Hollow Knight

In a genre filled with legendary titles, Hollow Knight manages to carve out its own legacy. Developed by Team Cherry, this hand-drawn Metroidvania is a triumph of exploration, challenge, and atmosphere. Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Hallownest, Hollow Knight invites players to uncover its secrets, conquer its dangers, and lose themselves in a world that is as melancholic as it is breathtaking.

It is a game that does not hold your hand, but rewards those willing to dive into its depths.

Gameplay – 9.5/10

Fighting in Hollow Knight is uncomplicated, yet immensely fulfilling. Players are armed only with a nail to rely on perfect timing, pathing, and various charms to improve skill with. There's a lot of enemies that you would think are tough and fair, though there are over 40 bosses to face and come out on the other side of to enjoy combat with skill and patience. Exploration is an integral part of the experience and has vast interconnected zones, gradually unlocked when new abilities are gained. The game does not hold on to you in letting you make your own path through Hallownest.

Graphics & Art Style – 10/10

Without a doubt, Hollow Knight created by imaginative people; every inch of it is hand-drawn. The world is so strange while at the same time beautiful: the backgrounds are muted color palettes, and the unique character designs bring Hallownest to active life-from the greenery of the rich Greenpath to the downpour-wide, empty spaces of the City of Tears. Undoubtedly, no two locations are identical: every area feels unique and all-consuming: intensive in its backgrounds and appearance of animation.

Sound & Music – 10/10

The soundtrack by Christopher Larkin is said to be a perfect fit of the tone of the game: dark and mysterious. The emotional depth is achieved through piano melodies, and the ambient sound design—from the chittering of insects to the distant echoes of forgotten tunnels—makes the world feel alive. Boss themes are dramatic and memorable, enhancing the intensity of each fight.

Story & Atmosphere – 9/10

Hollow Knight doesn't throw you a storyline, but wraps one up in such a subtle and deep-moving fashion that cryptic dialogues, environmental hints, and hidden lore propel your journey through them. The story of Hallownest soon becomes tragic as one delves, with sacrifice, corruption, and a slow passage of time running as leitmotifs. One could be bothered by a feeling of getting nowhere for some time when such storylines are absent, but players who truly seek secrets shall find a rich world in meaning.

Replayability – 9/10

With multiple endings, post-game content, and a wealth of secrets, Hollow Knight offers immense replay value. The Godmaster expansion introduces some of the hardest boss fights in the game, while different charm builds allow for varied playstyles. Completing everything the game has to offer is a challenge in itself, making it a rewarding experience for dedicated players.

Final Verdict – 9.7/10

Hollow Knight is a triumph of design, blending tight gameplay, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable atmosphere. It is a game that challenges and rewards in equal measure, standing as one of the finest Metroidvania experiences ever made.

For fans of exploration, challenge, and atmospheric storytelling, Hollow Knight is a must-play. 🦗⚔️✨