The Best Zelda-Like of 2026 Still Has No Release Date After Its Crushing Delay

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The Legend of Zelda is a hugely influential game that helped define the action-adventure genre, and it’s a series I’ve always loved. What makes these games great – and has inspired so many others – is the precise controls, the joy of discovering secrets through exploration, easy-to-understand combat, and a sense of real accomplishment as you progress. I’ve been eagerly anticipating one Kickstarter-funded game in particular, and I was almost able to play it last year, but a last-minute delay unfortunately pushed back the release.

Fans are really looking forward to Mina the Hollower, the new game from the creators of Shovel Knight. Given their previous success, many expect it to be a big hit. However, after a disappointing last-minute delay, there’s still no news on when the game will actually come out. This lack of information is particularly frustrating for players who have been eagerly awaiting a new Zelda-style adventure.

Where Is Mina the Hollower?

I was super hyped for Mina the Hollower to come out last Halloween, October 31st, but it got delayed right before launch. The developers, Yacht Club Games, said they needed more time to polish the game and make sure it was up to their standards, which I totally get, but it was still disappointing. We haven’t gotten much news since then, and honestly, I’m still waiting to hear when it’s actually going to release. It’s been a long wait!

Delays this close to a game’s release are unusual, which is why the news affected fans so strongly. Typically, games are postponed much earlier in the development process. A late delay often suggests the developers are working hard to improve the game or have had to reduce its scope. While it’s disappointing, I think it was the right call. Considering how successful and enjoyable Shovel Knight was, I have complete confidence in Yacht Club Games.

Fans are really excited about Mina the Hollower, an upcoming indie action-adventure game. Everything the developers at Yacht Club Games have revealed so far looks fantastic, making the wait for release tough. It’s looking like it could be one of the best Zeldainspired games in a long time! I haven’t felt this enthusiastic about an indie title since the announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong, or even the now-canceled Earthblade*.

The Success of Shovel Knight and New Expectations

As a huge fan, I have to say Yacht Club Games really hit it out of the park with Shovel Knight. Released back in 2014, it quickly became one of my favorite indie games – and it’s stayed that way! What I loved most was how they kept supporting it for years with all those amazing campaign expansions. It really showed that a retro style could work if done really well, and it became a landmark platformer. Plus, the Kickstarter was a massive success, which just proves how much excitement there was for the game even before it came out!

I’ve been a fan of Shovel Knight since the start, though I missed out on its original Kickstarter campaign. I showed my support by buying the game on multiple Nintendo systems – Wii U, 3DS, and Switch. Many other fans have done the same, either by repurchasing the game or trying its spin-offs. Plus, some have even checked out games like Yooka-Laylee and Rivals of Aether that included Shovel Knight content. Yacht Club Games really delivered with their first game, exceeding all expectations and building a dedicated fanbase.

Given the success of the developer’s previous work, there’s a lot of anticipation for Mina the Hollower. This isn’t a debut project from a new studio; it’s a continuation of a popular game made by a team known for consistently updating and refining their creations. That success brings expectations – players are looking for a game with real depth, lasting replayability, and unique gameplay, not just something that feels like a tribute to classics like The Legend of Zelda or Castlevania, which heavily inspired it.

Zelda Fans Cannot Miss Mina the Hollower

Mina the Hollower is shaping up to be a standout Zelda-like game, potentially the best of the year and even this console generation. It successfully captures the classic top-down perspective, challenging combat, focus on exploration, rewarding upgrades, and the need to learn enemy behaviors. If you enjoy games like the original Zelda, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on this title from Yacht Club Games, as Mina the Hollower offers a fresh and unique experience.

What really sets this game apart from other action-adventure titles is its digging feature. It’s not just for show – it actually changes how you move around, impacting both fights and how you explore. This kind of clever design is what makes a good Zelda-inspired game truly special. It rewards players for thinking creatively and making smart choices, rather than just becoming more powerful through upgrades.

Even with its delay, Mina the Hollower consistently ranks high on lists of the most anticipated indie games and Zelda-like adventures. The lack of recent updates hasn’t dampened excitement – in fact, it’s made players even more eager to see what’s in store. Fans are hoping for confirmation that the game is still being developed and that the extra time is being used to create something truly exceptional. If Yacht Club Games can live up to the potential it’s shown, the wait for Mina the Hollower will be well worth it. For now, it remains a must-watch unreleased indie action-adventure game.

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2026-02-08 18:43