Why Hollow Knight: Silksong Is a Masterpiece of Gameplay and Art
Where to even start with Hollow Knight: Silksong! 2025 has already been one of the best years in gaming history, with some of my favorite games dropping and even more still on the way. I think everyone was shocked when Team Cherry finally revealed the release date for Silksong. I had no idea I’d be playing it this year, let alone that it would instantly become one of my favorite games.
Team Cherry has methodically designed the levels and difficulty to near perfection, creating one of the most polished Metroidvania experiences I’ve ever played. You can feel the love and care they’ve poured into this game over the last 7-8 years. It proves what true passion and the pure joy of creating can bring to life.
So many aspects have been fine-tuned and improved from the original Hollow Knight. This time, the story is much more accessible and easier to follow. I’m glad Team Cherry had the budget and time to create such beautiful cutscenes, because they really help tie everything together and make Silksong feel like a complete Metroidvania experience.
I can only sing this game’s praises. What are you waiting for?
My Rating
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10/10
Pros
- Gorgeous hand-drawn and Luscious Worlds.
- Some of the best boss fights in modern gaming.
- Amazing soundtrack by Christopher Larkin.
- Tight, responsive combat and refined mechanics.
- Meticulously crafted and highly polished from start to finish.
- Tons of rewarding side quests, secrets, and discoveries to be made.
- Act 3 is an absolute standout highlight.
- And honestly, the list could go on and on.
Cons
- The high difficulty curve may not be for everyone.
- Souls-like elements, such as long runbacks after death, can be tedious.
- No Pantheon Mode (yet). If you're reading this, Team Cherry, we want it in a DLC!
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong Really That Hard?
Yes - Silksong is definetly hard. But the difficulty is designed in a way that makes you want to persevere. That first boss that wipes you out in seconds and feels impossible? Give it time. You’ll die over and over, but you’ll start to learn the patterns, get further each attempt, and before you know it, you’re consistently reaching the second phase, and then before you know it you defeated it!
It’s not just the bosses, either. Some of the platforming challenges are brutal, especially when they lead directly into a tough boss fight. But for players willing to push through, Silksong offers unmatched reward. Few games deliver the same level of satisfaction after a hard-fought victory.
On a small side note, I’ve been thinking more and more about the difficulty in Silksong and how many of us have persevered through some tough challenges, or even managed to beat Act 3 at 100%. If we can push ourselves to that extent in a game, just imagine what we could do if we seriously put our minds to a project we’ve always wanted to work on or a goal we’ve been chasing. Some of the challenges in Silksong are no joke, and I think that same level of perseverance can carry over into real life to help us level up.
Alright, with that ramble out of the way, let’s continue the review!
The Silksong Soundtrack: A Masterpiece by Christopher Larkin
The Silksong soundtrack was masterfully created by Christopher Larkin, and it proves once again how music in a video game can completely elevate the experience. For me, I know a soundtrack is special when a song keeps looping in my head for days or even weeks, and Silksong has plenty of those moments.
Since the release of the game I have almost exclusively been listening to the Since the game’s release, I’ve almost exclusively been listening to the soundtrack while working, running errands, and even during my runs. It’s that good.
Here are my top three tracks from the game:
1 - Lace
Easily my favorite track from Silksong! I’ve already listened to it hundreds of times on Spotify, and it never gets old. Christopher Larkin absolutely nailed the energy and intensity here, it’s the kind of song that sticks in your head long after the boss fight is over.
2 - Choral Chambers
This one comes in as a very close second for me. Choral Chambers has such a haunting yet beautiful atmosphere that instantly pulls you back into the world of Silksong. It’s the kind of track that lingers with you long after you’ve left the area, perfectly capturing that mix of wonder and unease the game is known for.
3 – Bilewater
This area was a painful experience, a tough boss with an extra long runback that tested my patience. But Bilewater soundtrack made those moments bearable. At first, it feels unsettling and even gave me Binding of Isaac vibes, but then it shifts into something beautiful and peaceful, almost like Choral Chambers. It’s the perfect mix of struggle and serenity, showing how Christopher Larkin’s music makes even the hardest parts of Silksong unforgettable.
