human onion
Banned
Axiom Verge is awesome, highly recommended. Haven't played Hollow Knight.
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Hollow Knight vs Axiom Verge
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Jawbreaker
Member
I liked Hollow Knight better, but both are top-notch games.
SargerusBR
I love Pokken!
I only played Hollow Knight, so my vote goes for that :3
Octavianus
Banned
I enjoyed Hollow Knight far more.
PixelatedBookake
Junior Member
Bruh I just bought this game from the Steam Sale holy shit. I'm in for a fucking treat arent I?
Going from the praise I saw on this thread (surpasses SotN) I expected it to get 94-96 percent in the user rating, but it got 92, so I figured I'd check out why that was. Reading the "most helpful" negative reviews on Steam to balance out the positive, seems some people think the game is gorgeously presented but somewhat poorly designed in terms of gameplay.
Kind of a bummer.
Kind of a bummer.
Hollow Knight is the best metroidvania. It elevates the pillars of combat and platforming to the same level of fun and polish as exploration, unlike most metroidvanias. It also has multifaceted moveset that interact with each of these pillars seamlessly. The Sword bounce is a platforming tool with that associated feelings of commitment and timing, but it's also integral to the combat. Practicing it combat makes you better at traversal and vice versa. The dash is the same, it's uses in combat are just as integral to it's use in traversal, as well as for platforming challenges. Once it's unlocked, the moveset of subsequent bosses are allowed to become quicker, more chaotic, and more interesting spacially. The same is true with all the movement options. The same movement options that you unlock for traversal, are showcased in platforming sections, are also integral to the combat. While this isn't new to the genre, the combat use of platforming abilities usually feel like an oversight or some canned interaction. And some tools are clearly designed for traversal ( for example the grapple beam) or combat (super bomb) and only function as "keys" outside of that mode of play (ie. they enable you to 'get' to a new place or open a door; reveal a weakspot or OHKO certain enemies). They rarely deepen both sides of gameplay in equal amounts.
Ritzboof
Member
both are amazing games. i havent played hollow knight, but im sure its a top seller for a good reason, and im gunna play it soon
i absolutely loved axiom verge, and would easily play it again. a lot of peeps are saying its straight up metroid, and it is to a degree in comparison to hollow night, but axiom verge sets itself apart from metroid with its quality. while being inspired very heavily by metroid, it doesnt feel like its just made to be metroid, and it has a lot of touches of contra and bionic comando within its gameplay
the world and story are fantastic and bizarre (the story definitely sets it apart), the gimmicks and game world work together very cleverly, secrets and shit are out of this world, and its just amazing to play and incredibly engaging overall
i absolutely loved axiom verge, and would easily play it again. a lot of peeps are saying its straight up metroid, and it is to a degree in comparison to hollow night, but axiom verge sets itself apart from metroid with its quality. while being inspired very heavily by metroid, it doesnt feel like its just made to be metroid, and it has a lot of touches of contra and bionic comando within its gameplay
the world and story are fantastic and bizarre (the story definitely sets it apart), the gimmicks and game world work together very cleverly, secrets and shit are out of this world, and its just amazing to play and incredibly engaging overall
Soapbox Killer
Grand Nagus
First one available on Switch wins for me!
I've played both through once, doing as much as I could. I really liked Axiom Verge. It is a very solid entry in it's genre. On the other hand I absolutely loved Hollow Knight. It felt like this big experience for me. I really wanted more and more information about it's world and lore and everything just felt so cohesive. I actually think it's one of the very best metroidvanias ever made. It's also fucking gorgeous. It really does that hand animated 2D look right for this kind of game. And the characters are so charming and adorable with their own insect language. *character spoiler don't click if you haven't played*
Myla ;___;
apieceofstrange
Member
I made a few attempts at getting into Axiom Verge, but it just did not click with me. Started it right after finishing Ori so there might have been some genre fatigue there.
Literally just started Hollow Knight and it seems decent, but controls/combat already feel a step down coming from Dead Cells and I'm not a huge fan of the art style. I've barely played it for an hour though so the verdict is still out.
