Overview

Originally published in June 2018 and republished to coincide with a free Switch 2 upgrade, Hollow Knight remains a standout example of modern Metroidvania design. Team Cherry's indie title combines austere, hand-crafted visuals with demanding exploration and combat, producing an experience that feels both intimate and vast.

Art, Atmosphere and Worldbuilding

The game's art direction is immediately striking. Characters and environments are rendered in a deceptively simple, almost storybook style that belies the depth of the world beneath the surface. Ambient sound design and a sparse, melancholic score work in tandem to create a pervasive sense of loneliness and mystery. Each new area conveys personality through visual cues and environmental storytelling, encouraging slow, deliberate navigation rather than constant hand-holding.

Sponsored

Gameplay and Mechanics

Movement and platforming are tight and responsive, while combat centres on the Nail — a deceptively versatile melee tool. Encounters demand timing, spatial awareness and the judicious use of charms, which alter playstyle and provide meaningful character customisation. Exploration is rewarded with new abilities that open previously inaccessible regions, and the map system gradually becomes an indispensable companion as more of the interconnected world is revealed.

Difficulty and Progression

Hollow Knight sits at the tougher end of the indie-platform spectrum. Bosses often require repeated attempts, with design that favours pattern recognition and precision over brute force. Death carries weight but not punishment to the point of frustration; progression feels fair because failures teach rather than merely punish. Optional content provides significant additional challenge for players seeking extended playtime.

Technical Performance on Switch

The original Switch release offers an excellent portable rendition of the game, with occasional frame dips in the busiest encounters but otherwise a solid experience. Save points (benches) and checkpoints are well placed, and controls port neatly to Joy-Con and Pro Controller layouts.

Switch 2 Free Upgrade — Brief Impressions

The free Switch 2 upgrade improves the package with noticeable polish. Performance feels smoother and frame-rate stability is better in hectic set-pieces, while the presentation benefits from crisper visuals on the new hardware. The upgrade preserves the game's core design and pacing, making the title feel more at home on the updated console without altering the experience players enjoyed on the original Switch.

Verdict

Hollow Knight is a rare indie success that marries striking art and atmosphere to ruthlessly satisfying design. Exploration, combat and reward systems interlock in ways that keep progression engaging across dozens of hours. The free Switch 2 upgrade increases the technical polish but leaves the heart of the game intact. Hollow Knight stands as one of the finest Metroidvanias available on Nintendo platforms and represents essential value for players interested in challenging, thoughtfully crafted adventure.