“Hollow Knight” is a classically styled 2D action-adventure game that invites players into the expansive and intricately detailed world of Hallownest, a once-great kingdom now fallen into ruin. Developed and published by Team Cherry, the game was released on February 24, 2017, and has since been celebrated for its deep lore, challenging gameplay, and beautiful hand-drawn art (Steam Store) (Wikipedia).
The game is set in a vast, interconnected world filled with forgotten highways, overgrown wilds, and ruined cities. Players take on the role of the Knight, an enigmatic and silent protagonist, navigating through Hallownest to uncover its mysteries and confront the malevolent forces within. As players explore, they encounter a variety of enemies and bosses, with some granting new abilities upon defeat, such as the Dream Nail, which allows access to the minds of the characters and more challenging versions of some bosses (Wikipedia).
The gameplay is noted for its “Metroidvania” design, offering nonlinear exploration and progression. Players can forge their own paths, choosing which areas to explore, which enemies to confront, and in what order to tackle the challenges ahead. The Knight’s abilities can be enhanced through the acquisition of spells, skills, and charms, the latter providing unique powers and customization options (Wikipedia).
The narrative of “Hollow Knight” unfolds through interactions with various bug-themed NPCs and environmental storytelling, piecing together the history of Hallownest and the origins of the Infection that led to its downfall. The game features multiple endings, which are influenced by the player’s actions and discoveries throughout their journey (Wikipedia).
“Hollow Knight” has received widespread acclaim from both players and critics, praised for its challenging gameplay, compelling story, and stunning hand-crafted world. It stands as a testament to the depth and richness that indie games can offer, and its success has contributed to a resurgence in the popularity of the Metroidvania genre (Steam Store).
