One or two adjectives to describe atmosphere

[goldenleaf6]

As I play the game I find myself trying to think of adjectives to describe the atmosphere. At first I thought it seemed pretty lonely, but it really isn't (there are still NPCs around , just very few). Then I thought it seemed depressing, because the NPCs I've encountered so far have said pretty depressing things. But it's not that either.

Due to all the carts and lamps and such which once belonged to a flourishing kingdom, "somber" (as in, the same description as that of a funeral) is my best one so far. Even this early in the game though, I suspect there's a dark undertone to the game.

Can anyone think of any?

List:
Somber
desolate
haunting
ancient
forlorn
melacholic
nostalgic

[Darc Vader]

Somber is a good one. I also like Desolate, though the meaning is similar.

[goldenleaf6]

Originally posted by Darc Vader:

Somber is a good one. I also like Desolate, though the meaning is similar.

Ooh yes. Desolate means deserted and bleak. That fits much better than something like "lonely".

Or maybe "abandoned"? But abandoned isn't as strong as desolate.

[Clutch Johnson]

Haunting

[goldenleaf6]

Originally posted by Clutch Johnson:

Haunting

That's a good one. It seems more sad than haunting though. Haunting implies fear. I think these people (monsters included) are desperate, not fearful. It feels like the NPCs are just scraping by and the monsters are torn by insanity.

[Krispy]

Ancient

[goldenleaf6]

Originally posted by Krispy:

Ancient

Interesting choice. That's not something I'd think of. Does "ancient" describe an atmosphere?

[Darc Vader]

Forlorn is another one that works, though it’s another synonym.

[Twelfthy]

Melancholic, though somber is definitely one of the better ones as person up there said.

[Kakhi]

Nostalgia ?

[goldenleaf6]

Originally posted by Darc Vader:

Forlorn is another one that works, though it’s another synonym.

Synonyms are good. They aren't quite the same, but are very, very similar. I want to find the slight difference a word has over another that makes it better suited to describe the overall atmosphere of Hollow Knight.

[goldenleaf6]

Originally posted by Twelfthy:

Melancholic, though somber is definitely one of the better ones as person up there said. :quirrel:

Somber feels heavier, but melacholic feels more sad than depressed. Hmm.

[goldenleaf6]

Originally posted by Kakhi:

Nostalgia ?

Well I bet that's certainly how the NPCs feel. Given all their depressing dialogue, I'd say they're feeling pretty hopeless about their home too. That's why people come up with words that are associated with something in the past, like "melacholic". Words have such complicated meanings. That's why this is so hard.

[goldenleaf6]

Maybe I should make a list.

[xwinnor]

There is one that fits the upcomming Gods&Glory boss rush area, and the dream areas it might be a bit of a spoiler and that word is is... Radiant

[Twelfthy]

Originally posted by xwinnor:

There is one that fits the upcomming Gods&Glory boss rush area, and the dream areas it might be a bit of a spoiler and that word is is... Radiant

I was gonna say that aha, but didn't, glad someone did.