Hollow Knight

Finishing this game had me feelin some type of way. Like when you have the uncontrollable need to read every wiki-page available and watch every YouTube video in existence. The best feeling.

Great game, even though it took me 8 years to get to playing it. Personally needed a controller to enjoy, which was preventing me from playing this for all those years.

J'aime BEAUCOUP ce jeu ,se balader à travers la carte ,les zones qui ont toutes une ambiance particulière que j'apprécie toute les unes plus que les autres,les monstres et boss qui sont ajoute a l'ambiance et qui offrentdes combats agréables et amusants,les musiques qui sont toutes incroyables et qui embellissent l'univers épiqueet mélancolique du jeu,le gameplay est excellent,même moi qui n'est pas très compétent sur les platformers 2D arrive a y jouer sans trop de difficulté,l'univers de ce jeu est d'une telle beauté,je recommande à 100%
(Je suis devenu fan de bancs à cause de ce jeu.)

I've never been a huge fan of metroidvania games - the style of consistently backtracking and all areas basically looking the same just never appealed to me, but with all of the hype built around Silksong, I thought to myself "Is Hollow Knight really THAT good". So I bit the bullet and decided to give it a try and after my 37 hour play through (after having fought bonus bosses, coliseum fights, and grub hunting) I FULLY understand the hype and can't believe my perception of metroidvanias was so skewed for so long.

Don't get me wrong, Hollow Knight certainly has its own plethora of issues - I find it very easy to get lost, and this one might be on me but I refused to remove the compass charm because I couldn't stand not knowing where I was 99% of the time. And while I don't think this is necessarily a fault of Hollow Knight, I just wish the environments within each biome were more unique. But I think one of the biggest issues would be the lack of save points before big boss fights - this IS in fact a souls-like game albeit not that challenging (at least the base game bosses that are required for story progression). I didn't die too often, but when I did it felt like a punch to the gut watching my character re-spawn several corridors away and forcing me to fight random enemies all the way back to the door of the boss. And it's not like this is an issue for one of two bosses, this is an issue for almost EVERY major boss (except the final boss). I don't completely mind the backtracking, but please add better located save points in Silksong.

Those are truly my only complaints. I think Hollow Knight is incredibly quaint and you can really tell how much love was poured into it. The soundtrack perfectly compliments each biome and boss. Overall sound design is top notch. Combat is very fine tuned and feels fluid - essentially making it your fault if you miss a shot or a dodge. Combat can be amplified by the use of your charms.

The charm system is what really sets Hollow Knight apart from others of its kind. I enjoyed mixing and matching them to best suit me for whatever boss I was fighting or area I was traversing. You can buy a good chunk of them but the devs really want you to go that extra mile and find the rest within the world as those usually have better buffs.

The story is pretty short and sweet, and I'm sure there is more to be discovered as the devs really want you to fully explore the game and all of its secrets, but what you get is very good and sets everything up for a sequel quite well. It's the moments where you venture out and discover the game's secrets that really sets this apart as Team Cherry has something really great here and you can tell they haven't finished the story just yet.

9/10

I was thoroughly surprised with Hollow Knight and it just goes to show I really shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I never would have guessed I would have enjoyed a metroidvania this much and it makes me want to dive into others of its kind. I really hope Silksong delivers on everyone's expectations but I'm just happy this will be getting a sequel in the first place. I fully understand Hollow Knight isn't for everyone but if you're anything like me, it might surprise you! It goes on sale relatively often so take a chance!

would be a good game if not for the watcher night which is a completly broken fight were enemys not even on fucking screen will kill you

This game is amazing of course though you can get lost alot
If you like a challenge and open world games go ahead and buy this

my first game on steam and what a great experience. the gameplay, the maps, the music. well worth the money. 10/10

There's nothing to dislike about this game. It has enough adventure and exploring to have a fulfilling experience. The bosses are hard, but that's how it's supposed to be considering that there is no option to change the difficulty. The only way to make it easier is by upgrades and abilities. Apart from all that the environments can rage from creepy and scary to peaceful and calming. I love it. Always have and always will. Highly recommend to anyone who considers buying it. Once you get how the game works, you'll be stuck playing for hours.

The novelty of a modern souls-like Metroidvania has worn off for me. The game begins to feel like a chore as soon as you have discovered most areas and have bested the early-mid game bosses. Do not get me wrong - the world building, character design, lore, and combat are fantastic. However, there are a few aspects that make this game a chore, such as a terrible map UI and heavy reliance on backtracking.

