Hollow Knight Review (Mr. Pixel)
Overview:
Genuinely one of the best games ever made. If you love story rich 2d games with a good challenge, this game is perfect for you. That being said, this game is extremely difficult for newcomers in some aspects and it can be quite frustrating at times so its not exactly meant for everyone. However, the feeling of overcoming a difficult boss after a long hard grind, really feels like it pays off and it just makes everything feel so much more rewarding. The game will most likely take you about 30-40 hours on your first play through and if you're a masochist like me and go for the full 112% completion, it will probably take an additional 10-15 hours (if its your first time of course).
The story:
The main plot of this game is confusing when you first start out don't get me wrong. As you explore and progress through the game more and more though, the story starts smoothing out so trust me, it does get better if you find yourself bored at first. Do please take the time to explore the game, don't just rush through it. Dialogue from characters or pieces of text you can find in the world adds this certain richness to the game and not much is ever really told to the player specifically which makes you think a bit and piece things together on your own.
The combat:
Everything feels nearly perfect. It starts off slow and pretty basic but like other metroidvainias, you will find upgrades that add new additions to your movement and attacks. The beauty in the combat is figuring out and learning different ways of dodging and attacking on your own by just simply playing the game and determining what works and what doesn't. Also to top it off, the sound design for combat is gorgeous and everything feels so buttery smooth and satisfying.
The soundtrack:
One of the most beautiful video game soundtracks every composed. Different locations all have their own unique sounds and feels to them and the music for each location perfectly fits those feelings respectively. Boss fight themes are almost always bangers (certain bosses do have repeated themes but these bosses tend to not be as big of threats and are usually pushovers). The fight themes always make everything just feel more intense and do an amazing job of hyping you up.
The art style:
What is there to say? Its stunning.
The difficulty:
DISCLAIMER: THIS GAME IS HARD. Don't expect yourself to quickly beat bosses, especially the later game ones. They were all designed differently and no boss can be fought in the same exact way as another. Platforming is also quite difficult and this game does have its fair share of it. You will get better the more you play however, I promise, so don't get discouraged. It can be very frustrating at times but sometimes all you need is a break for a while and that usually helps overcome the games more difficult challenges.
Replay-ability:
Very very replay-able game. There is always something to come back to even if you finished the base game. Whether its god-home and you're trying to ascend the pantheons, or maybe you decide to speed-run the game or even complete it on steel-soul (this games version of a hardcore mode where dying is permanent). Overall, yes its very replay-able and trust me, certain bosses will want to make you come back.