Things Hollow Knight Does Better Than Nearly Every Other Game

Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of the most highly anticipated video games, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The idea of playing this highly anticipated sequel has rekindled interest in the original game, allowing many new fans to appreciate what made this title so special in the first place.

Many strengths help Hollow Knight stand out as one of the greatest video games ever made. The fact that most of its best elements are a cut above the rest of the video game industry shows why fans couldn’t get enough of this masterpiece.

The Controls Are Very Responsive

One Of The Game’s Many Highlights

In the modern gaming era, the simple act of controlling a character can feel cumbersome. Even the most lauded video games around feel frustrating at times, especially if the protagonist moves and performs actions like they’re stuck in a big bowl of molasses.

This isn’t a problem that plagues Hollow Knight, with its controls being responsive and intuitive. Given the game’s focus on tough battles and tight platforming, it’s easy to see why many people consider this to be a boon.

A Tragic Story With An Underlying Sense Of Hope

Makes Hallownest More Compelling To Get Immersed In

As is the case with most Soulslike titles, Hollow Knight‘s story is fraught with despair. The dying world of Hallownest hammers in the story’s tragic notes and makes it a bleak yet interesting location to explore.

However, Hollow Knight doesn’t shy away from its heartwarming moments, as players find rays of hope in what seems like a world steeped in sadness. It executes this narrative perfectly, so much so that fans of the Soulsborne games consider Hollow Knight to be just as good on the storytelling front, if not better.

The Combination Of Soulslike And Metroidvania Elements Is Immaculate

Easily The Best Example Of This Genre Amalgamation

The Soulslike genre has paired off really well with games that sport a Metroidvania design. The tough combat and incredible exploration afforded by this genre combination make it clear why so many indie games move forward with this tantalizing genre amalgamation.

Death’s Gambit: Afterlife, Salt & Sanctuary, and Blasphemous are examples of games that execute this combination brilliantly. However, none of these titles holds a candle to Hollow Knight, which is in a class of its own in this department.

The Aesthetics Are In A Class Of Their Own

A Striking Art Style That Captures A Player’s Attention In No Time

One of the first things fans will notice about Hollow Knight is its striking art style. The use of dark color palettes ensures that Hallownest’s wasting nature is made clear as day.

This harmony between the title’s art style and overarching story is something that few other games nail and is a huge reason why Hollow Knight wowed the masses. The splashes of bright colors that appear from time to time feel all the more impactful as players make progress in a fun yet challenging game.

The Music Conveys The Game’s Atmosphere Brilliantly

Another Notable Strength Of This Game

Another one of Hollow Knight‘s many crowning jewels is its music. The game doesn’t shy away from letting players listen to an incredible OST that encapsulates the world’s melancholy.

Along with this, the boss themes are in a class of their own and ensure that players will have a blast with this title’s scintillating fights. The fact that this game’s soundtrack is considered superior to landmark titles like Dark Souls makes it clear just how celebrated Hollow Knight‘s OST is.

The Progression Is Incredible

Everything Is Paced Immaculately

Some games face a progression issue where players end up being too weak or too powerful as they make progress in the game. It takes away from the joy of combat and exploration in these titles, a problem that Hollow Knight doesn’t face.

The upgrades and power-ups in this game are handled immaculately and ensure that players will have a blast as they slowly but surely make progress. Nothing feels unearned or unfair, ensuring that the entire game will leave fans spellbound as the progression system keeps players intrigued.

Free DLCs That Have More Content Than Paid Ones

A Pro-Player Move That Is Unheard Of

Most modern video games feature DLCs that range from overpriced to justified. The price that players pay for these additional experiences may not be ideal, but it’s the best way to ensure that players will come back to a title where they’ve already wrapped up the main story.

In the case of Hollow Knight, the DLCs add a ton of content and can be acquired for free, which is a consumer-friendly approach that isn’t all that prevalent in gaming. Modern video games can take a page out of Hollow Knight, ensuring that their DLCs are free and enhance the goodwill of their titles instead of diminishing it by being overpriced.

Exploration Is Very Rewarding

Hallownest Is Full Of Compelling Locations To Explore

Most Metroidvania games are known for featuring tantalizing exploration, and Hollow Knight is in a class of its own in this department. Getting powers that aid in both combat and traversal feels great and helps exploration feel naturally rewarding.

Other Metroidvanias (and Soulsborne games, for that matter) also do a great job with this, but Hollow Knight‘s incredible exploration deserves a mention. The interconnected world and excellent exploration of the first Dark Souls is the only title that may hold a candle to this game’s brilliance.