Artifact Analysis - "Hollow Knight"
"Hollow Knight" is an exemplary artifact in the Metroidvania genre, praised for its intricate design, deep lore, and challenging gameplay. This analysis will look at the key elements of its success while reflecting on how it can inspire my projects.
Developed by Team Cherry, "Hollow Knight" was released in 2017 and quickly rose to acclaim within the gaming community. Its success can be attributed to a combination of immersive storytelling, meticulously designed environments, and a robust combat system, all underpinned by the classic Metroidvania style of exploration and progression.
As Zichermann and Cunningham(2011) noted, "The mechanics of a gamified system are made up of a series of tools that, when used correctly, promise to yield a meaningful response (aesthetics) from the players."My journey through "Hollow Knight" was an exhilarating odyssey, a blend of awe and frustration that gripped me from scratch. I recall my initial entry into the depths of Hallownest, a world that encompasses a haunting beauty and an unspoken promise of dark secrets. Navigating the intricate map, I encountered plenty of creatures, each battle dance of precision and reflex. The combat was relentless, and the truth is that I seemed to struggle with each battle based on my poor controlling skills especially when it comes to the boss level. The boss fights were particularly savage, challenging not just my reflexes but my resolve.
"While game designers can learn from architects about crafting meaningful spaces, they are not bound by the same physical rules since game spaces are virtual. This freedom means designers can imagine nearly anything, which can be overwhelming."(Schell, 2008, pp. 330-331) From my view, the game features a hand-drawn art style that is both charming and creepy, fitting the desolate world of Hallownest. The art of "Hollow Knight" was nothing short of a visual feast.
But what truly captivated me was the game's approach to storytelling. It was an exercise in subtlety, a narrative told in whispers and shadows. I found myself piecing together the lore like a detective, scrutinizing every nook and cranny for clues. The game respected my intelligence, never spoon-feeding me the story but instead inviting me to uncover it.
Overall, this preeminent Metroidvania game serves as the initial inspiration source for my project "Eternal Flame," which has greatly edified me with its intricate game levels and immersive gameplay experiences. I have spent countless hours playing "Hollow Knight", constantly challenging myself and immersing myself in its richly designed world and complex narratives.
Bibliography:
Schell, J. (2008). The Art of Game Design: A book of lenses. CRC Press, pp. 330-331.
Team Cherry. (2023). Hollow Knight Gameplay Screenshot. [image] Available at: https://www.hollowknight.com/ [Accessed 26 Dec. 2023].
Zichermann, G., & Cunningham, C. (2011). Gamification by design: Implementing game mechanics in web and mobile apps. " O'Reilly Media, Inc.".
