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. fitmmedia
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    It's everything you want in a game: Cool art/animation, challenging yet easy to pick up, fun to play, and reasonably priced. Easily one my favorite games on Switch.
  2. UnwantedCrimina
    Nov 3, 2018
    10
    An absolutely beautiful game with great visuals, music, sound effects and overall atmosphere. Took me about 30 hours to achieve the first of many endings and without touching any of the three free dlc's. A ridiculous amount of content for the low price tag.
  3. NemuiN
    Nov 26, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. *MINOR SPOILERS*
    The game is extremely fun, and the story is not only compelling, but beautiful told. The fighting is enjoyable and the bosses are challenging. Overall, this game has been one of the best games I've played this year, by far. So, why the 9 star review? Well, for some unknown reason, the developers thought to make one of the DLC the most unpleasant, repetitive, and uninspired "Jump Quest Challenges" ever made. It's frustrating, its far too difficult for the rigid movement of the game, and overall, it really ruined the experience for me. The Colosseum of Fools was a fun and difficult challenges, which pushed you to the limit to beat, but the White Palace is just not fun. It ruined the whole game for me. Sure, the area is optional, but if you are a completionist as myself, this will honestly ruin some of the beauty of the game. Very disappointing that the developers chose to make such an unpleasant and overall stale area.    … Expand
  4. Alone_Bird
    Dec 2, 2018
    10
    A game which includes difficulty, beautiful graphics, great soundtrack, good characters, a brilliant story and amazing gameplay deserves a 10/10... And this game is no exception, Hollow Knight is one of the best games I’ve played this year. Not only does it have all the things I listed above, but it also has loving developers that actually show that they care about the game by alsoA game which includes difficulty, beautiful graphics, great soundtrack, good characters, a brilliant story and amazing gameplay deserves a 10/10... And this game is no exception, Hollow Knight is one of the best games I’ve played this year. Not only does it have all the things I listed above, but it also has loving developers that actually show that they care about the game by also releasing three DLCs...
    I don’t understand why there are a few people hating on the game, but I think it’s a great Metroidvania ,which needs more praise. Hope to see more games like this, because these are games which we need more of....    … Expand
  5. Nihlm
    Dec 5, 2018
    10
    This game is by far my favorite game of all time, however it is important to keep in mind my favorite game and the game I had the most fun with are not the same, because the first takes in much more. It has a deep but vague story with character development tied in with even just where the character is. Hornet, a servant to one of the three dreamers, meets you at the beginning and tries toThis game is by far my favorite game of all time, however it is important to keep in mind my favorite game and the game I had the most fun with are not the same, because the first takes in much more. It has a deep but vague story with character development tied in with even just where the character is. Hornet, a servant to one of the three dreamers, meets you at the beginning and tries to prevent you from proceeding, but you prove your strength to her and she leaves as you finally get the dash ability, which is used in every area after that very often both for platforming and dodging attacks from the much faster enemies after that fight, which takes place in the second area of the game. Many people would complain about holding off abilities, but it's a key part of a metroidivania, as well as a good way to keep a steady learning curve. Which takes me to the difficulty. This game is not the dark souls of metroidivanias, but in fact if you played this game with all the bosses and areas the game is significantly harder than any dark souls game. The game may go up in difficulty fast, but it is always steady and gives you a good idea of the mechanics throughout the area up to the challenges, which require everything you've gotten. The map system of this game is often complained about a lot, but if anything it's better for an adventure game. I liked having to find the layout of my room to determine where I was in relation to benches and other things, it made me explore each room all the way many times. It also compliments the fact that each area has a few secrets you can only get to later, which you'll have to remember for later, which is neat. Great game overall.… Expand
  6. ze-
    Dec 8, 2018
    10
    I will have to start this review by saying, you must play this, currently on my main save file i am 80 hours in with 111% out of 112% i have seen almost everything from the first three free expansions and (at this time) a character dlc is coming out, the game is filled with action and amazing challenge, I've only just beat the path of pain and there are still harder things to do! This gameI will have to start this review by saying, you must play this, currently on my main save file i am 80 hours in with 111% out of 112% i have seen almost everything from the first three free expansions and (at this time) a character dlc is coming out, the game is filled with action and amazing challenge, I've only just beat the path of pain and there are still harder things to do! This game is my favorite game of the year and i would say its my favorite game of all time so far, i would recommend this to anyone who likes a great challenge, confusing but fun to find lore, a fill of secrets, and a load of bugs ... no not like that, most of the characters are bugs, this game is a must play in my opinion, if you want the full lore experience i recommend mossbag on youtube… Expand
  7. retrorasp
    Jan 8, 2019
    10
    Backstory (feel free to skip this part):

    I'm a 35 year-old professional who has a family, mortgage, and a business to maintain. I don't have time to play video games, and hardly ever touch my PS4 which I've owned for years now. I bought a Switch on a whim with some long-forgotten gift card money I had, and was looking for cheap titles to pick-up to occasionally kill time. Hollow    Backstory (feel free to skip this part):

    I'm a 35 year-old professional who has a family, mortgage, and a business to maintain. I don't have time to play video games, and hardly ever touch my PS4 which I've owned for years now. I bought a Switch on a whim with some long-forgotten gift card money I had, and was looking for cheap titles to pick-up to occasionally kill time.

    Hollow Knight caught my eye on MetaCritic's "best games of all-time for the Switch" list. This intrigued me enough to look it up on Nintendo's eShop on my Switch. As it turns out, Hollow Knight happened to be on sale for $9.99 at the time, to which I thought "Eh...what the hell. Let's give it a shot. It is only $10".

    Fast forward to today:

    I am currently 45 hours into this game, and simply cannot get enough of it. In fact, I still have a long way to go because I have every intention of fully completing this game 100%+. Everything about this game is a pure masterpiece, including:

    *The hand-drawn characters and level designs that are ridiculously detailed, along with the humorous
    dialogue between you and other characters you encounter on your journey.

    *The tight controls that make the navigation of this underworld so enjoyable. Heck, they even make.
    the most challenging of boss battles feel like a fair fight, because you always feel like you are in
    control.

    *The soundtrack/score fits the melancholic aesthetic of the underworld that you fight and explore
    your way through, as well as the sound design of enemies, weapons, and abilities draw you in even
    further.

    I noticed that there are some complaints about the difficulty level of some of the bosses. There are, indeed, difficult foes that will require some time and dedication. There has been a few times where I've fought a boss over-and-over for 1.5 to 2 hours straight, but I always seem to find a combat technique or charm that I was not initially utilizing in order to defeat these foes. Sometimes, you have to continue to explore and find better charms, abilities, and upgrades in order to defeat adversaries you are struggling with. Isn't that just a typical part of this genre?

    In a nutshell: Hollow Knight is the best "Metroidvania-style" game that i have ever played (and I've played ALL the classics). I can't believe I only paid $10 (on sale) for this kind of quality and entertainment. Better yet, I can't believe a team of THREE people were able to come up with this much game, with this much detail, for so little money.

    Just do yourself and by this modern-day classic. I promise you've spent way more money on so so so much less.    … Expand
  8. mmkonst
    Jan 11, 2019
    10
    one of the best games I've ever played : good gameplay, good music, good graphics, epic boss fights, more than 40 hours and only 15 dollars
  9. Creeeamy
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    Hollow knight is a masterpiece of gaming and a must play for anyone who has the time and patience. Brutal in nature and unforgiving hollow knight may turn away more casual crowds but it's deep and scattered lore and serene world leads the player on a satisfying journey of discovery that feels truly earned. Just as you think you're nearing the end the game unfolds more and more to revealHollow knight is a masterpiece of gaming and a must play for anyone who has the time and patience. Brutal in nature and unforgiving hollow knight may turn away more casual crowds but it's deep and scattered lore and serene world leads the player on a satisfying journey of discovery that feels truly earned. Just as you think you're nearing the end the game unfolds more and more to reveal its truly colossal scope.

    While merciless and unforgiving Hollow Knight rarely delves into "unfair" territory besides 1 or 2 bosses, everything is clearly telegraphed and results boil down to the players ability to react accordingly. People who deem this game too hard or unfair simply need to get some patience, and get good. Hollow knight will constantly push you as far as you can go and demand you go further, and with its fair and ruthless combat you'll find yourself getting there after a handful of tries.

    Hollow knight has no real low points, only highs. Each boss fight is accompanied by moments of quiet serenity where the visuals and atmosphere tell a story of their own, and each boss fight is a rhythmic and hypnotic masterpiece that leaves you searching out every fight you can find.

    The sheer volume of collectables and secrets will lead you searching every crack and crevice trying to find ways around any obstacles, the desire to push onward and find out more about the mysterious world of Hallownest, the Hollow Knight, The Pale King, every character you meet along the way and the silent protagonist the Knight is always there, forever pushing you to listen to every word, and soak in every moment. A masterpiece of gaming in an industry dominated by "open world AAA easy to follow RPG", hollow knight shows that even a 2D game with no structured narrative forcing you, with unforgiving, simple yet deep game play can outshine even the largest AAA game.

