it’s incredibly rewarding when you learn the intricate patterns of a combatant and emerge victorious. Next, soul is a substance that you gain from striking enemies. The most effective way to heal yourself is to consume soul, so in order to play defensively you must first engage with enemies. However, you can’t move while healing, leaving you vulnerable. This adds strategic tension to every encounter. The soul system, in tandem with the precise diligence of timing attacks, gives combat a natural ebb and flow. That great foundation leads to some of the best boss fights I’ve ever encountered. A majority of them are exceedingly well designed, wonderfully creative, and immensely rewarding to overcome. Outside of being a challenge, I really appreciate that each boss belongs in the world, they all serve to deepen this game’s outstanding world building. Hallownest as a fictional setting is so well realized and incredibly intriguing, it is a joy to uncover its history and secrets by exploring its labyrinthine tunnels. I love just being in this world. Every time I return to the game there’s an extra little detail to appreciate, or I’ll stumble upon something that I have yet to discover. Hollow Knight uses its ancient ruins, character dialogue, and visual hints as a vehicle to paint a greater narrative. It’s so much fun trying to piece all of these elements together, you feel like an archeologist. Another pillar of this game’s design is exploration, so naturally progression is tied to it as well. On your descent you unearth new abilities by exploring. Theses abilities then reward you by enabling traversal to areas that were previously unreachable. At first you’re subtly lead by a trail of breadcrumbs to the first major ability, but after that it’s up to you to figure out where you want to go. That’s why I love the world design, it has clear structure but encourages the player to approach exploration based on what they value. It’s the most immersed that I’ve ever been in a game’s world. The art direction is also stellar and greatly added to my immersion; the dingy atmosphere, intricately detailed backgrounds (reminiscent of HR Giger’s work), combined with the minimalist character designs, all culminate in a strikingly unique visual identity. The soundtrack is also great, it’s equal parts haunting and jaunty. I can’t compliment this game enough, it’s near perfect in my book. The developers are even great people, Team Cherry is honestly a godsend. The digital version of Hollow Knight is only $15 and it has more content, value, polish, and soul than most AAA games. There are no microtransactions and all of the DLC is free. Its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is currently my most anticipated release. There are some things that you might want to keep in mind if you consider purchasing it. Hollow Knight is one of the hardest games I’ve ever played. The demanding nature of combat, intense boss fights, challenging platforming, and vague storytelling keep it from being accessible for everyone.… Expand
  9. Marshwhitt25
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    Hollow knight is in one of my favorite genre's of games, metroidvania. Games like Ori, Metroid, and more games about upgrading and exploring. Hollow knight is more different than any other metriodvania I have ever played, it is freaking hard. The game punishes you for not exploring and upgrading. You have to take the game slow or you will die. This game is full of colorful characters andHollow knight is in one of my favorite genre's of games, metroidvania. Games like Ori, Metroid, and more games about upgrading and exploring. Hollow knight is more different than any other metriodvania I have ever played, it is freaking hard. The game punishes you for not exploring and upgrading. You have to take the game slow or you will die. This game is full of colorful characters and areas and awards the player for finishing a boss with new moves and gives you the idea of "now I can go back to that area!". Hollow knight is a game I can replay over and over, it is a game of patience and learning with almost no game breaking bugs and an amazing soundtrack. 10/10 well done team cherry, can't wait for silksong.… Expand
  10. Javiergamerrdz
    Aug 2, 2021
    10
    El Metroidvania Perfecto, sin dudas es una obra maestra de los videojuegos 10/10
  11. Imerinoa10
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    Antes de nada, si tienes una Nintendo Switch y todavía no has probado esta obra maestra, te la recomiendo encarecidamente, independientemente de que seas fan del género metroidvania o incluso si nunca antes has probado un juego del género (no te preocupes, yo me he iniciado en el género con este juego).

    Mi análisis va a estar enfocado en la versión física del título, pues es por la que    Antes de nada, si tienes una Nintendo Switch y todavía no has probado esta obra maestra, te la recomiendo encarecidamente, independientemente de que seas fan del género metroidvania o incluso si nunca antes has probado un juego del género (no te preocupes, yo me he iniciado en el género con este juego).

    Mi análisis va a estar enfocado en la versión física del título, pues es por la que me decanté, y mi valoración final del producto es la siguiente:

    - Nos encontramos con un juego que por sólo 30€ te incluye una carátula reversible con un diseño impecable, el cartucho de juego, UN MANUAL EN COLOR DEL JUEGO Y UN MAPA. No sabéis lo emocionado que estaba al descubrir que el juego venía tan completo, como los juegos físicos de antaño solían ser, y por un precio tan asequible.

    - En segundo lugar el plato importante, el juego en sí mismo. Nos encontramos con una historia y ambientación que son magníficas, presentan un diseño artístico que es completamente brillante. Por otro lado la ambientación musical del mismo es otra obra maestra que funciona incluso de forma independiente al videojuego. Siguiendo para rematar el combo, su duración puede alcanzar perfectamente las 50 horas como mínimo (yo personalmente voy por las 100 horas), presentando también una rejugabilidad alucinante gracias al nuevo modo de juego que se desbloquea tras completarlo por primera vez. El nivel de progreso y dificultad está muy bien medido de principio a fin, cuanto más avanzamos en la aventura vamos adquiriendo más habilidades pero al mismo tiempo los enemigos van siendo más difíciles.