Backtracking is a major element of the game loop and the initial amazement of each region of the map is stifled by the stress caused by poor UI design (you WILL get lost at times). In a game that emphasizes platforming and backtracking, a counterintuitive map design is frustrating to endure. There are three maps in the game, each serving a different purpose: one for Stag Stations (fast travel, so to speak), one zoomed-in, and one zoomed-out variant. These maps bear absolutely no resemblance to each other and are supposed to share the same information. Furthermore, artificial difficulty has been created by limiting the amount of map markers you can create. You cannot name/label these map markers either.

In terms of gameplay: combat feels great, the bosses are relatively fair and challenging, and the controls are extremely responsive. Practice is heavily rewarded. However, enemies in areas already discovered do not change throughout the game (with the exception of two out of ~nineteen areas in the map). This would not be an issue if the game didn't rely so much on backtracking. Traversing through an area that you have been through multiple times and encountering the same enemies over and over again is extremely tedious.

To note: the community is also pretty toxic. Critiques are commonly dismissed and attacked. Difficulty gatekeeping is a sport (I've yet to see the same degree of toxicity in any other souls-like).

Words would not do justice to Hollow Knight. This is, simply put, one of the greatest games ever created if not the best. This game will immerse you in it's world, love all of it's characters, and keep you playing for hours with it's incredible boss fights. It is more than worth the hype.

This is my first souls like game and i am seriously enjoying it so much 100% recommended if ur new to souls like or willing to try one

Absolutely stunning graphics, and the gameplay is challenging yet addicting. Can't wait to continue and find out more of the lore :)

completed it on xbox before i bought it here.
absolute masterpiece of a game with lore greater than some story focused games.
The sheer content for only 15$ (even if i bought it on sale) feels like a robbery of the developers

There's really not much to say about this game that hasn't already been said in countless other reviews, and even more video essays. It's a masterpiece. After only having played a handful of mainstream games during quarantine, and even fewer during my childhood, when a friend of mine basically begged me to get this indie game for just over 10 bucks, my video-gaming experience changed for good. I learned of the existence of non-AAA games, works of art in game form, and the Kingdom of Hallownest... and the genuine passion project of a small Australian team has captivated me since.

Although I'm not the best gamer, and the difficultly at times is quite elevated for a klutz like myself, I fully intend to one day complete HK in it's entirety. Even if only to do it the justice it deserves. The music, the art style, the dialogue, and not to mention the lore... beautiful is the most appropriate word that comes to mind.

Whether you're a vetted completionist or a casual enjoyer of the occasional session, Hollow Knight is a must-purchase. Highly recommend. 10/10. 5 full stars. 46/46 grubs.

This game is one of the best and most intriguing platformer I've every played. This game tells a fascinating story with it's visuals and music. I am so impressed on how a 3 player team managed to pull off such beauty. I highly suggest playing this game and not giving up because you won't regret it.

I immediately fell in love with this game. its just so beautiful, immersive, and incredibly fun. With a fabulous art style, gorgeous music and intricately crafted world, this game instantly became a classic, and will no doubt go down as one of the best indie games of all time in my book. It's one of my favorite games I've ever played, and was my first metroidvania, so even if the genre may not be something you're familiar with, if you love games with challenge, character, and a new exciting, beautiful wonderful world to explore, this game will deliver on that and then some.

don't have the patience to complete the last two pantheons so i'll just say my peace and end this playthrough. i had fun for the most part, the combat is really good and the secrets keep you on your toes. i didn't enjoy the amount of backtracking, but overall this was a great game for a great price, i hope silksong addresses the main issues with this game and sets out to do even more.