    A must play experience for everyone who enjoys video games and a good challenge    … Expand
  10. Light34
    Apr 11, 2019
    10
    Hollow knight is just a game with any flaws. No cons at all. Beautiful art stile and animations, crazyly well made combat system and music, amazing story narrated mostly by the lore, some of the better game design and gameplay ideas and execution i've ever seen, an enormous world full of secrets ready to be explored, unbelievable replayability, thanks to the crazy number of secrets and toHollow knight is just a game with any flaws. No cons at all. Beautiful art stile and animations, crazyly well made combat system and music, amazing story narrated mostly by the lore, some of the better game design and gameplay ideas and execution i've ever seen, an enormous world full of secrets ready to be explored, unbelievable replayability, thanks to the crazy number of secrets and to the lore peaces coming together in every single run. 4 free dlcs full of content that at least doubles the amount of hours of gameplay of a run. This game is an ABSOLUTE masterpiece, it's like something coming from the heavens with all is RADIANCE.
    It's only 15 bucks and you'll feel guilty to have paid so little for this game, in any case for this game... NO COST TOO GREAT    … Expand
  11. HuyChu
    Jun 20, 2019
    10
    This is the first time I have a chance to play the metroidvania style game, and I thought with the real Metroid have not shown up yet,, maybe I should spend some time with this one. just to see is it really good as people said it is, and holly scrap. I exceed all my expectation, the game is so beautiful, the atmosphere, the game play the puzzle is all there, is all fun but tough as hell. IThis is the first time I have a chance to play the metroidvania style game, and I thought with the real Metroid have not shown up yet,, maybe I should spend some time with this one. just to see is it really good as people said it is, and holly scrap. I exceed all my expectation, the game is so beautiful, the atmosphere, the game play the puzzle is all there, is all fun but tough as hell. I am currently 20 hours into there game, and I really think I bearly scratch it 's surface, I did not expect the game with 15$ pricetag would be this big. Just applause.… Expand
  12. zach011
    Jun 24, 2019
    10
    Hollow Knight is one of my favorite games of all time. I got this game the day it came out and didn't know about all the great reception it had. I started playing, but i didn't instantly fall in love. I went to the first area of the game, defeated the boss, and didn't know where to go next. This is where a lot of people stop playing which is really sad, because they never get to know whatHollow Knight is one of my favorite games of all time. I got this game the day it came out and didn't know about all the great reception it had. I started playing, but i didn't instantly fall in love. I went to the first area of the game, defeated the boss, and didn't know where to go next. This is where a lot of people stop playing which is really sad, because they never get to know what a great game this is. I put down the game for six months, until a friend told me to play it. I started playing again found the next area, and fell in love with it. I couldn't stop playing for days. There are so many areas and so many items and things to do. The controls are smooth and it just feels good to play. At first, it may seem like there is no story, but as you explore, you find out what happened. The game is hard, but once you beat the bosses and learn there moves, they become easier. So even if you got stuck on a boss, which I did many times, if you keep going you can get through it, and the feeling of beating them is amazing. The game has a mode where if you die, you can't respawn. I think this was a great decision to add because after playing it once, you have already learned the game and the bosses move sets. This mode continues the challenge you may have had on your first time playing. This game starts out calm and slow, but by the end you will have learned and gotten better, doing things you may have never thought that you could do. This game is amazing, I have put over 120 hours into it, and I'm not even close to completing everything in it(over multiple times playing). I think everyone can enjoy this game, and I hope you play it.… Expand
  13. Arubatorion
    Jul 31, 2019
    10
    With its dark but cute universe and art-style, this game is a must for hardcore gamers and souls-like lovers. It was a huge success when it first released in PC, but I just love indie games like these in portable platforms and wanted to experience it on Nintendo Switch. I realized I've made the best choice after literally 3 hours later I played the game. Insanely fun, addictive andWith its dark but cute universe and art-style, this game is a must for hardcore gamers and souls-like lovers. It was a huge success when it first released in PC, but I just love indie games like these in portable platforms and wanted to experience it on Nintendo Switch. I realized I've made the best choice after literally 3 hours later I played the game. Insanely fun, addictive and charming. I think every Switch owner needs to give it a shot. Even if you don't own a Switch, on the other hardwares, this game is a "have to play"!… Expand
  14. Swooping-Evil
    Sep 24, 2019
    10
    One of the most amazing games I've ever played. The world is incredibly detailed and beautyful. The platforming is not too hard but has some challenging moments. The bossfights are difficult but seem rarely unfair. Your enemies will stick to a pattern to which you can adapt and do not seem like random projectile spam. The movement is incredibly sophisticated and feels good to master. TheOne of the most amazing games I've ever played. The world is incredibly detailed and beautyful. The platforming is not too hard but has some challenging moments. The bossfights are difficult but seem rarely unfair. Your enemies will stick to a pattern to which you can adapt and do not seem like random projectile spam. The movement is incredibly sophisticated and feels good to master. The story is subtle yet powerful. The music always perfectly suits the place you are in and creates an incredible ambiance. Eventhough I would say this game is difficult it is completely manageable and fun. I really hope you pick this one up and experience this game for yourself.… Expand
  15. tom974
    Jan 13, 2020
    10
    Game of the year for me. A must play for any fan of the metroidvania genre, stunning 2D graphics and beautiful musics. Be warned the game is tough too.
  16. JeyColins
    Jul 15, 2018
    10
    10/10
    One of the best platform games I've ever played!
    This game has so much to offer:
    - beautiful art-style
    - fantastic controls
    - challenging combat
    - good story
  17. Fortius
    Mar 14, 2019
    10
    Amazing game. I've loved every minute. I've played this much more than any of the $60 games I bought.
  18. Filipes
    Sep 20, 2018
    10
    I found here one of the most amazing kingdoms to explore, fight through and get lost in.
  19. guatoman
    Nov 18, 2018
    8
    metroidvania style. everything is great except for the difficult level. very frustrating. play messenger instead
  20. Batraciofanrex
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight ha sido la más grata sorpresa que he tenido en cuanto a videojuegos, me encanto de principio a fin. Yo nunca he sido fan de los juegos estilo Metroidvania, ha decir verdad me aburren bastante pero Hollow Knight se las arregla para tenerte entretenido de principio a fin, su estilo de juego es bastante adictivo y tienes boss battles bastante desafiantes. En cuanto al apartadoHollow Knight ha sido la más grata sorpresa que he tenido en cuanto a videojuegos, me encanto de principio a fin. Yo nunca he sido fan de los juegos estilo Metroidvania, ha decir verdad me aburren bastante pero Hollow Knight se las arregla para tenerte entretenido de principio a fin, su estilo de juego es bastante adictivo y tienes boss battles bastante desafiantes. En cuanto al apartado grafico del juego es sencillamente alucinante, así como su apartado de sonido. Juega Hollow Knight de verdad que no te arrepentiras, es un juego que debes tener.… Expand
  21. jerkface910
    Dec 13, 2018
    10
    When I first played this I kept thinking, "I wonder if this will be my pick for Game of the Year?" but then I'd remember Spider-Man and Red Dead were coming out and thought no way. Well, it's the end of the year, and I have to say this game is my pick for Game of the Year (I know it came out before this year, but for consoles). The design is just perfect. They give you the entire worldWhen I first played this I kept thinking, "I wonder if this will be my pick for Game of the Year?" but then I'd remember Spider-Man and Red Dead were coming out and thought no way. Well, it's the end of the year, and I have to say this game is my pick for Game of the Year (I know it came out before this year, but for consoles). The design is just perfect. They give you the entire world from the start, but you're limited to where you can venture due to abilities or just enemy difficulty. Exploration is key, but also risky, as you could end up losing your shade (and 4000) geo in a dangerous spot.
    I loved the unique areas, with their own enemies, and the overall art design and world is just spot-on. It's creepy as hell, but also plenty cute.
    And there are secrets EVERYWHERE. Just playing through the game is a meaty quest, but there are so many secrets to uncover and explore it's amazing. They also throw in some fun surprises, the likes of which I had never seen before.
    I really have no gripe with this game. Even the challenge level, which can get painful in some areas, never feels cheap. If you keep dying it's either because you aren't sufficiently powered up, or you're just not skilled enough to survive.    … Expand
  22. JoeMoney333
    Oct 15, 2018
    9
    I'm not sure what isn't to like about this game. The atmosphere is amazing, the story is fantastically told through the background, and the combat is superb. The ending sticks with you even after you put the game down. The combat is precise and challenging. Any mistakes made are the players fault and instantly recognizable. One of the best 2D games out and it's at home on the Switch. A+
  23. Trentini
    Sep 5, 2018
    10
    Great game!!!

    The environment, visuals, music are incredible. The controls are great and, more important of things: it is a lot of fun, will entertain for dozens of hours.
  24. MatthewRock
    Sep 3, 2018
    8
    A very good game with beautiful locations, nice sense of progression and some challenging parts. Unfortunately, it has rough spots that could use some polishing.

