Hollow Knight vs. Silksong: Which Game Do You Prefer?
▼ Summary
– The article revisits a comparison between *Hollow Knight* and its sequel *Silksong*, prompted by playing a smooth Switch 2 version of the original game.
– Initially, the author’s 10/10 review of *Silksong* declared it an improvement over *Hollow Knight* in every way, praising Hornet’s abilities and superior map design.
– However, returning to *Hollow Knight* has complicated that preference, as its smaller map feels dense and its environmental storytelling is powerfully simple.
– The piece highlights that there is no clear consensus, with the editorial team itself split on which game is superior.
– It concludes by presenting a reader poll, where *Hollow Knight* currently holds a narrow lead over *Silksong* in popularity.
Returning to the hauntingly beautiful world of Hollow Knight on a new platform has sparked a fascinating debate among fans. The promise of enhanced performance on the latest hardware drew players back into the depths of Hallownest, rekindling a deep appreciation for its atmospheric storytelling and masterful world-building. This revival of interest inevitably leads to a comparison with its acclaimed sequel, Silksong, forcing a difficult choice between two exceptional games.
When Silksong launched, it seemed like the definitive answer. Team Cherry took the core brilliance of the original and expanded upon it in remarkable ways. Hornet’s acrobatic combat and versatile tools offer a faster, more fluid experience than the Knight’s methodical style. The sequel’s sprawling, interconnected world makes the first game’s map seem compact by comparison. Our own review praised it as an improvement in virtually every aspect, a sentiment that felt absolute at the time.
However, revisiting the original game has muddied those clear waters. Hollow Knight’s smaller map is incredibly dense, each area meticulously crafted to tell a silent story of a fallen kingdom. There’s a stark, elegant simplicity to its environmental narrative that remains powerfully effective. More importantly, can any sequel truly replicate the unique sense of dread from a first descent into Deepnest or the awe of discovering the City of Tears? These foundational experiences carry a weight that is hard to surpass.
The community itself appears divided. In a recent poll, a significant portion of players still champion the original, while others firmly believe the sequel’s refinements make it superior. A large group happily refuses to choose, celebrating both titles equally. This split highlights how both games excel in different areas, catering to slightly different preferences within the metroidvania genre.
Ultimately, the preference may come down to what you value most. Silksong offers refined mechanics and expansive exploration, pushing the formula forward with confidence. Hollow Knight provides an unmatched, melancholic atmosphere and a perfectly paced campaign that many consider a masterpiece of mood and design. Whether you favor the refined sequel or the timeless original, both stand as towering achievements in independent game development.
(Source: Nintendo Life)
