After seven long years, “Hollow Knight: Silksong” has finally arrived, and it was worth the wait. Developer Team Cherry’s sequel to the 2017 indie classic brings back the haunting beauty, tight combat and atmospheric exploration that defined the original while refining nearly every system.

The game launched in Sept. 2025 to widespread acclaim for its precision, art direction and worldbuilding. Players have described it as both a continuation and a bold evolution of the original.

It crashed Steam, Nintendo Shop, Playstation Store and Xbox Store with it’s release due to the massive amount of downloads.

Mechanical engineering junior Sanje “Kyro” Fountain, MSU’s “Street Fighter 6” eSports player who  recently won a tournament at the Retro South Expo, called “Silksong,” “a phenomenal game that masterfully builds upon the strong foundation set by the original.”

He said the story follows Hornet, the princess of Hallownest, who is captured and taken to the mysterious land of Pharloom. After escaping, she searches for answers about her capture and the ancient Weavers who manipulate Silk, a magical substance central to the world’s lore.

Like its predecessor, “Silksong’s” story is told indirectly. Players piece together its mysteries through exploration and cryptic dialogue rather than cutscenes.

“Each room, enemy, and character holds a veil of mystery,” Fountain said. “The world feels alive. Every encounter adds something to the story.”

Fountain described Pharloom’s landscapes as both eerie and beautiful, with areas like the mechanical Cogwork Core and the quiet Choral Chambers showing the game’s range.

“Every area is designed to enamor you,” he said.

Psychology graduate and longtime fan of the series Austin Trammell was also asked for his input on the game. Both Fountain and Trammell agreed that the combat marks a major evolution.

Hornet moves faster and more gracefully, using Silk-based tools and techniques to fight unpredictable enemies.

“This game is hard,” Fountain said. “Even as someone who’s beaten Hollow Knight countless times, I was immediately humbled.”

He said the sequel was clearly made for players familiar with the challenge of the first game.

Fountain praised Hornet’s movement and platforming, calling it, “a perfectly choreographed dance.” He said it’s demanding but deeply satisfying once mastered.

Trammell also highlighted the movement system as one of the game’s best features.

“Hornet’s diagonal movement abilities add a new dimension of control and challenge. It’s so much fun to just use each new mechanic as it unlocks.” Trammell said.

Both reviewers praised the visuals and music.

“‘Silksong’s’ art direction invokes feelings of helplessness but also hope, and its soundtrack builds an atmosphere that pulls you in and immerses you completely,” Trammell said 

While the difficulty adds depth, Fountain said it can also be punishing.

“Every mistake costs you,” he said. “There were moments I had to put the game down to calm down.”

Despite that, he said the challenge feels deliberate and fair.

Fountain said the game ran flawlessly on his Asus ROG Ally with no frame drops or crashes. Trammell said his experience was also smooth and immersive.

“’Hollow Knight: Silksong’ is a must-play title for any fan of the genre,” Fountain said. “Through its lore, characters, level design, and music, it has cemented itself as one of the best games of the year.” He rated the game 9.5 out of 10.

Trammell agreed.

“The combat is challenging, but the thought-provoking story and immersive worldbuilding make it unforgettable,” he said. “I’d recommend it for the experience alone.”

Team Cherry’s long-awaited sequel delivers a haunting and heartfelt journey that rewards patience, precision, and curiosity, redefining what a modern indie game can be.