The combat is good and easy to learn, the soundtracks are beautiful, the lore is vast and interesting, and there's a bunch of end game content.
This game totally scratched my completionist itch and i 100%'ed all the reasonable (and also some of the non reasonable) goals, which is the reason for my hour count.
However, I must point out that it was not really as fun as I expected it to be. It was enjoyable to a degree because i enjoyed maxing out the things that can be maxed out, and most importantly it did not feel like a chore, but it was not as fun as other games i've played. But this is just my preference.
I heard it can get more fun if you mess around with mods.

also fuck markoth

Hollow Knight is probably the best money-joy experience I have ever come across. Although it may not have as much replayability as my other favorite indie games, the power scaling feels incredible. The bosses are ridiculously difficult and no matter what point in the game you are, you can find difficulty in them. Of course, being a metroidvania, you (almost) always have the option of fucking around somewhere else and coming back stronger to make the boss easier. But, you also have the option to simply smash your head into the wall until you beat that stupid fucking bug. The music fits the atmosphere of the boss fights perfectly and really convinces you of the gravity behind them. The ambient music also contributes greatly in the calmer points, which are probably the games strongest element. You feel so lost and small and the world seems unimaginably large. With many points of interest to choose from at any given time, you never feel obligated to do anything in particular. You never get bored simply due to the expertly crafted world that makes you feel like no matter what, you are progressing. The multiple free DLC's also contribute to the post-game experience. I personally have spent dozens of hours perfecting boss fights in the Hall of Gods. Even starting a new playthrough can feel gratifying, despite the world being the exact same. Overall, it is one of my favorite games of all time, and is worthy of a try.

After 83 hours in the game, I can say that im still newbie in this game.
Story = PEAK
World Building = MASTERPIECE
Boss = HARD-_
Music = Beautiful

Overall Masterpiece

This game defines what a metroidvania is. The art is amazing, the setting so rich.

I don't really like metroidvanias, so my review will be brief. I've only bought this game cause of friend recommendations, but it's just not my cup of tea, however i think this is a good game.

I will say how the game made me feel though. The atmosphere is depressive and sad, the levels are quite varied in terms of aesthetics despite being mostly underground bug tunnels. The game has a lot of personality and charm under all that dark and grim look.

i won't give this game a score cause i haven't played enough, nor is my type of game, but if you like metroidvanias, my friends that play a lot of them said it's the best metroidvania in the market rivaling Castlevania:SotN(Symphony of the night)

---{ Graphics }---
☐ You forget what reality is
☑ Beautiful
☐ Good
☐ Decent
☐ Bad
☐ Don‘t look too long at it
☐ MS-DOS

---{ Gameplay }---
☑ Very good
☐ Good
☐ It's just gameplay
☐ Mehh
☐ Watch paint dry instead
☐ Just don't

---{ Audio }---
☐ Eargasm
☑ Very good
☐ Good
☐ Not too bad
☐ Bad
☐ I'm now deaf

---{ Audience }---
☐ Kids
☑ Teens
☑ Adults
☐ Grandma

---{ PC Requirements }---
☐ Check if you can run paint
☑ Potato
☐ Decent
☐ Fast
☐ Rich boi
☐ Ask NASA if they have a spare computer

---{ Difficulty }---
☐ Just press 'W'
☐ Easy
☐ Easy to learn / Hard to master
☐ Significant brain usage
☑ Difficult
☐ Dark Souls

---{ Story }---
☐ No Story
☐ Some lore
☐ Average
☑ Good
☐ Lovely
☐ It'll replace your life

---{ Game Time }---
☐ Long enough for a cup of coffee
☐ Short
☐ Average
☑ Long
☐ To infinity and beyond

---{ Price }---
☐ It's free!
☑ Worth the price
☐ If it's on sale
☐ If u have some spare money left
☐ Not recommended
☐ You could also just burn your money

---{ Bugs }---
☑ Never heard of
☐ Minor bugs
☐ Can get annoying
☐ ARK: Survival Evolved
☐ The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs

---{ 9 / 10 }---

It's a well known game, of course, but usually, being the Mac owner that I am, I cannot play such games. However, Hollow Knight is fantastically optimized, and runs extremely well on my computer. I also love games with a ruin aesthetic, and Hollow Knight has this sort of overgrown, time-passed vibe that I cannot help but laud, while also being alien enough that it's still novel. The world itself is full of little design details that really bring it to life, and I also love the bug theming and how committed to it the designers were.

i suck at the game, but its relatively straight forward. very skill oriented. i like the atmosphere. the sound design and visuals are all well done. the game design is good. the story is good. i kinda wish i coulda gone in blind, but its still lots of fun.

