I went into Hollow Knight blind, without expectations and I do think this is the best way to play the game. Progerssion felt really good as a person who hasn't played any other platformers. The game was gradually increasing in difficulty as I learned to play the game. I never felt like I don't belong in a specific area, or too underpowered against a boss. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing in this game. The sound design, the score, the art style, the effects, all of this cumulates in an experience that will be memorable to those who care about atmosphere in games. The different areas all have their unique motifs, details. The story is vague and cryptic, but those who read everything, pay attention to the environment can definitely piece together what's going on. Despite it being a game about bugs, it made me cry a couple times which says a lot because I pretty much never do from media. The reason I say it's the most immersive game I ever played because the whole game is extremely well thought out, how different systems interact with each other, and how it's presented to the player. Pretty much the only thing that breaks immersion is the little text that says which button you need to press to use a newly acquired ability. Everything makes sense in the world of the game. Bestiary, waypoints/travelling, upgrades, abilities, the map, everything seems neatly integrated into the world of Hallownest. This combined with the beautiful artwork, amazing score and atmosphere, engaging and fun bossfights, emotional story make this game my favorite of all time to this day (and I played a lot of games, from indie to AAA).
