Dread is a return to form for the series as far as I'm concerned. Sure, there have been other games that have elevated the genre (Hollow Knight being a shining example), but this entry feels like it has adapted just enough to the modern Metroidvania genre without losing the series' identity in the process.
I'm someone who was always more on the -vania side of things than the Metroid- despite being a fan of both, and typically like to see more risks taken/innovation attempted.
The game's just good.
Remember: Words are not violence.Make your own groups!!!
50s?
*cries in Celeste*
I am confused though by this claim of Tech's that Hollow Knight is only a metroidvania by the "slimmest of margins". Maybe I'm missing something, but my impression of the term was what Video Game's said which is exactly what Hollow Knight fits into.
Last edited by Jester Joe; 2021-10-10 at 03:43 AM.
"El Psy Kongroo!" Hearthstone Moderator
Because Hollow Knight wants to be a Souls game more then it wants to be a Metroidvania, and it's only such because Team Cherry doesn't have the budget or man power to make an actual Souls game. It's a Metroidvania, it wouldn't be something I claim as the blueprint of the genre or some shit since when I play it I feel a game inspired by from software more so then any metroidvania. I have only ever seen people that played it as their first metroidvania make hilarious claims about it being the gold standard of the genre. Good game, not even a top 5 metroidvania for me.
Castlevania > metroid > ori > hk anyway
Tech is arguing just to argue as usual and then trying some ridiculous gatekeeping.
Hollow Knight is an amazing game that is about as pure a metroidvania experiance as one could want. Its not fanboying or overhyping the game to state its one of the best examples of the genre.
I've been having a lot of fun with it as well, but I'd have to consider this the worst traditional Metroid to date. That said, I've only just defeated Kraid, so we'll see what happens.
So, emmi; I think this is poor design. The sections have been pretty boring so far and they seem like just another 'nemesis' system that breaks immersion.
I'm not sure what I think of the uppercut-counter yet.
For a Metroid game, the areas so far feel bland and washed out, as do most smaller enemies. I also miss that sense of loneliness and dread that was so tangible in all other 2D Metroid games.
We'll see what the game brings.
success comes in the form of technical solutions to problems, not appeals to our emotional side
Im early in but wow I really dislike the EMMI sections and find them frustrating as hell.
Metroid has never ever been a GOTCHA 1 shot game.
Visually something feels off too. Im hoping as I play more it will click with me but so far im not enjoying myself.
I too have no idea how Hollow Knight isn't a Metroidvania. Large, intricate 2D levels requiring various abilities to proceed and shortcuts for skilled players? Exploration and checkpoint-based progression? Light RPG elements in the case of Castlevania? Story being of lesser importance, instead weaved into the world building? It ticks all the major boxes as far as I'm concerned. Having difficult bosses and save checkpoints that respawn enemies does not a Soulslike make, even if the influence of that series on HK is quite clear. Hell one could easily argue Demon's/Dark Souls took a number of design cues from Metoidvanias in the first place.
It is all that is left unsaid upon which tragedies are built -Kreia
The internet: where to every action is opposed an unequal overreaction.
Only if you're trying to argue that 3D Zelda and King's Field where inspired by metroidvanias, because Souls basically combined those 2 things. That would be a silly argument to make.
Again HK is a metroidvania, not sure why people are so up tight about trying to prove it. Only HK fandom being obnoxious just like Undertale fandom think it's a genre defining game.
It's genre defining in that it is the best game in the genre. Nobody is claiming that it started the series and is the "blueprint". I know it's hard to imagine, but it's perfectly valid to say that HK is better than SM and SotN while still recognizing those games as the previous pinnacles and also establishing certain motifs within it (and that they're still great games).
Dread is a perfectly fine game, but in no way is it the best Metroid game when it misses the mark on what makes Metroid great (good atmosphere, memorable environments, amazing music) and doesn't bring anything new to the table.
You're the one who even started this nonsense by claiming it was only a metroidvania "by the slimmest of margins" and "not true to the genre". Backpedaling now doesn't erase your previous hyperbole. As for not being genre defining, you're not the boss of me or anyone else and that's a matter of opinion more than anything else.
It is all that is left unsaid upon which tragedies are built -Kreia
The internet: where to every action is opposed an unequal overreaction.
I really don't know why people think so highly of hk and call it genre defining. Ive played dozens of metroidvanias and i cant get more than a few hours in hk because its so slow and ultra boring. I've played god awful hentai metroidvanias that were more fun. Sotn is still the pinnacle of the genre in every way
Biggest criticism toward Hollow Knight is its slow start. It takes a couple of hours before things start speeding up, though once you know what you're doing it's alot faster on repeat playthroughs.
Main reason people praise it so much is the sheer amount of content you get for the low price. Rare case of not charging enough for a game.
It definitely has a learning curve. At the start you are super cautious cause you don't want to die and lose your currency but eventually you get comfortable enough to speed through areas.
Of course it help that death isn't as big a deal in the mid to late game since the currency has no real use at that point.