Metacritic's #1 Game of 2026
Yacht Club Games' Mina the Hollower launched on May 29, 2026, and the critical reception was immediate and overwhelming.
The PC version sits at Metacritic 92/100 (Universal Acclaim) based on 48 critic reviews, and 93/100 on OpenCritic, placing it ahead of Forza Horizon 6 (91), Pokémon Pokopia (89), and Resident Evil Requiem (89) as the highest-rated game of 2026.
Steam reviews are sitting at 100% positive. The indie game landscape in 2026 has a new benchmark.
Game Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Mina the Hollower |
| Developer | Yacht Club Games |
| Publisher | Yacht Club Games |
| Release Date | May 29, 2026 |
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Style | Gothic Horror, 8-bit Game Boy Color aesthetic |
| Metacritic (PC) | 92 / 100 (Universal Acclaim) |
| OpenCritic | 93 / 100 |
| User Score | 8.6 / 10 |
| Price | $20 |
| Korean Support | Subtitles included |
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Yacht Club Games built their reputation on Shovel Knight (2014), one of the most acclaimed indie games of the 2010s. The studio spent years expanding Shovel Knight with free DLC — a model that cemented their relationship with the community.
Mina the Hollower is their second original IP, and studio founder Sean Velasco didn't understate the pressure. In a Bloomberg interview, he described the game as make-or-break for the studio, saying:
""If we don't sell a million copies, I'm going to be disappointed."
Early Steam estimates put sales at approximately 55,000 copies in the first week on PC alone, with console numbers still coming in. For context, Shovel Knight took about a week to hit 75,000 across Steam, Wii U, and 3DS — making Mina's early numbers a significant improvement even before console data.
Gameplay: Burrowing, Whipping, Exploring
The game's central mechanic is the Burrow — Mina can dig into the ground to dodge hazards, navigate under obstacles, and uncover hidden paths. It's a movement system built around a top-down perspective, threading together Zelda-style exploration, Metroidvania interconnected level design, and Souls-lite death penalty mechanics.
Core Systems
- ▶Burrow Movement: Dive underground to avoid enemies, traps, or reach secret passages
- ▶Nightstar Whip: Primary weapon with 4-directional attack — plus 100+ unique Sidearms, each with distinct move sets
- ▶Spark System: Modern spin on limited lives — die and leave your Sparks behind; return to recover them or lose your currency permanently
- ▶Trinkets & Leveling: Equip Trinkets for exotic effects; level Mina up to customize your build
World and Atmosphere
The setting is Tenebrous Isle, a cursed island inspired by Victorian Gothic horror. Mina arrives to investigate, uncovering a mystery that escalates across the game's 18-20 hour runtime. The soundtrack is composed by Jake Kaufman, the chiptune virtuoso behind Shovel Knight's beloved OST, and it's one of the strongest aspects of the package.
Platforms & Pricing
| Platform | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | $20 | |
| PlayStation 5 | TBD | |
| PlayStation 4 | TBD | |
| Xbox Series X | S | TBD |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | TBD | |
| Nintendo Switch | TBD |
A game + soundtrack bundle is available on Steam at a slight discount.
📸 Screenshots
Review Score Breakdown
| Source | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic (PC) | 92 / 100 | Universal Acclaim — 48 Critics |
| OpenCritic | 93 / 100 | Mighty |
| Gamer Social Club | 95 / 100 | "Yacht Club is back in full form" |
| Positive/Mixed/Negative | 98% / 2% / 0% | Nearly unanimous |
| User Score (Metacritic) | 8.6 / 10 | 76% Positive |
| Steam Reviews | 100% Positive | 24 reviews |
What Critics Are Saying
""From start to finish, Mina the Hollower had me enthralled. Some truly masterful game design on display, along with excellent spritework and sound design, make this an all-timer and an easy recommend for frankly, anyone that enjoys video games." — Critic Review via Metacritic
""Almost a full decade on from Shovel Knight, Yacht Club Games has returned in full form. Mina the Hollower is a joyously ambitious modern take on classic action-adventure games, blending carefully executed mechanics with a world that isn't afraid to bite back." — 95 Gamer Social Club
""The game admirably captures the classic Game Boy essence, adapting it to the modern era with a fascinating and whimsical world to get lost in. Yacht Club Games achieves excellence once again with Mina the Hollower." — Critic Review
""What a way to wake up! We're ecstatic to see such an enthusiastic response to Mina the Hollower!" — Yacht Club Games (official response to launch reception)
Community Reaction
The reception is overwhelmingly positive, but with some nuanced debate:
Pros cited by players:
- ▶Accessibility modifier system praised — multiple difficulty settings that genuinely change the experience
- ▶First-playthrough runtime of 18 hours with 54% exploration rate shows depth
- ▶Jake Kaufman's OST described by multiple reviewers as a GOTY contender on its own
- ▶Burrowing mechanic feels fresh and never gimmicky — integrated into every layer of design
Criticisms noted:
- ▶4-directional attack limitation frustrates players against fast-moving enemies
- ▶Difficulty modifiers disable Achievements — a controversial choice for a single-player game
- ▶No in-game guidance means some players feel directionless in early hours
- ▶Combat can feel punishing before upgrades unlock
The debate mirrors early Shovel Knight discussions: players who push through the difficulty curve consistently report it clicking into place.
Should You Buy It?
| Player Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Shovel Knight fans | Buy immediately — same DNA, evolved design |
| Zelda top-down fans | Strong recommendation — similar exploration structure |
| Soulslike beginners | Good entry point — death penalty with accessibility options |
| Retro / pixel art fans | Best pixel art of 2026 by most accounts |
| Action-platformer fans | High recommendation |
| Players who hate challenge | Approach with caution — modifiers exist but come with trade-offs |
Buying Guide
- ▶Steam: Buy Mina the Hollower — $20
- ▶Soundtrack DLC: Available separately on Steam
- ▶Bundle: Game + Soundtrack bundle available at a discount
- ▶Korean subtitles: Included at launch — full subtitle support
Final Verdict
At $20, Mina the Hollower delivers 18+ hours of some of the tightest action-adventure design in 2026. The burrowing mechanic is genuinely original, the world is dense with secrets, the soundtrack is exceptional, and the accessibility options make it approachable without removing challenge for those who want it.
Metacritic 92 is not a fluke. Yacht Club Games have spent ten years refining their craft, and it shows in every pixel.
GamePeak Score: 9.2 / 10 — A new indie classic. Buy it.