The air hums with anticipation for Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania masterpiece. After years of fervent speculation and eager glimpses, new footage and a concrete launch date – merely two weeks away – have finally materialized. Yet, amidst the excitement, an unconventional strategic decision by developer Team Cherry has emerged, setting the stage for a launch unlike many others in the industry: official critic reviews for Silksong will likely not be available before release day.
The Rationale Behind the Review Embargo
This intriguing development was brought to light by prominent Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, who revealed that Team Cherry has opted against distributing early preview codes to media outlets. The primary stated reason for this is a commitment to fairness: the developers wish to ensure that critics are not experiencing the game before the dedicated Kickstarter backers and the broader player community.
“Team Cherry told me they don’t plan on sending out early codes for Silksong (they felt like it’d be unfair for critics to be playing before Kickstarter backers and other players), so don’t expect to see reviews until after the game comes out.”
– Jason Schreier
Schreier also offered a practical, albeit speculative, secondary reason: the small size of Team Cherry could present a significant logistical challenge in managing and distributing a large volume of preview codes to a global network of media professionals. While the fairness argument resonates deeply with the indie spirit, the logistical consideration adds a layer of pragmatic reality.
A Departure from Industry Norms
In an industry often driven by pre-release hype cycles and the crucial role of early review scores in shaping initial sales, Team Cherry’s decision is, to put it mildly, an anomaly. Publishers typically send out review copies weeks in advance, allowing critics ample time to thoroughly play, evaluate, and write their comprehensive assessments. This ensures a wave of launch-day reviews that can inform consumer purchasing decisions.
One might almost suspect a hidden flaw, a tremor in the fabric of development, prompting such a cautious approach. However, given Team Cherry`s reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and the universally lauded quality of the original *Hollow Knight*, it appears to be something far more profound and commendable: a profound belief in their creation and an unwavering loyalty to their community. It’s a digital handshake of trust, extended directly to the players, rather than mediated through critical gatekeepers.
What We Know About Hollow Knight: Silksong
Despite the lack of early reviews, the anticipation for *Silksong* remains palpable, fueled by exciting revelations about the game itself. What began as a mere DLC for the original *Hollow Knight* quickly blossomed into a full, standalone sequel, promising an expansive new adventure. Players will step into the formidable boots of Hornet, the nimble and fierce protector from the first game, embarking on an entirely new quest in a new, perilous land.
Key highlights that have fans buzzing include:
- Over 150 new enemies to encounter and overcome, suggesting an even richer bestiary than its predecessor.
- An arsenal of new combat tools and crafting mechanics, offering fresh strategic depth to Hornet`s already acrobatic fighting style.
- A promise of even faster-paced, acrobatic combat, leaning into Hornet`s inherent agility and mobility.
The game is set to launch on September 4th across all major platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, and will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass. This broad accessibility ensures that a vast global audience will have the opportunity to dive into Pharloom and experience Hornet`s journey.
Trust in the Craft, Trust in the Community
Team Cherry’s decision is more than just a logistical choice; it is a statement. It speaks volumes about their confidence in *Hollow Knight: Silksong*`s inherent quality. They are, in essence, putting their money where their mouth is, betting that the game will speak for itself the moment players get their hands on it. This player-first ethos aligns perfectly with their indie roots, fostering a direct relationship with their dedicated fanbase.
As September 4th rapidly approaches, the gaming community stands on the precipice of a unique release. While the traditional pre-launch critical discourse may be absent, the collective excitement remains undimmed. The true verdict, it seems, will be delivered not by critics’ early assessments, but by the simultaneous, global immersion of millions of players into the beautiful, challenging world of *Hollow Knight: Silksong*.
Ellis Thorne