1Upsmanship

1Upsmanship: Hollow Knight

May 31, 2022
Dive into the haunting world of a beloved 2017 metroidvania as the hosts dissect Hollow Knight's captivating story, from its god-moth tributes to the dark lore of the Pale King. They debate the importance of narrative versus gameplay, praising the game's stunning art and melancholic tone. The discussion heats up around its challenging combat mechanics, influenced by beloved titles like Dark Souls. In a surprising twist, despite their admiration for its craftsmanship, the hosts ultimately decide to 'delete' the game from their keep list.
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INSIGHT

A Hybrid Of Metroid And Souls

  • Hollow Knight blends Metroid exploration with Dark Souls combat and Soulslike difficulty cues.
  • That hybrid explains its appeal and why it resonates across player preferences.
ANECDOTE

Early Backer Turned Superfan

  • Michael followed Hollow Knight's development on Kickstarter and played it at launch.
  • He remained enthusiastic and even claims greater love for the game than Adam.
INSIGHT

Tone Trumps Plot In Metroidvanias

  • Metroidvania games rely heavily on tone rather than complex plots to engage players.
  • Hollow Knight nails a melancholic, mysterious vibe that makes exploration rewarding.
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