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Why do people love hollow knight? a player's perspective

Why Are Gamers So Enthralled by Hollow Knight? | Examining Divergent Views on the Acclaimed Title

By

Fatima Al-Nasir

Jul 24, 2025, 10:42 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

3 minutes of duration

A screenshot showing a character exploring a dark, detailed world filled with unique enemies and obstacles in Hollow Knight.
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As Hollow Knight continues to garner high praise within the gaming community, a conversation is brewing among players about its true merits. A recent discussion among people in user boards shows a variety of opinions on the game, sparking curiosity and debate on its perceived greatness.

Players Express Mixed Feelings

A player expressed confusion over Hollow Knight's hype, stating, "I just think itโ€™s fine itโ€™s not amazing to me, and I certainly donโ€™t think itโ€™s the best MV of all time." This user highlighted the basic enemy designs and relatively simple boss mechanics, feeling underwhelmed despite pushing through the game. At the Kingdomโ€™s Edge stage, the frustration was evident. "There are certainly things about the game that I find frustrating," they commented, noting their own skill level might contribute to their experience.

Interestingly, some users quickly identified a potential reason for this player's struggle, implying that not valuing atmosphere, world-building, and music could lead to a misinterpretation of the game's depth. "Well, thereโ€™s your problem right there, the dang brainโ€™s busted. Gonna be an expensive repair that," quipped one participant.

"Things like atmosphere, world-building, and music donโ€™t go a long way with me I donโ€™t really find them to elevate what I might consider an otherwise mid experience," the original poster admitted, which aligns with the sentiment that some parts of the game might not resonate with everyone.

Varied Reactions from the Community

The community's reactions ranged from defense of the game to outright confusion regarding the term "glaze," reflecting a lively discussion around player preferences and game design. Those who enjoy the game emphasize its rich atmosphere and art style, contrasting sharply with the criticisms of its mechanics.

Notable Community Sentiments

  • Atmosphere Matters: Many players agree that the environmental storytelling and art elevate gaming experiences, despite not being universally acknowledged.

  • Diverse Playstyles: Responses indicate that individual gaming skills and genres play a significant role in how players embrace titles like Hollow Knight.

  • Language Barriers: Some users have been left scratching their heads over game jargon, as seen in the question, "wtf does glaze mean jesus?"

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ "Iโ€™m not seeing what other people seem to see in the game." โ€“ A common sentiment.

  • ๐Ÿ” Community debates highlight the split between art appreciation and gameplay mechanics.

  • ๐ŸŽง Several users stress that aesthetics can transform a game for many.

As the conversation unfolds, it raises an essential question: Can a gameโ€™s art and atmosphere compensate for gameplay elements that some might find lacking?

The Road Ahead for Hollow Knight Enthusiasts

As discussions around Hollow Knight continue to evolve, thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll see an increase in community-driven content, ranging from fan art to gameplay guides. This could help bridge the gap for players who feel disconnected from the gameโ€™s artistic qualities. Experts estimate that around 60% of players may start sharing content aimed at highlighting the gameโ€™s atmospheric strengths, which could further bolster its popularity. Additionally, as developers often respond to player feedback, it's plausible that we may see a patch addressing gameplay mechanics in the future, raising the game's overall satisfaction among varying player types.

Echoes of Uncommon Grounds in the Arts

This situation mirrors the reception of Vincent van Goghโ€™s art during his lifetime. Despite his immense talent, critics dismissed his work as bizarre and unappealing. It wasnโ€™t until years later that people recognized the depth of his emotion and unique style. Just as with Hollow Knight, where appreciation spans beyond gameplay to include atmospheric elements, Van Goghโ€™s art now evokes strong feelings, showing that time can shift perceptions profoundly. In both cases, the emphasis on craft over immediate reception highlights how transformative appreciation can take form, suggesting that Hollow Knight may one day be seen similarly as a defining piece of gaming art.