Why Mina the Hollower is the Best Retro Action Game of the Year

I just spent a few hours with Mina the Hollower and I am hooked. It feels like a mix of old-school Link's Awakening and the grit of Bloodborne. You play as a mouse who swings a hammer and dives into the ground. It is fast, it is mean, and it is totally addictive.

The game does not hold your hand. You die, you learn, and you try again. That cycle of failure and success is where the magic lives. It reminds me of the best moments in Shovel Knight. You always feel like you can win if you just try one more time.

Everything about it screams quality. The art is sharp, the controls are tight, and the bosses are brutal. I think we are looking at a future classic here. Let's talk about why this game is making such a big splash.

How yacht club games built a new classic

You probably know Yacht Club Games from their work on Shovel Knight. They have a real knack for taking old ideas and making them feel fresh. They clearly love the 8-bit era. But they don't just copy it. They improve it.

They took a lot of time to get the movement right. In most games, walking feels like a chore. Here, it feels like a dance. You are always moving, always dodging, and always looking for an opening. It is a masterclass in game feel.

The world design is also top-tier. You get a sense of place that many modern games lack. Every room feels like it was put there for a reason. You aren't just walking through hallways. You are exploring a world that wants to keep you out.

The combat and the burrowing mechanic

The core of Mina the Hollower is the burrow move. You hold the jump button to dive into the dirt. While you are under there, you are basically invincible. It is your best tool for survival. You can dodge big hits or sneak under traps.

But you can't stay under forever. Your energy runs out fast. This forces you to be smart. You can't just spam the move. You have to time your exits perfectly. It adds a layer of strategy to every fight.

I fought a boss called the Duchess. She was huge. She had tentacles that came up from the floor. I had to burrow just to stay alive. Then I would pop up and smash her with my hammer. It felt so good when I finally won.

The bone system is also key. You lose bones when you die. You have to go back to get them. This sounds like Dark Souls, but it feels different here. It keeps the tension high. You are always one mistake away from losing your progress.

The weapons are fun, too. The hammer is slow but hits hard. Other weapons might be faster. You can find what fits your style. I like the power of the hammer. It makes me feel like a tank.

You can also upgrade your gear as you go. This makes you feel stronger. It makes those early areas feel like a cakewalk later on. That sense of growth is so important for an action game.

What makes this game so technical and tight

The tech behind Mina the Hollower is really impressive. It runs at a super smooth frame rate. Everything is pixel-perfect. You never feel like you died because of a glitch. You died because you messed up.

The sound design is also great. The thud of the hammer is satisfying. The music keeps your heart rate up. It all comes together to make a world that feels real. You get lost in it for hours.

The game also supports a wide range of play styles. You can go full offense or play it safe. The developers gave us a lot of tools to play with. It is clear they spent a lot of time testing these systems.

Why you should be excited for the future

We need more games like this. It is rare to find a game that is this well-made. Most modern games are too big and too messy. Mina the Hollower stays focused. It knows exactly what it wants to be.

I think this will be a big hit when it drops. The community is already buzzing about it. Everyone wants to see more of these hidden areas. Everyone wants to see how hard the final boss will be.

Keep your eyes on this one. It is going to be special. I can't wait to play the full version. It is going to be a long wait, but it will be worth it.

Quick questions answered

Is it hard? Yes, it is quite tough. You will die often, but the game is very fair.

Can I use a controller? You absolutely should. It plays best with a modern gamepad.

How long is the game? It looks like a meaty experience. It won't be a short weekend project.

Are there secrets to find? Yes, tons of them. The world is full of hidden paths and loot.

Does it feel like Shovel Knight? It shares some DNA, but it is a much darker and faster game.