Exceptional video games frequently draw inspiration from the genre-defining titles that precede them. Hollow Knight: Silksong, Team Cherry’s eagerly anticipated sequel, proudly upholds this tradition. While its protagonist, Hornet, introduces a wealth of novel mechanics compared to the original game`s Vessel, some of her animations bear a striking resemblance to those found in one of the most influential Metroidvania games of all time.
As players guide Hornet across the screen, they might observe her distinctive motion when changing direction. Rather than a simple flip of her character model, Hornet performs a unique backstep before gracefully turning to face her new path. This particular animation is a clear echo of a signature move by Alucard in the legendary Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, leaving little doubt about its inspirational source.
Beyond this directional shift, other animations, such as Hornet`s standard and diagonal aerial attacks, also share similarities with Alucard’s combat repertoire. However, it is the deliberate backstep that truly stands out as a loving homage, seemingly lifted directly from Konami`s classic and beautifully reimagined for a modern context. Although Team Cherry has not officially commented on these comparisons, long-time fans of the Metroidvania genre are undoubtedly poised to appreciate these thoughtful touches.
Even though Hollow Knight: Silksong may have only recently launched, its impact has been immediate and substantial. Reports suggest it caused significant load on storefronts at release and has rapidly accumulated over 5 million players. The game`s challenging difficulty has already sparked considerable community discussion, prompting a balance update designed to make initial encounters slightly less punishing, alongside the introduction of a hidden mode for those seeking an even more brutal gameplay experience.