Hollow Knight: Silksong Delivers on High Expectations, Critics Confirm
Despite a unique review rollout that saw critics receive copies only at launch, Hollow Knight: Silksong has been met with near-universal praise, cementing its place as one of the year's most highly anticipated and acclaimed titles. Developer Team Cherry opted not to send out early review copies, meaning media outlets were unable to publish reviews ahead of the game's release. However, now that the dust has settled and journalists have had ample time to explore Pharloom, the consensus is clear: the wait was absolutely worth it.
As of today, Hollow Knight: Silksong boasts an impressive average score of 93 on Metacritic for its PC version and a 92 on OpenCritic, with a stellar 97% of critics recommending the game. Reviewers largely celebrated nearly every aspect of the title, with the only notable criticisms focusing on the game's high, sometimes unforgiving, difficulty balance.
A Masterclass in Metroidvania Design and Challenge
Across the board, critics lauded Silksong for its breathtaking visuals, fluid animations, and rich environments. From charming characters to incredible attention to detail, the world of Pharloom truly shines. Players are treated to a diverse range of locations, each distinct and filled with unique enemies, further enhancing the sense of exploration and discovery that is a hallmark of the Metroidvania genre.
Hornet’s movement and combat capabilities were frequently highlighted as a significant improvement, offering a more dynamic and expanded experience compared to the original Hollow Knight. The game’s fantastic boss battles, consistently testing players' skills, were also a major draw, providing satisfying challenges and rewarding victories. The stunning soundtrack and an overwhelming sense of scale contribute to an immersive atmosphere that many reviewers described as nothing short of a masterpiece.
Publications like GamingBolt and Gamereactor UK awarded the game perfect scores, calling it a culmination of passion and meticulous craftsmanship that transcends a mere sequel. They praised its expanded atmosphere, enhanced exploration, and more dynamic combat system, cementing its status as a standout title that blends perfectly crafted elements into a fantastic work of art.
Not Without Its Challenges
While the praise is overwhelming, some critics did point out aspects that might not appeal to everyone. The game's high difficulty, at times feeling unfair, was a recurring theme. Some found certain regular enemies, capable of dealing two points of health damage, to be particularly frustrating. Other minor critiques included a less-than-ideal checkpoint system that occasionally forces players to repeat lengthy segments, some repetitive side quests (referred to as “Wishes”), and an unbalanced currency system that makes farming shards and beads too easy in later stages, diminishing the tension of losing them.
Even reviews with slightly lower, though still excellent, scores like DualShockers (90/100) and Dexerto (80/100) acknowledged the game's brilliance, emphasizing its impeccable design, engaging combat, and fascinating world, but warned that its demanding nature might deter less seasoned players. GamesRadar+ (80/100) also noted minor issues with diagonal platforming attacks and aggressive level design elements that could feel more annoying than challenging.
The Verdict: A Worthy Successor
Overall, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a resounding success, proving that the long wait was indeed justified. It expertly blends the legacy of its predecessor with fresh ideas, delivering an unforgettable experience for fans of challenging action-platformers. Players can now dive into this critically acclaimed adventure on PC (Steam, GOG), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with Russian text localization available. It's also accessible through Game Pass, making it easier than ever for players to experience this new Metroidvania benchmark.
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