It’s The Little Details That Make Hollow Knight: Silksong Feel Like a Step Up

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As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as I waited seven long years for the release of “Hollow Knight: Silksong”. Given the unparalleled acclaim that its 2017 predecessor, simply known as “Hollow Knight”, has garnered as one of the greatest Metroidvanias ever created, it was clear that expectations were running high. However, I must admit that I approached “Silksong” with a touch of apprehension, knowing full well that it would be no easy task to outshine such a masterpiece. Yet, to my delight, in many aspects, “Silksong” has managed to surpass its esteemed predecessor.

In terms of enhanced mobility features, numerous life-enhancing modifications, and a visually stunning and meticulously detailed art style, Hollow Knight: Silksong stands raised above its precursor by several notches. However, it’s the subtleties that truly set Silksong apart from the original Hollow Knight. Although the major new elements and refinements might be the most apparent improvements in the sequel, there’s a more nuanced sense in which Silksong surpasses its predecessor.

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Animations Cement Hornet’s Character

The Subtle Differences Between Hornet and The Knight

In contrast to the 2017 original game Hollow Knight, the upcoming title Silksong offers a new perspective by changing the protagonist from The Knight to Hornet. From an aesthetic point of view, Hornet and The Knight are noticeably distinct in appearance, with Hornet appearing slightly taller and thinner, and having a unique head shape compared to The Knight.

Silksong, fans had already witnessed Hornet’s fighting style, as she appeared multiple times in the original Hollow Knight game as a boss battle.

Hollow Knight: Silksong Reinforces Hornet’s Differences Through Her Animations

In the new game called Silksong, fans can clearly see the significant differences between Hollow Knight’s two main characters for the first time. Right from the start, Hornet shows a nimbleness that sets her apart from The Knight in terms of movement speed. Her agility becomes immediately obvious during the early platforming challenges in Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Although Hollow Knight: Silksong’s game mechanics and control system certainly contribute to making Hornet feel unique, it’s the game’s animations that truly set it apart. Immediately upon playing, you can grab onto platform edges and promptly leap off them to increase your height. Jumping from a ledge even results in Hornet executing a sequence of somersaults mid-air.

As players advance through Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet’s acrobatic prowess becomes even more evident. In Hunter’s March, she gracefully twirls while bouncing on red flowers. Gaining the Swift Step ability enables her to swiftly traverse environments with minimal resistance, her low-slung posture optimizing her movements. Transitioning from a full sprint to a jump is equally graceful, as Hornet easily leaps in a diagonal arc, spinning elegantly mid-flight.

The built-in agility of Hornet is reflected in all the movement animations of the main character, including those that players might not give a second thought. For example, even something as basic as pressing the back button triggers a step backwards reminiscent of ‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’, followed by a change in direction for Hornet. Every small input in ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong’ serves to emphasize Hornet’s unique character design, setting her apart from the previous series protagonist. This sense of individuality is one of the standout features of the sequel.

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2025-09-08 15:47