The Silksong backlash highlighted in September 2025 was concentrated among Simplified Chinese reviewers, who objected to the game’s localization. It was not the reason behind every negative review: players also criticized the difficulty and reward balance. Team Cherry acknowledged the translation complaints, and Patch 4 later brought a fan translation into the game.
Why did Silksong get negative reviews?
The most prominent early review dispute centered on the Simplified Chinese translation of Hollow Knight: Silksong. Players complained that its wording and tone felt awkward. Engadget described criticism of a mix of ancient and modern Chinese, while Tiger Tang, a translator who worked on OMORI, said the text read “like a Wuxia novel instead of conveying the game’s tone.” That was Tang’s assessment, not an official finding. Engadget reported on the complaints on September 7, 2025.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
007 First Light - Specialist Edition - PlayStation 5 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![HOLLOW KNIGHT [E10]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gHoLA9kNL._SL160_.jpg)
|
HOLLOW KNIGHT [E10] | $33.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PS5) | $41.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black - For PlayStation 5 | $64.19 | Buy on Amazon |
Localization was not the only issue reviewers raised. Engadget also noted complaints about the game’s difficulty and whether its rewards felt sufficient. Those are separate criticisms of the game itself, not evidence that all negative reviews shared one cause.
How sharply did Simplified Chinese reviews fall?
In a September 8, 2025 report, PC Gamer said 38% of nearly 35,000 Simplified Chinese Steam reviews were positive. The report said most other language groups remained above 90% positive. These are historical figures reported at that time, not current Steam scores, and the comparison is between language groups rather than all reviews combined. PC Gamer’s report includes the figures and Team Cherry’s response.
#1 Best Overall
- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
Steam’s listing identifies Team Cherry as both developer and publisher. At the time the listing was accessed for this article, it showed 91% positive recent English-language reviews and 93% positive English reviews. These live platform snapshots can change, and English-language scores do not erase the earlier Simplified Chinese dispute. Check Steam’s current listing and review breakdown.
What did Team Cherry say?
On September 8, PC Gamer quoted Matthew Griffin, Team Cherry’s publishing and marketing lead: “We appreciate you letting us know about quality issues with the current Simplified Chinese translation of Hollow Knight: Silksong. We’ll be working to improve the translation over the coming weeks.” The statement acknowledged the reported quality issues and said the studio would work on them.
Rank #2
- Includes four giant bonus content packs: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all modern trimmings
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash, and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds, and ruined cities
- Forge your own path. The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face, and find your own way forward
Did Patch 4 fix the translation?
PC Gamer reported on November 10, 2025 that Patch 4 implemented the Team Cart Fix fan translation for Simplified Chinese. In Team Cherry’s explanation, as quoted by PC Gamer, the fan translators were “well-versed in the (quite dense) narrative and lore of both Hollow Knight games.” The report also described other localization and gameplay fixes, as well as a switch to Unity’s Input System to improve controller support. Read PC Gamer’s Patch 4 coverage.
The available reporting establishes that the fan translation was added in Patch 4; it does not establish a later, independently measured review-score change attributable to the patch. The translation response and the review outcome are therefore distinct: the update addressed the localization concern, while the cited sources do not quantify its effect on player ratings.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The World of NINJA GAIDEN II Remastered With Rich Visuals! – The stages, characters, effects, and lighting have been completely redesigned and remastered to provide realistic visuals. Unreal Engine 5 has been utilized to create stunning current-generation graphics, allowing players to immerse themselves more deeply in the story’s world
- High-Speed x Violent Action Further Evolved With the Latest Graphic Expressions! – Gore elements such as dismemberment and blood have been remastered to enhance the action experience. Players can enjoy high-speed, violent action using a wide variety of weapons and techniques, including Japanese swords, shurikens, Kusari-gamas, and tonfas. Note: The dismemberment feature can be toggled on and off in the Options menu
- Additional Characters, Mode for Beginners, and Elements From Subsequent Spin-off Titles Are Also Included! – This remaster includes additional elements from spin-off titles released after the original. Players can control three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The game also includes “HERO PLAY STYLE” mode that provides automatic support in challenging situations, making it accessible for those who may not be confident in their action skills
Rank #3
- Reactive Turn-based Combat - In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Build your party and level up six characters. Craft unique builds for your expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat - dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free-aim system.
- “Tomorrow Comes” - With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds.
- A Hauntingly Beautiful World - Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend and recruit a special companion who can access new travel methods and secret areas in the World Map.
- Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack.
- European/ UK version
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
