Hollow Knight: Silksong Review – I Venture Forth to Hunt

by

When a game has been in development for several years, it naturally builds up a significant set of expectations. This is especially true when it’s a sequel to a highly acclaimed game like Hollow Knight, which started as DLC and later transformed into a full game. The anticipation for such a title often reaches extraordinary levels.

The challenge for Hollow Knight: Silksong lies in maintaining the elements that made the original successful while establishing its own unique identity. Additionally, the game has been subject to endless memes, the phenomenon known as “Silksanity,” and years of requests for updates.

After approximately 20 hours to earn enough credits, the query “Is Hollow Knight: Silksong worth it?” can be rephrased as “Is it a good investment for [your name]?” Not everyone will share the same opinion, but many people are curious if the game justifies the seven-year development time, regardless of its $19.99 price tag. This is the cost of anticipation and the desire to own something that fans have grown so fond of over the years.

Was it worth it for me? Absolutely, without a doubt, it was. In fact, I can say this 1,693 times over. Despite the persistent challenges and being at the brink of both frustration and intrigue as I pursued mastery, every moment was worth it.

Upon entering Pharloom for the first time, the swift, lively violins create an atmosphere; the quiet sorrow and melancholy of Bone Bottom, brought to life by the piano, is captivating; the vocals and instrumentation during the main battle in the Deep Docks are nothing short of top-notch.

Hollow Knight: Silksong: The story revolves around Hornet who’s transported to an enigmatic land called Pharloom by an unidentified group. In time, she recovers her strength and reaches Bone Bottom where she encounters the Citadel and learns about the arduous climb Pharloom’s inhabitants undertake to reach it. This sets off her quest for answers concerning a curse that appears to be plaguing the kingdom. The narrative is primarily focused on this relentless pursuit, wrapped in an abundance of mystery.

The main character’s ability to interact with diverse NPCs is a significant shift, yet Hornet stands out as the key factor behind its success. She exhibits qualities of chivalry and politeness, often adopting a soft but assertive tone when discussing Pharloom’s issues with the citizens. However, she isn’t afraid to be straightforward and even menacing when necessary, or in instances where she decides to physically confront those who cross her path. Despite communicating only in bug language, Hornet has an innate charm that attracts others to support her cause.

Fortunately, she isn’t alone in this world. Shakra, who is both a masterful mapmaker and an efficient killer, stands out among them. Garmond and Zaza, subtly reminiscent of Don Quixote, also make their presence known. The inhabitants are all charming, their friendly demeanors concealing intricate motivations. This trait isn’t exclusive to the main characters; it extends to the antagonists and bosses as well, despite their limited dialogue.

Exploring every nook and cranny of Pharloom showcases Team Cherry’s exceptional talent for visual storytelling. In terms of sheer artistic brilliance, Hollow Knight: Silksong is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each element is meticulously hand-drawn with intricate details, from the subtle lights and foreboding backdrops in Greymoor to the majestic architecture of the Citadel, featuring stunning animations. There are numerous subtle touches – such as a repaired bench that sags slightly when Hornet sits on it, or a single light source illuminating a facility bustling with clockwork machinery and whirring buzzsaws, creating an eerie atmosphere. Enemy remains impaled on spikes and other minor details are so abundant that one can’t help but pause to marvel at everything. Even seemingly dismal locations like the Blasted Steps offer intriguing sights, like sand accumulating on dead bodies or crumbling structures.

In addition, the music, this time penned by Christopher Larkin, contributes to the experience. The swift violins upon entering Pharloom for the first time; the melancholic piano notes that breathe life into Bone Bottom; the voices and orchestration during the big boss fight in the Deep Docks – it’s all just first-rate. I particularly enjoy the songs with a clockwork theme, and I suspect you will too. The sound design is commendable as well – for instance, how footsteps alter based on the terrain.

As the enemies in Silksong grow more complex, featuring shields and counterattacks, it may not always be easy to defeat them quickly. However, mastering Hornet’s swift fighting style can prove to be a very satisfying aspect of the game.

