A New Chapter in Gaming Awaits with Silksong
This week marks the exciting arrival of the highly anticipated sequel to Team Cherry’s acclaimed metroidvania, Hollow Knight. Following its showcase at Gamescom, James described it as “faster, prettier, and harder,” though he also noted it felt somewhat “safe.” However, in the world of Silksong, safety is a luxury that may not exist. Over the past month, a wave of new PC games has been shifting their release dates to avoid the competition stirred up by this seemingly diminutive yet formidable title. Below are some games that are boldly holding their ground amidst the hype.
New Releases on the Horizon
On September 1st, players can dive into Bad Cheese, a first-person psychological horror game inspired by the animation style of the 1920s. In this unique title, you take on the role of a nervous mouse tasked with keeping the household in order while avoiding the menacing emmental labyrinth and remembering to give Dad his pills.
On September 2nd, Helldivers 2 introduces its new update, “Into The Unjust,” as the forces of Super-Earth dig underground to evade the impending threat from Team Cherry’s locust swarm. Additionally, Neyyah, a new Mystlike game from nu-MicroProse, invites players to either embrace or reject its nostalgic gameplay. Otherskin, a third-person action-adventure title set in expansive alien landscapes, features a protagonist equipped with a transforming powersuit, blending elements of Metroid and Stellar Blade. Metal Eden, on the other hand, brings a fast-paced first-person shooter experience, also centered on a protagonist in a morphing powersuit, merging the styles of Metroid and Doom Eternal.
Unique Offerings in September
On September 3rd, those who find Paper Mario too mainstream can explore the paper-folding platformer Hirogami, offering a fresh take on the genre.
As September 4th arrives, the earth trembles and the anticipation crescendos as Silksong approaches. Yet, a handful of games are rallying together to compete for attention. Hell Is Us emerges as a somber third-person journey infused with elements reminiscent of soulslike games and Returnal, featuring the voice talent of Adam Jensen. Kemono Teatime presents a charming experience centered around managing a delightful teahouse catering to feline patrons. Adventure of Samsara serves as a modern 2D metroidvania sequel to the classic Atari 2600 game Adventure. The release of another 2D metroidvania alongside Silksong raises eyebrows in the industry. Dig & Decode focuses on excavating the ancient ruins of a long-lost Earth, repurposing archaeological finds like earphones into fuel for your spacecraft. Lastly, Casebook 1899: The Leipzig Murders invites players into a detective narrative complete with period-appropriate top hats and German dialogue—can it outshine Silksong, which shares the stage during such an illustrious release week?
The Week Concludes with More Surprises
On September 5th, NBA 2K26 turns the basketball experience into a unique simulation where players navigate challenges while dealing with the interference of a ball thrown by others. Shuten Order, a new title from the creative minds at Too Kyo Games, led by Danganronpa’s Kazutaka Kodaka, offers an eclectic mix of genres, combining visual novel elements with stealth and escape room mechanics. Cronos: The New Dawn, a sci-fi horror shooter crafted by the creators of Silent Hill 2, adds another layer of excitement to the week.
As for the Treehouse’s plans, James is set to handle the Silksong review, which will be released post-launch due to Team Cherry’s decision not to distribute press codes. This approach is understandable, given the immense anticipation surrounding the title—estimates suggest it could generate an astronomical 20 quintillion dollars based on wishlist numbers and Hollow Knight’s player activity. Jeremy and Ollie will also be engaging with Silksong, creating guides for eager players. Meanwhile, Mark is keenly observing the Elder Scrolls modding community but might squeeze in some time for Helldivers. As for me, I’m contemplating whether I still have a passion for the metroidvania genre that warrants a strong opinion. What’s the state of play on your end?
