Mina the Hollower Review — Metacritic 92, Best Game of 2026
Metacritic 92. Mina the Hollower is the rare game that completely lives up to the highest possible expectations.
Metacritic 92 — best score of 2026. Mina the Hollower explains what 'game feel' means.
Mina the Hollower released May 29, 2026 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Developer: Yacht Club Games (Shovel Knight).
Burrowing Mechanic
Mina goes underground. This isn't just a dodge — the tunnel system is the foundation: puzzles, hidden rooms (Underlab), boss patterns. An elegant mechanic that needs to be felt.
World Exploration
PC Gamer: "The exploration is top-notch, the story is riveting, the art style is striking." Levels genuinely beckon you deeper.
Art Style
Game Boy Color palette + Gothic Horror. Pixel aesthetics are functional — combat readability is excellent. Soundtrack released as a free Bandcamp album.
Switch 2 and Other Platforms
Switch 2 and PS5 versions are "amazing" with improved HDR. Steam Deck version is also excellent.
Verdict
Best game of the first half of 2026. One of the best platformers of the decade. Yacht Club Games' mastery needs no explanation.