REVIEW – It’s nearly impossible to talk about Team Cherry’s game without resorting to superlatives. Yes, the wait was long, but the price is fair, and it absolutely deserves its success across all platforms. No exaggeration: this is almost certainly the game of the year, and the long wait for the Hollow Knight sequel has paid off. The original 2017 release was already good, but the sequel raised the bar to an entirely new level.

For Metroidvania fans, there’s no debate: this is a must-buy. Period.

Hornet in the Kingdom of Pharloom

The returning character from the first game finds herself in a cursed land, where many attempt to climb to the citadel’s summit. She does the same, but it’s fair to say that narrative strength isn’t HK:S’s strongest suit — and that’s not a major issue. Hornet speaks, which already sets her apart from the silent protagonist of the first game, giving her a sharp personality. This motivates players to explore the world and uncover its backstory, rather than having the story handed directly to them.

Is the game difficult? That’s subjective. What some find manageable, others may find brutal. HK:S demands attention and mastery, and aerial control plays a crucial role in that. In one word, the controls are perfect. Combat also offers little to complain about, as there are rich customization options. Hornet’s skills include softer landings, a grappling hook for mobility, and ground sprints. Quick reactions are mandatory, but the game always communicates what’s needed to survive. You’ll never feel lost. Timing is everything, and while good players may stumble, excellent ones can put on a performance that’s as thrilling to watch as it is to play.

Mistakes are costly: a sudden attack can drain two hearts of health, but healing also restores more, rewarding risk-taking with greater payoffs. Crests provide further customization. These special items can only be swapped at rest points, altering Hornet’s abilities and playstyle. No single build is universally optimal, pushing players to experiment and embrace different approaches. Exploration never feels dull thanks to stellar level design. With a 2D perspective, the developers have crafted visually rich, atmospheric areas, filled with branching paths and hidden rewards.

When the Hours Just Fly By

One of the best ideas is allowing players to mark inaccessible areas on the map, signaling places worth revisiting later. This reduces the frustration of aimless backtracking. Still, HK:S isn’t perfect. Side quests, known as Wishes, often disappoint. While a few are engaging, most devolve into repetitive tasks like transporting items without teleportation or defeating a set number of enemies. It can feel monotonous and draining.

The game features two currencies: Rosaries for shop purchases and Shell Shards for crafting ammo. Scarcity isn’t an issue later on. On the audiovisual front, HK:S excels. The visuals are stunning — not hyper-realistic, but striking and stylistically refined. The soundtrack is equally strong, delivering varied and atmospheric compositions whether you’re fighting bosses or exploring Pharloom’s haunting landscapes. It’s no wonder the eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam all staggered under demand on launch day.

Undoubtedly the Metroidvania of the Year

Flawless platforming, beautiful world design, memorable bosses, and constant challenge — Silksong surpasses its predecessor in every way. That’s why it easily earns a 9/10. If the side quests had been stronger, it could have reached a 9.5/10. Still, 92% is an outstanding score, and it has a real shot at Game of the Year at The Game Awards. Team Cherry has embarrassed the AAA industry: it’s not €70, but €20. No Denuvo DRM, just an honest single-player adventure (though supporting the devs by buying it is strongly recommended). No live service grind, just a captivating story-driven journey.

-V-

Developer: Team Cherry
Publisher: Team Cherry
Genre: Metroidvania
Release Date: September 4, 2025