Hollow Knight: Silksong (PS5) Review - A Masterpiece in Motion, Silky Smooth and Worth Every Second of the Wait
It feels like an epoch has passed since Hollow Knight: Silksong was first unveiled. The whispers began, the anticipation built, and now, as we delve into this highly anticipated sequel on the PlayStation 5, we can confidently declare that the wait, while agonizing at times, has proven to be an investment in unparalleled gaming excellence. Hollow Knight: Silksong is not merely a follow-up; it is an evolution, a refinement, and an expansion of everything that made its predecessor a bona fide cult classic, solidifying Team Cherry’s position as masters of the metroidvania genre.
The Unfolding Narrative of Hornet’s Quest in Pharloom
At its core, Hollow Knight: Silksong shifts the narrative spotlight from the silent Knight to the agile and enigmatic Hornet. Having been ripped from her homeland and transported to the strange and perilous kingdom of Pharloom, Hornet finds herself in a land dominated by silk and song. This new setting is not merely a backdrop; it is a character in itself, pulsating with its own unique history, lore, and a pervasive sense of faded glory. The journey through Pharloom is a deeply personal one for Hornet, driven by a quest for answers and an urgent desire to escape her newfound confinement.
The storytelling in Silksong is as subtle and evocative as in the original. Environmental details, fleeting dialogues with the denizens of Pharloom, and the cryptic lore tablets scattered throughout the world weave a rich tapestry that players are encouraged to unravel at their own pace. We are not spoon-fed exposition; instead, we are invited to piece together the fragments, forming our own understanding of Pharloom’s intricate past and the forces that now hold sway. This narrative approach fosters a profound sense of discovery and investment, making the player’s journey as much about uncovering the world’s secrets as it is about mastering its challenges. The introduction of a more prominent and vocal protagonist in Hornet adds a new dimension to the narrative, allowing for more direct character development and a different perspective on the unfolding events. Her resilience, her determination, and her innate grace are palpable throughout her journey, making her a compelling figure to guide through this alien landscape.
Pharloom: A Realm of Unseen Dangers and Breathtaking Beauty
Pharloom is a kingdom unlike Hallownest, yet it carries the same melancholic beauty and hidden dangers that defined the original’s world. From the shimmering, bioluminescent caverns to the crumbling, wind-swept ruins, each new area is meticulously crafted, brimming with intricate detail and a palpable atmosphere. The art style, while retaining the distinctive charm of Team Cherry’s work, introduces a fresh palette of colors and thematic elements that differentiate it from the subterranean depths of Hallownest. Expect to traverse through lush, overgrown forests, traverse treacherous cliffsides, and delve into the eerie depths of forgotten temples, each presenting its own unique set of environmental puzzles and combat encounters.
The world design in Silksong is, once again, a masterclass in interconnectedness. Areas seamlessly flow into one another, rewarding exploration with hidden paths, shortcuts, and valuable resources. The sense of verticality and horizontal expansion is expertly balanced, ensuring that players are constantly discovering new routes and revisiting previously explored areas with newfound abilities. The introduction of new traversal mechanics further enhances this exploration, allowing Hornet to navigate Pharloom in ways that were previously unimaginable. This intricate level design encourages a deep dive into every nook and cranny, a hallmark of the metroidvania genre that Silksong embraces and elevates. The sheer density of detail within each environment is staggering; subtle animations, ambient sounds, and the dynamic lighting all contribute to an immersive experience that draws you further into the world of Pharloom.
Hornet’s Arsenal: A Dance of Death and Precision
Hornet is a fundamentally different combatant from the Knight, and Silksong masterfully translates this into a fluid and exhilarating combat system. Her signature needle and silk-based abilities form the core of her offensive and defensive repertoire. The combat is faster, more acrobatic, and demands a keen understanding of enemy patterns and Hornet’s own expanded move set. We are treated to a wider array of attacks, dodges, and special moves that allow for a more aggressive and improvisational playstyle. Mastering Hornet’s abilities is key to survival, and the game provides ample opportunities to hone these skills against increasingly formidable foes.
The sheer variety of enemy types is astonishing. Pharloom is populated by a diverse ecosystem of creatures, each with unique attack patterns, weaknesses, and behaviors. From the smallest skirmishers to the colossal guardians of ancient ruins, no two encounters feel quite the same. Boss battles, a cornerstone of the Hollow Knight experience, are elevated to new heights in Silksong. These are not mere DPS checks; they are intricate ballets of evasion and attack, demanding that players learn the tells, predict movements, and exploit every opening with precision. The satisfaction of overcoming a particularly challenging boss, after countless attempts and a deeper understanding of their mechanics, is immense and incredibly rewarding. The PS5 version of Silksong benefits from the DualSense controller, offering haptic feedback that further immerses players in the heat of battle, making each parry, dodge, and successful strike feel visceral.
The Craftsmanship of Gameplay: Exploration, Progression, and Customization
Hollow Knight: Silksong refines the core gameplay loop of exploration, combat, and progression with an expert hand. The world is punctuated by bonfires—or in this case, echoes of lost souls—that serve as checkpoints and places to rest, heal, and manage your inventory. The discovery of new abilities and tools is intrinsically tied to your progression through Pharloom, opening up new pathways and encouraging backtracking with a purpose. The feeling of unlocking a new movement ability and immediately envisioning how it will help you access previously unreachable areas is incredibly satisfying.