    The recurring problem with the game is the designers' love for the mechanics that make the game more annoying. Not hard - annoying. One of the examples would be the fixed save point system (bench). You have to use those    A very good game with beautiful locations, nice sense of progression and some challenging parts. Unfortunately, it has rough spots that could use some polishing.

    The recurring problem with the game is the designers' love for the mechanics that make the game more annoying. Not hard - annoying.

    One of the examples would be the fixed save point system (bench). You have to use those benches to save the game. They double as a respawn when you die. The problem is, there is not enough of them in the game or they are placed at weird places. Oftentimes when approaching the boss the closest bench is few locations away, usually separated by some enemies or obstacles that result in the loss of life.

    Another example is death. When you die, you leave a shade behind - which keeps your gold and a part of your soul meter ("mana" used for spells and healing) pool. If you die again, the previous shade is gone (with your gold). Killing a shade restores soul meter.

    Those two show how approaching a boss can be frustrating. Not only does your journey to the boss takes some time (and if the boss is tough - which some are - it can take multiple tries, meaning wasted time). It also makes every next try more annoying - you either suck it up and play harder version(because you can't collect maximum soul without killing your shade, which is at the boss) or kill the shade, go back to collect soul (this often means going back to the save point), and then approach it again. Again, nothing harder about the game itself.

    Same with the money mechanic - you can force the mobs to spawn, so earning money is tiresome, not hard. Losing it is another chore. Fortunately, late-game money is not useful anymore so you don't have to worry about that.

    The levels are beautiful. There are many different zones and they all feel great. Each of them has unique setting or mechanic. Attention to detail is really praiseworthy. Music blends nicely with levels. Every part feels like a well designed piece of a whole. Some of the parts are locked off until you get certain mechanic, so you get to re-visit some of those locations.

    Talking about game mechanics, these are also well done. You enable "special powers" throughout the game. Every new skill means access to new locations and often helps in combat. This means that progress feels good and natural.

    Unfortunately, the very same progress can come to halt with no help. As I do not like using any sort of guides, I spent few times "scanning" the entire map - going through all the places - looking for any place where I could go, because I didn't know what to do next. This is a good thing, as I am not spoon-fed the directions, but something as simple as the "to-do list" with multiple things to do could point me in the right direction.

    The charm system is also good - you can equip different charms(and combinations of thereof) to make certain play styles more powerful.

    Despite its flaws it's a great game. Not the best out there, some of the rough parts are undeniable, but pretty damn good and definitely a must have for metroidvania fans.    … Expand
  25. vxRadiatonxv
    Aug 15, 2018
    10
    Switch release makes the game even better and adds more from the PC. The 3D rumble gives a feel to the game and makes it feel more atmospheric. Note that this is coming from a player that has gotten all the achievements. Play the game and see for yourself.

    P.S. most negative reviews of this game come from players who have not experienced the full game and gotten used to its mechanics.    Switch release makes the game even better and adds more from the PC. The 3D rumble gives a feel to the game and makes it feel more atmospheric. Note that this is coming from a player that has gotten all the achievements. Play the game and see for yourself.

    P.S. most negative reviews of this game come from players who have not experienced the full game and gotten used to its mechanics. The bosses may seem tough at first but become easy with enough practice, you have to put some effort in to win; the game doesn't just hand it to you.    … Expand
  26. michellelynn097
    Sep 21, 2018
    10
    This game is beyond amazing. It is brutally hard, but it is so worth it. The game is very hard, the story is very interesting, the art style is out of this world and the music is classic. This is one of the best games I've ever played bar none! With a focus on exploration that really rewards you for going off the beaten path. Tons of items, upgrades and abilities that keep combat fresh andThis game is beyond amazing. It is brutally hard, but it is so worth it. The game is very hard, the story is very interesting, the art style is out of this world and the music is classic. This is one of the best games I've ever played bar none! With a focus on exploration that really rewards you for going off the beaten path. Tons of items, upgrades and abilities that keep combat fresh and the pacing is perfect. It starts out mildly challenging with some challenge, but the more you unlock your abilities. The number of enemies goes up, but the challenge goes up as well. This is what I am talking about with big budget games like GOW and Spider Man. Sure, they got big budgets and graphics, but they don't have as much game play as games like Hollow Knights and Dead Cell. You get more game play value and replay ability from those two games than most of these so called AAA games.

    The miraculous thing is, this wonderful game was made by 3 people. 3! This game is one for the ages and it is one that you should not miss. I don't care what system you have, GET THIS GAME! It is an instant classic with incredible boss fights, a wonderful art style that is so wonderful, every scene is like a work of art from Picasso. The music hits all the right notes and will send shivers up your spine and the game play is complex, but it is easy enough to grasp. Do not miss this one of a kind experience, it is only 15 dollars and comes with free DLC! How incredible is that? Go get this game now.    … Expand
  27. AKthaBeast
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    This game is a challenging game at start but the more you play it, the better you will get and the better the game gets.
  28. Javichuck
    Sep 2, 2018
    8
    Plataformas 2D, soulslike. 40h en mi caso con un 80% de finalización en cuanto a extras, se puede acabar en la mitad pero dudo que nadie lo haga porque es un juego que te anima a investigarlo todo. En realidad no sabes cual es el camino principal, lo debes ir descubriendo mientras saltas por el escenario, Buena progresión, movilidad y combate. 9 en arte, 7 en historia y 9 en jugabilidad.Plataformas 2D, soulslike. 40h en mi caso con un 80% de finalización en cuanto a extras, se puede acabar en la mitad pero dudo que nadie lo haga porque es un juego que te anima a investigarlo todo. En realidad no sabes cual es el camino principal, lo debes ir descubriendo mientras saltas por el escenario, Buena progresión, movilidad y combate. 9 en arte, 7 en historia y 9 en jugabilidad. Recomendado.… Expand
  29. metanaga
    Aug 6, 2018
    10
    I don't usually give perfect 10 scores but I sincerely can't think of anything that could improve this game... graphics, music, level design, UI, controls, everything here is just perfect. Hollow Knight deserves to be nailed and hung in a museum.
  30. AlphaNerdGk
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania style game set in a world of insectoids. I hadn’t heard much about this game upon it’s launch in early 2017, but after it’s release on the Nintendo Switch during Nintendo’s E3 conference this year, I heard a lot of buzz about it. I listen to several video game podcasts and every one of them discussed how tremendous this game is. I like Metroidvanias so IHollow Knight is a Metroidvania style game set in a world of insectoids. I hadn’t heard much about this game upon it’s launch in early 2017, but after it’s release on the Nintendo Switch during Nintendo’s E3 conference this year, I heard a lot of buzz about it. I listen to several video game podcasts and every one of them discussed how tremendous this game is. I like Metroidvanias so I decided to look it up. The art style immediately piqued my interest and the more I heard about how stunning this game is, the more I wanted to play it. I must say, this game lives up to the hype!As with other Metroidvanias, Hollow Knight is a side scrolling platformer. As you clear out one area, you gain abilities that grant access to other areas. Often times, as you gain new abilities, you will have to go back to previously cleared areas to unlock more skills or strengthen existing ones. One feature that is new to the genre is that when you die, you drop all of your coins which are called Geo in this game. In addition, some of your items may break when you die and need to be repaired in order to use them again. You can go back and retrieve your lost Geo by defeating your spirit at the location you died. If you are unable to make it to and defeat your spirit, you lose all Geo. This is a feature similar to that found in the Dark Souls games.
    The game is broken down into different areas. In each area, you will find a cartographer named Cornifier. You can purchase a map of each area from him. He will also tell you that you can buy items to enhance the map from his shop in the small town of DIrtmouth. Two items worth purchasing from his shop are the quill, which will highlight all sections in a region you have actually been in, and the Wayward Compass. The compass does take up one of your item nodes, but is well worth it because the maps do not have a “You are here” indicator on them. The compass fills that role.
    The combat system is rather simple, but effective. You can slash your nail (remember you play as an insectoid so a nail to a bug is like a sword to a human) left, right, up and while you are airborne in the down direction as well. The enemies vary in degree of difficulty from simple mobs to bosses with intricate movement patterns.
    In general, this is not only one of the most difficult platformers I have ever played, it is one of the most difficult games that I have ever played period. The developers did a superb job of making Hollow Knight challenging, but not aggravating.The graphical style in Hollow Knight may not be for everyone, but there is brilliance in it nonetheless. They may be cartoony, but they are very well drawn. I think they animated appearance fits well in a game featuring insectoids and ghosts. Each area features a different base color where the background, the foreground, the enemies and the ground are almost entirely in different shades of that base color. You can notice when you are transitioning to another area because the tones may go from a blueish hue to one that is green. It adds to the charm of the game well. The color of each area matches that areas color after you buy the map for it. Little details like that show the level of care that was put into this game. Despite this being a 2D game, there is depth added by having backgrounds at different layers that move as the character does. This gives the feeling of a quasi-3D game. The lighting, textures and focuses all add to the overall aesthetic separating Hollow Knight from other games in this genre.
    The musical arrangements and sound effects pair terrifically with the what is happening in the game. Normally, I notice the music in a game, but it doesn’t normally make me pay attention to it. In Hollow Knight, the sound enhances the overall gameplay experience. It helps draw the player into the overall experience. Each area of the map has it’s own unique music, which combines with the change in color palette during area transitions perfectly. This game features some of the most situationally appropriate music I have ever heard in a game. The somber tones of one area often become frantic during a boss fight. Another audio feature I like in Hollow Knight is the nonsensical noises that NPCs make when you talk to them. It may be gibberish, but it fits perfectly.Hollow Knight is a fantastic game. In fact, it may be the second best game I have played on the Nintendo Switch after Breath of the Wild. I give a 5/5 for stunning graphics, unique audio and gameplay that is an absolute blast! It is available on Nintendo Switch and PC, so if you game on either one, I highly recommend playing it.    … Expand
  31. Jtrapdoor1
    Sep 29, 2018
    8
    A very good bug-themed dark souls experience that should tie you over until the real thing comes out. Enjoyable especially if you love Castlevania and Metroid
  32. OrobaSpyro
    Jul 22, 2018
    10
    One of the best indie games on the Switch. I would certainly give a description of what it contains, but anything might spoil the experience. Just know that it's one of the best Metroidvanias ever, and while it's certainly not an easy game, the difficulty is fair enough. Also, $15 is a steal for a game like this!
  33. LaPapa256
    Jul 9, 2018
    9
    El juego es muy completo y no defrauda al recordar los viejos juegos de plataformas, con mapas no muy extensos pero con bloqueos bien diseñados para dirigir el avance del jugador. Hay que valerse mucho de la memoria y los marcadores para poder completarlo al 100%
  34. BossVause
    Jul 13, 2018
    10
    Im a recent convert to the Metroidvania genre, but i have since gone back and played all the classic ones like Super Metroid and the like, and this stands with those games, and in some ways surpasses them. Don't miss out on this one
  35. keletsito
    Jul 22, 2018
    10
    Qué decir de este Hollow Knight? Lo he jugado en Switch, no lo conocía y me sorprendió mucho para bien. El juego presenta unas mecánicas muy parecidas a los DarkSouls, pero en un mundo 2D decadente de insectos. Suena aburrido? Puede, pero gracias a sus controles, su curva de aprendizaje y su cuidado diseño, considero que es probablemente el mejor juego de switch (perdóname Link) que hayQué decir de este Hollow Knight? Lo he jugado en Switch, no lo conocía y me sorprendió mucho para bien. El juego presenta unas mecánicas muy parecidas a los DarkSouls, pero en un mundo 2D decadente de insectos. Suena aburrido? Puede, pero gracias a sus controles, su curva de aprendizaje y su cuidado diseño, considero que es probablemente el mejor juego de switch (perdóname Link) que hay ahora mismo en catálogo.
    Si te gustan las plataformas, los retos y los juegos desarrollados cn mimo y detalle, pruébalo    … Expand
  36. Kerr52
    Aug 3, 2018
    9
    The beginning was a bit confusing for me, I got lost for the first couple of hours. But then gave it another chance and I started finding skills and it got really good and immersive, really great game with tons of hours of content.
  37. SwitchReview
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is a game that made me rage-quit within a few hours, return to it after a month, and then end up buying it for multiple consoles.