Amazing game, especially for its price. I got more than 100 hours out of it and there was a lot I could've done still. While there is a lot to praise, I'd like to share couple of my complaints:

-Bench system is fine but sometimes you gotta parkour and travel a lot to rematch a boss you are fighting, which discourages you from fighting to learn a bosses move set, it's easier to watch a video at that point. I wish the game saved just before a boss.
-I dislike achievements for niche stuff like speed running. There are always communities for that kind of stuff but not everyone likes that kind of challenge. I don't mind hard achievements but those kind of stuff should not be an achievement, it just discouraging for people who like to 100% a game.
-You should be able to get all achievements in a single run if you plan for it. Some achievements in this game forces you to play 2 times to get all stuff and sometimes it's A/B decisions you make in 20th hour of the game, if you chose one stuff you need to play another 20 hours to chose the other stuff in a separate run which is simply not fun.


Overall, amazing game but of course there are points to improve. Strongly recommended.

I just picked this game up this year and beat it (still working on 100%-ing it).

This game is truly a work of art. Visually, conceptually, eargasmically, and so on.

My only negative is that I'm sad it's almost over. Praying for the sequel to be released this year.

it's good, it's really good. i wish i understood more of the story but i feel like it's that kind of game you either realllly resonate with and play multiple times over and 100% complete, or its a game you can just enjoy as is without diving into the deep end. for me it was just a fun time.

Basically 2D DarkSouls, very fun with an amazing artstyle.
In my opinion one of the best metroidvania, and one of my most favourite games.
The music is absolutely beautiful (from relaxing, melancholic ones to intense boss battles), and so are the hand-drawn graphics.
You can really see the passion the devs had for this project, every step of the way.
I really suggest to give it a try with !
10/10

Too good for its price. But even not considering that, It is a pretty good game on its own. Feeling fulfilled and satisfied in the end. Highly recommend this game

I don't even know where to start with this game! From the Unique art style to the beautiful soundtrack, Hollow Knight is such an awesome experience so far. It's really hard but that's what makes beating a boss fight or some platform section so satisfying! This game makes you work for it!! Overall fantastic game, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a unique challenge and a story that requires deep investment. 10/10 for me.

A quintessential indie metroidvania overflowing with quality content. From the incredible OST by Christopher Larkin to the atmospheric underground biomes of Hallownest, Hollow Knight is a feast for the ears and the eyes on top of its already stellar gameplay foundation. This is a one-of-a-kind video game and it is truly spectacular.

OMG! This game is the definition of PEAK! been playing this game since forever.. i really recommend this absolute masterpiece of a game. everything is peak. AND hornet is baddddddddd

A game that deserves money even if it got on my nerves, I enjoyed playing it

Get this game right now I'm begging you it's actually so good no matter how many times you play it, it's always great. I love mantis lords. Hornet is a baddie. I would say I'm excited for silksong but at this point we all know silksong isn't real. Actually a perfect game.

I can understand the sheer amount of quality and passion this game exudes, however, this game is too damn hard! It has garnered this reputation, and I knew it going in, but the game starts out easy! It lolls you into a false sense of security, until you get to the Hornet boss fight, and the game shows you it's true colors, by kicking the shit out of you! I cannot get past Soul Master! THE WORST PART IS I HAD LIKE 2856 GEO, AND THEN I GOT KILLED, WENT BACK TO GET IT, AND DIED AGAIN! THAT'S 2856 HARD EARNED CURRENCY I CAN'T GET BACK! I play games to have fun, and when I play this game, I'm not having fun. I'll still try to beat it, because it's amazing, but I won't be smiling.

It is extremely unclear where you're supposed to be going. Maps don't update except under very specific circumstances, areas are blocked off until you get upgrades and hopefully remember where to go, in new areas you have to wander hoping you'll encounter the guy who sells you a map, or it'll be a message to go back to the hub area to buy it there which wastes time, and even with the map it's very unclear where to go. There's no sense of direction and most things are just stumbled upon.

I really tried to play the game without a guide but after 5 hours I started following one. At that point my only contribution to the experience was the skill of fighting the enemies, but the guides are frequently unclear meaning you'll still get lost and have to use multiple guides which may do things in different orders.

If you like to explore by wandering around randomly, this game is for you, but if you value your time and want a 2D platformer with a clear sense of direction, just play a different game (like Shovel Knight).

Basically 2D DarkSouls, very fun with an amazing artstyle. The badge System can really diversify how you play and keeps it from being stale.

This game is honestly amazing, the story is well crafted, the art style is mesmerising and the game mechanics are great. The only issue is the slow progression at the start. 10/10, would recommend.

