Hollow Knight
Steam Description:
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Episode Summary:
Exploring the Vast Ruined Kingdom of Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a metroidvania game that offers players a sense of wonder and discovery as they explore a vast ruined kingdom filled with unique creatures and secrets. Developed by Ari Gibson and William Pellen, the game was funded through Kickstarter and has gained popularity for its hand-drawn 2D style and non-linear exploration mechanics. Players must acquire special items and abilities to unlock new areas, making for a rewarding and immersive gameplay experience.
The mechanics and exploration in Hollow Knight are top-notch, with smooth movement abilities, a unique health and mana system, and the introduction of charms that enhance gameplay. The game's story, while not central, provides glimpses of the lore and keeps players engaged.
Exploration and Charms in Hollow Knight
The game features 45 charms that offer various effects, such as providing protection and changing interactions with characters. Charms can be equipped to customize gameplay, but overcharming can lead to taking double damage. The combat mechanics are simple but responsive, allowing for strategic and agile movements. The game does not provide a map initially, making exploration and navigation challenging, but eventually players can purchase maps for each area and equip a compass charm to help with navigation.
Backtracking and lack of a map can make navigating difficult in Hollow Knight, but the joy of finding Cornifer and the music and atmosphere of the game are standout features. The game offers some forms of quick travel, such as stagways and a dream gate, but there are still frustrating moments of retreading old ground. Overall, while Hollow Knight may not be the best metroidvania, it has a unique atmosphere and memorable elements that make it popular.
Marry or Make Love
Hollow Knight is praised as one of the best Metroidvania games ever made, with beautiful art, incredible soundtrack, and challenging gameplay that brings a sense of accomplishment. However, some players find the lack of direction and excessive backtracking frustrating. The overall rating on Steam is 97%, indicating widespread love for the game. Both hosts rate it highly, with Josh giving it a marry and Paul giving it a make love. In terms of ranking, Paul suggests placing it around 18 or 19 on the leaderboard.
Hollow Knight's Memorable Impact in the Metroidvania Genre
The hosts discuss the impact and enjoyment of Hollow Knight as a metroidvania game. They acknowledge that while it may not be the best in the genre, it stands out as a complete and enjoyable game with memorable boss fights. They debate its placement on their leaderboard, ultimately compromising to put it at number 26. They also tease their next deep dive episode on God of War 2018.
Key Points Covered
1. Exploring the Vast Ruined Kingdom of Hollow Knight
2. Exploration and Charms in Hollow Knight
3. Make Love
4. Hollow Knight's Memorable Impact in the Metroidvania Genre
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Make Love
Josh - Marry