Summary

    • Hollow Knight excels in atmospheric storytelling and patient world-building, letting players get immersed in the environment throughout the exploration. 
    • Silksong offers refined mechanics, enhanced mobility, brighter visuals, and sophisticated music while retaining the challenging gameplay.
    • Both games serve different purposes, with Hollow Knight as the franchise’s foundation, while Silksong evolves previous gameplay.

So, which should you play between Hollow Knight vs Silksong? After years of waiting, Team Cherry finally released the sequel to the beloved Metroidvania franchise, Hollow Knight. With both games now available, which title delivers a far superior experience than the other? Here is a review of Hollow Knight and Silksong to see what changes and which is better. 

Diagonal Slash Against Downward Slash

It will not be a review without taking a look at Hollow Knight and Silksong core gameplay. If you previously played Hollow Knight, you will instantly notice the difference in its slash mechanics. In the original series, The Knight, Hollow Knight’s protagonist, featured a straightforward downward slash.

On the other hand, Silksong offers a different experience with its Hornet’s diagonal slash, rewiring previous gameplay. It is more agile than The Knight with its enhanced mobility options, including a backstep. This somehow resembles the existing mechanic in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. 

Silksong feels more challenging as the enemies deal greater damage alongside other environmental hazards. They also overhauled the energy system, making healing and spells drawn from the same silk gauge. You will need to carefully strategize on its usage to prevent emptying your gauge.

However, Silksong’s combat relies on pattern recognition similar to the original Hollow Knight gameplay. But Hornet has an expanded moveset, which offers tactical variety to players. So, veteran players may struggle to grasp the new mechanic and unlearn Hollow Knight’s.

Monotone Fallen Kingdom vs Vibrant Moss Grotto

There’s no doubt about it that Team Cherry has outstanding artistic vision when it comes to the Hollow Knight franchise. From the original version, they displayed exceptional visuals that caught the attention of gamers. Now, they took it to the next level with Silksong to create that stark difference between the games’ visuals.

In Hollow Knight, the Hallownest exhibits a decaying and melancholic environment with its muted color palette. This complements the fallen kingdom theme, appearing monotonous and oppressive. It became impactful to the core experience, creating an impression among players.

Meanwhile, Silksong has a brighter approach after taking players into Pharloom’s diverse environment. Some early areas, like Moss Grotto, feature lush greenery and vibrant colors while keeping the signature ominous undertones. Plus, it has denser environmental details and more dynamic lighting effects than the original.

For some, the brightness diminishes the oppressive atmosphere that made Hollow Knight iconic to them. While others appreciate the upgrade in Silksong’s graphics, making it more refined and polished over the years. 

Isolation and Mystery Or Haunting Yet Ethereal Sound?

Besides the environment, the Hollow Knight franchise particularly stands out for its impressive compositions. Team Cherry primarily works with Christopher Larkin on compositions used for both games’ soundtracks. Hollow Knight and Silksong execute different feels but have the same outstanding sound. 

An ambient and atmospheric soundtrack filled the silence in Hollow Knight’s gameplay, adding to the oppressive environment. The tracks merged perfectly with the world-building, introducing the isolated and mysterious vibes. 

Meanwhile, Larkin expanded on this for Silksong by adding a haunting and ethereal touch to it. So, it blends with Pharloom’s harsh and vibrant setting, making it distinguishable from the original soundtrack. However, Hollow Knight has a slight edge over Silksong with its music that makes players pause to absorb the atmosphere.

The Hallownest and Pharloom

On storybuilding, Hollow Knight took its time to craft the narrative, building on it as you go through the game. While it has minimal context, you can piece them together with the help of environmental clues and cryptic dialogue. Initially, it is challenging to many players, but later on creates a rewarding experience for those who unveil the mysteries.

Not only does it offer a different world exploration, but Silksong also serves as slightly more accessible. Hornet brings a different energy compared to the silent journey introduced with The Knight. Her voice adds personality to her character, while maintaining the series’ mysterious tone. 

In the beginning, the Pharloom appears hostile while granting generous save points and guidance. They both excel at creating rich, interconnected worlds, rewarding explorations, and surprising hazards. Still, Hollow Knight may have a slight advantage when it comes to narrative depth over the new story arc in Silksong. 

The Verdict: Different Strengths for Different Players

Rather than offering a similar gameplay experience, Team Cherry made it different for their latest release. As seen in this Hollow Knight vs Silksong review, the latter offers fresh mechanics and a more vibrant environment. Although it still retains some of Hollow Knight’s elements, Hornet takes you to Pharloom for a new exploration experience. 

So, which is better between the two? If you prefer the dark, ominous vibes, then Hollow Knight should be your gaming choice. Meanwhile, play Silksong if you like its vibrant, faster gameplay, which lacks in the original title.

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Hi there, it’s Stal! If you loved that article, make sure to check out these other articles I’ve written just for you. See you there!

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