    En definitiva, es uno de los mejores juegos que he jugado en toda mi vida, está en mi top 10 sin duda y lo dicho, si alguien ajeno a este tipo de juegos como es mi caso tiene una valoración como esta, es porque los desarrolladores de este juegazo han sabido cómo hacer un producto en condiciones, muy digno de ser recordado este Hollow Knight.    … Expand
  12. cfc1998
    Feb 19, 2021
    10
    This is the definition of a perfect game. After you play this, every other Metroidvania just doesn't feel as good. The world, the soundtrack, the characters, the story telling, it has everything. Also the game its very challenging wich is a huge bonus. Absolutely deserves 10/10 score.
  13. ladiebird
    Feb 24, 2021
    10
    This game is fantastic!

    I picked it up a couple years ago when I first bought my switch, and have played through it multiple times since. It's not perfect, but for the price tag it might as well be. The art style is beautiful and unique, and every area feels distinct in both appearance and sound design. You are never hand-held through an area either, rather gently directed with your    This game is fantastic!

    I picked it up a couple years ago when I first bought my switch, and have played through it multiple times since. It's not perfect, but for the price tag it might as well be. The art style is beautiful and unique, and every area feels distinct in both appearance and sound design. You are never hand-held through an area either, rather gently directed with your skills and upgrades making different areas accessible, or more easily accessible, as you go.

    The controls are tight, and there are so many collectibles, which makes it a very satisfying game to 100% (or 112%). Most bosses are challenging, but their moves can be learned with practice. It can be a difficult game, but from my experience you get better as you learn move patterns, and you can always make things easier for yourself by taking the time to explore and gain new skills/strengthen your weapon and spells before returning to a particularly difficult boss.

    The story is a good one, but also very subtle. You have to go searching for it if you want the full picture. Most clues about the lore are hidden behind lines of dialogue, inside collectibles, or on the lore tablets you encounter. The main explanations that you get to the full story are locked behind optional challenges, such as extra bosses or the platforming nightmare of path of pain. The writing is sparse and placed with purpose, which means your journey is rarely interrupted and therefore your immersion is rarely broken. Characters are also fun.

    Definitely pick it up if you have the chance. The game is very content heavy, with Hallownest expanding more and more with every area unlocked, and free DLC. Super fun to play. :)    … Expand
  14. Lattidela
    Mar 1, 2021
    10
    This game is so bast, you can find a lot of new major details at the begining or the ending of the game, the boss fights are so right for the player's capacity to be at the limit, along the game advances you get more and more powers, the story pushes you to keep playing and wanting to fight to improve and to own moreand, the info about the lore it just seems to be endless, its aThis game is so bast, you can find a lot of new major details at the begining or the ending of the game, the boss fights are so right for the player's capacity to be at the limit, along the game advances you get more and more powers, the story pushes you to keep playing and wanting to fight to improve and to own moreand, the info about the lore it just seems to be endless, its a masterpiece to be played by everyone who likes videogames. i have to say it wasnt easy for me to play, or any other player i know.
    this game fullfiles the heart of the player with everything we look in a videogame.    … Expand
  15. 2bitplayss
    Jun 1, 2021
    9
    one of the best indies i have ever played not the biggest fan of 2d mazes (metroidvania) im more intrested in big open 3d spaces but im glad i gave this game a shot.
    again not a big fan of metroidvania games but for some reason i really enjoyed this one and i can't wait for a sequel
  16. Catzzen
    Mar 18, 2021
    9
    If you wanting to buy Hollow Knight i would recommend it but first you have to know some things.
    Hollow Knight is a really hard game so if you rage easily better dont get it. To that i would also recommend not using Guides but this is your Choice.
    Now i actually start with the Review. Hollow Knight is Fantastic. The Music, Artstyle, Gameplay and also the Story is really nice. At    If you wanting to buy Hollow Knight i would recommend it but first you have to know some things.
    Hollow Knight is a really hard game so if you rage easily better dont get it. To that i would also recommend not using Guides but this is your Choice.
    Now i actually start with the Review.

    Hollow Knight is Fantastic. The Music, Artstyle, Gameplay and also the Story is really nice.
    At first the Path is pretty clear but at a certain point you can pretty much go everywhere.
    There are many Things to explore. It can be a whole new Area but also maybe just a little secret.
    The free DLCs are all there and bring some fun Challenges. You can just play it trough once and put it aside but if you are bored you can pick it up again and just try to beat harder Challenges like getting 112%. When i first started playing i was like "Im never going to do that" and well i ended up doing every Boss no hit. The Game also has some flaws so its just a 9.