Absolutely, the settings in these games aren’t just picturesque landscapes filled with challenges and catchy melodies. Navigating platforms, investigating your surroundings, solving puzzles, discovering secret passages, and even enjoying mini-games are all essential aspects, but Silksong makes it seem so effortless. Each location transitions smoothly into the next, creating a sense of exploring a real, living world rather than moving from one room to another. This immersive experience also ties in with the game’s lore – for example, the atmosphere of the Underworks contrasting starkly with the beauty of the Citadel is just one instance. However, what truly stands out is that even without a map, I never felt disoriented or unsure about where to go next (except perhaps when revisiting familiar places occasionally). Activities like playing Straight Pin to hit flying targets for rewards or enjoying a simple game of dice add a nice touch as well.

When it comes to the genre, backtracking is an essential element, and that’s something Team Cherry clearly understands. At first glance, it might appear daunting, but even with fast travel as an option, skills such as Swift Step greatly speed up the pace, especially as more expansive parts of the world become accessible simultaneously. Traveling back to locations and encountering numerous enemies becomes a smooth process thanks to Hornet’s sprint ability, which is beneficial given that you’ll be completing various tasks known as Wishes – such as hunting creatures and gathering items.

The Hornet is usually very manageable with an abundance of mobility features that even the Knight wishes he had. Although common abilities from the genre are present like wall-jumping and double-jumping, the signature downward slash has transformed into a diagonal plunge in this version. This change requires some practice, particularly when estimating distance to enemies as sometimes you may fall short and take damage. Once mastered, however, you’ll effortlessly leap over enemies, potentially reaching their back for another strike or even diving again to emulate the bouncing effect from Hollow Knight.

In the intricately designed foes you’ll face in Silksong, you won’t always find an easy path, especially as they start to wield shields and parries. However, mastering Hornet’s swift fighting style offers a satisfying payoff. Moving from a swift attack in the air, to a mid-flight strike, then diving down to leap over targets is enjoyable, even though the most useful skill – grappling with the Needle – isn’t unlocked until later stages. This ability, when it finally appears, significantly enhances your combat efficiency against flying enemies and suits Hornet’s fast-paced fighting style better.

In case the updated diagonal slash doesn’t suit your preference, don’t fret! Instead of Charms from the initial game, you now have Crests and Tools at your disposal. The Crests modify Hornet’s abilities. You can opt for a traditional downward slash similar to Hollow Knight, accompanied by defeating adversaries that grant extra Silk, along with a swifter version, although it offers less range. Each Crest has various slots for your Tools, making it convenient if you enjoy exploration. For instance, the Wanderer’s Crest is great as it can accommodate more yellow Tools such as the Compass and footwear that boosts sprinting speed.

Although it can be challenging, I found the high skill level required for using Hornet both stimulating and rewarding. Mastering when to use Bind and perfecting your positioning is crucial, but the thrill of executing various aerial stunts like wall-flipping before resuming the attack was incredibly satisfying.

In this game, the tools you use are disposable items that can be repaired with Shards after a certain number of uses. The assortment is quite entertaining – using straight pins and longpins might seem mundane at first, but soon you’ll find yourself deploying ground-based buzzsaws, throwing sting shards that hit multiple times, and even damaging enemies with the binding tool. I haven’t delved too deep into some of the more exotic features yet, like transforming hornet into a drill or summoning automated bug allies to fight your enemies, but those are next on my list.

Moving on to a disputed aspect: difficulty. Let me clarify that in comparison to Hollow Knight, Silksong is more demanding. Encountering certain larger enemies or hazards in the environment can deduct two health points just by touching Hornet, considering she only has five health points, it creates a tense atmosphere. Even enemies causing one health point of damage with contact have multiple-hit attacks, and if you’re unlucky, death can be quick. To add to this, items like non-Shard currency for purchasing Tools and other items are dropped at the location of your demise, making return trips potentially nerve-wracking.

Hornet can use her Silk ability to restore 3 health points, but doing so mid-air is risky as enemies might interrupt this process, causing her to lose all her Silk. Regardless of interruptions, using Silk to heal 3 health points consumes the same amount as healing a single point. So, should Hornet save her Silk until she only has one health point left, to make the most out of it, or use it now to repair the missing two points, knowing that any contact with enemies could result in defeat? The scarcity of health upgrades doesn’t ease this decision-making process.

