On May 29, Yacht Club Games released Mina the Hollower, an 8-bit-style top-down action RPG. True to the studio’s long-running retro design philosophy, the game also represents a project that took six years to polish after Shovel Knight. At Glodom, we have followed the global indie scene closely for years, and we continue to see retro titles built around distinctive mechanics win back players’ attention.
1. A Retro Adventure Built Around Burrowing
The story begins with Mina traveling to a cursed island. As a Hollower, she enters this dangerous place to investigate, and that journey sets the entire adventure in motion.
2. Burrowing Is the Game’s Core Mechanic
During her investigation, Mina’s most important ability is to burrow underground. It is not only a way to move through the terrain, but also a tool for dodging danger and solving puzzles. Alongside that core mechanic, the game also offers jumping, dodging, Mina’s signature whip Nightstar, plus a range of weapons and Trinkets for players to choose from.
3. Combat Keeps an Old-School Feel
From a structural point of view, Mina the Hollower does not overload players with systems. Instead, it focuses on top-down exploration, action stages, and the burrowing mechanic. Combat keeps a distinctly old-school feel, with attacks centered mainly on four directions, so players need a little time to adjust. At the start, you can choose one of three weapons, and more options unlock later. Each weapon differs in range, timing, and use cases. Among them, Nightstar stands out for its longer reach, which makes it especially friendly for new players.
4. The Map Rewards Exploration and Backtracking
One of the most interesting parts of the game is its map design. Rather than following a strict single path, the world connects multiple areas, and the order of progression is not fully fixed. As keys, items, and abilities are unlocked, earlier areas become available again, and returning to them can reveal new connections, hidden rooms, and alternate routes. That gives the adventure a clear sense of discovery, while also making the world feel more interconnected.
5. Boss Battles Focus on Rhythm and Observation
Boss fights place more emphasis on observation and timing than on brute force. Most bosses do not rely on overly complex attack patterns or punishing one-hit kills; the main pressure comes from contact damage and chained attacks. Once players learn the rhythm of each enemy and make good use of burrowing to reposition, battles become much more manageable.
6. Temporary Rest Points Offer Breathing Room
Outside the most intense fights, the map also includes several temporary rest areas. Players can switch weapons, adjust Trinkets, exchange points for Bones, and refill their bottles there. The trade-off is that once you leave, enemies in the area respawn, so players still need to choose carefully between resupplying and clearing the map. The resource name Bones is used in the game’s achievement and community materials.
Overall, Mina the Hollower is a solid and well-finished retro action RPG. It does not try to impress by stacking system after system; instead, it builds the whole experience around its burrowing mechanic and ties exploration, combat, and level design together in a clean, coherent way. Its 8-bit visuals, tightly connected map structure, and old-school action handling all give the game a very unified feel. At the same time, the map guidance is not especially clear, so the opening hours may take some adjustment. Even so, for players who enjoy retro action games and are happy to explore carefully for hidden content, it remains a release worth paying attention to.
Source: 游研社
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