I'm not really a huge fan of Metroidvanias - the genre doesn't usually click with me, as someone who gets stressed out about getting lost in games. However, Hollow Knight won me over with its charming aesthetics, lovely soundtrack, and fun, challenging combat. The thing that makes it work is that once you've gotten past the opening stages of the game, it really opens up. It's hard to get stuck with no idea of what to do because there's always several avenues open to you. Finding a secret or getting a new powerup that expands your mobility is always such an exhilarating feeling. Few thrills compare to when I finally gained the ability to get past those shadowy gates I kept seeing around the map, or when I found out how to access the east side of the City of Tears. There's a real sense of beauty to this game, even in the gloomy darkness of Hallownest. The first time I entered the City of Tears and heard the music begin to play, I was enthralled by it, and sat on the bench watching the rain fall while soaking in the atmosphere. That's the moment that has stuck with me the most.

I'm very excited to play Silksong when it comes out.