    Pros: +Graphics - Amazing. The graphics alone are a 10/10. +Gameplay - This game will make you cuss a lot but you get better each time and I think that's what makes the game so rewarding. +Content - there is a huge map to explore and even    Hollow Knight is a game that made me rage-quit within a few hours, return to it after a month, and then end up buying it for multiple consoles.

    Pros:
    +Graphics - Amazing. The graphics alone are a 10/10.
    +Gameplay - This game will make you cuss a lot but you get better each time and I think that's what makes the game so rewarding.
    +Content - there is a huge map to explore and even after beating the last boss I am still at 55% completion. Also, Team Cherry just recently put out a free DLC.
    +Music - beautiful, gets the job done right each time by setting the mood for each area without being too distracting.

    Cons:
    -Difficulty - maybe? It does give a sense of achievement but it can be really hard to get into at first.

    Overall score: 9.7/10    … Expand
  38. JordaoMemoria
    Aug 13, 2018
    10
    Ambientação imersiva. Supera os jogos nos quais foi inspirado. Combina os melhores e principais elementos "Metroidvania". Aprovado.
  39. Mitchman05
    Aug 18, 2018
    10
    This game is like all the ideas of the Metroidvania genre smashed into one, with plenty of playtime for the cost, ridiculously tough and fun bosses and plenty of collectables to collect for 100%. I currently have 116 hours put into it and i still have some stuff to complete, and there will be another free content pack coming up soon with a fun boss rush mode! All in all a very good gameThis game is like all the ideas of the Metroidvania genre smashed into one, with plenty of playtime for the cost, ridiculously tough and fun bosses and plenty of collectables to collect for 100%. I currently have 116 hours put into it and i still have some stuff to complete, and there will be another free content pack coming up soon with a fun boss rush mode! All in all a very good game and I would recommend!… Expand
  40. Cathartic
    Sep 2, 2018
    10
    It took me over 45 marvellous hours to reach this game's final boss. I have rarely been so frustrated with my inability to play a game well. The mechanics are beautifully balanced, and there's little here that makes me think of other metroidvania games because the content is original and the characters interesting.
    I found Elderbug amusing, Myla the cute miner fun to visit, Quirrel    It took me over 45 marvellous hours to reach this game's final boss. I have rarely been so frustrated with my inability to play a game well. The mechanics are beautifully balanced, and there's little here that makes me think of other metroidvania games because the content is original and the characters interesting.
    I found Elderbug amusing, Myla the cute miner fun to visit, Quirrel dashing and informative, and the (hopefully soon to be a playable character) Hornet challenging and all-aware.
    Learning the map and discovering new areas without hand-holding was refreshing. I felt like I was building my own world through exploring and DS2 reached areas I hadn't within the first three hours.
    There are limited slots to use power-ups, and choosing what to take and what to deactivate proves difficult in the early game.
    The add-on content boosts the interesting finds and activities that occur in dirtmouth and in many other locations.The Dream Nail means there's additional text from characters and collection challenges. A very hard challenge awaits in the Grimm Troupe tent, The godmaster add-on has just come out!
    Finally, the price point was superb - SO MUCH GAME for under £10. Truly special - this game will continue to be played by me for hours and will probably remain in the top ten switch downloads for months to come!    … Expand
  41. pmasterfunk
    Sep 13, 2018
    9
    Hollow Knight is a great game, but I've run into a funny issue I might as well mention. I've actually edited my review to adjust for this.
    It turns out that if you never exit the game, and just leave it on while the console goes into sleep mode, at some point the game starts lagging. And I mean major lag. This would probably never affects most people, but I may not be the only guy who    Hollow Knight is a great game, but I've run into a funny issue I might as well mention. I've actually edited my review to adjust for this.
    It turns out that if you never exit the game, and just leave it on while the console goes into sleep mode, at some point the game starts lagging. And I mean major lag. This would probably never affects most people, but I may not be the only guy who plays this way.

    I suppose the game may have some minor memory leaks which in most cases have no real life impact, but seeing as I had essentially never closed the game since starting it, i.e. about 15 hours in, the lag started being really problematic, especially in large rooms or in boss fights. With a fresh boot it plays great.

    As good as the game is, I do have a few gripes about it. I find the fast travel stations are spaced a bit too far from one another, making tedious backtracking often necessary. Save benches are often far from bosses, which makes slogging through a bunch of rooms to get to said boss fight repetitive and boring. The benches are also a bit too rare for my taste, and I've often missed the rooms where the benches are and ended up playing for over an hour without saving. I've also often managed to miss the map guy and spent many hours walking around in areas trying to figure out the lay of the land. I would prefer to find the map guy and a bench pretty quickly in each area and then get to exploring, instead of the other way around.

    The game has a ridiculous amount of content, and for the price it's definitely worth a check, especially for fans of Metroidvania.    … Expand
  42. randomPlayer42
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    I just created an account to rate this game.

    Hollow Knight is truly exceptional, from the art style, to the music, the challenge, the lore, the gameplay, the size of the enormous interconnected world. When I read that this game was made by such few people I really asked myself what the big studios are doing sometimes, when such a superior product can be made with so little resources.    I just created an account to rate this game.

    Hollow Knight is truly exceptional, from the art style, to the music, the challenge, the lore, the gameplay, the size of the enormous interconnected world. When I read that this game was made by such few people I really asked myself what the big studios are doing sometimes, when such a superior product can be made with so little resources.

    Like I mentioned almost all aspects of Hollow Knight feel polished, especially the jumping and use of the weapon, which starts out pretty simple, but along the way you find many spells and abilities, that perfectly enhance your arsenal to conquer formerly unreachable paths and areas.
    The enemies are plenty and diverse and really interesting, because of the bug theme which may seem strange at first but is one of the biggest pros, because it's so different from other games. I also have to mention the backgrounds of the areas which are so different and alive that you can't even compare it to similar games, it is just on another level.

