The video game that sparked internet frenzy upon its release

After more than six years of development, it has finally been released today. Hollow Knight: Silksong, the sequel to one of the most important independent video games in history. The new title, also created by the small Australian studio Team Cherry, with only three main members, is released on virtually all current platforms. It's worth noting that the studio, despite knowing that millions of players have been waiting for this new release, has chosen to set a more than competitive price: just 20 euros. Furthermore, the game is available from the start on Microsoft's Game Pass service, a fact that further extends its reach.

This new adventure features a new protagonist, Hornet, a character introduced in Hollow Knight (2017), where she appears as the player's antagonist on a couple of occasions. The new heroine stands out for her agility, her unique, more acrobatic combat style, and her ability to wield a large needle. Silksong It's a direct sequel that continues the story of the original, a continuation that promises to surpass the first installment in length and variety, which to date has already sold more than 15 million units worldwide.

A cultural phenomenon and many years of waiting

The launch of Silksong It has been one of the most anticipated in recent years, and consequently has generated a lot of laundry in the community. gamer. The title was announced in 2019 as a new expansion for Hollow Knight, but the project grew so much that it eventually took on a distinct identity. Throughout this time, Team Cherry has chosen to work calmly and without external pressure, freed from financial constraints thanks to the success of the original game. The small Australian studio has taken the necessary time to perfect and polish a sequel that has had a very opaque development since its first announcement, a decision that further fueled anticipation.

The lack of information gave rise to a real social phenomenon, in which each new fair or video game presentation became a potential occasion for the launch of the game to finally become official. Silksong. The fan community has speculated about the title's release for over six years, often through memes and jokes online, but what no one expected was that it would finally be revealed, to the surprise of millions of gamers, at Gamescom this summer and with such a close release date.

The 'metroidvania' genre is in top form

To understand what kind of game it is Silksong It is necessary to understand the genre known as MetroidvaniaThe term is born from the fusion of two classic sagas such as Metroid and Castlevania, both born in 1986, and whose similar mechanics set the basis for this genre. One Metroidvania, in general terms, usually combines action, adventure, exploration, and 2D platforming within a large, interconnected world. It's also common for progression in the game to be tied to unlocking certain abilities, which allow for new modes of movement or powers to overcome obstacles.

This is a genre that, although historically considered niche, has enjoyed a very strong momentum in recent years and has enjoyed a certain popularity, especially among indie developers. Thanks to a dark universe, a mysterious plot, captivating art, traditional animation, polished controls, good level design, and well-tuned difficulty, Hollow Knight became one of the greatest references in the genre.

The long-awaited arrival of the sequel

The arrival of Silksong coincides with a crucial moment in the sector, in which the public is showing a more critical view of large productions and exorbitant prices. The Australians not only publish the title at a competitive price, but also have a large following due to their debut film and the social phenomenon caused by the long wait for the sequel.

With this new installment, Team Cherry hopes not only to build on the success of its first game, but also to offer a more complete and definitive experience for fans of the original. For now, the official global launch at 4 PM CET has temporarily saturated the stores of the main platforms, but millions of units are still expected to be sold. The launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong, will undoubtedly attract conversations and debates in the gaming world for weeks to come.