Hollow Knight: Silksong HANDS-ON PREVIEW: The Game You’ve Been Waiting For is Worth The Wait

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Just like you, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Hollow Knight: Silksong for what seems like an age. To be honest, it really has been years since we first heard about Silksong. The highly anticipated Metroidvania sequel was initially announced in 2019, but we didn’t get much news about the game for quite some time. This year, though, there’s been a lot more buzz surrounding it, and it all came to a head when I had the privilege of playing Hollow Knight: Silksong during my exclusive preview at Gamescom 2025.

The game Hollow Knight proved utterly enchanting. Indeed, it was yet another Metroidvania title, emphasizing exploration and acquiring new skills for continued advancement. However, its charming and innocent visual aesthetic, endearing main character, and challenging combat create an intriguing contrast. It garnered praise upon release and remains widely acclaimed even today.

Its legacy can only last so long before people want more—cue Silksong.

Sing me a Sweet Silksong

At Gamescom 2025, it turned out that Hollow Knight: Silksong could be played. To experience this anticipated sequel, I waited patiently in a grueling line of more than two hours. Despite being an independent game, the enthusiasm and lengthy wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong are unlike anything we’ve seen recently – I truly adore Hollow Knight!

The demo version provides two starting points: one at the beginning of the game and another later on. As an experienced player in the Metroidvania genre (if only in my dreams), I chose to dive right into the challenging depths instead of following the usual route, leaving some wondering if it was a bold move or mere recklessness. You can decide for yourself whether it was ego or folly at play.

In a matter of moments, playing Ori felt remarkably similar to Hollow Knight. Out of all the games I’ve encountered, only Hollow Knight seems to be its equal when it comes to visual appeal. The presentation is absolutely stunning, with action happening both on and off-screen, and each scene bursting with a vibrant array of hues and tones. Many games I’ve played have been technically sound but visually unremarkable, while Ori and the Will of the Wisp (Silksong) stands out as silky smooth and captivating.

Crushing Combat Will Question Your Ability

From my perspective, there’s no significant change in terms of gameplay. Hornet feels as smooth to maneuver as our previous version did, and within moments, I was hacking through rocks, amassing my earnings, and uncovering hidden paths, shortcuts, and narrowly escaping lava-surrounded materials.

In just a short while, I’ll be plunged into a mini-boss fight. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to practice or prepare, so I’ve been rapidly learning the controls. The enemy is starting off easy but is quickly escalating in complexity. Amazingly, I manage to win, feeling rather self-satisfied – this battle usually isn’t meant to be tackled until much later in the game. I skillfully strike with Hornet and swiftly decipher the opponent’s attack strategies. My initial uncertainty transforms into certainty, and I feel ready to face any boss that this demo has to offer on this side.

The addictive gameplay is back in action! Hornet’s swift dodges, leaps, and quick moves are essential tools in her combat repertoire. Utilizing her agility and slender physique to dodge enemy attacks is a signature trait that sets her apart. These techniques were crucial elements of what made the original game so unique and enjoyable for players. After discovering a key and opening up a new route, I face off against the boss-Lace.

Let me get straight to the point: I frequently find myself meeting an untimely end during my gameplay sessions, as I struggle to keep up with Lace’s moves. Unlike some bosses in Souls-like games, her attack patterns aren’t excessively complex or staggered, but rather require rapid button presses and frantic maneuvers reminiscent of a medieval weapon being wielded wildly.

With each defeat, I drew nearer to the triumphant struggle, and if given a few more attempts, I believe I could have outmatched the character’s power. However, that’s the charm of it, isn’t it? The Hollow Knight bosses don’t prolong fights for 5-10 minutes, but they still leave you content with your quest for victory, and you continue to fight on. In the end, I concluded my Silksong Gamescom 2025 preview with a smile.

For ardent Hollow Knight enthusiasts, it’s likely that they will find themselves enamored with Silksong as well. Could you, dear Team Cherry, kindly inform us about the expected release date?

On a scale from 1 to 10, how excited are you about Hollow Knight: Silksong? Is Hollow Knight one of those exceptional indie games that stands the test of time? Could Silksong possibly surpass it? I’d love to hear your opinions through TopMob forum.

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2025-08-21 01:18