The Empty Masochism of Hollow Knight: Silksong

The article discusses the upcoming game "Hollow Knight: Silksong," the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed "Hollow Knight." The author argues that the game's focus on challenging, "punishing" gameplay may come at the expense of its narrative and atmospheric elements. The article suggests that the demanding, masochistic nature of the gameplay in "Silksong" could overshadow the game's storytelling and immersive world-building, which were praised in the original. The author expresses concern that the sequel may prioritize difficult combat and trial-and-error mechanics over the nuanced, explorative experience that made the first "Hollow Knight" so compelling. The article highlights the potential risk of the sequel becoming a mere exercise in frustration and difficulty, rather than a cohesive, narrative-driven experience. The author cautions that while challenging gameplay can be rewarding, it should not come at the cost of the game's overall artistic vision and player engagement.