Upon first glance, Hollow Knight appeared to be just another indie game with a fun-looking aesthetic and a decent eShop discount. Initially, I enjoyed the movement and combat mechanics, as well as the sense of exploration within Hallownest. However, after spending 20 hours in the game, I realized that it was merely a “good time” and not the life-changing experience that others claimed it to be. With news of a sequel on the horizon, I decided to revisit the game and see if I had missed something crucial in my initial playthrough.
In my first playthrough, my focus was on completing objectives quickly and efficiently. I ignored the environmental storytelling and rushed through the game, only to find myself stuck and eventually losing interest. This time around, I took a different approach. Instead of rushing to tick off Dreamers from my list, I decided to explore every nook and cranny of Hallownest at a leisurely pace. By marking areas of interest on my map with pins, I was able to plan my exploration more effectively and truly immerse myself in the world.
Through this more methodical and explorative approach, I uncovered the true beauty of Hallownest. The worldbuilding and lore that I had previously overlooked became the focal point of my playthrough. I delved deeper into the history and backstory of the kingdom, piecing together the intricate narratives hidden within the game. The design of Hallownest itself emerged as the true genius of Hollow Knight, rather than just its combat and movement mechanics.
As I immersed myself in the lore of the game, I found myself emotionally invested in the characters and the world of Hallownest. The rich storytelling and detailed worldbuilding evoked a deep sense of sadness and connection within me. The Kingdom’s Edge music, once just background noise, now stirred genuine emotion within me. The NPCs and their individual arcs became integral to my experience, leading me to develop a deep attachment to the fictional bugs that populated the game.
After 22 hours of exploration, discovery, and emotional investment, I completed the game with the “Hollow Knight” ending. While there is still more to uncover with the Dream Nail, I felt content with where I left things, albeit emotionally drained. Through this journey of rediscovery and exploration, I came to appreciate the depth and complexity of Hollow Knight in a way that I had not previously imagined.
Hollow Knight is not just a metroidvania game with solid mechanics; it is a richly detailed world full of hidden stories and emotional depth. By taking the time to explore every corner of Hallownest and uncover its secrets, players can truly appreciate the masterpiece that is Hollow Knight. It is a game that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to dive deep into its lore and worldbuilding.
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