After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight Silksong has arrived, and it is everything fans hoped for and more. Playing as Hornet in the vast kingdom of Pharloom, you will discover a world that is darker, more complex, and more rewarding than the original game in almost every measurable way.
The map design is masterful, with interconnected areas that reward exploration and make every shortcut feel earned. Silk abilities give Hornet a moveset that is faster and more aggressive than the Knight, with ceiling traversal and silk-based attacks that feel incredible to chain together.
Boss encounters are the highlight, with over forty major fights that each demand mastery of different mechanics. None of them feel unfair, but several had us retrying for hours before that satisfying victory screen appeared.
The art direction reaches new heights with hand-drawn animations that bring every creature and environment to life. Christopher Larkin's soundtrack is haunting and beautiful, perfectly complementing the melancholy atmosphere. This is a masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre.
Score: 9.7 out of 10.