Independent video game developer Team Cherry released “Hollow Knight: Silksong” on Sept. 4, following over six years of anticipation from fans after the team’s original Metroidvania hit “Hollow Knight” in 2017, and it might just be the indie game of the year.
“Silksong” serves as a follow up to “Hollow Knight” both in story and gameplay. The game follows Hornet, a sentient bug from the original game, as she navigates the bug kingdom of Pharloom after being taken from the underground kingdom of Hallownest by a group of hooded figures.
Whereas Hallownest in the first game is dark and cramped, Pharloom is lush and expansive. The designs build off of “Hollow Knight” and expand the ways the players can interact with the world. The first area, the Moss Grotto, is a more lush version of Greenpath from the first game. The Deep Docks introduces lava and steampunk aesthetics. Instead of an abandoned, decaying city, Pharloom is alive, with mysteries unfolding the higher you go.
“Silksong” is a Metroidvania, a 2D game with an open-ended world split into different areas. Players start with a limited move set and can unlock new areas by acquiring new abilities and defeating bosses hidden around the map.
Playing as Hornet instead of the first game’s Knight presents unique challenges to the players. Hornet is taller than The Knight and has a unique move set. Instead of a simple downward strike, Hornet strikes down at an angle. The charm and soul systems are also replaced with “silk” and tools. New abilities like sprinting and air gliding give the players new ways to travel. These changes differentiate the gameplay from its predecessor and provide a more challenging and unique experience.
The start of “Hollow Knight” takes the player through a small set of tutorials before The Knight gets to the main village. “Silksong,” however, does not give the same convenience. Within minutes of the game starting, Hornet encounters the first boss, Moss Mother. The tone is set from the beginning — Hornet is a more formidable foe than The Knight, and Pharloom treats her as such.
After the first boss encounter, Hornet meets the Chapel Maid, who informs players that Pharloom is ruled by the Citadel, giving Hornet her first objective. Objectives in Silksong are a new addition leading players to new abilities and guiding players through the story.
With another soundtrack from Christopher Larkin and the same design team, the main difference between “Silksong” and “Hollow Knight” is the spike in difficulty. Players who haven’t played the original may find the stronger enemies and more advanced movesets too difficult to enjoy.
The best advice for players picking up “Silksong” for the first time is to be patient and not be discouraged if bosses and new areas do not come easily. Part of the enjoyment of this series of games is learning the enemies’ attacks and building up from that knowledge to newer and stronger opponents. The worldbuilding and story are more than worth the struggle to make it to the top of the mountain and reach the Citadel.
