Despite the continued presence of Shovel Knight in the indie gaming landscape, it has been over a decade since developer Yacht Club Games released a new title. Mina the Hollower offers a distinctively new experience, though it is deeply rooted in beloved game design and visual ideas from both past and present, creating a unique and nostalgic atmosphere. While the game presents some frustrations, its abundance of discoveries, strong sense of place, and engaging narrative make it a memorable title.
Mina the Hollower draws mechanical and visual inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, particularly its Game Boy entries. However, the overarching structure and difficulty are more akin to the Dark Souls series. Progress in Mina is marked not by collecting items to solve puzzles, but by successfully navigating challenging sequences while preserving experience points, known as "Bones," and utilizing underground burrowing to establish checkpoints and replenish health.
The Zelda-inspired movement mechanics are not without their drawbacks. Encounters with enemies can lead to frustrating defeats due to overlapping hitboxes, and misjudged jumps or minor bumps can result in falling into hazardous holes. The game's central "hollowing" ability, which allows Mina to burrow underground for swift movement, aerial leaps, and evasion, is its most novel feature. Mastering this mechanic requires practice, and some control issues persist even during later challenges.
Complementing the core gameplay are numerous equippable Trinkets that can significantly alter playstyle. Discovering a Trinket that addresses personal combat or platforming challenges provides a strong sense of accomplishment. Some players may find Trinkets like the "Proto Spark," which grants a single extra life before needing a checkpoint reset, particularly valuable for the entire adventure.
Beyond combat encounters, the game world is rich with secrets and discoveries, including new Trinkets. Players are well-equipped to find most of these from the outset. Moments of realization, such as deciphering a puzzle in the Ossex hub area after numerous attempts, are frequent and rewarding.
These mechanics are enveloped by a compelling soundtrack, evocative world design, and a narrative that quickly captures player attention. The story subtly touches upon themes of politics, public perception, environmentalism, and wealth disparity, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone and acknowledging player actions. While the narrative's direction may be predictable early on, its subtle commentary and engaging presentation are notable.
Mina the Hollower presents itself as a nostalgic throwback, and it fulfills that role with its design and visuals. However, its thoughtful gameplay and broader thematic concerns establish it as a contemporary title that has learned valuable lessons from gaming history.