
The game Hollow Knight: Silksong is influenced by another style of gaming as well. Games like Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, which started the “Souls-like” genre – third-person action games known for their intricate mechanics – have significantly impacted the conventions and success of Hollow Knight and its sequel.
There are clear similarities, such as the use of a checkpoint system similar to bonfires and the mechanic of running past fallen enemies. However, there are also less overt connections, like the dark and depressing world filled with characters who are gradually losing their sanity.
Although Hollow Knight: Silksong might not have the exact same combat mechanics as other Souls-likes, it still offers a challenging experience, focusing on boss battles that require players to learn attack patterns and dodge effectively using I-frames (after certain upgrades).
However, there’s at least one area where Hollow Knight: Silksong truly shines, not just compared to its predecessors, but also to some of the best games in the Souls-like genre.