Released in 2017 by the small Australian indie studio Team Cherry, Hollow Knight has become one of the most celebrated metroidvania games of all time. With its haunting atmosphere, deeply interconnected world, and finely tuned combat, it stands as a benchmark for how handcrafted design and emotional storytelling can coexist within a challenging 2D action platformer.A World Carved from Silence and RuinSet in the forgotten kingdom of Hallownest, the game invites players to explore a vast, decaying underground world filled with abandoned cities, fungal forests, crystalline mines, and eerie ancient temples. Every area feels alive, yet profoundly empty—an unsettling balance achieved through minimalist storytelling, ambient sound, and meticulously detailed hand-drawn art.Rather than overwhelming players with exposition, Hollow Knight communicates through environmental cues, cryptic NPC dialogue, hidden lore fragments, and visual storytelling. This approach gives Hallownest a rich sense of mystery, encouraging players to piece together the history of fallen civilizations and the roles of its enigmatic characters.Precision Combat and Deep ProgressionCombat in Hollow Knight is simple on the surface—players wield a nail (the game’s equivalent of a sword) and gradually acquire abilities like the dash, double jump, and spell attacks. Yet each enemy type demands distinct strategies, and boss encounters are thrilling, fast-paced tests of precision and patience.The game’s charm system further deepens customization, allowing players to equip and mix abilities that enhance mobility, power, defense, or exploration. These combinations encourage experimentation and can dramatically alter playstyles, particularly in late-game challenges and optional boss fights.Exploration Built on Discovery and RiskTrue to the metroidvania tradition, Hollow Knight rewards curiosity. New abilities unlock previously unreachable areas, and hidden paths branch into caverns brimming with secrets—power-ups, lore, shortcuts, and entire optional subregions.However, exploration comes with tension: dying leaves behind your “shade,” and you must fight it to regain your currency and full resources. This risk-reward system reinforces the stakes of navigating the world’s most dangerous zones.A Soundtrack That Feels AliveComposer Christopher Larkin delivers a score that perfectly complements the mood of Hallownest. Somber pianos, swelling strings, and quiet, echoing motifs enhance the solitude of exploration and the intensity of boss encounters. The music often subtly shifts as you progress, heightening emotional moments without overpowering the experience.Why Hollow Knight EnduresEven years after release, Hollow Knight remains a fan favorite for several reasons:
- Incredible value: Dozens of hours of gameplay and multiple free content updates.
- Challenging but fair difficulty: It rewards skill, persistence, and learning.
- Beautiful artistry: Hand-drawn animations and atmospheric worldbuilding.
- Replayability: Multiple endings, hidden areas, and deep lore.
Its upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, has become one of the most anticipated indie games ever—proof of the lasting impact of the original.
