Voidwrought – A grimdark adventure (Review)

If you know anything about me, you know I have a strong connection to Hollow Knight. While it wasn’t the first indie game I fell in love with, it’s one of the few I return to again and again. I’m not alone in this sentiment—it’s an indie darling beloved by many. So much so that we collectively cling to the idea of its sequel, despite its elusive status. While we wait in hopeful delusion, we often seek other games to scratch that same itch. Some titles attempt to capture the Hollow Knight spirit through their art style, movement, character design, and more. One such game is Voidwrought, which immediately caught my attention due to its clear inspiration from Hollow Knight. Despite the similarities, Voidwrought carves out a distinct identity. But the question is: is that identity worth playing?

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STORY

The game opens with the Red Star, a celestial phenomenon that thaws the ruins of an ancient civilization. You, the Simulacrum, awaken from your cocoon and embark on a mission to collect artifacts and Ichor—”the blood of the gods”—from the monstrous creatures that roam the ruins. Along the way, you’ll recruit followers to grow your home base and uncover the history of this ancient world through environmental storytelling and scattered holograms.

If you’re looking for a character-driven narrative, this game may not satisfy. Your protagonist is essentially a blank slate. However, if you enjoy exploring a world brimming with secrets, Voidwrought offers plenty to discover. Its biomes are remarkably varied, ranging from Egyptian-inspired ruins to lush green landscapes, and even areas resembling battleships or submarines. While environmental storytelling isn’t my personal favorite style, the world was compelling enough to keep me curious. Each new area brought fresh intrigue, whether it was cryptic warnings from talking rocks, tales of treasure-hunters who met grim ends, or hints of long-lost civilizations. The game immerses you in its ruins, making exploration a rewarding experience.

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GAMEPLAY

Let’s address the obvious: Voidwrought’s combat draws heavy inspiration from Hollow Knight. However, it differentiates itself in several ways. For starters, the Simulacrum feels bulkier—he doesn’t jump as high or as floaty. Some players may prefer this weightier feel, though I lean toward the agility of higher jumps. Your main slash attack is quick and pushes you back slightly, which can help dodge enemy attacks if timed well. The downward slash is also crucial for navigating the world, especially when exploring hard-to-reach areas. Self-healing is available but limited; you’ll need to find red shards to expand your healing capacity, and refills are only available at save points.

The combat is further enriched by Relics and Souls. Relics provide new attacks and buffs at the cost of your void charges, which recharge quickly during combat. Souls, on the other hand, are passive upgrades offering stat boosts and perks like invincibility frames during dodges. While Souls are useful, Relics stand out as game-changers. They range from bouncing damage balls to poison clouds and laser walls, each adding unique dynamics to your battles.

Enemy design is another highlight. The variety is impressive, from zombie knights and stone-headed monsters to giant bugs and rifle-wielding creatures. Even standard enemies have distinct designs and attack patterns, and the game cleverly introduces new threats by giving you a safe vantage point before throwing you into chaotic encounters. The boss fights are equally engaging—challenging at first but rewarding once you adapt to their patterns. They strike a nice balance, offering excitement without excessive frustration.

Combat is lightning-fast, as promised by the developer, Powersnake. The game’s design ensures you’re constantly on your toes, juggling ground-based chargers with airborne projectile-shooters in high-pressure situations. Arena-style battles ramp up the intensity, but thanks to accessible save points and versatile Relics, the difficulty remains manageable. By the endgame, diligent players who’ve collected numerous Relics will feel like unstoppable powerhouses—a satisfying payoff, though it might lessen the challenge for hardcore players seeking constant difficulty.

Exploration is another strong suit. While fast travel eventually unlocks, the game’s interconnected shortcuts and platforming challenges make traversal enjoyable. Impressively, many areas remain accessible even without specific power-ups, rewarding skilled players who can creatively use pogoing and platforming to bypass obstacles. Secrets abound, hidden in destructible walls or unassuming gaps, and NPC followers can assist by uncovering new paths or marking hidden areas on your map. For those who love scouring every inch of a game world, Voidwrought delivers.

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VISUALS

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the creature designs are often grotesque and awe-inspiring, particularly the bosses. Animations effectively convey their power, and the biomes themselves are atmospheric and diverse. My favorite area, The Surface, stands out with its sinister red glow from the Red Star, creating an oppressive yet captivating environment.

However, there are inconsistencies. Some enemies lack polish, such as early-game zombies that move stiffly without any nuanced animation. This contrasts sharply with other creatures in the same area, like hunched knights stomping about or half-corpses crawling eerily. The occasional lack of detail detracts from the otherwise immersive atmosphere. Additionally, a few boss designs feel uninspired compared to their more elaborate counterparts—giant worm creatures, for instance, feel out of place among the abominations of flesh and corrupted stone. These blemishes don’t ruin the experience but are noticeable nonetheless.

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AUDIO

The audio design is excellent, with one small caveat. The music sets the tone beautifully, especially in areas like The Surface, where it shifts from atmospheric background noise to an immersive, standout track. Sound effects are equally impressive; each attack lands with a satisfying crunch or squish, depending on the enemy. Ambient noises, like grinding teeth or gnashing limbs, add a subtle but effective layer of tension.

My only gripe is the repetitive hit sounds. When enemies emit the same grunt with every strike, it becomes grating, especially during prolonged fights. A bit more variety here would go a long way.

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CONCLUSION

As more developers attempt to fill the void left by Hollow Knight, the line between imitation and innovation becomes increasingly important. Voidwrought confidently establishes itself in the latter category—a fun metroidvania that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but offers a thrilling ride nonetheless. Its minor flaws are overshadowed by its strengths: a richly detailed world, diverse enemies, engaging boss fights, and immersive sound design. If you’re itching for something new, put down Hollow Knight for the 100th time and give Voidwrought a shot. It’s worth the journey.

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