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Mina the Hollower Tops Metacritic as Yacht Club Games Releases New Retro Adventure

The game's rapturous reviews could determine the future of Yacht Club Games after a crowdfunded, expanded development run.

Overview

  • Mina the Hollower, which launched on May 29, 2026, is available digitally on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC for $19.99.
  • Early reviews propelled the game to roughly a 92–93 Metacritic aggregate, making it the highest-rated title of 2026 so far and earning multiple perfect scores from major outlets.
  • The game pairs a Game Boy Color–style pixel aesthetic and Jake Kaufman’s chiptune-led soundtrack with a signature 'hollowing' burrow move and a Soulslike health loop that fills health as 'plasma' which must be consumed with limited vials to actually heal.
  • Originally crowdfunded in 2022 for about $1.2 million and delayed as its scope grew, the project was called 'make-or-break' by studio director Sean Velasco and now must convert critical acclaim into commercial success.
  • Technical and business details include Switch 2-specific 120fps support, a broad modifier menu that disables feat/achievement unlocking when used, and no Xbox Game Pass listing at launch, leaving immediate revenue dependent on purchases.