Hollow Knight is the story of a bug swordsman, out to prove himself in a foreign land. Hollow Knight tells a fantastic story weaving in delicate combat, puzzles, and things to collect. It’s a tale of a bug that is just trying to prove to the world and himself he can do anything. Many even think of Hollow Knight as one of the best games on Nintendo Switch and rightly so. Hollow Knight is a 2D sidescroller where the player must navigate the ancient Hallownest. Hollow Knight is a silent but deadly swordsman who doesn’t take anything lying down. He will deftly fight anyone who gets in his way with his nail sword. This bug is a talented swordsman, but accuracy is necessary.
This is a Metroidvania styled game and one that will take time to master. Players might die repeatedly as they figure out the best way to take on enemies. Players can luckily save at benches and eventually fast travel back to the main town. Sometimes its good to just grind up geo by facing weaker foes and returning to town. Spending geo wisely will help the player navigate the darkness below. This game is also non-linear which is great. The networks of tunnels below offer unlimited exploration. Though certain skills or progression through the story are often needed. It’s great to simply just explore the world and slowly but surely find new areas. The player might stumble into someplace they shouldn’t be, but that is part of the fun.
As the knight charges through the underground, he will pick up Soul. Soul is important as it allows the knight to use many abilities. Initially, he can only use Soul to charge up his masks which is his health. That’s an ability that will always be useful. Eventually, he will pick up new spells that use Soul. It’s always good to be cognizant of the amount of Soul the player has. When they do die, they will only be able to carry a small portion of it. Death in Hollow Knight might happen often. Sometimes enemies pop up and despite the player’s best effort, they are defeated. All the player needs to do, is head back to where they died to take down a Shade. The Shade of the player holds all his geo and a good amount of his Soul. It’s important not to die before killing the Shade as the lost goods will be gone forever.
Players will often battle huge bosses, that will take a lot out of the player. These bosses aren’t push-overs, so its best to go in prepared. The bosses are usually far bigger or defter than any other enemy. It’s great seeing such hulking foes, and taking them down is so fulfilling. I am always thrilled at the prospect of finally taking down a boss and moving deeper into the nest. Players will unlock special abilities through bug parts. These include Monarch Wings for a mid-air jump and wall jumping with Mantis Claws. These parts are helpful in that they will help the player access more of the Hallownest. While this isn’t an easy task, it makes the player feel great getting every part. Some charms can be found or purchased. Players can use these charms to buff up their character. They might help increase the efficiency of combat, give the player another mask, or even transform. This game offers a good deal of customization in its charms so it’s worth the player using them to their fullest.
The NPC’s are an important aspect in this game like in many others. Though, in this game, they help tell the story of the world. It’s important to talk to every one of them as they help fill out what’s been happening in Hallownest. It might seem tedious but talking to every single NPC will make the game all the more fulfilling. One other important thing to note is that upon entering an area there will not be a map. Players must find the cartographer, Cornifer, in order to buy a basic map of the area. Players must travel through the area to draw the map right and might even need to buy certain items to mark locations on the map. The player can do as they see fit but the map is probably our hero’s most helpful ally.
Hollow Knight is not for everyone, and that is okay. It’s often hard as nails and requires quick thinking. It’s worth playing through as the satisfaction of killing huge bosses and getting to the next area is exhilarating. Hollow Knight has been out for a while, but it remains a huge hit and one of my favorite games on my Nintendo Switch. There is a knight out there doing his best, will the player help him out?