The crafting system in Silksong is a welcome addition that adds another layer of depth to character progression. By collecting various materials and remnants scattered throughout Pharloom, players can forge new tools, upgrade existing ones, and create potent charms that alter Hornet’s abilities and combat style. This allows for a highly personalized approach to gameplay, enabling players to tailor Hornet to their preferred playstyle. Whether you favor swift, evasive combat, powerful, ranged attacks, or a more defensive, tank-like approach, the charm system provides the means to achieve it. Experimenting with different charm combinations to overcome specific challenges is a deeply engaging aspect of the game, encouraging replayability and rewarding thoughtful build customization. We found ourselves constantly revisiting shops and scavenging for elusive crafting components, driven by the desire to unlock the next advantageous synergy.
A Symphony of Sound and Visuals: Immersion Redefined
Team Cherry’s commitment to artistic excellence is on full display in Hollow Knight: Silksong. The hand-drawn animation is fluid and expressive, breathing life into every character and creature. The environments are painterly and atmospheric, each biome possessing a distinct visual identity that is both beautiful and haunting. The attention to detail in the character designs, animations, and environmental textures is simply breathtaking. On the PS5, the visual fidelity is further enhanced, with crisp resolutions and smooth frame rates that make the intricate details of Pharloom pop.
The sound design and musical score are equally integral to the immersive experience. The ambient sounds of Pharloom—the rustling of leaves, the distant cries of unseen creatures, the gentle flow of water—create a living, breathing world. Christopher Larkin’s return as composer is a monumental triumph. The soundtrack for Silksong is a masterpiece in its own right, perfectly capturing the emotional spectrum of Hornet’s journey. From soaring, epic themes during boss battles to melancholic melodies during moments of quiet reflection, the music elevates every aspect of the game, underscoring the drama, the wonder, and the peril of Pharloom. We found ourselves humming the various leitmotifs long after we had put the controller down, a testament to its lasting impact.
The PS5 Experience: Enhanced Immersion and Seamless Performance
Playing Hollow Knight: Silksong on the PlayStation 5 is, in a word, silky smooth. The performance is remarkably stable, with a consistent frame rate that ensures every dodge, dash, and attack registers with pinpoint accuracy. This is crucial in a game where split-second timing can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The loading times are virtually non-existent, allowing for uninterrupted exploration and immediate immersion into the world of Pharloom.
Furthermore, the DualSense controller adds a new layer of tactile feedback that deepens the player’s connection to the game. The adaptive triggers can provide resistance during charged attacks, while the haptic feedback can convey the impact of Hornet’s needle striking an enemy, the rumble of a colossal boss’s footsteps, or the subtle sensation of traversing different terrains. This enhanced immersion is not merely a novelty; it actively contributes to the overall gameplay experience, making combat feel more impactful and exploration more grounded. The 3D audio capabilities of the PS5 also shine, allowing for precise directional sound cues that further enhance situational awareness, a vital component in surviving Pharloom’s treacherous landscapes.
A Worthy Successor: Building Upon a Legacy
Hollow Knight: Silksong does not simply retread the ground of its predecessor; it builds upon its foundations with confidence and creativity. The core tenets of what made Hollow Knight so beloved—intricate world design, challenging yet rewarding combat, a sense of profound discovery, and a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere—are all present and accounted for, and in many ways, improved. The introduction of new mechanics, a fresh narrative perspective, and a vibrant new world ensures that Silksong feels both familiar and exhilaratingly new.
The sheer scope of Silksong is impressive. The world of Pharloom feels vast and brimming with secrets, offering dozens of hours of engaging gameplay for those who wish to explore every corner. The difficulty curve is, as expected, challenging but fair. The game respects the player’s intelligence and rewards perseverance, making each triumph feel earned. For fans of the original, Silksong is an absolute must-play. For newcomers to the Hollow Knight universe, this sequel serves as an exceptional entry point, showcasing the brilliance of Team Cherry’s design philosophy.
Conclusion: Silksong is a Triumph of Indie Development
Hollow Knight: Silksong on the PS5 is a monumental achievement in video game design. Team Cherry has delivered a sequel that not only meets but exceeds the stratospheric expectations set by its predecessor. The intricate world of Pharloom, the fluid and demanding combat, the rich lore, and the breathtaking presentation all combine to create an unforgettable experience. It is a game that demands your attention, rewards your dedication, and leaves an indelible mark on your gaming memory. The wait has been long, the anticipation immense, but the reality of Hollow Knight: Silksong is even sweeter. This is not just a game; it is an artistic statement, a testament to the power of independent development, and a truly silky smooth masterpiece that is absolutely worth every second of the wait. We have no doubt that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be remembered as one of the defining titles of this console generation, a shining example of how to craft a sequel that honors its legacy while forging its own unforgettable path. The kingdom of Pharloom awaits, and its secrets are yours to uncover.