In simpler terms, playing Hornet can be challenging due to its high learning curve, but the thrill of mastering her advanced moves is invigorating. Timing and knowing when to use the Bind ability is crucial, along with executing various air stunts like wall-flipping before jumping back for continuous attacks. Although some enemies were frustrating, learning new skills and using them effectively to overpower them made the struggle rewarding in the end.

As a keen gamer, even if I manage to breeze through the story at lightning speed, there’s still a wealth of unexplored territory left to uncover. I’m itching to encounter more adversaries and jot down Hornet’s intriguing insights about them in my journal. Plus, exploring enigmatic locations like Mount Fay is a must, just to get a better grasp of the mysteries that lie within.

Improved tools, such as enhanced safety during bindings and faster binding speeds, generally proved beneficial. However, it’s never ideal when I’m caught off guard by a formidable enemy in a confined passageway, who swiftly knocks me into a whirling blade, instantly deducting four health points and resulting in my demise. While such unfortunate encounters are not frequent, they do occur. A combination of map awareness, useful tools, and quick reactions is often the key to survival (and even then, it’s usually a close call).

The supervisors might be challenging for certain individuals, given that most of their attacks reduce health by two points. However, it’s hard to argue against the fact that these battles are thrilling, featuring intricate move sets that demand not only pattern memorization but also swift decision-making and adaptability. I won’t delve into spoilers, but after the initial bosses, who serve as tutorials, each subsequent boss offers a unique experience, potentially pushing you to alter your strategies.

It’s possible that one drawback could be that not many upgrades or rewards are dropped. While I was earning currency and items consistently, it would be nice if some tools were given as free drops, considering it wouldn’t conflict with the storyline.

In the game Silksong, there’s a primary narrative to progress through, but it provides ample room for exploration and creativity. If you manage to unlock certain skills or master the art of pogoing on enemies effectively, that’s fantastic. This flexibility extends to optional bosses like Skarrgard, who can either be confronted or bypassed altogether. I initially believed this was a way to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new downward slash, and I defeated him with it. However, I later found out that you should acquire Swift Step in a future location before returning to challenge him. Whoops!

Despite completing the story swiftly, there’s still a wealth of discoveries left waiting. I’m eager to uncover additional foes, jotting down Hornet’s insights about them in my journal. I’d love to delve deeper into places like Mount Fay, unraveling its mysteries. I’m also keen on bouncing off more walls and unveiling secret locations, braving potential hazards to discover that intriguing hidden area, and acquiring new Tools and Crests to experiment with diverse gameplay styles.

Indeed, there are certain aspects of Hollow Knight: Silksong that frustrate me (and might be deal breakers for some other players), but I can’t help but appreciate the game overall. In fact, I find it truly exceptional.

As a devoted admirer, I yearn to delve deeper into the vibrant world of Pharloom. Whether it’s serenading with my Needolin alongside an impromptu bard, deepening my relationship with Shakra through shared wisdom and maps, hunting for more elusive Fleas to bolster the Caravan, or bravely confronting yet-unconquered beasts – there’s always more to discover. I must confess, I fear I’ve only scratched the surface of the 40+ bosses in this game, and I can hardly wait to see what challenges and rewards await me in the remaining encounters.

Over the last few days, Silksong has consumed my thoughts, even as I’ve faced numerous setbacks, ultimately finding success rewarding enough to keep me going. Countless unrecorded minutes outside of gameplay have been spent tirelessly attempting to conquer certain bosses. Yet, the anticipation of returning is palpable. My main concern is that one day I might complete everything, leaving me with no choice but to leave it behind (or perhaps embark on a Steel Soul run for some thrilling permanent death challenges).

Indeed, there are certain aspects that can irk me in games, and I might suggest some tweaks. Nevertheless, the game “Hollow Knight: Silksong” is absolutely remarkable. It embodies an amalgamation of heartfelt dedication, intricate development, and breathtaking visuals, striving to transcend the conventions of a mere sequel. The game offers enhanced atmosphere, exploration, faster-paced movement, and more imaginative combat mechanics. Whether it will inspire future games for years or evoke longing memories remains to be seen. At this very moment, much like its predecessor, “Silksong” skillfully merges all of its beautifully crafted elements into a captivating gaming experience.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Read More

2025-09-08 15:49