Game Overview

Hollow Knight is a game that needs no introduction, but I'll give it one anyway because it deserves all the praise it gets. This atmospheric Metroidvania from Team Cherry is a masterclass in world-building, exploration, and challenging but fair gameplay. After spending 9 hours exploring Hallownest, I can confidently say this is one of the best indie games I've ever played.

From the moment you drop into the Forgotten Crossroads, Hollow Knight establishes its tone perfectly. The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous, the music is hauntingly beautiful, and the world feels alive despite being a kingdom of bugs. Every area has its own personality, from the oppressive darkness of Deepnest to the ethereal beauty of the City of Tears.

Gameplay Experience

The combat in Hollow Knight is deceptively simple but incredibly deep. You have a nail (sword) for melee attacks, a dash, and eventually spells. That's it. But the way these mechanics interact with enemy patterns and boss fights creates some of the most satisfying combat I've experienced in a 2D game.

Boss fights are the highlight here. Each one feels like a dance, requiring you to learn patterns, time your attacks, and manage your resources. The difficulty curve is well-designed - challenging but never unfair. When you finally beat a tough boss, the sense of accomplishment is real.

Exploration is equally rewarding. The map system is brilliant - you have to buy maps from cartographers, and they only fill in as you explore. This creates a genuine sense of discovery. Finding a new area, uncovering a hidden path, or stumbling upon a boss you weren't expecting - these moments are what make Hollow Knight special.

Atmosphere and World-Building

Hollow Knight's greatest strength is its atmosphere. The world of Hallownest feels like a place with history, tragedy, and mystery. The environmental storytelling is exceptional - you can piece together the kingdom's fall just by exploring and observing. The NPCs you meet are memorable, each with their own story and personality.

The music by Christopher Larkin is phenomenal. Each area has its own theme that perfectly captures its mood. The City of Tears theme is melancholic and beautiful, while the Mantis Lords fight music is intense and epic. The sound design overall is top-notch, with every slash, jump, and spell feeling impactful.

What Works

• Incredible atmosphere and world-building
• Satisfying combat with excellent boss fights
• Rewarding exploration and discovery
• Beautiful hand-drawn art style
• Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack
• Fair difficulty curve
• Tons of content for the price

Minor Nitpicks

• Some areas can feel a bit too dark/difficult to navigate
• The map system, while clever, can be frustrating when you're lost
• Some backtracking required (though this is typical for the genre)

Final Verdict

Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of indie game development. It takes everything great about Metroidvanias and executes it to near-perfection. The world is fascinating, the combat is satisfying, and the atmosphere is unmatched. If you have any interest in the genre, this is essential playing.

Rating: 4.5/5

The half-star deduction is purely because some areas can be frustrating to navigate, but that's a minor complaint in an otherwise exceptional game. This is the kind of game that will stick with you long after you've finished it.

Part of the 26 Games Challenge 2026
Game #1 • Completed January 8, 2026