Sep 2018
In the grand tradition of indie games that make you weep for your lost childhood while simultaneously challenging every skill you've ever claimed to possess, 'Hollow Knight' lands with a soft thud (after a long fall) in the PlayStation 4 library. Team Cherry's ambitious venture invites players to step into the tiny, bug-laden boots of the Knight as they explore a beautifully crafted underground world. Grab your nail (yes, it's a nail, not a sword, deal with it) and prepare for a journey through Hallownest that's more twisted than a millennial's understanding of their own life choices.
Part platformer, part action RPG, 'Hollow Knight' hands you the reins as the Knight, a small, bug-like figure on a mission to explore the decrepit kingdom of Hallownest. The gameplay is a fluid mix of combat and exploration, with an array of enemies (spoiler: most of them want you dead) and environmental puzzles to solve. The controls? How do you say, 'tight as my jeans after the holidays'? Irresistibly responsive, allowing for quick dashes, nail attacks, and oh, did I mention the magical spells? As you make your way through various biomes (think multiple themed coffee shops, but far more dangerous), you'll collect Geo-your local currency-and other charms and skills that make you feel like the ultimate bug warrior. Health is represented by a set of masks-because why not? Lose all your masks and it's a trip back to the last bench you sat on, making your death feel like a bad hangover but without the regret of questionable life choices cheap tequila usually brings. Your Knight starts with basic abilities but can acquire new ones through exploration and defeating some rather tough bosses. The non-linear gameplay design lets you carve your own path through this vast, interconnected world. There's also a nifty fast travel system involving giant stag beetles (yes, you read that correctly) which add a touch of whimsical joy to your navigation struggles. Bonus: they don't charge you Geo. Once you ramp up the difficulty, you'll discover bosses that require more than just random button mashing. Patterns and memorization become your best allies as you ascend the ranks from novice insect brawler to respected bug assailant, regal enough to wear the title 'bug knight' with pride. If you manage to beat the final boss, you can unlock the Steel Soul mode, where dying is truly the end. Talk about pressure! How much anxiety can one game contain? Apparently a lot.
Visuals are hand-drawn, creating a uniquely vibrant yet eerie aesthetic. The animation is fluid, as if the whole world is alive, from the flickering lights to the crawling bugs. The color palette shifts expertly from the cheery to the melancholic, bringing Hallownest to life in a way that's both enchanting and unsettling.
'Hollow Knight' is, without a doubt, a love letter to all things Metroidvania. Its combination of tight controls, rich narrative, and extraordinarily beautiful design make it a must-play, especially for those of us who enjoy punishing ourselves while exploring a world full of charming yet haunting creatures. The game is so good that you might catch yourself longing for depressed bugs to wish you luck on your next run. It's practically an educational experience about bugs and trauma. So whether you're diving into Hallownest for the first time or revisiting for that sweet, sweet nostalgia peppered with rage, grab your controller, embrace the insect-death (without the actual bug spray), and get ready to explore a groundbreaking title. Team Cherry has truly outdone themselves, successfully turning the terrifying unknown of a bug world into a charming yet grim adventure. Just remember to bring your best seasoning for the inevitable pain-good luck on your journey!
Another SquareThought Site