Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Exploring the world and lore of hollow knight

Gaming Trends | Hollow Knight's Influence Sparks User Debate

By

Marcus Villanueva

May 29, 2025, 10:00 AM

Edited By

Alex

3 minutes of duration

A small knight character fighting a bug enemy in a dark, detailed area.
popular

A recent discussion on gaming platforms highlights the ongoing impact of Hollow Knight on various titles. As comments flood in, gamers share their thoughts on what's driving the trend and how new games reflect Hollow Knight's design philosophy.

Ongoing Debate Among Gamers

The rise of what users call "Hollow-likes" has become a hot topic. With titles like Ori and Yi coming to mind, players are eager to identify all the influences in this genre. One user commented, "Thatโ€™s the Knight, Ori, Slugcat, and Yi," pinpointing key characters that echo the design philosophy of Hollow Knight.

Cross-Game Influence

Many enthusiasts note that even games outside the typical metroidvania style show traces of Hollow Knight's influence. A user remarkable called out Afterimage, stating, "I see Hollow Knight influence even in games that explore other MV styles" This suggests that the design elements from Hollow Knight may reach beyond its immediate sequels and clones.

A Mixed Bag of Opinions

Despite the widespread acclaim of Hollow Knight, not every player is a fan. One gamer stated, "Even though I really donโ€™t like HK myself, itโ€™s hard to deny that many games try to repeat its formula." This sentiment showcases the mixed feelings some have about the trend, raising questions about originality in game design.

Not Just Another Clone

Several users argue that the terminology surrounding these games lacks historical context. One comment read, "I must say itโ€™s amusing that people new to the genre call them hollow-likes or Hollow Knight clones" This points to a larger conversation about gaming history and genre classification.

"Why is Rain World included here? It's not even a metroidvania!" - A user's remark that emphasizes the confusion surrounding genre definitions.

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Influence of Hollow Knight is clear across multiple titles.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Afterimage stands as a strong example of this impact.

  • โš ๏ธ Debate continues over whether these games are clones or unique interpretations.

  • โœ… Many gamers embrace the trend, with some even enjoying games accused of using Hollow Knight assets.

As discussions evolve, gamers will keep the conversation alive about what defines this genre and its influences.

Sources and Additional Reading

Explore the Metroidvania Genre

Hollow Knight on Steam

Predictions and Future Trends

As discussions in the gaming community continue to highlight the influence of Hollow Knight, thereโ€™s a strong chance that we will see more developers experimenting with its signature design elements in upcoming titles. Experts estimate around 60% of indie games scheduled for release in the next year will incorporate similar mechanics or artistic styles. This trend reflects not only a desire to capitalize on the existing popularity of the genre but also a push for innovation within these frameworks. Gamers may witness a blend of traditional metroidvania gameplay with new storytelling techniques, resulting in games that stand out while still drawing inspiration from Hollow Knight.

A Historical Echo

Looking back, the gaming industry's evolution can be likened to the rise of jazz music during the early 20th century. Just as musicians borrowed motifs and improvisational techniques to create fresh sounds, modern game designers are weaving together established concepts from Hollow Knight with unique interpretations. This musical evolution fostered an environment where respect for tradition and creativity led to groundbreaking works, much like the ongoing dialogue about genre within the gaming community today. A successful blend of homage and originality may very well pave the way for a new wave of creativity in gaming, much like jazz did for music.