Seven years ago, the gaming world got a tantalizing glimpse of Hollow Knight: Silksong with a short trailer that many believed was simply a DLC expansion. Fast forward to today, and the anticipation surrounding this title has only intensified. After thoroughly playing the original Hollow Knight and witnessing the community’s excitement, I sensed that this silk-bound sequel would create quite a buzz—and it definitely did.
Upon its release, Hollow Knight: Silksong sent shockwaves through the internet, crashing platforms like Steam and the Nintendo eShop. All I wanted to do was dive into the game and see if it lived up to its monumental hype. If you’ve already got your hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong, here’s my detailed review after countless hours of exploring Pharloom.
A Faster, Tighter Weave but Under the Disguise of ‘Git Gud’
Playing as Hornet offers a stark contrast to the original Knight. Instead of deliberate and heavy movements, Hornet moves with stunning speed and precision. Her jumps are swift, and each attack feels razor-sharp. This gameplay feels more like an acrobatic performance than a cautious battle.
Hornet’s persona resembles that of an assassin. Her abilities allow you to plunge into foes or swiftly dispatch them while maintaining a sense of honor. It’s like stepping into an anime world where you navigate moral grey areas while showing kindness to the innocent.
The game unfolds in Pharloom, which feels much more dynamic than Hallownest. If Hallownest was a realm of decay, Pharloom is vibrant, with a sense of ritual and order. The platforming in this sequel leans heavily into verticality, giving a climactic feeling that encourages exploration upward, as opposed to the downward journey in Hollow Knight.
Pharloom’s Hidden Treasures Are As Puzzling As They Come
One of the most exciting aspects of Hollow Knight: Silksong is its wealth of hidden secrets. Pharloom invites exploration with intriguing items to discover—be it a Mask Shard for health boosts, Wisps for quest completions, or rare crafting materials. The game rewards curiosity, ensuring that players always feel encouraged to explore every nook and cranny.
Stay vigilant, as you might unearth surprises in unexpected places. Just be cautious where you explore; I ended up getting so caught up in a casino area that I nearly forgot I was meant to finish the game. But is it worth it if you uncover a hidden tribute?
In addition to items, hidden pathways and clever environmental storytelling abound. Breakable walls, concealed platforms, and secret rooms filled with lore along your journey breathe life into this world. Even a seemingly dead-end alleyway may lead to valuable shortcuts or rare encounters. These moments invite you to slow down, take a look around, and appreciate the deliberate craftsmanship behind every facet of Hornet’s adventure.
Moreover, Hornet’s healing mechanic signifies a major shift. Alongside resting to recharge, she can craft silk cocoons mid-battle, compelling players to balance aggressive maneuvers with defensive possibilities. It’s reminiscent of mechanics in classic titles like Castlevania.
This blend of mechanics—healing, crafting, and vertical progression—makes every fight feel urgent. Every decision is meaningful, and every miscalculation has repercussions. But how does the combat truly feel? Is it as dull as a butter knife or more compelling?
Sharp as a Needle and Sleek as Thread
Combat with Hornet showcases a refreshing departure from the original Hollow Knight, utilizing a needle and thread for attacks that are both long-ranged and precise. This heightened mobility generates faster-paced and more visually striking encounters.
The game’s boss battles exemplify this improvement brilliantly. Opponents hit hard, adapt, and require all of Hornet’s skills. You can even adjust your attack style by changing crests, allowing for varied builds against different foes. Silksong doesn’t replicate Hollow Knight’s challenges; it sharpens them into a more refined and demanding experience.
Yet this increased sharpness comes with trade-offs. Silksong’s speed and intensity can clash with the way progression is structured. Unlike Hollow Knight, which allowed extensive freedom, Silksong often restricts progress behind specific abilities or crests. Skills such as dashes and downward strikes are earned rather than given.
Over time, I found enjoyment in unlocking these abilities, but the initial experience can feel overwhelming, especially considering how unforgiving Pharloom can be. While needing a specific crest or tool can lead to innovative experimentation with builds, it can also become frustrating.
Even Hornets Need Some Money for a Side-Hustle
Games where currency plays a vital role are always captivating. They introduce tension: Do you risk your riches while pushing ahead, or play it safe and use your funds for tools or upgrades? Silksong aims to create this same tension with Rosaries, but the implementation feels inconsistent. Not all enemies yield currency, forcing players into tedious farming when they’d rather be charging toward the next boss.
At one point, I found myself grinding for an overwhelming 500 Rosaries just to purchase a key for the Wanderer’s Crest, which wasn’t just challenging; it felt tedious and repetitive.
Upon dying, all abilities and resources get trapped in a cocoon, requiring you to reclaim them. This mechanic elevates stakes but swiftly morphs into a hindrance, especially when coupled with the need for currency. More frustration comes from needing to purchase the compass, which only shows your position on the map. It’s understandable to buy a map upgrade, but paying for each fast travel ability feels excessive, as it complicates what should be a convenient feature.
Moreover, equipping the compass requires a Memory Charm for a yellow crest slot, which adds to the hassle of simply glancing at your position on the map. These mechanics sometimes feel like unnecessary obstacles made to inflate difficulty rather than enhance the gaming experience.
