The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is finally here, and it’s set to redefine the side-scrolling genre. Developed by Team Cherry, this game introduces a plethora of changes and additions that elevate the core mechanics of its predecessor. Silksong promises an immersive experience with smarter enemies, new gameplay features, and a vibrant world brimming with characters and quests.
In this article, we’ll delve into eight key ways Hollow Knight: Silksong evolves the side-scrolling formula, offering both newcomers and long-time fans a fresh perspective on what makes this game a standout title. From innovative combat mechanics to a more interactive world, Silksong is poised to set a new standard in the genre.
Silksong’s Tactical Healing System
One of the most significant changes in Silksong is its revamped healing system. In Hollow Knight, healing required players to stand still for about three seconds, making it a risky maneuver in the heat of battle. Silksong introduces ‘Bind,’ a faster and more versatile healing move. By hitting enemies, you gather Silk instead of Soul, and once your Silk is full, you can activate Bind to heal three points of health, even in mid-air.
However, this comes at a cost. Healing always consumes all your Silk, which also powers some of your strongest abilities. This adjustment completely changes the risk-reward calculation, setting a faster, more tactical tempo for combat. As Phil Hornshaw from PlayStation.Blog notes, ‘Those adjustments to healing completely change the calculus of when and where to heal, setting a faster tempo for combat in Silksong that’s just as tactical.’
Smarter and More Defensive Enemies
Enemies in Silksong are not just aggressive; they are also defensively minded. Opponents feint, backstep, guard against attacks, and try to counter, forcing players to think carefully about their moves. This contrasts with Hollow Knight, where many enemies behaved more like zombies due to a strange infection.
In Silksong, the enemies often have their wits about them, which is reflected in their fighting style. ‘This feels like a story choice as well as a gameplay one,’ observes Hornshaw. ‘The enemies of Silksong are aggressive and dangerous, but often still have their wits about them, and it shows in how they fight.’
Quick and Agile Leaping
Hornet, the protagonist of Silksong, is more acrobatic than the Knight from Hollow Knight. She can grab the edges of platforms and pull herself up, and jump straight from one ledge to another. This speeds up platforming significantly, making exploration more fluid and dynamic.
Additionally, mantling seems to provide a few invincibility frames, which can be a lifesaver when evading pesky flying enemies. This enhanced mobility adds a new layer of strategy to both combat and exploration, making the world of Pharloom feel more accessible and interconnected.
A World Full of Characters and Quests
Unlike the ruined kingdom of Hollow Knight, Silksong’s setting of Pharloom is very much alive. Players will meet plenty of characters, many of whom offer side quests. These quests are now tracked in the menu, a departure from the minimalist approach of Hollow Knight. It’s worth revisiting settlements and characters as their stories unfold.
This makes the game world feel more interactive and engaging, offering players a deeper connection to the setting and its inhabitants. The tracked quests provide a clear sense of progression, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of Pharloom.
Setting Traps and Using Tools
Players will eventually unlock all the abilities that Hornet used against the Knight in Hollow Knight. This includes setting thread traps that are activated when enemies walk into them or are hit with an object. There’s a wide variety of tools to unlock, providing numerous options for approaching combat.
However, Pharloom is also full of deadly traps set by enemies, requiring players to stay vigilant. ‘Hollow Knight had the occasional breakaway floor, but in Silksong, you need to keep your wits about you, lest you break a tripwire and get skewered by spikes,’ warns Hornshaw. This adds a layer of tension to exploration, as players must constantly be aware of their surroundings.
Character Build Options
Alongside tools and traps, Silksong features Hornet’s Crests, which can be unlocked throughout the adventure. These Crests change your combat style – the Wanderer crest offers speedy attacks with a shorter range, while the Beast crest’s strikes are more like raking claws that cover a larger area.
Crests have different layouts for charms, affecting your loadout, and some offer different takes on the Bind ability. For example, the Reaper crest grants a short period where attacks generate more Silk when you Bind, which is great for boss fights where frequent healing is needed. These options allow players to customize Hornet to suit their playstyle.
Attention to Detail
Hollow Knight: Silksong is filled with gorgeous little touches that showcase Team Cherry’s dedication to their craft. From tiny ants carrying defeated foes back to their homes for dinner to the musical Needolin that elicits different reactions from characters, the game rewards attentive players.
These details add depth and charm to the world, making it feel alive and cohesive. It’s these small touches that elevate Silksong from a great game to a memorable experience.
Final Thoughts on Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong introduces numerous enhancements and new features that set it apart from its predecessor. The refined combat mechanics, smarter enemies, interactive world, and vast array of character build options create a compelling and immersive experience.
With its attention to detail and dedication to expanding the side-scrolling formula, Hollow Knight: Silksong is poised to become a classic in its own right. As you embark on your journey up Pharloom’s pilgrim trail, prepare to discover a world of challenges, wonders, and endless possibilities. Grab it now and experience the evolution of side-scrolling adventure.
Leave a Reply