Literally just started Hollow Knight and it seems decent, but controls/combat already feel a step down coming from Dead Cells and I'm not a huge fan of the art style. I've barely played it for an hour though so the verdict is still out.
It takes a few hours to get going. I was iffy on it until after the third area or so and then fell in love. The game is very much a slow burn of getting new abilities because of its length.
The Illiterati
Member
I love them both, Hollow Knight is even better. Game of the Year, no question.
I actually enjoyed it more and I honestly can't believe that I'm saying that any more than you can believe that I'm saying that.
I didn't really follow it before launch but I was aware of it and although I liked the look of it I really wasn't expecting it to be anywhere near the game that it was, it was my game of the year. I think it's out across all formats now so I do like to recommend it to people.
Well Hollow Knight to me has become the new standard for the genre, so yeah it's better than Super Metroid in that it takes its place on the top of metroidvania. Trully Hollow Knight is a masterpiece, can't wait to know what Team Cherry has in store for us.
Well they already said they have two more contents coming after Hidden Dreams.
Glad to see so many people calling GotY even though there's zelda, nier and so many other titles.
ldcommando
Banned
Hollow knight easily
I'll be honest: I haven't played Hollow Knight. I have, however, played Axiom Verge and found that dull.
You want good metroidvania?
How about something that basically no one has heard of, yet is probably the best I've played apart from the Metroid franchise itself?
Environmental Station Alpha is here to serve. You're a robot sent to explore an old research station that's been abandonded. It has great, atmosphere music. Lovely simplistic pixel art. It has a great map with secrets. It has a nice sense of movement and challenge - not too hard, not too easy (unless you aren't used to challenge, though, it might be seen as hard). It has a wonderful sense of loneliness and discovery. Oh, and what's more: it took me ~8 hours to complete, and that includes exploring a lot. Basically, it never overstays its outcome.
Everyone should play this. Yet nobody has even heard of it. Unfortunately it's not on sale now, but for 7,99€ it's cheaper than both Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge.
Just play it and have a great time.
I should probably create a thread about it one day.
You want good metroidvania?
How about something that basically no one has heard of, yet is probably the best I've played apart from the Metroid franchise itself?
Environmental Station Alpha is here to serve. You're a robot sent to explore an old research station that's been abandonded. It has great, atmosphere music. Lovely simplistic pixel art. It has a great map with secrets. It has a nice sense of movement and challenge - not too hard, not too easy (unless you aren't used to challenge, though, it might be seen as hard). It has a wonderful sense of loneliness and discovery. Oh, and what's more: it took me ~8 hours to complete, and that includes exploring a lot. Basically, it never overstays its outcome.
Everyone should play this. Yet nobody has even heard of it. Unfortunately it's not on sale now, but for 7,99€ it's cheaper than both Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge.
Just play it and have a great time.
I should probably create a thread about it one day.
Shrike Alvaron
Member
Weird, I didn't know there were this many people who didn't enjoy Axiom Verge. I absolute loved it and would highly recommend it any day, personally. Yes it probably does have more weapons than it needs and bosses can be overly simple due to how they're focused around repeating attack patterns, and I remember the final boss being rather easy, but overall it was great and I want to play it again sometime soon.
Haven't played Hollow Knight yet, kinda been waiting for a Switch version but may just pick it up on this sale.
Haven't played Hollow Knight yet, kinda been waiting for a Switch version but may just pick it up on this sale.
Johnny Ryall
Member
I got slightly lost in Axiom Verge, went back a month later and by that point I was 100% lost. BUT I did really enjoy it, I'll have to restart it some time.
I just got Hollow Knight yesterday in the sale so all I can say about that is it looks beautiful
I just got Hollow Knight yesterday in the sale so all I can say about that is it looks beautiful
Lord of Ostia
Member
Good choice on Steamworld: Heist, legit one of the best turn-based strategy games released in the last 5 years.
Thabian
Member
Hollow Knight feels like a metroidvania crossed with Dark Souls. Ways I've seen so far that it's reminded me of Dark Souls,
Huge, lonely world with a lot of mystery and sadness to it
Lone NPC characters that don't say much and often speak in cryptic ways.
