Is Team Cherry’s Silksong Reviews Plan a Good Idea?

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As stated by Schreier, Team Cherry has chosen not to distribute early copies in order to show fairness towards their Kickstarter supporters. Originally conceived as an expansion for the game Hollow Knight, Hollow Knight: Silksong eventually expanded into a sequel due to its increased scope. Additionally, there is debate over whether early review codes would be feasible given that Team Cherry consists of just three members. However, one may question if early reviews are necessary for Hollow Knight: Silksong at all.

Hollow Knight: Silksong Could Be Immune to Review Scores

As a devoted gamer, I can confidently say that Hollow Knight stands tall among the most triumphant indie games ever crafted. With its upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, generating a buzz like no other, it seems the game doesn’t need to bank on review scores to shift copies. The dedicated fan base is already lining up for the launch, ready to embrace the adventure regardless of what critics have to say. Of course, unfavorable reviews could potentially dent the game and its sales, but the sheer interest in the sequel will undoubtedly propel Hollow Knight: Silksong to success, irrespective of raving reviews.

If you’re curious, I should mention that Team Cherry has shared they won’t distribute early access codes for Silksong. Their reason is to prevent criticism from getting ahead of Kickstarter supporters and other gamers, meaning we likely won’t see reviews until after the game’s release.

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) 2025-08-21T16:53:41.637Z

Withholding pre-release reviews ensures that the entirety of the game “Hollow Knight: Silksong” remains a mystery. A significant factor contributing to the popularity of its predecessor “Hollow Knight” lies in its unique approach to exploration and discovery, where hidden secrets and an intricately connected world added to the game’s vividness. Reviews often strive to avoid spoilers, but they can still diminish the thrill of discovery for “Hollow Knight: Silksong“. Consequently, one could argue that not distributing review copies by Team Cherry has its benefits in preserving the element of surprise.

Is it Bad for a Game Not to Have Early Reviews?

In most instances, lacking review copies can often signal potential concerns. This usually indicates that the developer is trying to conceal certain problems, such as bugs, poor performance, or an overall unenjoyable gaming experience. For example, games like Gollum and Mindseye have no reviews, and unfortunately, they turned out to be riddled with issues. Additionally, some developers impose a review embargo on the same day of release, which tends to leave players with similar negative impressions.

Without a doubt, Hollow Knight: Silksong should be given the advantage of being evaluated fairly. The game has been in development for seven years, and during that time, it was among the most anticipated and highly wished-for games across all platforms. Considering its popularity and longevity, it seems nearly inconceivable that Hollow Knight: Silksong could be anything but exceptional. The initial impressions from the demo at Gamescom have been positive, and this brief glimpse into the game is merely a taste of what’s to come. According to reports, the experience fans have had so far has been reminiscent of Hollow Knight, and if the sequel is even a small fraction as good, players are in store for a real treat.

In his article, Schreier stated that the seven-year development process wasn’t plagued by problems, but rather Team Cherry enriching the game with additional content and meticulously shaping it to their vision. Given the small team of just three members, the development process was understandably lengthy. The studio’s primary focus during this period was perfecting and making enjoyable Hollow Knight: Silksong.

It’s highly improbable that the game “Hollow Knight: Silksong” will fall short. Even though it might not achieve the same level of acclaim and adoration as its predecessor, “Hollow Knight“, Team Cherry is likely to have created another hit. In a year filled with potential Game of the Year contenders, it’s safe to assume that “Hollow Knight: Silksong” will be among them, regardless of reviews.

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2025-08-22 17:17