For me it was the other way around. In Nine Sols I got immediately stuck in the boss (mini-boss?) fight against two enemies and the flying gal.
Hollow Knight was difficult at times (Coliseum of Fools, Radiance) but it never felt unfair. Some fights (Mantis Lords, Grimm) are among the best times I've had playing a game
I just had a screen and a internet connection. Bliss.