Hollow Knight: Silksong Review – Team Cherry Delivers a Standout Sequel on Nintendo Switch eShop
In 2025, the anticipation finally gave way to jubilation for fans of metroidvania platformers, as Hollow Knight: Silksong made its much-awaited debut on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch eShop, and other major platforms.
Developed by Adelaide-based indie studio Team Cherry—composed of just three dedicated developers—Silksong is the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed 2017 hit, Hollow Knight.
The original title garnered a devoted following thanks to its atmospheric world design, extensive content, and tight, challenging gameplay, quickly cementing itself as a modern indie classic. The road to Silksong was nothing short of eventful.
First unveiled in 2019, the game was initially planned as downloadable content for Hollow Knight before evolving into a full-fledged sequel due to its ambitious scale.
While its development timeline did not experience the significant delays of titles like Metroid Prime 4, Hollow Knight fans endured a lengthy wait.
Team Cherry confirmed a release window for 2023 at one point, but substantive updates remained elusive until late 2025.
Ultimately, the final launch date was revealed just two weeks prior to the official release on September 4, 2025—delighting fans worldwide in dramatic fashion. From a gameplay perspective, Hollow Knight: Silksong honors its metroidvania legacy.
Players once again navigate sprawling 2D environments teeming with secrets, upgradeable weapons, unlockable abilities, and formidable boss encounters.
However, rather than rehash old formulas, Team Cherry introduced Hornet, a prominent non-playable character from Hollow Knight, as the main protagonist.
Unlike the silent Knight, Hornet’s agile and dynamic move set—including angled dive attacks, unique healing mechanics, and swift traversal—gives Silksong a distinctive feel, even for series veterans.
Team Cherry’s careful evolution of mechanics means the gameplay is both challenging and refreshingly new. As with its predecessor, Silksong dazzles with its visual artistry and layered world design.
Enhanced animation, lush color palettes, and intricate backgrounds bring Hornet’s adventure to life in stunning detail—especially impressive for a 2D side-scroller on the Nintendo Switch.
The soundtrack, once again helmed by composer Christopher Larkin, builds on the emotional depth and memorable motifs that fans loved from the original.
Larkin’s orchestral score amplifies the mood of each area, providing an immersive audio experience that stands tall alongside the game’s visual splendor. Content is another area in which Silksong shines.
Much like Hollow Knight, players can expect a wealth of activities: rescuing characters, hunting down challenging creatures, scouring expansive maps for treasure, and unlocking a bevy of abilities and upgrades.
This abundance of gameplay ensures high replayability, with long-time fans and newcomers alike finding plenty to explore in this insect-inspired world. The game’s release was met with staggering enthusiasm.
Hollow Knight: Silksong quickly surged on sales charts, and within days, reports surfaced of download surges temporarily impacting both the Steam and Nintendo Switch eShop servers.
The overwhelming response confirmed the high expectations that had built up over years of anticipation. Team Cherry’s achievement with Silksong lies in their ability to expand the Hollow Knight universe while retaining what made the original so beloved.
The delicate balance of delivering familiar platforming thrills alongside inventive new mechanics is no small feat.
The result is an outstanding metroidvania that pays homage to its roots while carving out a distinct identity.
Hollow Knight: Silksong stands as one of 2025’s most memorable and rewarding games, offering a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience for fans of the genre.
If you love tough platformers and rich, atmospheric worlds, Silksong is a must-play addition to your Nintendo Switch library.
Developed by Adelaide-based indie studio Team Cherry—composed of just three dedicated developers—Silksong is the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed 2017 hit, Hollow Knight.
The original title garnered a devoted following thanks to its atmospheric world design, extensive content, and tight, challenging gameplay, quickly cementing itself as a modern indie classic. The road to Silksong was nothing short of eventful.
First unveiled in 2019, the game was initially planned as downloadable content for Hollow Knight before evolving into a full-fledged sequel due to its ambitious scale.
While its development timeline did not experience the significant delays of titles like Metroid Prime 4, Hollow Knight fans endured a lengthy wait.
Team Cherry confirmed a release window for 2023 at one point, but substantive updates remained elusive until late 2025.
Ultimately, the final launch date was revealed just two weeks prior to the official release on September 4, 2025—delighting fans worldwide in dramatic fashion. From a gameplay perspective, Hollow Knight: Silksong honors its metroidvania legacy.
Players once again navigate sprawling 2D environments teeming with secrets, upgradeable weapons, unlockable abilities, and formidable boss encounters.
However, rather than rehash old formulas, Team Cherry introduced Hornet, a prominent non-playable character from Hollow Knight, as the main protagonist.
Unlike the silent Knight, Hornet’s agile and dynamic move set—including angled dive attacks, unique healing mechanics, and swift traversal—gives Silksong a distinctive feel, even for series veterans.
Team Cherry’s careful evolution of mechanics means the gameplay is both challenging and refreshingly new. As with its predecessor, Silksong dazzles with its visual artistry and layered world design.
Enhanced animation, lush color palettes, and intricate backgrounds bring Hornet’s adventure to life in stunning detail—especially impressive for a 2D side-scroller on the Nintendo Switch.
The soundtrack, once again helmed by composer Christopher Larkin, builds on the emotional depth and memorable motifs that fans loved from the original.
Larkin’s orchestral score amplifies the mood of each area, providing an immersive audio experience that stands tall alongside the game’s visual splendor. Content is another area in which Silksong shines.
Much like Hollow Knight, players can expect a wealth of activities: rescuing characters, hunting down challenging creatures, scouring expansive maps for treasure, and unlocking a bevy of abilities and upgrades.
This abundance of gameplay ensures high replayability, with long-time fans and newcomers alike finding plenty to explore in this insect-inspired world. The game’s release was met with staggering enthusiasm.
Hollow Knight: Silksong quickly surged on sales charts, and within days, reports surfaced of download surges temporarily impacting both the Steam and Nintendo Switch eShop servers.
The overwhelming response confirmed the high expectations that had built up over years of anticipation. Team Cherry’s achievement with Silksong lies in their ability to expand the Hollow Knight universe while retaining what made the original so beloved.
The delicate balance of delivering familiar platforming thrills alongside inventive new mechanics is no small feat.
The result is an outstanding metroidvania that pays homage to its roots while carving out a distinct identity.
Hollow Knight: Silksong stands as one of 2025’s most memorable and rewarding games, offering a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience for fans of the genre.
If you love tough platformers and rich, atmospheric worlds, Silksong is a must-play addition to your Nintendo Switch library.
