Zero Punctuation Season 11 Episode 27 Hollow Knight and Dead Cells

Zero Punctuation is a popular web series that reviews video games with a sharp wit and comedic style. In season 11, episode 27, the host Yahtzee Croshaw tackles two indie games: Hollow Knight and Dead Cells.

First up is Hollow Knight, a Metroidvania-style game set in a dark and beautifully designed underground kingdom. Yahtzee praises the game's art style, which he describes as "lush" and "moody," and the music, which he calls "evocative." He also points out the impressive amount of lore and backstory hidden throughout the game, which gives the player a sense of history and importance in the world. However, Yahtzee does have some critiques of the game's mechanics and design. He finds the map system confusing and frustrating to use, and notes that the platforming sections can be tough for players who aren't used to this type of game. He also criticizes the game's lack of direction at times, which can leave players feeling lost or unsure about what to do next. Overall, Yahtzee finds Hollow Knight to be a solid and enjoyable game for fans of the genre, but not necessarily one that will win over players who are new to Metroidvanias.

Next, Yahtzee turns his attention to Dead Cells, a roguelike game with a focus on fast-paced combat and exploration. He describes the game as a "cross between Dark Souls and a platformer," and notes that it has a lot of appeal for players who enjoy challenging, replayable games. Yahtzee praises Dead Cells' tight controls and satisfying combat, which he says feels "punchy" and responsive. He also notes that the game's randomly generated levels and enemy placements keep the experience fresh with each playthrough. However, he does have some criticisms of the game's progression system. Yahtzee argues that some of the weapons and abilities feel overpowered compared to others, making it difficult to experiment and try out different playstyles. He also notes that the game's narrative is quite sparse and may not be of interest to players who are looking for a deeper story experience. Overall, Yahtzee finds Dead Cells to be a well-executed game that offers a lot of replayability and challenge, but may not be for everyone.

Throughout the episode, Yahtzee's trademark humor and sharp commentary keep the review engaging and entertaining. He pokes fun at everything from Hollow Knight's confusing map system to Dead Cells' lack of a real story, while still giving credit where credit is due. Fans of the show and these games will find plenty to enjoy in this episode of Zero Punctuation.