Silksong is finally here, and after approximately seven hours of gameplay, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. Whether I'm exploring the stunning world and discovering locations like Bone Bottom or engaging in thrilling battles against formidable foes like Lace, this game builds upon the beloved formula established by Hollow Knight while delivering an equally remarkable experience. As a devoted fan of the original game, which I own on multiple platforms including Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, I've completed it numerous times, albeit with difficulty overcoming the infamous Path of Pain. Nonetheless, my early impressions of Silksong are compelling: it's harder, faster, and more intricate than its predecessor, but that only enhances the experience. Team Cherry continues to demonstrate their mastery in game design, creating a challenging yet rewarding environment for players.
While I haven't played enough to assign a definitive score to Silksong, my gut feeling is that it has the potential to become an all-time classic. But I'm not the only one with thoughts on this highly anticipated sequel. The broader Eurogamer team, composed of various players with different levels of familiarity with the Hollow Knight series, has also shared their insights now that the servers are live.
Hollow Knight familiarity level: Played a bit of the first one, never managed to get too deep into it.
Marie has expressed her surprise and delight at Silksong. Having recently made her way through The Marrows, she finds herself captivated by the intricate designs of each area and often returns to Sherma to enjoy their enchanting song. Surprisingly, she has adapted quickly to the new diagonal attack mechanic, noting that it feels more intuitive than the Knight's downward attack in the original game. This has made her experience more enjoyable, as she feels more comfortable navigating the challenges posed by this sequel.
Hollow Knight familiarity level: Beat the game for the first time last week (not the true ending).
Connor is thrilled to find that the quirky cast of characters from the original game has returned with just as much charm in Silksong. His encounter with Shakra, the new map seller, instantly made him a fan. Unlike Cornifer from the first game, Shakra possesses a tough demeanor that adds depth to her character. Connor is also enchanted by Sherma, a delightful bug with an infectious song. Exploring these characters and their stories is a significant draw for him, and it seems that Silksong delivers on that front.
Hollow Knight familiarity level: Flirted with Hollow Knight.
Victoria has just begun her journey in Silksong and is captivated by its sounds. She praises the sound of Hornet's needle and the rhythmic pitter-patter of her movements across the environment. Although she is far from completing the game, she is already enamored with its auditory experience, stating that it is one of the most beautiful-sounding games she has encountered.
Hollow Knight familiarity level: Completed the first game.
Ed shares a mixed perspective on Silksong. While he finds the singing of the map bug somewhat irritating compared to the charm of the original game, he appreciates the game's balanced difficulty and swift movement mechanics. He notes that the parallax scrolling looks stunning on the Switch 2, highlighting the visual artistry that accompanies the gameplay.
Hollow Knight familiarity: A complete newcomer.
Bertie's excitement for Silksong stems from the anticipation built around the series. Upon loading the game, he felt a sense of unwrapping something special, and to his delight, the game exceeded his expectations. He praises the hand-drawn art style and the precise gameplay mechanics, likening the experience to that of a Nintendo game, albeit with a darker twist. This admiration speaks volumes about the high-quality production and design that Team Cherry has poured into their sequel.
Hollow Knight familiarity level: Hazy.
Matt's first encounter with Silksong was marked by a mix of nostalgia and confusion, as he recalled playing the original game during family vacations. His initial impressions were whimsical yet challenging, highlighting the game's intriguing introduction and subtle secrets. Although he faced some hurdles during gameplay, he felt a whimsical connection to Hornet's design, a detail that left a lasting impression on him.
As players immerse themselves in the world of Silksong, it's clear that Team Cherry has succeeded in crafting a sequel that not only honors its predecessor but also pushes the boundaries of gameplay and design. With varied opinions from the Eurogamer team, it's evident that Silksong is a multifaceted experience that offers something for everyone, solidifying its place in the gaming landscape. Stay tuned for more updates and deeper insights as we continue our journey through this enchanting universe!
