The long-anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, Hollow Knight: Silksong, recently graced the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase with a thrilling new trailer. Centered around the gameplay of the new protagonist, Hornet, the sequel showcases a myriad of differences from its predecessor.
When fans expected a typical sequel with a new character and perhaps a couple of added mechanics, they were in for a surprise. The trailer revealed a substantial overhaul of the original Hollow Knight’s combat and movement mechanics, taking the beloved Metroidvania style to new heights.
Initially released in 2017 for PC, the original Hollow Knight garnered praise for its indie charm, drawing inspiration from gaming giants like Metroid, Mega Man X, and even a hint of Soulsborne. The game’s success soared when it hit the Nintendo Switch, lauded for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, responsive controls, atmospheric beauty, captivating soundscapes, and charming hand-drawn aesthetics.
Silksong’s trailer, a fast-paced, action-packed minute-and-a-half spectacle, introduced Hornet as she unleashed a flurry of hack-and-slash moves. Team Cherry shifted gears from the modestly paced action/exploration focus of the original to deliver an explosive action/adventure title with exploration elements. Hornet, distinct from the Knight, showcased heightened combat and movement skills, emphasizing a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
The original game provided the Knight with a standard move set, including a pogo attack, slashes, a dash, and spells. In Silksong, Hornet exhibits a beast-like ferocity, executing dash slashes, aerial combos, and Sonic-like spins, along with a range of projectile attacks. Hornet’s combat toolkit far surpasses the Knight’s, allowing seamless transitions between different skills.
While combat takes center stage, Silksong also highlights Hornet’s acrobatic prowess. Compared to the original, there is a renewed emphasis on faster traversal, with Hornet’s ability to dash faster, jump higher, and grapple to distant objects using her needle and thread-like weapon. Each action contributes to Hornet’s survival, with deliberate bouncing off enemies leading to new paths. The trailer teases acrobatic set pieces, such as a vertical lava chase sequence, injecting a sense of urgency absent in the original Hollow Knight.
Team Cherry appears to have delivered on its promise to transform Silksong into a more approachable game within the Hollow Knight universe. Despite the increased focus on high-speed gameplay, the sequel retains the spirit and style of the original while evolving and expanding its appeal. Silksong may differ significantly from its predecessor, but these changes contribute to a promising recipe for success, captivating action/adventure enthusiasts everywhere.