Mina the Hollower: a myfavoritevideogames review

 Mina the Hollower: a myfavoritevideogames review

So I'm on the couch drinking beers and playing some Castelvania, right? All of a sudden, homeboy walks in with a new game in hand and he tells me:

"Castlevania? How about you try to challenge yourself for a change, loser."

So now I have a new homeboy and a new video game to review.

Mina the Hollower is a challenging and stylistic platformer, inspired by a bygone era of video games which demanded great patience and perceptivity to complete. Hints are scarce and most secrets can only be discovered by noticing inconsistencies in the sprites/environment. (This can be difficult for gamers unfamiliar with level design) No enemy should be approached the same: observe and then attack. Mindlessly playing this game is an option, but you've got to be pretty good.

There are lot's of ways to tackle your adversaries, my personal favorite is the big hammer because it does the most base damage. Despite the difficulty, players are never backed into a corner: sidearms are scattered across the map which reward exploration and inspire build variety; make use of environmental hazards such as boulders and gaping holes into the abyss in order to defeat enemies without getting your hands dirty.

I also like the story a lot. Upon interacting with a character for the first time, (this happens in the opening 10 seconds) your ship crashes into an island and your crew is slaughtered by a kraken. It's a great way to set the tone for a fast-paced and unforgiving experience that instills a need to know what happens next, while also kicking your butt for being curious.

My absolute favorite part about this game is the art direction, because the music and sound effects are phenomenal + they're dynamic with the level, the 8-bit style is filled to the brim with detail/clarity and tons of visual secrets for those who like Spot the Difference. Character sprites are eclectic and adorable as well.

It reminds me of a metroidvania which released last year: Hollow Knight: Silksong, as both games reward the player the more they apply themselves to their cruel but cute world.

All in all, Mina the Hollower builds up to be a very immersive experience where I found myself enticed at every discovery. 

Mina The Hollower was developed and published in 2026, by Yacht Club Games. The game can be purchased on Steam for $20.00. Click me to purchase.