    I don't normally do this and I am sorry for the comparison, but this is one case where it fits: The game is definitely soulslike. The benches in the game serve as the bonfires, that are often times pretty far stretched out, but through shortcuts (which are very cleverly used) and later on increased mobility, become reachable much faster.
    The difficulty is also pretty high, but most of the really challenging stuff is optional and if you take you're time you'll overcome them eventually and get a great sense of accomplishment. The bosses are also a highlight, the start pretty ordinary as bigger better versions of normal enemies, but quickly become unique challenges that often yield great rewards. If you die you'll loose your in-game currency, but you can reclaim it by getting back to the spot and defeating "your shadow".

    A small con is that sometimes you may not exactly know where to go and while it encourages exploration it can also be bit frustrating at times (like darksouls) ;).
    That is no problem tho because if you're really stuck you can look at the online resources and find the way immediately.

    To this date 4 FREE content dlcs have been released to this mind you already massive game for 15 euros (which is already so underpriced it's ridiculous). I am not done with the story yet (20 hours in) and I'll play them when I'm done with it, but I've heard positive things from the dlcs and already look forward to them.

    All in all the pros far outhweight the cons and from all the triple A and indie games I've played in the last 15 years (a ton, almost all major ones) this indie game is one that definitely deserves the 10, if you like the art style and the gameplay from reviews or gameplay pictures, just get it you're in for a treat :)    … Expand
  43. ValuedReviews
    Jul 2, 2020
    9
    One of the best games I've every played. Don't let this beautifully crafted and wonderfully designed Metroidvania pass you by. Recommended this game to almost everyone I know, and now to you too.
  44. Harmony22
    Jan 20, 2019
    10
    one of the best games I've ever played : good gameplay, good music, good graphics, epic boss fights, more than 40 hours
  45. Penetrator2
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    Hollow knight is one of the best games of all time. If you like: exploring a rich world, satifying combat and plattforming, get this game.
  46. sarcode
    Feb 26, 2019
    10
    This game is, simply, an absolute delight to play. The art direction is stunning. The sound design and music are masterful. The story is well crafted, and the characters are likeable, interesting and human (despite the fact that they're bugs, of course). The gameplay and controls are very tight. Leaving aside the combat, it feels good just to control your character, gaining mobilityThis game is, simply, an absolute delight to play. The art direction is stunning. The sound design and music are masterful. The story is well crafted, and the characters are likeable, interesting and human (despite the fact that they're bugs, of course). The gameplay and controls are very tight. Leaving aside the combat, it feels good just to control your character, gaining mobility upgrades and skill as you learn to traverse the map fluidly, and I believe that is the mark of a truly excellent game.

    Hollow Knight is challenging, but never unfair. Combat and platforming are mixed in equal measures, and sometimes combined. It will genuinely test your skill and reflexes, but you will overcome every challenge and you'll feel accomplished doing it.

    I grew up with Super Metroid and count it among my favourite games of all time. Hollow Knight surpasses it without a doubt. Nice work, Team Cherry. This game is an instant classic.    … Expand
  47. PedroK
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    One of the best MEtroidvanias and indie games by far.
    The game expand all the concepts of the genre, creating an evolution for it.

    Plus, it have a great art.
    So, it's a must-play.
  48. GrinGames
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    This is, by far, my favorite game of all time! A wonderful adventure with an amazing world, combat, art, music, and story. The navigation and difficulty is what people usually complain about, but I find them to be the best parts. The game lets you get lost on a fantasy epic all your own. Can't wait for Silksong!
  49. Gatsu01
    Dec 20, 2019
    5
    This game is so good I bought it twice just to give a friend an experience of a lifetime. If you enjoy immersion in a game where the music and aethesitic pulls you in and never let you go, then jump right in and enjoy the ride. I guarantee if nothing else, you will have a wallpaper worthy screenshot every sitting. This game will blow all other metroidvania clones away.
  50. Nico300
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Is the best metroidvania ever made and my favorite game of the decade. You must play it.
  51. enzo-pannacotta
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    the best game to date

    "Your review must be at least 75 characters long."
  52. Mrblade
    Apr 2, 2020
    9
    An amazing game!! There is so much to do and every moment of the game is great.
    But this game is not perfect. It has some annoying issues, but they're not deal brakers in any way. Even though this game is not perfect i cant recomend it enough.
  53. werek3
    Dec 2, 2020
    9
    aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaqaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  54. Not_A_Shill
    Dec 31, 2020
    10
    Hello, I'm absolutly not a paid corporate shill and this is my unbiased Review for HOLLOW KNIGHT

    HOLLOW KNIGHT is a masterpiece of video game narrative. Nothing else even comes close. The story is brutal, challenging, bold, and almost never "fun". It is harrowing, forcing the player to confront violence in a way video games never do. In a medium where everything is John Wick, HOLLOW    Hello, I'm absolutly not a paid corporate shill and this is my unbiased Review for HOLLOW KNIGHT

    HOLLOW KNIGHT is a masterpiece of video game narrative. Nothing else even comes close. The story is brutal, challenging, bold, and almost never "fun". It is harrowing, forcing the player to confront violence in a way video games never do. In a medium where everything is John Wick, HOLLOW KNIGHT is Schindler's List.

    And just like that film, there were times when I wasn't sure I could keep going. It is a relentless emotional assault that I suspect will force even the most jaded gamer to feel empathy. The game is a work of art - every aspect feels crafted at the highest level. Visuals, audio, controls, animation, level design, performance. It is astounding. And frequently beautiful.

    With moments you NEVER find in video games. But I cannot overstate how harrowing it is. It feels like 2 seasons of the darkest TV show you'll ever find, and it frequently better than most TV on the air. That's saying a lot. I think it is an IMPORTANT game. It tore me up, and I will never, ever forget HOLLOW KNIGHT is a game that will change you.

    In short, HOLLOW KNIGHT put me through hell. I did not enjoy it. I wasn't supposed to. I was affected by it. Like no game before. I am in awe of it. I am recovering from it.    … Expand
  55. soymilk
    Feb 23, 2021
    10
    The achievement has reached 112%. I'm glad I met this game. I got to know the genre of Metroidvania from this game, and I was able to realize it is fun.
  56. LeonKn
    May 26, 2021
    10
    I don't think I have been drawn this much into a video game since my childhood. I got lost in the depths of Hallownest and loved every second of it. The exploring, the atmosphere, the boss fights, the music.. It is all perfect. Hollow Knight is a modern classic and a masterpiece and it is also one of the best games I have ever played. 10/10
  57. Yarun64
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    This game is just a masterpiece. It's one of those videogames you were waiting for so long. Its OST, its characters, its story, everything is amazing. I want to see more about Hollow Knight's Universe!
  58. JoeyPL5
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    This is the best game ever created. If you disagree I will whine and throw a tantrum.
  59. mrvertigo89
    Sep 6, 2018
    4
    I really wanted to like Hollow Knight. It's visually stunning, and the world is great; it's drawn on the classic Soulsbourne approach to a fragmented narrative that is pulled together through clues. I really enjoyed the exploration of the game, and it's pretty open quite early on. There is a fair amount of excitement when you get a new ability and can reach previously inaccessible areas.I really wanted to like Hollow Knight. It's visually stunning, and the world is great; it's drawn on the classic Soulsbourne approach to a fragmented narrative that is pulled together through clues. I really enjoyed the exploration of the game, and it's pretty open quite early on. There is a fair amount of excitement when you get a new ability and can reach previously inaccessible areas.

    But, the game is not fun. I love challenge in a game; I even completed the Bloodborne Chalice Dungeons, and I've completed every Souls game from Demon souls onwards, I don't mind taking my time and learning attack patterns / practice. But it's a real shame that the Hollow Knight designers have opted for some lazy artificial difficulty in most situations rather than actually designing. For example, most bosses only have a couple of attacks, but have so much health that you may well lose due to making a mistake because of the sheer length of time a fight can take. At another point, you fight a previous enemy again, only they are twice as fast. Another example is that some of the platforming sections require 10+ perfectly executed jumps with no save option anywhere along the way. This is made more frustrating as there is a slight delay in the game responding to jump inputs. The game also expects a whole lot of grinding to purchase necessary upgrades to open some paths.

    The game also doesn't value it's players time. As an adult who works most of the time, backtracking for 2-5 mins to get back to a boss or a painful platforming section is simply not acceptable in a modern game. The save points are few and far between, and there is no way of travelling between them, instead you have to rely on a separate transit system.

    i guess my final complaint is that they've just missed the mark. If you've ever played Salt & Sanctuary, a Soulsborne, Metroidvania styled platformer with a fantastic world, factions and a brilliant upgrade system. As such, playing Hollow Knight feels like it falls short on every bar, except possibly the world itself, which is great.

