🕳️ Hollow Knight Review - A Masterpiece Beneath the Surface

Descending into the lost kingdom of Hallownest.

🦋 Overview

Released by Team Cherry, Hollow Knight is a hand-drawn action-adventure Metroidvania that plunges you into the decaying kingdom of Hallownest - a subterranean world teeming with mystery, melancholy, and danger. What begins as a quiet descent into darkness unfolds into one of the most rewarding and atmospheric experiences in modern gaming.

🎨 Art & Atmosphere

The lush beauty of Greenpath hides deadly creatures beneath its calm.

Every inch of Hallownest drips with artistic intent. The hand-inked visuals and subtle animations create a world that feels alive even in its decay. Lighting, particle effects, and environmental storytelling make every cavern , from the moss-covered Greenpath to the haunting City of Tears - feel distinct and meaningful.

“Silence never felt so beautiful.”

⚔️ Gameplay & Combat

Hollow Knight strikes a rare balance between precision platforming and strategic combat. Your nail (the game’s sword) starts simple but becomes a versatile tool as you unlock new abilities - dash, double jump, wall-climb, and spells that add layers of mastery.

A duel with Hornet — fast, fluid.

The boss fights are exceptional: fair but punishing, each demanding patience and learning. When victory finally comes, it feels earned rather than handed to you.

🕯️ Exploration & Design

The world design is labyrinthine yet elegant. Shortcuts loop back into earlier areas, connecting the map like a living organism. There’s no hand-holding — exploration is its own reward, often guided only by curiosity and faint echoes of sound or light.

Hidden areas, charms, and lore fragments constantly reward the observant player. Even minor NPCs - like the cartographer Cornifer humming softly in the dark - contribute to the world’s soul.

🎼 Sound & Music

Composer Christopher Larkin crafted a haunting, emotional score.

Christopher Larkin’s orchestral score is hauntingly beautiful. Each region has a unique melody that mirrors its tone - soothing strings in Greenpath, echoing piano in City of Tears, or tense percussion in Deepnest. The minimalist sound design heightens every strike, every echoing footstep.

💀 Difficulty & Reward

“Failure is part of the rhythm - each defeat teaches you something new.”

Yes, Hollow Knight is tough , but it’s honest. Every death teaches something new. The learning curve is steep but never cruel, and overcoming its challenges provides a profound sense of growth. With patience, you’ll find it less about reflexes and more about rhythm.

🌙 Final Thoughts

“A melancholic journey that lingers long after the credits roll.”

Hollow Knight isn’t just a game, it’s a journey through loneliness, decay, and quiet hope. For those willing to embrace its challenge and explore its depths, it offers over 40 hours of discovery, artistry, and satisfaction few titles can match.