Summary
In addition to being one of the best games in its respective genre, the release and widespread acclaim ofHollow Knighthas helped usher in a golden age of indie Metroidvania titles, each attempting to both put their own unique spin on the genre and recapture some of the success of Team Cherry’s modern classic. As players continue to anxiously await any news regarding the release of its sequel,Hollow Knight: Silksong, several other developers are stepping up to offer more of what fans loved most aboutHollow Knight’s pitch-perfect Metroidvania gameplay. One such title that may have slipped out of players' release radar is the upcomingTevi.
Tevicomes from accomplished developer CreSpirit and creator GemaYue as somewhat of a spiritual successor to theirother acclaimed Metroidvaniaand Cute-em-Up hybridRabi-Ribi. LikeRabi-Ribi, players will explore a large, interconnected map inTeviwith several power-ups to discover and new abilities to acquire. These new upgrades for the player’s character then further open up additional biomes, all while adding layers to an already intricately complex combat system. And, just likeRabi-Ribi,Tevi’s anime-inspired kawaii art style belies the tense encounter design and depth of combat on display in some of the game’s more significant challenges.
Tevi’s Sigils are a Perfect Analogue for Hollow Knight’s Charms
One of the best systems on offer inHollow Knight, one which helped to elevate the customization and complexity of its combat into something more akin toDark Souls, was its intricate Charm system. Players could scour the map of Hallownest to find well-hidden Charms that had the potential to unlock new and transformative abilities, with some having the ability to completely alter the way players would approach subsequent encounters. It’s practically a given that most fans would love to see theCharm system return inHollow Knight: Silksong, andTevi’s Sigils make it an even more appealing prospect for fans awaitingSilksong’s release.
Like the Charms, Sigils are discoverable by the titular heroine Tevi as she makes her way through the game’s world. Some are positioned just out of reach, indicating that a new ability will be needed before they can be acquired, while others are completely hidden or available for purchase in shops. And, just like theCharms inHollow Knight, each Sigil can dramatically switch up the way Tevi can engage with the game’s intricate, combo-based combat. One ability that might not have much utility can suddenly become part of a player’s regular rotation thanks to the bonuses that the Sigils afford, especially when it comes to the all-out intensity and length of the boss fights.
In Addition to Hollow Knight, Tevi Has Some Other Obvious Inspirations
Teviis absolutely a Metroidvania through and through, and while one of its most obvious analogues is that ofHollow Knight, it shares plenty of DNA withRabi-Ribiand danmaku (roughly translated to “bullet hell”) shmups as well. The lengthy demo currently available on Steam shows some subtle hints ofTevi’s danmaku influence in the regular rank-and-file enemies she encounters, but it’s not until the showdown with the demo’s boss that players get a sense of just how complex and intricate the bullet patterns can be. Tevi’s main means of inflicting damage are her melee abilities, but harder enemies and bosses require the same kind of movement precision and pattern memorization ofthe best shmups.
And, in what is almost certainly a nod to one of the shmup genre’s most famous titles,Tevifeatures a dual node system for dealing ranged damage and absorbing bullets almost identical to Treasure’sclassic bullet-hellIkaruga. The icing on the cakeTevibakes is its chibi characters and anime-like cutscenes and dialogue, keeping the entire affair lighthearted enough to provide welcome bits of comic relief in-between the tensity of its exploration and encounters.Tevimay look cute, but likeHollow Knight, it’s not for the feint of heart.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, and adventure through a whole new kingdom ruled by silk and song! Captured and brought to this unfamiliar world, Hornet must battle foes and solve mysteries as she ascends on a deadly pilgrimage to the kingdom’s peak.Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure. As the lethal hunter Hornet, journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover ancient secrets tied to your nature and your past.
