Summary
Hollow Knight: SilksongandHades 2will be following up on two of the most critically acclaimed indie games of all time, so developers Team Cherry and Supergiant Games are facing some fairly lofty expectations. But while such high expectations might prompt a more drasticoverhaul or evolution ofHollow KnightorHades' formulas, neither sequel needs to make such significant changes to be successful and deliver on its promises.
Though there are countless reasons why these games resonate with so many players, it’s fair to say that a common point of praise is their ingenuity and originality. Indeed, although a clear line can be drawn from games likeMetroidandThe Binding of IsaactoHollow KnightandHadesrespectively, both games do enough to set themselves apart from their inspirations, carving out solid footholds in the industry through strong gameplay mechanics, vibrant storytelling, and dense, memorable atmosphere and charm.Hades 2andHollow Knight: Silksongare primed to retain these strong qualities.
Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2 Don’t Need to Change Much
Both Hollow Knight and Silksong Have Plenty of Potential
Hollow Knightisn’t perfect, but it accomplishes what it sets out to be: a challenging, immersive, and atmospheric gameplay experience within the Metroidvania framework. Similarly,Hadesaims to provide a fast-paced roguelike gameplay loop with light RPG elements and an intimate narrative featuring an ensemble cast.
Although details about thelong-awaitedHollow Knightsequelare sparse, the gameplay that’s been made available indicates a visibly different experience, though not on a fundamental level.Silksongwill almost certainly make some changes (Hornet’s more fluid and lethal combat suggests as much), but it looks like the core gameplay pillars of Metroidvania exploration, deceptively complex combat, and sharp 2D platforming will be very similar to the first game, which would be completely fine; if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.Hades 2looks to be following a similar path, implementing changes that are iterative rather than revolutionary.
Certain sequels, likeMass Effect 2andAssassin’s Creed 2, benefit greatly from being vastly different from their predecessors, while others, like the recentGod of War Ragnarok, have been able to satisfy audiences with more subtle changes.
Change Isn’t Necessary for Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2, But Wouldn’t Be Unwelcome
That said,Hades 2andHollow Knight: Silksongcould definitely make some changes, even if major updates and evolutions aren’t necessarily prerequisites for them to be enjoyable. While there are no doubt countless players who would be happy with more of the same, updates to some of the games' rougher edges and new, surprising additions would make each sequel feel fresh and exciting, rather than just acceptable.
Ultimately, it all comes back to originality and artistic vision. A game likeHades 2won’t be good because it emulates another popular game or franchise, but because it stays true toSupergiant’s design philosophy, and the same can be said forHollow Knight: Silksong. So, while each game could ‘get away’ with being identical to its progenitors, some more major, noticeable changes to gameplay, structure, or narrative would still be welcome.
