Crossovers in gaming are always a treat, blending universes in exciting and unexpected ways. The latest web event for Genshin Impact, titled Lightning-Riding Swordsman, is a delightful surprise, paying homage to Hollow Knight in a way that genuinely eases the Silksong wait. This unexpected Metroidvania experience within the Genshin universe is a must-try for fans of both franchises.
Brought to you by HoyoFair, a Hoyoverse initiative showcasing fan creations, this limited-time browser game runs until April 17th. It offers a surprisingly deep and engaging Metroidvania-style adventure, seamlessly blending Genshin Impact aesthetics with Hollow Knight gameplay mechanics. Discovering this gem felt perfectly timed, especially amidst the Hollow Knight: Silksong news drought that often dominates gaming livestreams and chats. While it’s not Silksong, this event is a fantastic and fun distraction.
Initially, the event might seem like another simple point-and-click Genshin web activity. However, upon taking control of the Traveler in this 2D side-scrolling world, the Hollow Knight inspiration becomes immediately apparent. The simplistic yet charming visuals, combined with precise controls and movement, create an instantly familiar feel for Hollow Knight veterans.
Exploring the Hallownest-Inspired World of Genshin
From the evocative background art and sound effects to the enemy animations and arena designs, the Lightning-Riding Swordsman event truly feels like a visit to Hallownest, the haunting kingdom from Hollow Knight. Gameplay elements such as health-boosting collectibles and recognizable enemy attack patterns further solidify the homage. Even the iconic nail pogo move, a staple of Hollow Knight traversal and combat, is faithfully recreated, offering a complete and joyous experience for fans of both Genshin Impact and Hollow Knight.
As you navigate the intricately designed map, you’ll notice clever references woven into the fabric of both games. Familiar Genshin Impact enemies are reimagined as counterparts to Hollow Knight foes, each borrowing attack patterns and behaviors from their Hallownest equivalents. While the enemy patterns are relatively straightforward to understand, mastering them and overcoming the increasingly challenging bosses requires skillful play and adaptation.
A playthrough of Lightning-Riding Swordsman is filled with engaging mini-quests and nods to memorable moments from Hollow Knight. You might encounter situations reminiscent of the infamous 1v2 battles in the Path of Pain, or locations echoing the Colosseum of Fools and the Grimm Troupe’s theatrical presence. The overarching objective is to defeat Raiden Shogun and rescue Kokomi, with encounters featuring other beloved Genshin Impact characters along the way. Lyney, for instance, embodies the enigmatic Grimm, acting as a boss with a combat style that will resonate with Hollow Knight players. Thankfully, there’s no Nightmare King version to contend with here! The Shogun boss fight itself evokes memories of the Soul Master, while other boss encounters draw inspiration from various Hollow Knight adversaries.
A Challenging and Rewarding Fan-Made Experience
It’s important to remember that Lightning-Riding Swordsman is a fan-made creation, albeit officially promoted by Hoyoverse. This isn’t your typical casual Genshin web event; it presents a genuine level of challenge. While some of this difficulty stems from the intentionally limited move set, it adds to the charm of this fan game. Perfection isn’t the goal; enjoyment and homage are.
As you progress towards the final showdown with the Shogun, you might find yourself momentarily forgetting about the ongoing wait for Silksong news. This event isn’t a replacement, but it effectively scratches that Metroidvania itch, providing a satisfying gameplay experience that captures the essence of Hollow Knight. It might even inspire you to revisit Hallownest for a full Hollow Knight playthrough.
While the rewards are limited to special banners for HoyoLab forums, the real reward is the experience itself. Lightning-Riding Swordsman is a delightful and unexpected treat. If you have any fondness for either Genshin Impact or Hollow Knight, you’ll likely find yourself captivated by this crossover. Keep an eye out for future HoyoFair mini-events; who knows what other creative crossovers they might promote next?