Your respawn point are benches that you find in the world (bonfire)
You lose your money when you die and have to get it back, if you die twice the money is gone.
There are shortcuts that you have to activate in the world to make traveling easier. There's even an elevator you unlock to take you back to town.
Difficult optional boss fights to find in the world.
Huge, lonely world with a lot of mystery and sadness to it
Lone NPC characters that don't say much and often speak in cryptic ways.
Your respawn point are benches that you find in the world (bonfire)
You lose your money when you die and have to get it back, if you die twice the money is gone.
There are shortcuts that you have to activate in the world to make traveling easier. There's even an elevator you unlock to take you back to town.
Difficult optional boss fights to find in the world.
phantasmic_glaive
Member
Never played Hollow knight, what system is it on, or is it only for PC? I'm actually playing Thur AV right now and I love it.
I thought Axiom Verge was amazing. One of the most faithful, fulfilling Metroidvanias I could have hoped for. It ticked every box.
I hadn't heard of Hollow Knight before this thread, but it prompted me to check it out, and I cannot WAIT for it to come out on PS4. Looks amazing.
But yeah. Play Axiom Verge.
I hadn't heard of Hollow Knight before this thread, but it prompted me to check it out, and I cannot WAIT for it to come out on PS4. Looks amazing.
But yeah. Play Axiom Verge.
Hollow Knight in my opinion, but then again my opinion is apparently not valid to even exist despite being the same as many here and elsewhere
ieptbarakat
Member
Haven't played Hollow Knight, but I was gifted Axiom Verge and got a good solid 10 hours of fun on it. I'd recommend playing it even if you decide to buy Hollow Knight first.
whalleywhat
Member
Pixel art is basically made for giant grimy-ass alien heads and techno-demons. We understood this in the age of Contra, Ninja Gaiden, and shmups, but now only Axiom Verge carries the banner.
Kadin
Member
Just bought both and I've played an hour of each and so far I'm liking Axiom more. I don't know what it is exactly about the combat with HK but the knock back is annoying and when hitting enemies sometimes the animation is a bit weird which tends to get me hit in the flurry. Hard to explain but I'm pretty sure it gets better further in...
Kadin
Member
Ah okay good to know. I'm usually pretty happy with what GAF recommends with games like these so I assumed it would get better in this regard. Thanks.
nkarafo
Member
I haven't played Hollow Knight myself but i can't say i'm a fan of it's graphics and art style. It has that Flash player/mobile game look that i dislike a lot.
Axiom Verge looks more like NES pixel art, again not a huge fan but i prefer it.
It's not a good metric to compare the games, i know, but all i can say is that as a Metroid fan, Axiom Verge scratched that itch for me successfully.
Axiom Verge looks more like NES pixel art, again not a huge fan but i prefer it.
It's not a good metric to compare the games, i know, but all i can say is that as a Metroid fan, Axiom Verge scratched that itch for me successfully.
IronicSonic
Member
Hollow Knight went completely under my radar. Now is top priority on Switch. Is it confirmed yet?
Hollow Knight. I enjoyed Axiom Verge but the music can't hold a candle to HK and some of the secrets in AV are so ridiculous that I don't think you can possibly find them without a guide.
Both games are typical Metorid fare though where they start slow and get pretty good once you have some mobility power-ups.
Both games are typical Metorid fare though where they start slow and get pretty good once you have some mobility power-ups.
Emperor_Uriel
Member
Worth noting that, sadly, neither game has the excellent leveling system found in the post-SoTN Castlevanias.
They're working on it, yes.
They clearly take more inspiration from Metroid than Castlevania. Personally, I'm glad they don't have a leveling system.
Jawbreaker
Member
I dunno, it's pretty gorgeous in motion, especially coupled with its haunting score. The enemy/character design is also tremendous and full of personslity.
Id recommend Hollow Knight to anyone. I haven't played Axiom Verge so I cant compare them but I can say that I absolutely loved every moment of Hollow Knight. I beat it on 16 hrs over a single weekend. That's the only game I've done that with in many years. I only had like 48% completion at the end too.