After years of silence, the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong was finally released on Sept. 4. The anticipation stretched on, growing more tantalizing as years went by with no information. Because it is an indie game, it’s far more impressive to get this much attention. It’s finally here, and now we question: did the game live up to the hype?

 Before passing judgment, let’s step into the game itself. Hornet, the new protagonist, doesn’t play close to the same as the knight. Her movements are sharper, her strikes are quicker and her silk movements demand a new rhythm than the old controls Hollow Knight players are used to. Healing, once a slow breath in battle, now happens in a flash but with greater risk. I felt clumsy at first, fumbling with controls I thought I had down, but that awkwardness was intentional. Silksong doesn’t want you to coast on what you know. It wants you to relearn, adapt and embrace the challenge.

Pharloom, the kingdom you explore, is nothing short of stunning. Where Hallownest was dark and decayed, Pharloom feels expansive and alive. Every region tempts exploration, and the rewards for curiosity–whether through hidden treasures, shortcuts, or world-building details–make the land feel inhabited. I found myself constantly drawn forward, eager to continue the game.

The boss battles are where Silksong truly excels. Each fight is its own performance, with attack patterns that feel like choreography, designed to test patience and precision. One encounter that truly stood out to me was Shrine Guardian Seth–a tribute to Seth Goldman, a 16-year-old fan who sadly passed away from Ewing Sarcoma, a type of cancer. Seth had contacted the developers before his death, sharing his wish to have a character named after himself in the game, and Team Cherry honored him by designing and including the boss. Devastatingly, he never got to see his character come to life in the published game, but his spirit lives on in every encounter– a heartfelt tribute that will forever carry his name. I loved this personal touch that made it into Silksong because it shows just how deeply Team Cherry cares about their fans. 

Ultimately, Silksong isn’t just a sequel–it’s a celebration of challenge, exploration and community that leaves an emotional mark on players. This game holds just as many beautiful aspects as the original, and I’m genuinely stunned that it’s finally here after waiting for years. So back to the question: was the wait worth it? Absolutely. You can tell the developers really put their hearts and souls into this project. This game definitely met the expectations of fans, and I’m sure players will spend lots of time enjoying it, as it offers a world as mesmerizing as the first but with a soul of its own. I give Hollow Knight: Silksong a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.