Hollow Knight: Silksong Reviews: Team Cherry’s Long-Awaited Sequel Exceeds High Expectations

A Triumphant Return

After starting as a Kickstarter-backed project, the three-person indie developer Team Cherry has finally delivered the highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight. The six-year wait is finally over for what began as a meteoric hit that sold over 15 million copies and was considered not just one of the greatest indie games but one of the greatest games of all time.

Critical Reception and Gameplay

Critics are praising how Silksong has enhanced everything that made the original Hollow Knight memorable, delivering a faster and more demanding experience that feels natural for the protagonist Hornet’s journey. The game stands out for its beautiful visual design, challenging combat mechanics, and captivating story. It’s not just a follow-up but a significant step forward, with Team Cherry improving every aspect while maintaining the charm and mystery that made the original famous.

Launch Success and Challenges

The game has achieved remarkable success, reaching a peak of more than 562,000 concurrent players on Steam alone – a massive increase from the original Hollow Knight’s peak of 80,000 players. However, there have been some challenges, particularly with the Chinese localization, leading to mixed reviews in that region despite maintaining an 80% “Very Positive” rating among over 80,000 reviews worldwide.

Value and Accessibility

Priced at $19.99, Silksong offers excellent value, especially considering the original’s extensive gameplay. Early indicators suggest a substantial experience with numerous side bosses and optional paths to explore. Newcomers to the series can jump straight in, as the story – focusing on Hornet’s investigation of her mysterious abduction to a distant kingdom – doesn’t require prior knowledge of the franchise.