The Impact of the Hollow Knight Soundtrack

Hollow Knight is considered one of the best indie games ever, and its soundtrack is also exceptional. Each song in the game perfectly complements the surroundings, creating a unique atmosphere. The town of Dirt Mouth has a somber song that sets the tone for the game. Exploring unfamiliar areas feels like discovering secrets, and the corresponding tracks enhance this element. Boss fights are energetic and challenging, with tracks that match the intensity. The soundtrack greatly contributes to the impact of the game and highlights the importance of soundtracks in gaming. Hollow Knight, a game largely considered one of the best indie games of all time, also happens to have one of the best soundtracks of all time. As you explore the areas throughout the game, you can't help but notice that each song is perfectly tailored alongside your surroundings, setting an atmosphere and mood unlike any other game before it. Dirt Mouth is the first, and one of the few segments of the game set above ground. As you explore the largely abandoned town, a somber song plays, letting the player feel the loneliness and history of where they've just set foot, ultimately setting the tone for the rest of the game. Throughout most of the game, you'll be exploring areas that are at first very unfamiliar. The game can feel like a maze, making the player the discoverer of the secrets that await. Specific areas will often have an accompanying track that emphasizes this exploration element, such as the following clip. Of course, another massive facet of Hollow Knight is the boss fights. Boss fights in this game are energetic and difficult, so the track accompanying the fight has to echo that feeling. My personal favorite boss fight track in this game does just that as you fight the Mantis Lords. Although Hollow Knight is a fantastic game, it certainly wouldn't have left as much of an impact as it did if it weren't for its soundtrack. Each track perfectly matches the tone and atmosphere of what's happening on screen. We often take soundtracks for granted, especially in mixed-media formats such as gaming, but there's no doubt that a good soundtrack greatly increases the impact a game has on the player.