Hollow Knight Review

Combat: Precise and Rewarding

The nail combat rewards aggression tempered by positioning. Parrying (the Nail Art Cyclone and Great Slash) deals massive damage but requires commitment. The Shade Cloak and Crystal Heart movement abilities unlock later and dramatically expand combat options. Boss fights are the highlight: each Hallownest boss has distinct patterns and usually three phases, each requiring different approaches. The Radiance and Nightmare King Grimm are among the finest boss designs in any genre.

Gameplay and World

Hallownest's interconnected design is a masterclass in metroidvania structure. The Forgotten Crossroads, Greenpath, Fungal Wastes, City of Tears, and Crystal Peak each have distinct visual identity and movement challenges. New movement abilities (Mantis Claw, Monarch Wings, Crystal Heart) open previously inaccessible areas. The world feels hand-crafted because it is — Team Cherry's attention to environmental detail is extraordinary at any budget level.

Story and Atmosphere

Delivered almost entirely through NPC dialogue and environmental design, Hallownest's story of the Pale King, the Radiance, and the Vessels is among gaming's most melancholy and beautiful. The final boss's multiple endings each reframe the narrative. The Godmaster expansion adds the deepest lore layer: the Void and the Knight's true nature.

Value

At $15 (frequently on sale for under $4), Hollow Knight offers more content per dollar than any game in the medium. Four major expansions were added for free after launch. The 40-60 hour runtime includes some of gaming's best optional content.

Verdict

Essential. Hollow Knight is a defining achievement of indie game development and one of the decade's greatest games.

Pros & Cons