Absolutely phenomenal game with beautiful visuals and music. It can be a challenging at times, but the platforming and combat system work so well together that playing it is a truly joyful experience. Dying didn't have the same frustration as other games; every hit gives you a split second to take in what you did wrong and correct your approach next time. Backtracking can be mitigated with a plethora of tools, and the levels are always designed with quiet atmospheric moments, sometimes with NPC conversations sprinkled along your path. The sound effects are punchy when they need to be, and fit the environment they're found in seamlessly.

I don't usually latch onto a game because of it's difficulty, but Hollow Knight delivers just enough to feel rewarding without being unapproachable. Understanding how your actions affect your momentum is the key to manoeuvring around environmental and enemy hazards. Speaking of enemies, the bosses are really fun to fight, having clearly telegraphed attacks with audio/visual cues and discernible patterns.

If you want a memorable Metroidvania with a unique challenge and stellar presentation that's more than worth the price of admission, this is it!