    TLDR: Lots of promise but not worth your time. Play Salt and Sanctuary, does everything better from the platforming to the world to the combat.    … Expand
  60. nando_u
    Sep 18, 2018
    10
    Wonderful game, musics and NPCs charismatics.... A great world for exploration, and rewarding. A Masterpiece game.
  61. Grunty
    Feb 5, 2019
    7
    It is a bit funnier that Shovel knight (and more rewarding somehow) but still it is a hard game (dying repetitively on bosses is boring for me) but the ambiance/graphics and exploration are cool. It still annoy me that general tendency is to do hard games - or not putting the option of an easy game, here on bosses only: as a consumer, I try to avoid as soon as I am aware of it and onceIt is a bit funnier that Shovel knight (and more rewarding somehow) but still it is a hard game (dying repetitively on bosses is boring for me) but the ambiance/graphics and exploration are cool. It still annoy me that general tendency is to do hard games - or not putting the option of an easy game, here on bosses only: as a consumer, I try to avoid as soon as I am aware of it and once again I failed. Now I died 30 times on Hornet, trying to optimize everything (amulet with recovery, cocoon near to get 2 extra life each time...), I know what to do (I have the pattern of attacks) but still not managing to do it. I'm on the mode of opening the game for 10 death and close it to play something else. Maybe one day I will discover more of the game, which I found intriguing and interesting (I explored everything else possible with my limited options) and no I don't have the impression to personally learn something from this fight...
    Update: 20 hours later, I enjoy a bit more some part (collected 25 charms and starting to do combo with them), still avoiding as much as possible bosses (I only did false knight, hornet, dung defender and broken vessel), still facing a lot of death :)    … Expand
  62. Heavydog
    Jul 12, 2018
    10
    Hollow Knight is truely one of the best games I've ever played. It's beautiful, charming and challenging - but fair at any time. There are thousand things to discover and over 140 unique enemies to defeat. It's a masterpiece! Also it's a masterpiece for your wallet. Go buy it now!
  63. Sillence
    Nov 10, 2018
    10
    10/10 Best game on switch to date. If you enjoy games with challenging bosses and careful exploration, don't think twice, just get it. If you like games like Bloodborne, this is for you. I was doubtful because I usually don't find 2D games as engaging, but this game changed my mind entirely. With that said, if you're looking for a casual gaming experience, this is not for you.

    I could    10/10 Best game on switch to date. If you enjoy games with challenging bosses and careful exploration, don't think twice, just get it. If you like games like Bloodborne, this is for you. I was doubtful because I usually don't find 2D games as engaging, but this game changed my mind entirely. With that said, if you're looking for a casual gaming experience, this is not for you.

    I could go on, but enough has been said in other reviews. Just know that this game is anything but over-hyped.    … Expand
  64. Rancisco
    Mar 31, 2019
    9
    Absolute piece of art. Amazing in all it's senses, I just kept playing for more than 100 hours and still remain things to do. It is an authentic gem everybody should play at least once if you haven't already.
    And finally a brief mention to the extremely beautiful, balanced and powerful score. Hollow Knight is everything but hollow.
  65. gargom
    May 20, 2020
    0
    CANSADO
    Te pasas más tiempo perdido, sin saber donde ir y dando vueltas sin ningún sentido que jugando.
    Luego el viaje rápido está muy muy mal hecho, solo tienes 1 viaje rápido por zona y las zonas son bastante grandes. Básicamente te comes 5 minutos simplemente andando cada vez que mueres. Y lo mejor de todo es que cuando mueres pierdes la mitad del máx del contenedor de almas hasta que    CANSADO
    Te pasas más tiempo perdido, sin saber donde ir y dando vueltas sin ningún sentido que jugando.
    Luego el viaje rápido está muy muy mal hecho, solo tienes 1 viaje rápido por zona y las zonas son bastante grandes. Básicamente te comes 5 minutos simplemente andando cada vez que mueres.
    Y lo mejor de todo es que cuando mueres pierdes la mitad del máx del contenedor de almas hasta que vuelvas a matar a la sombra y básicamente son situaciones en las que si estas peleando contra un jefe y pierdes cuando lo vuelvas a intentar serás tú vs el jefe vs la sombra y encima con la mitad del contenedor como máx. ES ABSURDO
    Si es verdad que la sombra está antes que los jefes pero esque aún asi pierdes vida, y acabas perdiendo 2 corazones simplemente en el camino a llegar al jefe. ESTE JUEGO ES MÁS ESTRESANTE QUE SATISFACTORIO, AL MENOS DARK SOULS TE PREMIA JUSTAMENTE AL MATAR A UN JEFE, AQUÍ NO. JUEGO ESTRESANTE.    … Expand
  66. bl1rt
    Jul 13, 2019
    2
    A lot of folks like it, and that's great. I didn't though:
    To me, the game looks very distinct, but it doesn't bring much else to the table. Particularly the fighting system felt uninspired and blunt - hop, prick, hop, repeat.
    Repetition overall became a huge annoyance quickly, as the game makes you do the exact same thing again and again, for example when you have to learn the moves of    A lot of folks like it, and that's great. I didn't though:
    To me, the game looks very distinct, but it doesn't bring much else to the table. Particularly the fighting system felt uninspired and blunt - hop, prick, hop, repeat.
    Repetition overall became a huge annoyance quickly, as the game makes you do the exact same thing again and again, for example when you have to learn the moves of a boss to beat him (i.e. when he let's you do the hop prick hop), and you need to go ten times through the same five or so screens to get to him.
    I like challenging games a lot, but with HK, it felt artificial and unrewarding to me - more of a cop-out to justify the very limited battle system.

    Played it for about 10 hours and then realized how the game feels like menial labor and overall annoys me, and that I have no interest in exploring it further, so I deleted it. To me, it felt like a very average game with an above-average look.    … Expand
  67. crotch
    Oct 5, 2018
    5
    This game is either a 10 or a 0. If you’re a masochist or a person who doesn’t mind getting so angry because of the difficulty of the game’s bosses that you want to start punching your pets or screaming profanities at your elderly neighbors, then this game is a 10. I could go into the details, but just trust me, the game is nearly perfect. But if you do mind getting extremely angry, thenThis game is either a 10 or a 0. If you’re a masochist or a person who doesn’t mind getting so angry because of the difficulty of the game’s bosses that you want to start punching your pets or screaming profanities at your elderly neighbors, then this game is a 10. I could go into the details, but just trust me, the game is nearly perfect. But if you do mind getting extremely angry, then STAY THE F*** AWAY FROM THIS GAME.… Expand
  68. 0range
    Dec 8, 2020
    0
    I really love this game and it's perfect for switch. An entire world in your pocket. Responsive controls, a well written narrative, and a well designed world make this a must play.
  69. DonkeyBrains
    Jul 2, 2018
    4
    This game feels like a chore in every sense of the word. Everything from the monotonous gameplay to the bland environments makes this game feel very dull. Don't believe the hype.
  70. Jaytmek
    Aug 30, 2018
    1
    I got suckered by the hype on this one unfortunately. This game is bland and tiring. I feel like other gamers must be seeing something I'm not. The difficulty comes from clumsy controls and enclosed areas in which it's difficult to avoid enemy attacks. The checkpoint system is ridiculous, often requiring you to travel a very long distance, killing all of the same enemies again just to getI got suckered by the hype on this one unfortunately. This game is bland and tiring. I feel like other gamers must be seeing something I'm not. The difficulty comes from clumsy controls and enclosed areas in which it's difficult to avoid enemy attacks. The checkpoint system is ridiculous, often requiring you to travel a very long distance, killing all of the same enemies again just to get back to the boss. The health recharge system is clever but you have to stand perfectly still to get the build up to start. This makes it almost pointless during close quarters combat where there is no real opportunity to use it. The map system is useless, requiring you to travel a very long way back to a shop just to get the proper map for a new area. The dark souls inspired "recovering souls after death" mechanic is utterly pointless. I'm really not sure why they included it. The graphics are very "00s flash game", not at all the inspired art style a lot of reviews seem to describe. I'm sure as more abilities unlock the game will get better but that doesn't justify what is a very poor opening 4 hours which is giving me no real incentive to carry on. Even for the £10.99 I paid on the switch I'd recommend giving it a miss.… Expand
  71. Lordfate
    Nov 14, 2018
    4
    Map system is intenionally abusive, you literally have to buy and equip an upgrade just to see where you are on the map, and thats only after randomly stumbling on the map npc in _every_single_area_. Benches and fast travel are too widely spaced. Putting even the smallest amount of effort into the player experience would go a long way. Playing this game feels more like dating an abusive exMap system is intenionally abusive, you literally have to buy and equip an upgrade just to see where you are on the map, and thats only after randomly stumbling on the map npc in _every_single_area_. Benches and fast travel are too widely spaced. Putting even the smallest amount of effort into the player experience would go a long way. Playing this game feels more like dating an abusive ex than a game designed with fun in mind.… Expand
  72. MedusaMadman77
    Jun 13, 2018
    5
    Much like the disappointing Owlboy, HK simply doesn't live up to the hype. I find it quite dull and have fallen asleep twice while playing it. Don't spend more than $7 on the game... too bad.
  73. creamsodase
    Jul 18, 2018
    4
    This game, as many indie games nowadays is overhyped and overpraised. The combat is fun, the movement is tight, the art style of the characters is really easy to enjoy, but it's far from a refinement of the metroidvania formula. The progress in this game is hindered by long sessions of trying to find where to go next, mostly because the map system is blunt and uninspired, areas have barelyThis game, as many indie games nowadays is overhyped and overpraised. The combat is fun, the movement is tight, the art style of the characters is really easy to enjoy, but it's far from a refinement of the metroidvania formula. The progress in this game is hindered by long sessions of trying to find where to go next, mostly because the map system is blunt and uninspired, areas have barely any distinctive look and visual cue of direction and, god, it feels like there is no music or sound in this game.

