Round Up: Mina the Hollower Earns Critical Acclaim, Best-Rated Game of 2026 in First Reviews

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Mina the Hollower is receiving rave reviews and is currently the highest-rated game of 2026, boasting a Metacritic score of 93 based on critic reviews ahead of its release.

Currently, this game is the top-rated of 2026 on our site, surpassing scores of 91 for Forza Horizon 6 and 89 for both Pokémon Pokopia and Resident Evil Requiem. This rating is based on 32 reviews, and we anticipate more will be added soon.

Might GTA 6 be the only game that could be rated higher this year?

Here are some of the first reviews for Mina the Hollower. The game launches on PlayStation 5 later this week, on May 29th, 2026, and will cost $20. You can find all the reviews on Metacritic using this link.

IGN — 10/10

Mina the Hollower is a game that really stays with you, constantly popping into your thoughts even when you’re not playing. I found myself thinking about puzzles before bed and noticing hidden areas while running errands! It’s satisfyingly strategic – figuring out how to power up feels achievable, and I was determined to finally defeat a tough boss. The game matches the quality of its inspirations – classics like Zelda, Castlevania, and FromSoftware RPGs – but accomplishes this with a smaller scope. Even if you’re used to modern games like Breath of the Wild and Elden Ring, don’t let the retro style turn you off. Mina the Hollower delivers the same addictive gameplay with a world full of secrets and exciting, smart combat. It’s a huge adventure packed into a small, beautifully crafted package – truly a masterpiece.

RPG Site — 10/10

I was completely captivated by Mina the Hollower from beginning to end – a huge accomplishment for a game that took me around 18 hours to beat on my first try (with about 54% of the world explored). The game design is exceptional, and the beautiful pixel art and sound really elevate the experience. It’s a truly memorable game that I’d recommend to pretty much anyone who enjoys video games. What’s especially impressive is how customizable the difficulty is – I haven’t seen that level of flexibility in a game before, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The exploration is fantastic, the story is gripping, the art style is unique, and the developers consistently surprise you with clever and well-executed ideas. I wholeheartedly recommend Mina the Hollower.

TheGamer — 10/10

Mina the Hollower is a nearly perfect game that expertly blends the charm of classic retro titles with Yacht Club’s signature style. It’s a true standout and a modern masterpiece, and I could easily play it endlessly. This game proves Yacht Club is capable of consistently delivering exceptional experiences, solidifying their place as a top-tier studio.

GamesRadar — 9/10

Mina the Hollower is a truly exceptional indie game, easily one of the best I’ve played in years. It takes inspiration from classics like Zelda and Dark Souls, blending those ideas into something fresh and unique. The game offers a ton of freedom and different ways to explore and progress, often exceeding the quality of the games that influenced it.

GameSpot — 9/10

I’m incredibly impressed by Mina the Hollower. It’s an incredibly ambitious and detailed game, especially considering its simple look. It doesn’t just feel like a nostalgic throwback; it’s genuinely new, creative, and thrilling. Yacht Club Games proved themselves with the success of Shovel Knight, but Mina the Hollower might be their best work yet.

Game Informer — 8.75/10

Mina the Hollower definitely feels like a classic game, and it draws heavily from older titles. However, it’s not just a simple recreation – clever design choices and a modern approach make it a fresh and engaging experience that understands what makes games great.

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2026-05-27 18:08