After an anticipation period of nearly **2,400 days**, Team Cherry’s sequel to the acclaimed indie title *Hollow Knight*, known as *Silksong*, is finally available for players. Launched on March 15, 2024, the game has attracted significant attention and prompted varied reactions from critics and players alike. As fans dive into this new installment, the excitement around *Silksong* reveals both high expectations and a mix of initial impressions.
During its development, *Silksong* transformed from a simple sequel into a cultural phenomenon, garnering intense interest while details remained scarce. Now that it is playable, the questions arise: Does it live up to the legacy of *Hollow Knight*? What can new players expect? And how does it feel to engage with a game that many believed was more myth than reality?
Initial Impressions from Players
PC Gamer writers shared their thoughts on the early hours spent in the world of *Silksong*. Harvey Randall, a staff writer, noted that the game maintains the franchise’s hallmark of fluid action and rich atmosphere. He described *Silksong* as “hard as nails” but praised Team Cherry for delivering a refined metroidvania experience. Randall expressed some frustration with the game’s mechanics, particularly the resource management aspect that can feel punishing when players lose valuable upgrades upon death.
Conversely, Evan Lahti, the strategic director at PC Gamer, approached *Silksong* as a skeptical newcomer. He found the platforming elements underwhelming compared to other titles he had played, such as *Spelunky 2* and *Dead Cells*. Lahti anticipated that movement techniques would evolve as players progress, but he emphasized the need for initial enjoyment in basic mechanics to keep players engaged.
Wes Fenlon, a senior editor, echoed Lahti’s sentiments, highlighting how *Hollow Knight’s* reputation might create unrealistic expectations for its sequel. He acknowledged that while the world appears expansive, *Silksong* does not yet seem to deliver the immediate thrill found in other games within the genre. Yet, he concluded that it has the potential to captivate players over time.
Players Reflect on the Journey
Sean Martin, a senior guides writer, shared that for him, *Silksong* feels like “more Hollow Knight,” albeit with enhanced features and increased difficulty. He emphasized the game’s ability to immerse players, noting that he spent six hours exploring the world on the day of its launch. Martin remarked on the unusual level of popularity *Silksong* has achieved, speculating that it could draw new fans to the metroidvania genre.
For Lincoln Carpenter, a news writer at PC Gamer, *Silksong* represents a new beginning. Despite being unfamiliar with the original game, he was drawn to the vibrant and peculiar characters within the game. Carpenter’s appreciation for the design and atmosphere was evident, stating that even if the gameplay was challenging, the interactions with the game’s characters made the experience worthwhile.
As players continue to explore *Silksong*, the feedback remains varied but overwhelmingly positive. Many express excitement about the journey ahead in the vast and intricate world of Pharloom. While some critiques focus on the game’s difficulty and pacing, the overall consensus is that Team Cherry has delivered a sequel that meets the high expectations set by its predecessor.
As the gaming community engages with *Silksong*, it remains to be seen how the game will evolve in the coming weeks and months. With ongoing discussions and discoveries, players are encouraged to share their experiences and insights as they navigate the challenges and wonders of this new adventure.