    Its pretty much a must for everyone that likes Metroidvanias    … Expand
  17. Kathlar
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Easily one of the best games in history. The story, the music, the design, it's crazy how wonderful all of it is. I'm afraid it will take years before any game impresses me as much again.
  18. Wrecktangled
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. Hard, but fair and with a huge world to explore. The controls felt precise and rewarded mastery. The bosses were exciting and varied. The lore was deep and mysterious and the whole experience was engrossing. There were the occasional confusion on where to head next, but that typically didnt last too long.
  19. Davide88
    Apr 13, 2021
    10
    Everything is perfect, the story, the musics, the longevity of the game...just an amazing game!
  20. ProtoPesce
    Apr 7, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. credo sia uno dei giochi più belli a cui abbia mai giocato, è riuscito a farmi provare grandi emozoni e mi ha sempre divertito giocarci. trovo fantastico anche come sembra estremamente "oscuro" come gioco e come non si sappia praticamente nulla di ciò che accadde prima del nostro arrivo a pulveria. attendo con ansia il prossimo capitolo… Expand
  21. nibolet
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    This is a true indie masterpiece. The more you play, the more you want to explore the bug underworld. The game isn't easy from the start, but it gets to a point where it's nearly impossible for unseasoned players.
  22. tvdenimchap
    Apr 11, 2021
    10
    This is a difficult game, and Metroidvanias aren't for everyone. But Hollow Knight is a flawless game and deserves full marks.

    The gameplay is fine-tuned to perfection, with incredibly tight movement. The basics are simple, but the skill ceiling is very high. It's very satisfying to move your character about and, even though death is inevitable, at no point does it feel unfair. You'll    This is a difficult game, and Metroidvanias aren't for everyone. But Hollow Knight is a flawless game and deserves full marks.

    The gameplay is fine-tuned to perfection, with incredibly tight movement. The basics are simple, but the skill ceiling is very high. It's very satisfying to move your character about and, even though death is inevitable, at no point does it feel unfair. You'll always know what you should have done differently.

    There are some very tough optional areas and bosses, but for more casual players these can be skipped. The runs from benches (your save points) back to the point of death can sometimes feel frustrating, but personally I never found it too annoying (especially as you get better at traversing).

    The world is masterfully built, and you'll want to explore every nook and cranny. The lore is there if you want to discover it and is incredibly captivating. The soundtrack is superb and the whole artistic direction is really something to behold. A nice touch is how everything makes sense in the game world, for example how you unlock and build your map up, placing markers on it, etc.

    From top to bottom this is a wonderfully put together game, and will reward anyone willing to invest time into it.    … Expand
  23. ophone
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    A game that leaves you in a vast world populated by mainly hostile insects without holding you by the hand. All set in a depressing world in mostly dark colours accompanied by a rather minimalistic musical score.
    This game is hard as the protagonist's nail, but it's not unfair. The controls are just fine. Even if the little insect protagonist died quite often under my control, it was    A game that leaves you in a vast world populated by mainly hostile insects without holding you by the hand. All set in a depressing world in mostly dark colours accompanied by a rather minimalistic musical score.
    This game is hard as the protagonist's nail, but it's not unfair. The controls are just fine. Even if the little insect protagonist died quite often under my control, it was because of my incompetence, whether due to my ignorance of the enemies' patterns or my lack of reflexes.

    If you are a patient gamer looking for an involving game, try out Hollow Knight, it's one of the best 2D games ever made and for its price it's a steal.    … Expand
  24. T_okyo
    Apr 14, 2021
    9
    Hollow Knight is really good game, that game must have 10, but its a little bit difficult to me so 9. Als you are not finish or starting this game, i have a question why do you read it?
  25. LordJazbin
    Apr 19, 2021
    10
    As metacritic said, this is a must play. A work of art you won't forget. The game is hard, and thats great, sometimes abuses of artificial difficulty though.

    World building has to be the best part of it.
  26. ariangoodarzi
    May 20, 2021
    10
    what a god damn masterpiece. t this is one of the best metroidvania games ever. it really reminds of terraira and dark souls ( and bloodborne and sekrio) with its combat and bosses. the story isnt anything cheap. you have to find it and it is exactly told like the souls series. complex but great. the npcs specialy remind me of bloodbornes npcs they have a great charm in them. thewhat a god damn masterpiece. t this is one of the best metroidvania games ever. it really reminds of terraira and dark souls ( and bloodborne and sekrio) with its combat and bosses. the story isnt anything cheap. you have to find it and it is exactly told like the souls series. complex but great. the npcs specialy remind me of bloodbornes npcs they have a great charm in them. the exploration in the game is really really good. the one flaw of the game is some of the dlc stuff isnt really that great nut who cares about the dlc? 10/10… Expand
  27. BL4CKH4L0
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    An absolute masterpiece that is undoubtedly one of the greatest games of all time!
  28. LuxrayLloyd
    May 3, 2021
    10
    A 10/10 PERFECT game, it excels in everything it does. Combat: 10/10, Platforming 10/10, Lore: 100/10. Simple AMAZING!
  29. 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
  30. sicksak
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    This game was a lot of fun to play. It starts off a tad slow but develops into something exceptional.
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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 »