Hollow Knight

A masterclass in the Metroidvania genre, Hollow Knight immerses players in the vast, decaying insect kingdom of Hallownest. It features challenging, precise combat, a sprawling interconnected world to map, and a hauntingly beautiful hand-drawn art style. The game is renowned for its atmospheric depth, subtle environmental storytelling, and a plethora of optional bosses and secrets. As a one-time purchase, it offers an astonishing amount of content, including multiple free DLC expansions.

Its high score reflects its near-perfect world design, tight controls, and the profound sense of loneliness and discovery it evokes, cementing its status as a modern classic.