The Metroidvania platformer Hollow Knight: Silksong was released last month to rave reviews and an overall rating of 91 according to review aggregator Metacritic.

The game series was launched in 2017 by indie developer Team Cherry and found a dedicated fanbase through its complex platforming and inventive storytelling. Team Cherry offers a sequel that promises over 50 hours of content and more secrets to uncover.

Silksong and its predecessor are great Metroidvanias – platforming games with progressive unlocks when you advance in the game. Silksong is bigger and better than the original, with hundreds of secrets to discover and exciting boss fights.

With more than five million copies sold of Silksong, Hollow Knight fans have voiced their opinion. This is a must-play game. I think it is the perfect game because it has balanced gameplay and replay value. There are opportunities to start new game saves to explore for more secrets and unlocks.

Silksong’s learning curve is steep, but every enemy encounter is an experience to get better. Players can hone their skills by learning different attack patterns and adapting to difficult boss fights. The skill unlock system also encourages players to revisit overlooked areas that were once inaccessible. I think the game works best when you unlock new environments filled with new natural hazards and harder enemies to defeat.

Exploration is a key aspect of enjoying the Hollow Knight series. If players don’t have the right equipment to beat a difficult foe, they can double-back during their quest and find something they missed. That skill upgrade or improved weapon could be the difference in beating a hard boss fight.

If players don’t succeed, Silksong offers them multiple pathways to try again for victory. There isn’t a wasted moment in this game and everything you do has a reason. With five different game endings, players will return again and again.

At just $20, Hollow Knight: Silksong has value that goes beyond a regular platformer. And with the promise of more content through DLCs and free-to-play add-ons, gamers will have plenty to do if it takes Team Cherry another eight years to release the third Hollow Knight game.