Hollow Knight Review (xxadonisxx)
From a small indie studio in Australia came a game that would redefine what people expect from the Metroidvania genre. Hollow Knight is more than just a side-scrolling adventure—it's an atmospheric, emotionally resonant experience wrapped in layers of combat, exploration, and mystery. It’s not just one of the best indie games ever made—it’s one of the best games of the last decade, period.
Hollow Knight keeps its combat system deceptively simple: you have a nail (essentially a sword), a jump, and eventually a few magic spells. But don’t be fooled—this minimalism allows for incredible depth. Enemies are fast and unpredictable, and boss fights are challenging tests of reaction time, pattern recognition, and precision.
Each victory feels earned, and even basic enemies can be lethal if you let your guard down. The game balances difficulty beautifully—harsh, but fair. And when you finally overcome a tough encounter, the feeling of accomplishment is unforgettable.
Set in the ruined insect kingdom of Hallownest, the world of Hollow Knight is vast, interconnected, and absolutely bursting with secrets. From the forgotten crossroads to the fungal wastes and the haunting City of Tears, every area is distinct—both visually and mechanically. There's no in-game map until you find the cartographer, reinforcing the sense of being truly lost in a crumbling empire.
Exploration is king here. There are hidden paths, breakable walls, and entire zones that many players will miss on their first run. The interconnected nature of the world design rivals Dark Souls, and the non-linear progression means players are constantly rewarded for curiosity and persistence.
Visually, Hollow Knight is breathtaking in its simplicity. Hand-drawn characters and backdrops exude charm and gloom in equal measure. Despite a palette heavy in blues, greys, and shadow, the environments never feel dull—each region has its own emotional tone.
The music by Christopher Larkin is nothing short of masterful—subtle, sorrowful, and sometimes triumphant. It underlines the loneliness and faded grandeur of Hallownest without ever overwhelming the gameplay.
Sound design also plays a key role. From the tinkling footsteps of the Knight to the skittering of bugs in distant tunnels, every audio detail deepens immersion.
Hollow Knight doesn’t hand you a story—it whispers it from beneath the earth. Lore is hidden in dialogue, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling. Themes of sacrifice, decay, and forgotten glory permeate every corner of Hallownest.
Your silent protagonist, the Knight, might seem blank at first, but over time, a moving and tragic tale unfolds—one of lost kingdoms, ancient pacts, and a desperate attempt to hold back an unstoppable infection.
Hollow Knight is a modern classic. It’s a triumph of game design, blending tight combat, breathtaking art, and profound atmosphere into an unforgettable experience. With dozens of hours of content, rich lore, and a true sense of exploration, it stands not only as a high watermark for indie games—but for gaming as a whole.
Pros:
-Deep, satisfying combat
-Massive, beautifully interconnected world
-Gorgeous hand-drawn art and haunting soundtrack
-Rewarding exploration and secrets galore
-Incredible value, especially with all free DLC
Cons:
-Challenging for newcomers to the genre
-Story can be obscure without lore-hunting
-Occasional difficulty spikes may frustrate casual players
Hollow Knight isn’t just a game—it’s a descent into a lost kingdom of melancholy and mystery. A masterpiece that respects your time, intelligence, and curiosity.
Rating: 10/10