I really was expecting something that was more like HK with a Hornet skin, but the combat, tools and charm system is different enough that it feels fresh. It has been a long wait, but it was all well worth it. I don't think this is going to make Metroidvania fans out of people who've never liked the genre before, but HK and SS could definitely help some discover a love of this genre.
I got it on discount. The game has some rough areas, and it honestly feels like there's a good bit of overused assets, but the game is just fine for what it was and what it costs. It's not as polished as some other titles, and I feel the game is trying to punch above its weight. It does have a fun mechanic, imo, and I liked the light puzzles and simple platforming. I feel like there was a lot more potential that could have been explored. But it's small, feels very indie, has a good voice cast imo and otherwise just feels good enough to pick up. I liked it. It's got its flaws, is short, but feels fun in the end and I actually finished this one. So there's that, in the sea of other games sitting in libraries that go barely played or unfinished.
Seriously, so many games compare themselves to Hollow Knight now that the genre is almost hollow-like. If Metroid Dread hadn't released, it might actually have changed in name. It's become one of the best 2d mv's of its time and still from the music to the gameplay and the indepth lore. It set a bar very high.
