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Mina the Hollower is the best old-school action adventure I've played in a while

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Why This Matters

Mina the Hollower revitalizes the classic top-down adventure genre with its energetic movement mechanics and nostalgic design, making it a significant addition for both fans of retro gaming and modern action-adventure enthusiasts. Its smooth controls and intricate exploration offer a fresh yet familiar experience that could influence future indie titles and inspire new gameplay innovations in the genre.

Key Takeaways

Game details Developer: Yacht Club Games

Publisher: Yacht Club Games

Platform: Windows (reviewed), Mac, Linux, Switch 2, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Release Date: May 29, 2026

ESRB Rating: E-10+ for Everyone 10 and older

Price: $20

Links: Steam | Official Website

Modern Legend of Zelda games like Breath of the Wild are built around Link’s ability to run, climb, and jump with the best of them. In old-school, top-down Zelda titles, though, the ability to increase Link’s sad starting mobility was a banner event. Finding items like the speed-enhancing Pegasus Boots in Link to the Past or the jump-granting Roc’s Feather in Link’s Awakening made the methodical exploration in these games feel that much more kinetic and akin to a top-down platform game.

This kind of kinetic feeling is built into Mina the Hollower from the start. As the titular, mouse-like Hollower, you’re armed with the ability to jump up and burrow into soft soil, zipping under obstacles and past enemies with satisfying pep as you do. After a short sojourn underground, you pop out with an extended jump that quickly becomes second nature.

The sense of energy and verve built in to this simple movement system makes Mina a joy to control. You feel that joy when you burrow away from an enemy attack only to quickly circle back to pop out for a quick counter. You feel it burrowing underneath the scenery through a small hole to uncover a labyrinthine secret corridor. You feel it hopping and bouncing across a series of gaps on inflatable, balloon-like pads.

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