    Remember Symphony of the Night? Super Metroid? these games that will make you get lost eventually (not in the first 2 hours of the game though) but you won't mind getting lost, since your are listening to a marvelous soundtrack and the map is not a time waster. Hollow knight on the other hand is a 15 min period of fun fighting new monsters or a boss and then you're back to trying to figure out where to go in boring monochromatic mazes with no music to back you up.

    I do realize the game is moody and atmospherical, but that doesn't makes it fun. It was a really bad choice for such a long game.    … Expand
  74. quegtu
    Dec 7, 2020
    0
    Montaña rusa de dificultad, a veces muy arriba a veces muy abajo, historia ninguna ni se le espera, a veces fallan los botones de acción, tus dedos pueden ir más rápidos que el personaje. Es un 5, le doy un 0 para bajar la media de fanboys, es ilógico que un juego con tantas carencias tenga sobresaliente, es repetitivo hasta la náusea.
    En la variedad está el gusto y en la repetición el    Montaña rusa de dificultad, a veces muy arriba a veces muy abajo, historia ninguna ni se le espera, a veces fallan los botones de acción, tus dedos pueden ir más rápidos que el personaje. Es un 5, le doy un 0 para bajar la media de fanboys, es ilógico que un juego con tantas carencias tenga sobresaliente, es repetitivo hasta la náusea.
    En la variedad está el gusto y en la repetición el asco.    … Expand
  75. namonika
    Mar 7, 2021
    2
    The game is unplayable. I spent 10 hours experiencing a lot of anger and dissatisfaction with the lack of logic in this game.
  76. KatRat
    May 20, 2019
    1
    Why people enjoy this game has become something that intrigues me and cannot understand yet. This monotonous, everlasting loop of a game made want to scream for a refund. I ultimately decided to eliminate any traces of this game in mi console. Best decision I´ve made.
  77. Nevermorenights
    Sep 9, 2019
    4
    Hollow Knight is an amazing game for its story and its narrative, but if you are a casual player and you want to experience all the game has to offer in terms of art, enemies, bosses, and endings, expect to see the game less as an enjoyable experience, and more as a chore with some bosses and locations easily taking hours just to overcome. I'm all for a challenge, but not if it takes awayHollow Knight is an amazing game for its story and its narrative, but if you are a casual player and you want to experience all the game has to offer in terms of art, enemies, bosses, and endings, expect to see the game less as an enjoyable experience, and more as a chore with some bosses and locations easily taking hours just to overcome. I'm all for a challenge, but not if it takes away from the enjoyment of the game itself.… Expand
  78. Pessoto
    Jun 19, 2020
    0
    Annoying backtracking. The game takes the worst way to get the game longer, when you die you need to walk all the way back.
  79. Ketard
    Jul 30, 2020
    0
    This game is AWFUL you never know where and you pretty much need guidance on YouTube to know. The bosses have **** attacks and its **** in general. And the watcher knights can go to HELL
  80. coisead
    Dec 28, 2020
    0
    This game is an abomination. I do NOT recommand anyone to play it. Looks like developers just threw some features in game but never played it themselves. This game is more tilting than relaxing, and trust me, I play league of legends, tilt is my middle name, but this is worse. Hitting a mob rezults in dmg, you spend literaly hours traveling inside maps beacuse you dont have a fckingThis game is an abomination. I do NOT recommand anyone to play it. Looks like developers just threw some features in game but never played it themselves. This game is more tilting than relaxing, and trust me, I play league of legends, tilt is my middle name, but this is worse. Hitting a mob rezults in dmg, you spend literaly hours traveling inside maps beacuse you dont have a fcking teleporter, developers have a problem for acid lakes and spikes. I played recently hades, undertale, dead cells, but this game is far beyond playable, they were intuitive, not like this where u need to use z x c. Ur stuck with a **** weapon with **** abilities you can never swap to a better one or range. Its dog****, dont even bother… Expand
  81. enriverd
    Sep 19, 2020
    2
    I finally decided to play Hollow Knight after seeing the game success. The graphics are superb but I’ve decided to quit the game after 5 hours of gameplay because of the following reasons: the game is quite hard but becomes even harder due to a poorly implemented control system that causes the character not to jump despite having pressed the jump button or not firing despite having pressedI finally decided to play Hollow Knight after seeing the game success. The graphics are superb but I’ve decided to quit the game after 5 hours of gameplay because of the following reasons: the game is quite hard but becomes even harder due to a poorly implemented control system that causes the character not to jump despite having pressed the jump button or not firing despite having pressed the fire button, if you add to it that the respawn point is always quite far from the point where you die, you keep replaying the same zones over and over again, building up frustration. Moreover, there is no option to lower the level of difficulty, so you are forced to waste tons of hours replaying the same levels. Team Cheery: How there is not such option in such a curated game??… Expand
  82. bencrvr31
    Aug 6, 2020
    4
    People are crazy. This is just a beautiful cover on boring platforming gameplay. I gave a few hours and nothing except the art style makes me want to continue. There are many flaws right from the start. When he hits someone a gigantic splash covers a lot of the screen, that sucks. Why are there still platformers being made? It came about due to restrictions in technology at the time, itPeople are crazy. This is just a beautiful cover on boring platforming gameplay. I gave a few hours and nothing except the art style makes me want to continue. There are many flaws right from the start. When he hits someone a gigantic splash covers a lot of the screen, that sucks. Why are there still platformers being made? It came about due to restrictions in technology at the time, it was never a good game style, and this is just slathering pretty all over boring gameplay. When am I going to learn that the negative reviews on metacritic are almost always right?! $15 down the drain, no desire to ever play this again. Mark of the Ninja is a vastly superior way to approach platforming with some creativity, this is straight dumb. Rayman Legends comes to mind as well. Haven't tried Celeste, but this sucks, so I'm not hopeful that all the positive reviews on Celeste mean anything. Don't buy this, it's lame, unless it's like $2, it's worth that just for the pretty.… Expand
  83. Link327
    Mar 6, 2021
    2
    I never finished Hollow Knight. I quit in the first few hours. I rarely quit a game. And not usually that quickly. But I was so frustrated with this game. The art style is dark yes. But it really doesn’t do much more than grey and more grey. A good example of a dark art style is the Legend Of Zelda: Major’s Mask. That game nailed it. This game however falls prey to the same trap that otherI never finished Hollow Knight. I quit in the first few hours. I rarely quit a game. And not usually that quickly. But I was so frustrated with this game. The art style is dark yes. But it really doesn’t do much more than grey and more grey. A good example of a dark art style is the Legend Of Zelda: Major’s Mask. That game nailed it. This game however falls prey to the same trap that other games fall prey too. Too dark and real. The controls are excellent but the two reasons I quit were because.
    1. I could not figure out where on earth to go. It wasn’t like Breath Of The Wild. Which gave you some direction but still made it fun to explore. This game doesn’t give you any direction. And it is not fun to explore simply due to movement and confusion. Metroid games made it so much fun to get lost but here nope. 2. Oh boy...
    *Takes glasses off like Dr. Wells.* FORCING THE PLAYER TO BACKTRACK JUST TO GET THE ABILITY TO TRY AGAIN IS NOT DIFFICULTY. Sorry for my rant there. Look, I got so bored, and so mad at the fact that you have to go BACK to where you died and fight a shadow copy of yourself just to proceed every time you die? WHY? The fun of hard games is being able to instantly try again. But this is not fun. This is annoying. So I just realized I wasn’t having fun. So I stopped.    … Expand
  84. Rexum
    Apr 4, 2021
    4
    Hollow Knight is literally the most overrated game I have ever played. I didn’t even bother getting too far into the game because it was just so boring. I wanted to like it but I just couldn’t. I heard so many good things about this game and was disappointed to say the least. Honestly I would probably like this game if I gave it another chance but I just don’t want to. The game just feelsHollow Knight is literally the most overrated game I have ever played. I didn’t even bother getting too far into the game because it was just so boring. I wanted to like it but I just couldn’t. I heard so many good things about this game and was disappointed to say the least. Honestly I would probably like this game if I gave it another chance but I just don’t want to. The game just feels so empty with incredibly boring gameplay and unoriginal boring mechanics. I just never understood why everyone loved this game.… Expand
  85. blasron
    Oct 16, 2018
    4
    This is a laggy buggy freaking mess with unavoidable attack. I won't recommend this game to anyone, if you want a hard but fair 2d game go get cuphead instead at LEAST you won't get fk over because the enemies stun lock you to death or the control give up middle of a fight.
  86. wemelchor
    Sep 24, 2019
    1
    Game too hard and atmosphere too shallow to keep my interest. Nothing about the game's theme, story, atmosphere, or setting inspires me to keep playing. Even when I constantly die, the save point is often far far away from the area I am stuck on. I end up getting stuck in one area too often, the game mechanics are too stiff to allow for any room for improving. The game will punish you forGame too hard and atmosphere too shallow to keep my interest. Nothing about the game's theme, story, atmosphere, or setting inspires me to keep playing. Even when I constantly die, the save point is often far far away from the area I am stuck on. I end up getting stuck in one area too often, the game mechanics are too stiff to allow for any room for improving. The game will punish you for even existing or being around. dull forgetable soundtrack, graphics are an eyesore.… Expand
  87. Larry_Danger
    Dec 20, 2019
    0
    I really like this game, but the part jumping on the thousandlegs-bug spawned my ghost in the middle of the section, even though you ALWAYS start at the beginning when dying. And because the game does not give you the option to travel to the bank at that part I lost 900 geos. That is some dumb sh*t
  88. Joschwaps
    Jan 31, 2021
    0
    Played Ori and the Blind Forest and loved it. Looking for a another Metroidvania, I stumbled upon Hollow Knight and its good reviews, and got utterly disappointed. The controls feel like playing on a PC Keyboard, but you get used to it after a few minutes of playing. The main reason why I dismissed this game is the save function. Whereas Ori lets you save your progress wherever you mightPlayed Ori and the Blind Forest and loved it. Looking for a another Metroidvania, I stumbled upon Hollow Knight and its good reviews, and got utterly disappointed. The controls feel like playing on a PC Keyboard, but you get used to it after a few minutes of playing. The main reason why I dismissed this game is the save function. Whereas Ori lets you save your progress wherever you might want, Hollow Knight allows saving only at certain save spots, and as those spots are located miles away from bosses where you are likely to die rather often, you have to walk all the way to the boss after losing a life again and again. And again. And again. This might be acceptable for pro gamers who might need only a few tries to beat a boss, but for everyone else it is just extremely annoying and makes you lose any ambition to beat the game whithin few hours of playing.… Expand
  89. night4
    Aug 24, 2018
    1
    Absolute garbage. The biggest problem: you can teleport miles away when you die, losing your stuff. Why would I want to keep playing?

