Hollow Knight was one of those games that made me understand why so many people love the Metroidvania genre. Despite it never having been my style of choice, the truth is that rarely have I found a game capable of winning me over so unexpectedly. I entered this adventure with some curiosity, but without great expectations. I left it with enormous admiration for Team Cherry's work and a much greater understanding of why this title is considered one of the best indies of all time.
From the very first minutes, Hollow Knight stands out through its visual identity. The world of Hallownest is simultaneously beautiful, melancholic, and mysterious. Each area has a personality of its own, whether through its architecture, its color palette, or the enemies that inhabit it. There's a rare elegance to the way the game combines artistic simplicity with an incredibly rich atmosphere. Even years after release, it remains one of the most visually distinctive games I've ever played.
But the true magic of Hollow Knight lies in its world.
Hallownest isn't just a pretty backdrop to explore. It's a place that seems to have existed long before the player arrived and that will keep existing long after the adventure ends. Every ruin, every character, and every environmental detail tells a small part of a bigger story. The game never hands over answers directly, preferring to scatter clues across the map so it's the player who constructs their own interpretation of events.
That narrative approach was one of the things that surprised me most.
The story manages to spark constant curiosity. There's always a new unanswered question, a new mystery to unravel, or a new intriguing character to meet. As we advance, we uncover fragments of Hallownest's fall and of the figures who shaped that kingdom, creating an extremely rewarding sense of discovery.
Exploration is, naturally, one of the experience's pillars.
Like any great Metroidvania, Hollow Knight rewards curiosity. The map is packed with hidden paths, shortcuts, secrets, and optional areas that encourage constant investigation. We often come across locations that are inaccessible on a first visit, only to return later with new abilities that let us press forward.
There's enormous satisfaction in realizing how every area connects to the others.
Each new ability unlocked opens up new exploration possibilities and makes the world feel like it's constantly growing. Few games manage to create that feeling of genuine adventure so well — where every discovery feels earned by the player rather than simply handed out by the game.
Combat also deserves recognition.
Although relatively simple at first glance, it becomes increasingly demanding as we advance. Enemies force us to learn patterns, react quickly, and master the available mechanics. Bosses, in particular, provide some of the most memorable moments of the experience. Many of them pose serious challenges, but they rarely feel unfair. When we fail, we feel the fault was ours. When we win, the sense of reward is enormous.
Progression is another aspect that helps sustain interest throughout the entire adventure.
The charm system lets us partially customize how we play, adapting the character to our style. It isn't an overly complex system, but it offers enough options to encourage experimentation and create different approaches to particular challenges.
The soundtrack deserves a special mention as well.
The compositions help reinforce the game's melancholic, mysterious tone, perfectly accompanying our exploration of Hallownest's various regions. There are themes that convey tranquillity, others that heighten the tension of battles, and some that even manage to provoke a certain sadness as they reflect that world's decay. It's a discreet but extremely effective score.
Of course, my experience was also shaped by the fact that Metroidvania isn't a genre I regularly play.
There were moments when I felt lost or unsure of exactly where I should go next. At certain points, the lack of direction can generate some frustration, especially for players less accustomed to this type of design. Even so, I recognize that freedom is part of the genre's identity — and precisely one of the reasons so many players love it.
And perhaps that's the greatest compliment I can pay Hollow Knight.
Even without being a big Metroidvania fan, I was able to deeply appreciate what the game offers. The quality of the design, the construction of the world, the intelligent exploration, and the unique atmosphere are impossible to ignore. It's one of those titles that transcends its genre and manages to win over even those who don't normally seek out this kind of experience.
In the end, Hollow Knight didn't necessarily turn me into a die-hard Metroidvania fan, but it showed me exactly why this genre continues to have such a passionate fanbase. It's a challenging, mysterious, and incredibly well-built adventure that rewards the player's curiosity and dedication at every step.
Even for those who don't usually play this kind of game, Hollow Knight is an experience worth having. And for those who already love the genre, it's easy to see why it's considered a true masterpiece.
out of 10
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Game Hollow Knight Released 2017 Available on PC · macOS · Linux · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch Reviewed on Nintendo Switch |  Cover: IGDB |
| PL | Pedro Lopes Writer · Portugal |
A games writer from Portugal running on a highly irresponsible amount of coffee — his blood type is officially "espresso". He has been a content creator at Lisbon Games Week, a jury member at Over & Out ’25 and an attendee of DevGAMM Lisbon 2025 (mostly for the free coffee). He has a Pac-Man tattoo on his finger, which contractually obliges him to chase ghosts forever.