In recent years, the gaming world has been experiencing a rise in the release of high-quality indie games. One game that has appeared in a major way over the past year is Hollow Knight, which has followed a path from being virtually unknown to recently being picked up by Nintendo as one of its “Nindies” (Nintendo Independents).

Given these developments, many people have likely heard the name Hollow Knight especially after its major E3 release for the Switch, but may not know what to expect when they dive into the game.

In order to gain some insight about this, consider this review of the game from a new player.

The Knight, setting off to save the kingdom of Hallownest.

About Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is an action adventure platform that takes you into the kingdom of Hallownest. You, playing as The Knight, travel throughout the kingdom in search of answers to the mysterious happenings plaguing the land and its insect inhabitants. The journey is difficult and, at times, may have even the most skilled of players sweating through their shirts. But the reward for overcoming these challenges is greatly satisfying, as is the artwork, the story, and the gameplay itself.

Released by Team Cherry in 2017 for PC and then brought over in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, the game has grown a large, and very loyal, following. Despite losing the 2017 VGA award for Best Debut Indie Game to Cuphead, Hollow Knight has since dwarfed its rival both in popularity and in overall quality. The game has remained a very affordable fifteen dollars both on Steam and on the Nintendo E-shop, but has released stunningly beautiful DLC (at no additional cost) that has greatly expanded upon the options to the game without detracting even slightly from the already very compelling story. To date, Team Cherry has released four sets of DLC and recently announced an impending full sequel called Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Although players have had to wait some time for the release of the game on the Nintendo Switch, and will likely have to wait a while for the sequel, the wait has always paid off to a great extent for players and promises to continue in kind. It is a game that comes highly recommended by nearly all who have played it.

The Knight, surrounded by Lumaflies, resting after a long battle in the depths of Hallownest.

Gameplay

Hollow Knight is a challenging game. But, through the vastness of the game world, players have options of how and when to face the challenge. Don’t want to face the boss you’re stuck on? Head to another part of the kingdom to fight somebody else; or go exploring to improve your weapon and skills. With the exception of a very few plot-related instances, the player has total freedom of progression through the game and the many opponents who appear in your way. Some bosses are optional, some enemies can be completely avoided, but every boss can be defeated. Best of all, unlike the common trope set up by most adventure games, every boss can be defeated using any combat method the player likes – no gimmicks, no special items needed, just play to your chosen skill set.

The world of the game is also quite amazing. The detail put into every aspect of the game–from music and graphics to the design of the characters and weapons–dazzles across the screen. Brimming with vibrant decoration and hidden areas that connect seamlessly with the world, every detail connects to paint the masterpiece that is the game world.  Yet, for all its magnificence, the game was designed by only three people. Through their world, the developers reveal the story of the Hollow Knight and the purpose behind the journey through Hallownest, each area leading deeper into the mystery of the Kingdom and drawing the player further in.

Additionally, Hollow Knight is also wildly satisfying in terms of the goal of the game. The game offers substantial replay value with multiple possible endings and a number of different achievements, including some that involve distinct choices made by the player. It is truly a completionist’s paradise, offering exploration, adventure, challenge, and a clear percentage counter to show the player’s progress towards a fully completed game.

One downside for many players, however, is the game’s control scheme. When played on a keyboard, the game becomes substantially more difficult, almost unreasonably so. This is because the cramped spacing of a keyboard makes performing some maneuvers in combat problematic for hand and finger positioning.While some players may see this as an added challenge, for most, I would highly recommend playing the game using a compatible controller or on the Nintendo Switch.

Beyond the controls and the options for progressing through the story, charms are another method that the player can use to make their gaming experience feel unique to them. There are currently forty charms in the game, each one offering a unique ability that the player can utilize to increase health and damage dealt, to access special spells, or to empower already available abilities. Although only a few charms can be used at any one time, the game rewards players who are creative with their choice by offering special effects when certain charms are used together. By testing different combinations of the charms, a player can create whole new options of play for themselves and can find the perfect tool for any challenge.

When it comes down to it, whatever a player’s preference for play is, Hollow Knight has a way to accommodate them. From the variety of options in combat and control, to the multiple avenues for how to progress through the world, Hollow Knight offers a near perfect game for everyone.

The Knight entering the Colosseum of Fools to challenge the horde of warriors within for the honor of being crowned by the Mark of the Fool.

Final Verdict

In short, I consider Hollow Knight to be one of the better games that I have had the pleasure of playing, and certainly the best indie game that I have played. Out of ten, my rating is a nine, only missing one point because of some occasional control functionality.  So, I highly recommend this game to any who find themselves curious. And for those considering Team Cherry’s treasured game, Hollow Knight, I will leave you with this pros and cons list to help with your decision. Thanks for reading, and I hope that you all enjoy playing Hollow Knight!

Pros:

• Extensive, well-polished game
• Compelling storyline
• Replay value
• Beautifully drawn world
• High-quality graphics and music
• Variety of satisfying challenges
• Unique and refreshing game
• Free and ongoing DLC
• Fifteen dollar price

Cons:

• Only available for PC and Switch
• Complex Control scheme
• Long wait for new DLC

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