Hallowed Knight is a free action-adventure video game wherein you can experience a whole different version of Hollow Knight. Developed by ejvg, this is a 2D 8-bit retro parody of the hit platformer game, Hollow Knight—turning its genre into the popular subgenre, Metroidvania.

Similar to Neptune Lander Elite, Hallowed Knight is a tribute to another game and can be considered a port to the ZX Spectrum 48K console. As such, you will need either an actual Spectrum 48K computer or an emulator like Retro Virtual Machine to be able to play it. This game also supports keyboard and joystick controllers.

Through a different lens

Hollow Knight is a 2017 Metroidvania action-adventure game developed and published by Team Cherry. In it you play as a nameless insectoid warrior with a mysterious origin, who arrives at the ruined kingdom of Hallownest and starts exploring it to uncover its secrets. Along the way, you meet both friendly and hostile bug characters and unlock various new abilities to help you in tough fights and in traversing the map. 

Hallowed Knight happens to be a remake of sorts to Hollow Knight, allowing you to play the original as an 8-bit game designed for the “ZX dev 2021” game jam. Its graphics have been downgraded to a simpler art style but have also been polished to achieve the intended aesthetics for its console. Take note that you’ll need either a ZX Spectrum 48K or its emulator equivalent to run this. 

Gameplay-wise, things are mostly the same. However, the biggest change here is that the game only lasts about an hour—mostly because only the gameplay mechanics and combat system have been retained. Everything else that concerns NPCs—from their side quests to their dialogue—has been stripped away since “speccy” games don’t focus on that. Thus, don’t expect this to be a complete remake of Hollow Knight.

A port worth trying out

All in all, Hallowed Knight is a nice little port for the ZX Spectrum 48K and is a nostalgic tribute to both the console and Hollow Knight. While it only has part of the original game’s elements, it still offers solid gameplay that retains the beloved Metroidvania genre. Just be sure to have the appropriate platforms to be able to play it.