What are your favourites from the soundtrack? Let me know in the comments.
Why Silksong Has Some of the Best Boss Fights in Gaming
ilksong has some of the most fun and memorable boss fights in gaming! You might start off getting absolutely annihilated within the first few seconds of a new encounter, but little by little you begin to learn the patterns. Before you know it, you’re dodging like a pro and landing the final blow. That feeling of growth and payoff is what makes these fights so satisfying.
There are so many incredible bosses in Silksong that it’s tough to pick just three, but here are my personal favorites:
1 - Lace
All of the Lace boss fights are my absolute favorites! The mix of an epic soundtrack and anime-style, fast paced battles makes every encounter unforgettable. What makes them even more special is Lace herself. She is such a cool and memorable character that I can’t help but love. Facing her is not only an incredible challenge but also a highlight of Silksong.
My in game screenshots taken from the Switch 2.
2 - Widow
Both Widow boss fights are just so much fun! They bring that same anime-style, fast paced intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The soundtrack for these fights might not have cracked my top three, but it would easily take the fourth spot. Widow is such a fierce and unforgettable character, and battling her is an experience I’ll never forget.
My gameplay taken on my Switch 2.
3 - Clockwork Dancers
I loved the Clockwork Dancers, but the Clover Dancers in Act 3 take everything to another level and make the fight so much more fun. What really sets these battles apart is the emotional depth that builds as you progress through Chapter 2 and then into Chapter 3. By the time you reach the Clover Dancers, you don’t just feel like you are fighting another boss. You feel the weight of the story, the buildup, and the emotion behind the encounter. It turns an already amazing fight into something truly unforgettable.
My gameplay taken on my Switch 2.
What are your favourite boss fights? Let me know in the comments.
What to Play After Hollow Knight: Silksong
Just finished Silksong and already itching to feel that same rush again? If that’s you, here are a few games I’d recommend. I’ve always felt that reviews should include a recommendation section to help players discover similar games worth their time.
1 - Celeste
If you are looking for one of the most challenging games to 100%, look no further. Celeste is easily one of the hardest games of all time, and that’s before you even touch the DLC. I racked up more deaths there than I can count, and yet I loved every second of it. Much like Silksong, it tests your perseverance and rewards you for sticking with the challenge. The soundtrack is a true master tier achievement, one of the best in gaming. If you want a game that pushes your skills while moving you with its music and story, I highly recommend this one.
2 - Cupped
I recommend Cuphead for its fun and brutally challenging boss fights. At its core, Cuphead is a boss rush game, and if you are as crazy as me to push for 100% completion with an S-rank on every boss, this one will test your limits and make you question how far you are willing to go. It is stylish, tough, and incredibly rewarding once you finally land those perfect runs.
3 - Dandara
One of my favorite Metroidvanias, Dandara is a hidden gem that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. It delivers an epic soundtrack, some truly memorable boss fights, and a unique movement system that makes it stand out from the rest. If you loved Silksong and want another Metroidvania that blends challenge with creativity, this is one I highly recommend checking out.
4 - Deltarune
This might not be the closest comparison to Silksong, but since it is my favorite game of all time and it is not even fully complete yet, I just have to include it here. Some of the bosses in Deltarune (no spoilers) rank among the hardest I have ever faced, and they left me with the same sense of challenge and reward that I love in Silksong.
If you enjoyed Undertale and never jumped into Deltarune, now is your chance. I loved Undertale, but I completely fell in love with the characters, story, music, and every single aspect of Deltarune.
5 - Hollow Knight
This one is a no brainer. If you played Silksong but never tried Hollow Knight, then this is the perfect recommendation. It is the game that started it all, and you will quickly understand why it was hailed as one of the best indie gems of all time. From its sprawling world to its unforgettable soundtrack and challenging boss fights, Hollow Knight remains a must-play for anyone who loves Metroidvanias.
Let me know in the comments if you want more game recommendations.
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