    Also, it's way too dark, literally, and way too grimdark. It's extremely repetitive and boring too.
  90. agentken
    Aug 6, 2018
    0
    i hate the game coz the outlay of the map is annoy, the enemy is annoy not challenge, ton of complex map to explore is annoy. overall the game is annoy more than fun and challenge like dark soul.
  91. RdeRuben
    Sep 5, 2019
    3
    OVERRATED THIS GAME.

    Good things:
    - good gameplay - good bosses - Good dessign draw
    Bad things:
    - The map, the save points, the rute,
    This things take me out of the game about 30 times in all the experience.
  92. Roadkill9804
    Jun 30, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game is **** Lost entire games worth of money cause random areas seal up. Don't buy.… Expand
  93. dsmith1701
    Oct 9, 2018
    4
    This game is way overrated, it feels the whole concept is built around making you feel bad. I have been playing dead cells next to this one, thats a hard game too but still feels way more fair. I also dont understand what sort of story people talk about this game? I have played many games but any game feels way more generous than this one (maybe Bloodborne or Dark Souls, and then maybe IThis game is way overrated, it feels the whole concept is built around making you feel bad. I have been playing dead cells next to this one, thats a hard game too but still feels way more fair. I also dont understand what sort of story people talk about this game? I have played many games but any game feels way more generous than this one (maybe Bloodborne or Dark Souls, and then maybe I am just not enjoying games that make you suffer). If you are thinking of buying this, buy dead cells instead, it is way better and feels unique.… Expand
  94. Pealcuadrado
    Jan 3, 2020
    0
    The game is very boring, has no tutorials and the character is horrible i don't recommend buy this game
  95. Kopchony
    Jun 28, 2018
    0
    This game is pure punishment and torture, Games supposed to entertain players but This game will punish you on every corner, Hornet boss is very unfair and unpredictable, haven’t beat her for five hours in a row! Hate this game from the very deep of my heart! Will follow the developers and will never buy any single game from them again!!!
  96. jeffbizloc
    Jul 3, 2018
    4
    Very frustrating game. I couldn't even get going as I got lost and then once I found a map I next needed a compass. I can explore but want a map, I am not some waiter who memorizes orders.

    Pros:
    - Looked nice and the controls felt fine

    Cons:
    - Lack of map
    - Lack of compass
  97. SoulsBoy
    Jun 23, 2018
    1
    A 2D Dark Souls clone made by hipsters. The level design is bad and some of the bosses are impossible. A game for sickos who are into punishing themselves.
    I you enjoy playing your games, AVOID this one.
  98. RagoxHatena
    Nov 13, 2018
    0
    Short version:
    If you are someone who wants to be punished for wanting a fun game to play, buy this.
    If you are someone who just wants to have a good time, stay away from this game, despite all it's compelling looks and soundtracks, the game is a punishment to play. Long version: This game is by far one of the most awful games I've ever played. I've been about 3 hours in and so    Short version:
    If you are someone who wants to be punished for wanting a fun game to play, buy this.
    If you are someone who just wants to have a good time, stay away from this game, despite all it's compelling looks and soundtracks, the game is a punishment to play.

    Long version:
    This game is by far one of the most awful games I've ever played.

    I've been about 3 hours in and so far the controls are awful, combat is beyond abhorrent, there is no way to evade or get to a safe spot, the tight sequences and parts where you have to be quick and agile are screwed beyond belief because of how awful the controls are and you virtually can't do anything to fight back except move around at the speed of your regular walking speed which is very sluggish and pray to god that you don't get hit, because there's no learning curve, there is no skill involved, it is all inhuman evading mechanics aimed at people who literally cannot get mad at a game as unfair and unfun to play as this one is.    … Expand
  99. Xerges
    Sep 12, 2018
    0
    This is not a metroidvania. IT's a Dark Souls as a 2D platformer. Awful game, with so many bad design choices that it has to be bad on purpose. I don't recommend anybody to play it. Visually is one of the ugliest games I've ever played. It feels like a student game, or some amateur game, definitely somebody with zero experience in game development. One of the worst games I've played this year.
  100. gq_foine
    Jan 25, 2019
    4
    This is the MOST overrated game I have played on the Switch! I played a lot of games and poured hours into this one. I don't believe the critics or users because there are several major issues I have with this game.. I have cleared Bloodborne, Dark Souls, Salt and Sanctuary and lots of other hard games.. The difficulty isn't the problem I have with this game, but the entire gameplay.This is the MOST overrated game I have played on the Switch! I played a lot of games and poured hours into this one. I don't believe the critics or users because there are several major issues I have with this game.. I have cleared Bloodborne, Dark Souls, Salt and Sanctuary and lots of other hard games.. The difficulty isn't the problem I have with this game, but the entire gameplay. I feel like its work and NOT enjoyment.

    1) Gameplay - The little coins you pick up is sparse but more importantly you have to purchase everything, Map, other BS tedious stuff. Purchasing items becomes strange.. Its as though I have to purchase everything and work.. Its seems more like a chore than a game! Score 2

    2) Controls - complete BS - the Power shoot button is the same thing for healing! WTF! So i have accidentally hit the power shot button but wanted to heal - leaving it to be wasteful!*The jump is completely BS - I die more times sliding off the edge than I do with regular enemies. Someone said the controls are tight?? They are ABSOLUTELY NOT! When you jump the jump feels like there is an invisible wall and not a normal jump arc.. Score 3

    3)Graphics - People said visuals are great.. They are OK - they made it sound like this artwork is absolutely amazing.. The colors are nice but the actual artwork is ehhh.. Its basic stuff - 6

    4) Level designs are completely horrible. Some kid developed these level designs since they are NOT FLUID! Its gets tiresome and exhausting! I have to backtrack over and over trying to figure out where I can and can not go.. I spend countless hours trying to figure out oh can I get through here or not? Score 2

    5) Music and sound effects - 5. Its ok but this doesn't compete to Salt and Sanctuary..

    Overall, I paid and very disappointed in how I feel I was misled on this game. People said this is challenging.. I don't find it that bad.. What's bad is the level design, controls, and gameplay. The tedious management of changing out your pins for special abilities only at the REST stop is annoying. This game seems like the developer was trying to make you WORK for it rather than enjoy it! If I feel like am playing a game that requires me to do WORK WORK its no longer a game.. Its WORK! I love a great challenge and the bosses have been fun but that's about it!    … 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 »