August 21st 2025.
As the highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong draws near, players can't help but wonder what makes this sequel so special and how it differs from the original game. Some may even question the level of excitement surrounding it. After all, while the first game was well-received, it didn't quite leave a lasting impression on everyone.
Despite our own lukewarm feelings towards the first game, it seems we are in the minority. Since the announcement of Silksong in 2019, fans have been eagerly awaiting its release - first as DLC, and then as a full-fledged sequel. Every preview event is met with high hopes of seeing Silksong in action, only to be met with disappointment when it's not featured.
Even after getting our hands on the game, we still don't have a concrete release date. However, an announcement is expected today, so we will update this article as soon as that information becomes available. With a promised release date for this year, it's safe to assume that the game is in its final stages of development. In fact, the build we played felt quite polished, with two sections available for us to try out - the Moss Grotto and the Deep Docks.
We were able to play the Deep Docks section, but we also got a glimpse of the Moss Grotto while waiting in the press area. The line to play the game was seemingly endless, and it was only for press members. For those attending Gamescom as a visitor, the wait could be even longer.
Unfortunately, this long wait only added to our disappointment when we finally got to play the game. It was... fine. Not extraordinary, not groundbreaking, just fine. The graphics had improved, with some nice visual effects, but they were still rather monochrome and uninteresting. The level design was clever but not particularly original. And the difficulty, reminiscent of Soulslike games, was a major turn-off for us.
While the insect theme was unique and intriguing, it wasn't enough to make the original game stand out among other 2D Metroidvanias. And now, with the gaming industry moving away from extreme levels of difficulty, Silksong feels like a throwback to those frustrating and merciless experiences.
The demo we played had some challenging platform jumping and a boss battle against a rapier-wielding insect named Lace. Making even a couple of mistakes would result in certain death. While this level of difficulty may appeal to some players, it's not something we find particularly enjoyable in modern games.
The biggest difference between Silksong and the original is the new playable character, Hornet. She handles quite differently, with a diagonal kick attack and a vulnerability when dashing in battle. For those who have been eagerly waiting for Silksong, this may be enough to satisfy their expectations. But for those new to the franchise, it may not live up to the hype surrounding it.
In conclusion, while Silksong may be a good game, it's not the groundbreaking experience that some fans have been anticipating. It's more of the same, with no major changes or improvements. For those who have been eagerly waiting for its release, it may be enough. But for those looking for something new and innovative, it may not meet their expectations.
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Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more updates on the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Formats: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC
Publisher: Team Cherry
Developer: Team Cherry
Release Date: TBA
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