Explore a hauntingly gorgeous underworld in this indie masterpiece that proves silence, shadows, and sad bugs can pack a mighty punch.
In this Hollow Knight game review, we explore what makes Hallownest so captivating—and punishing. Hollow Knight is the kind of indie game that comes around once in a generation.
Why Hollow Knight Game Reviewers Still Praise It Years Later
Developed by the small-but-mighty Australian studio Team Cherry, this sprawling action–adventure (or “Metroidvania,” if you’re fancy) throws you into a decaying kingdom full of secrets, sorrow, and surprisingly adorable insects — most of whom would happily stab you.
However, don’t expect exposition dumps or hand-holding. Hollow Knight respects your curiosity and punishes your impatience — in the best possible way.
Down the Rabbit Hole (But It’s Bug-Shaped)
You step into the tiny boots of a silent, nail-wielding knight exploring the underground ruins of Hallownest — a once-great civilization now rotting from the inside out. There’s no map handed to you, no glowing arrow. Instead, Hollow Knight trusts you to get lost, make mistakes, and discover meaning along the way.
What This Hollow Knight Game Review Teaches Us About Indie Excellence
Meanwhile, each area connects organically. In fact, the game builds its narrative through cryptic dialogue, environmental clues, and haunting soundscapes. It’s like Dark Souls meets Bambi — if Bambi carried a tiny sword and fought infected hornets.
As a result, every discovery feels earned — and every wrong turn, strangely welcome.
Combat That’s Simple, Sharp, and Satisfying
Combat feels tight and responsive from the start. You wield a basic slash, a jump, and a few magical abilities — that’s it. However, the design is anything but basic. Enemy types vary wildly, boss fights demand your full attention, and every hit you land feels precise.
For example, some bosses require perfect dodging. Others test your endurance. Either way, they all feel fair — even after your twentieth attempt.
Additionally, you’ll collect charms that let you tweak your playstyle. Whether you prefer spell-slinging, tanky defense, or high-risk glass-cannon builds, there’s a loadout for you. And yes, you’ll obsess over them.
A Visual and Audio Feast
Let’s talk presentation. Hollow Knight’s hand-drawn visuals are jaw-dropping — but they’re also meaningful. Every biome, from the eerie Fungal Wastes to the rain-soaked City of Tears, oozes personality and quiet dread.
Moreover, Christopher Larkin’s melancholic soundtrack turns Hallownest into a symphony of sorrow. In many cases, the music alone tells the story. Combined with ambient sound design and light visual cues, the atmosphere becomes emotionally immersive.
In short, it’s like stepping into a gothic painting… and then getting slapped by a flying mantis.
Watch a video of Hollow Knight game review
Want to see what all the buzz (pun intended) is about? Check out this gameplay review below:
Final Thoughts
Hollow Knight isn’t just one of the best indie games ever made — it’s one of the best games, period. Its mixture of elegant design, emotional storytelling, fluid combat, and breathtaking world-building raises the bar for what indie games can achieve. And with the sequel, Silksong, still on the horizon, the world is more than ready to dive back into the depths.
If you haven’t played it yet, grab your cloak, charge up your Soul, and prepare to lose yourself (in the best possible way) beneath Hallownest.
Sources & References
- Official Hollow Knight Website
- Hollow Knight on Steam
- Team Cherry – Developer Website
- IGN’s Hollow Knight Video Review
- Hollow Knight on Wikipedia