Best $10 I've ever spent ngl fr fr

this game is my favorit game after GTA SA.
HK Has very good story and game play.
i want to get all achievments in this game but its very hard

A Masterpiece of Exploration and Storytelling

Hollow Knight is a game that truly embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery. Its smooth and non-linear gameplay offers players the freedom to explore at their own pace, uncovering multiple side-quests and hidden paths. Every moment spent in the world of Hallownest feels deliberate, as the game masterfully rewards exploration with meaningful upgrades and utilities like charms, keeping you hooked as you uncover its many secrets.

The worldbuilding:

It's one of the game's standout features. Hallownest is a place teeming with history, packed with secrets that not only reward the player mechanically but also deepen their understanding of a kingdom that was once prosperous but has since fallen into ruin. The art style is breathtakingly unique, conveying an emotional story through its hauntingly beautiful environments and designs. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s part of the narrative, pulling you into the melancholic beauty of the world.

The NPCs:

They are memorable and fully fleshed out, each with their own personalities and backstories. They add depth and life to the world, making every interaction meaningful.

The bosses:

Both challenging and diverse, with a wide variety of encounters, including optional fights for those who seek an even greater test of skill.

The Story:

Getting lost in Hallownest is more than just a challenge—it’s an adventure. Every corner of the map holds something exciting or rewarding, and the game's design encourages curiosity. The combination of its stunning art style, intricate world, and rewarding exploration makes Hollow Knight a standout title in the Metroidvania genre.
Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the story, or the thrill of exploration, Hollow Knight delivers on all fronts. It’s a game that doesn’t just tell a story—it lets you live it.

I was recommended this game a while back by a retro game store owner. I bought the special edition for the Switch and I got hooked. Being a fan of Super Metroid it captivated me into wanting to see more of the vast world of Hollow Nest. I put hours into this game on switch, watched lore videos and tutorials when i was completely lost (after trying for hours first). I now have it on PC and spent less time on it but had a blast revisiting all the cool characters and bosses. at this moment I only need two more achievements to go! Great game, I highly recommend it for any Metroidvania fan out there!!!

Every few years I pick this gem back up and play through it again. Beautiful design, gameplay, and story. Very free flowing in terms of where the player can choose to go next.

I played this game on switch and enjoyed a lot. Amazing exploration and progression, cool bosses, and the vibes are immaculate.

When Silksong?!

Great game. Its a steal at any price. Highly recommended if you don't mind a bit of a challenge.

Horrible pacing almost ruins the game. Way too tedious at many points, especially in the first half or so. I managed to beat the game (winning The Hollow Knight boss fight) in under 15 hours, but I'd say the game started to "get good" at around the 10 hour mark, which is ridiculous (I was probably frowning most of the time I played). The reason is that it takes forever to power up your abilities, and it also takes forever to get anywhere, even after unlocking every single stag station. Some benches have the worst placing imaginable, forcing you to walk for about a minute after every single boss fight attempt (like hornet 2nd fight). Some areas are unbearable to walk through (deepnest, royal waterways, etc.), and there is almost no reward for exploration most of the time. Too many pointless rooms with NPCs that don't give you anything. There is ONE (1) SINGLE place where you can sell your garbage for money, and the dude greets you with an attitude every time. Like ??? Come on. The art is obviously very well done, but the music only has a handful (~4) of noteworthy tracks. I enjoyed quite a few things, like the later boss fights, but I hated more than half the experience, so it's a thumbs down from me. Also The Hollow Knight was lowkey easier than the Watcher Knights...

Hollow Knight is amazing, a fully hand-drawn world to explore with so many different characters and fluid combat and movement that is easy to learn, but hard to master. With all of the content in the base game you will never find yourself without something to do or try.

I also love the fact that it was made by only 3 people. Not only that it was made in Adelaide, which is practically my home.

I recommend Hollow Knight to anyone who wants to play a fun yet challenging game.

Honestly I wasn't expecting to enjoy this game as much as I have done and I'm only about 5 and a half hours in. Frustrating at times but still such a great game especially given the price I picked it up for.

One of the best world building I’ve ever seen
One of the most creative thematice I’ve ever seen
One of the best soundtracks I’ve ever seen
Excellent Word Team Cherry. You guys deserve the best

Really beautiful game (graphics, music, story) but you need the patience of a saint for some boss fights. It takes a lot of trial and error, and dying can be punishing at times. Just beware if you are not up for a challenge -- this game could get frustrating for you.