Summary
Team Cherry’sHollow Knight: Silksongdoesn’t currently have an official release window, but all eyes remain fixated on the sequel’s debut. Although the highly anticipated Metroidvania was expected to debut in the first half of 2023, the studio has been transparent about taking the necessary time to make the game as good as possible. Unfortunately, since this announcement over a year ago,updates onSilksong’s development progresshave been scarce.
Notably, given how advanced the platformer seemed in the 2019 demo, many speculate that 2024 could be the yearSilksongis finally released. Due to the silence from Team Cherry’s marketing team, a Q3 or Q4 release, if this is true, seems most likely. Regardless of how long it takes for the game to reach full completion,Silksongis likely to have an explosive start when it finally releases given its protagonists special abilities.
2017’s Hollow Knight Raised The Bar For Metroidvania Platformers
Silksong Is Likely To Follow in The Original’s Footsteps
Released in 2017, the indie darlingHollow Knightstunned players with its intricate combat, beautiful hand-drawn art, and rich, lore-filled world. This unexpected success likely fueled immense anticipation for the sequel, asplayers will likely expectSilksongto be of equal quality, if not better. Fortunately, Team Cherry’s meticulous development process, now exceeding five years, suggests a commitment to crafting an experience that lives up to the high bar set by the original.
Hollow Knight’s success established a strong formula for indie platformers, and Team Cherry isn’t likely to stray far from it in the sequel. This seems likely considering Hornet,introduced as the Knight’s rivalin the first game, takes center stage as the protagonist. Notably, it’s Hornet’s mysterious past and diverse skills that should allowSilksongto hit the ground running, as Hornet will likely have a deeper moveset from the start, not needing to build herself up as much as the Knight did.
Silksong’s Mechanics Already Surpass Hollow Knight’s
While the original game was praised for its exciting combat mechanics, such as the Nail and Spells,Silksongappears to be taking Hornet’s abilities a step further. The trailer for theXbox-Bethesda showcase in 2022exemplified this with never-before-seen features that included, but weren’t limited to:
Gameplay footage suggests thatHornet retains many of The Knight’s abilities, such as wall jumping, dashing, and jumping. However, she seems to exhibit greater agility, executing these actions with more finesse and reaching new heights. Arguably, the most intriguing aspect of Hornet’s kit is her Needle and Thread. She can use the Needle to slash at enemies and block attacks, while also stabbing enemies and bouncing above them.
WithSilksongfeaturing a crafting systemthat emphasizes tools over collectible Charms, it seems unlikely that items like Monarch Wings or Mothwing Cloak will be available. Fortunately, the Thread serves a dual purpose by damaging enemies and acting as a grappling hook. This should aid players in attaching to objects or reaching difficult spots.
Furthermore, Hornet is carving out a distinct identity for herself with her Bind ability. Unlike the Knight, who needed to stand still to heal, Hornet can restore her HP on the move by consuming a full spool of Silk. Not only does this Bind ability further emphasize her agility and adaptability, but it may also be an indication of the challenging environments and enemies thatthe kingdom of Pharloomwill bring. Regardless, with a more diverse kit and a wide range of movement options,Silksongis primed to be incredibly compelling upon its launch.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, and adventure through a whole new kingdom ruled by silk and song! Captured and brought to this unfamiliar world, Hornet must battle foes and solve mysteries as she ascends on a deadly pilgrimage to the kingdom’s peak.Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure. As the lethal hunter Hornet, journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover ancient secrets tied to your nature and your past.