A Trial of Threading Pure Pain but Gives Satisfaction
As someone who has tackled platformers for over a decade, I embrace challenge, and Silksong is no exception. It is unforgiving, yet undeniably fair. Unlike Hollow Knight, which sometimes leverages long, arduous stretches between checkpoints, Silksong offers intelligent checkpoint placement and well-paced enemy encounters.
The bosses are punishing and deal considerable damage, requiring players to learn their patterns. Even a simple collision can result in massive health loss, which can frustrate beginners. However, the challenge remains rewarding rather than overwhelming. It’s a test of patience enhanced by new mechanics like parrying, dashing, and area-of-effect attacks that alleviate some of the pressure.
However, one aspect that doesn’t sit well is the inclusion of smaller enemies within boss chambers. I understand the intention is to elevate difficulty, yet stronger bosses would have sufficed. When a minor enemy deals equivalent damage to a major boss, it feels somewhat unfair and vacates the thrill of engaging with more powerful opponents.
The game also lacks quality-of-life features, such as health bars for bosses, which can add stress during critical encounters. While Silksong excels in gameplay, one feature stands out as even more captivating: its incredible atmosphere.
Hornet’s World is Wrapped in Gorgeous Silk
Team Cherry has mastered their craft when it comes to atmosphere, and Pharloom breathes life in ways that Hallownest never did. Vivid colors with sharp contrasts, regal yet decaying architecture, and carefully designed platforms create an experience unlike any other. Each jump across silk-woven bridges and into crumbling towers feels like traversing a sacred space crafted by insects with their own stories.
Generational Character Design
Every NPC in Pharloom feels interconnected with their environment—from somber pilgrims in tattered robes to merchants caught in cycles of trade. The enemies are equally striking; fungal creatures swell in the gardens, while metallic husks resonate in the Citadel like broken symphonies.
The creatures and folks that inhabit each region reflect their society, showcasing that you are exploring whole cultures, not just environments. The art depth significantly enhances the mood, highlighting the vibrancy of Pharloom. Furthermore, the clean HUD keeps players focused on the game world without distractions.
Award-Worthy Level Design
The level design emphasizes Hornet’s agility. Thin walls and tight platforms make full use of her expanded moves, while hidden alcoves reward keen explorers with valuable secrets. Every detour feels rewarding, offering lore, resources, or exciting combat challenges.
The experience begins right from the start. After accidentally venturing in the wrong direction, I stumbled upon two chambers filled with resources. The world of Pharloom captivates, especially as you uncover its hidden treasures. The art style often dazzles so much that you might neglect crucial jumps. Adding to the experience, the music and background score in Silksong surpass anything from the original Hollow Knight.
The Song of Silk Darts the Heart
Christopher Larkin is back, and the music resonates deeply with the world. Dominated by strings, the score interweaves tension, sorrow, and resolve, reflecting Hornet’s performance. In contrast to Hornet’s quiet ambiance, Silksong embraces more dramatic tones, emphasizing the emotional depth of the narrative.
Every area in Pharloom has a distinct sound profile, from quiet plucks in the Moss Grotto to powerful chords in the Citadel. The audio landscape enhances the experience beautifully, making every moment feel personalized. Furthermore, as Hornet, you participate, too!
In addition to regional scores, boss themes elevate the stakes. They don’t just signal impending danger; they propel you into a heightened emotional state, synchronizing your heartbeat with Hornet’s movements. When victory finally arrives after a grueling battle, the ensuing silence resonates deeply.
The soundscape is engaging from NPC voices to enemy growls, pulling you further into the game world. The score encapsulates the essence of the “song” in Silksong, revealing the operatic scale of Pharloom, a realm that teeters between fragility and resilience.
The Dance of Silk on 8 Cores and 16 Threads
Silksong shines in technical performance, balancing atmosphere with gameplay efficiency. During my playthrough on PC, frame rates remained consistent, even during your most chaotic boss battles, where screen effects never muddled performance. It’s refreshing to experience a game that runs smoothly without the hassle of DLSS or FSR.
My Setup:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
RAM: 16 GB (2×8) DDR5 @ 5200MHz
SSD: 1TB XPG Gammix S11 Pro
Monitor: 1080p @ 165Hz
Loading times are brief, allowing for seamless transitions between regions, even enabling you to skip fast travel cutscenes. This continuity makes the universe feel unified, echoing the fluidity present in Hornet’s movements.
Verdict: A Kingdom Rewoven in Silk You Must Wear
Hollow Knight: Silksong faced the monumental challenge of following one of the greatest indie games ever made. The hype surrounding Silksong has been palpable, often likened to GTA 6 in terms of anticipation. Fortunately, Team Cherry not only met expectations but exceeded them by crafting an intricately woven experience. Pharloom is mesmerizing, Hornet is a delightful character, and each gameplay system feels purposeful.
The wait was excruciating, the excitement was intense, and what we received justified every moment of silence. With a price tag of just $20 (approximately €19), it’s an investment that rewards effort and engagement. While the difficulty curve may require some acclimatization, understanding its rhythms transforms frustration into enjoyment.
Once you grasp the game’s patterns and movements, you’ll find the satisfaction that comes with mastery. Hollow Knight: Silksong isn’t about a quick rush; it’s about immersing yourself fully, where every moment of effort brings wonder and realization.
What has your experience with Hollow Knight: Silksong been like so far? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, consider checking it out now, and don’t forget to explore related content on Moyens I/O.