Summary
Mongoose Rodeo is working on a game calledCrowsworn, which looks like it could be the lovechild ofBloodborneandHollow Knight.Crowswornis far from the firstindie game to be inspired byHollow Knight, but it seems to be implementing some interesting visual, atmospheric, and mechanical changes, potentially shaking up the moment-to-moment gameplay of the Metroidvania formula.
Hollow KnightandBloodborneare both unique when it comes to their impact on the games industry. Specifically, both titles made a huge splash upon release, and would wind up becoming wildly influential in the worlds of AAA and indie gaming, despite being stand-alone releases;Hollow Knight’s sequel still doesn’t have a firm release date, and aBloodbornesequel has never been confirmed. If anything, though, the fact that both of these games have yet to receive follow-ups may be encouraging other developers to take inspiration from them, as both players and game-makers hope to recapture the spirit of these seminal titles.
Crowsworn Wears Its Bloodborne and Hollow Knight Influences On Its Sleeve
Games likePrince of Persia: The Lost Crowndraw fromHollow Knight, whilebrooding Soulslikes likeLies of Pare clearly inspired byBloodborne, but few games seem to pull from both wells. EnterCrowsworn, a 2D Metroidvania platformer that takes more than a few cues from both Team Cherry and FromSoftware.
Crowsworn’s Design Fundamentals Are Like Hollow Knight’s
Anyone who has even a passing familiarity withHollow Knightwill likely be able to see its impact onCrowsworn. Mongoose Rodeo appears to be adopting a visual style that is quite similar to the 2017 Metroidvania classic, but the parallels run deeper than that: severalkeyHollow Knightquirks and featuresseem to be present inCrowsworn, with the straightforward yet precise hack-and-slash combat and tight traversal mechanics being among the most apparent. Progression mechanics and boss battles also appear to be similar toHollow Knight.
Even specific aspects ofHollow Knight’s combat, such as ‘nail-jumping’, appear to be included inCrowsworn.
The Atmosphere and Aesthetic of Crowsworn Feel Right Out Of Bloodborne
A key part ofBloodborne’s unique identity is the atmosphere that comes by way of its setting and visual style. The game’s dreary, Gothic, moody aesthetic is central to its overall legacy, and it looks like these elements have bled intoCrowsworn, which translates some ofBloodborne’s lore-specific motifsand iconography to the 2D Metroidvania framework.
Crowswornfeatures a dark and Gothic world, transformed into an apocalyptic nightmare reminiscent of the plague that befalls Yharnam inBloodborne. The player-character dons a plague doctor mask and typical 1800s formal attire, and wields a scythe and a pair of pistols that feel like they would be perfectly at home inBloodborne. These stylistic choices, on top of the disturbing undertones that seem to pervade the game (evident in inclusions like the decidedly more macabre take onHollow Knight’s charm system), channel the energy of FromSoftware’s cosmic horror classic.
One could argue thatCrowswornmay be too similar to its influences, but there is reason to be optimistic about the game, as while it’s highly evocative of bothHollow KnightandBloodborne, blending the unique elements of those games could lead to something fresh and exciting. IfCrowswornmanages to throw in enough of its own original ideas, and maybe evenimprove upon certain aspects ofHollow KnightorBloodborne, it may very well end up being a special experience, and a great companion piece to the nextHollow KnightorBloodbornegame, if the latter ever ends up coming to fruition.
Hollow Knight
WHERE TO PLAY
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast, ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Hollow Knight is a classically styled 2D action adventure across a vast interconnected world. Explore twisting caverns, ancient cities and deadly wastes; battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs; and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom’s heart.Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward. Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique! An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.Over 140 enemies! 30 epic bosses! Face ferocious beasts and vanquish ancient knights on your quest through the kingdom.Chart your journey with extensive mapping tools. Buy compasses, quills, maps and pins to enhance your understanding of Hollow Knight’s many twisting landscapes.A haunting, intimate score accompanies the player on their journey, composed by Christopher Larkin.
