Mina the Hollower PS5 Review - A Modern Retro Classic

Mina the Hollower, developed and published by Yacht Club Games (the creators of the beloved Shovel Knight series), is an outstanding action-adventure title available on PS5. Releasing on May 29, 2026, it delivers a haunting, retro-inspired experience that builds upon the studio's reputation for polished pixel art and tight gameplay.

In Mina the Hollower, players take control of Mina, a renowned mouse inventor and member of the Hollowers guild. She is sent to the cursed Tenebrous Isle to investigate and combat rising darkness that threatens the land. Using her innovative "Hollowing" technique and arsenal of tools, Mina must explore a vast, interconnected world, battle monstrous foes, and uncover the island's secrets to save it from doom.

The game features a memorable cast of bizarre and quirky characters. Mina herself is a charming protagonist who is clever, resourceful, and equipped with a whip called the Nightstar. She encounters eccentric NPCs, sinister enemies, and imposing bosses that populate the haunted isle, each adding flavor and personality to the adventure. The supporting cast ranges from fellow inventors and guild members to cursed island inhabitants, creating a living, eerie world filled with intrigue.

Story elements blend classic adventure with darker, atmospheric tones reminiscent of Bloodborne influences filtered through a retro lens. Mina's mission evolves from scientific curiosity into a desperate fight against ancient curses and dark forces. Plot points involve uncovering hidden lore about Spark Technology, the Hollowers' earth-studying traditions, and the island's tragic history, delivered through environmental storytelling, dialogues, and discoveries rather than heavy cutscenes.

Mina the Hollower hosts impressive features for a modern retro title. It includes a massive, densely packed interconnected world with over 1,200 screens across 17 areas, nonlinear progression, more than 25 unique bosses, a deep collection system with 60 trinkets, multiple weapons, and numerous sidearms. Modern conveniences like widescreen support and detailed animations enhance the classic feel.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay mechanics center on Mina's signature Hollowing ability. By burrowing underground, she gains temporary invincibility, faster movement, the power to dodge hazards and attacks, cross gaps, and access hidden paths or items. Combat mixes precise whip attacks (in four directions) with an additional arsenal of optional weapons including named dual swords and a hammer offering different movesets and sidearms like hatchets or daggers for varied strategies. Trinkets provide exotic effects limited by equipment slots while progression allows leveling to suit playstyles. The result is fluid, skill-based action that rewards mastery and experimentation.

Gameplay objectives revolve around exploration and combat in a semi-open structure. Players must navigate the interconnected map, solve light environmental puzzles using burrowing and tools, defeat bosses and mini-bosses, collect resources (like bones for currency/experience), and complete the main quest while hunting secrets and side content from quests taken on at the game's hub cities. The 20-30+ hour runtime offers substantial main story depth alongside optional challenges.

For those looking for different ways to experience the core gameplay loop there are modifier toggles via menu that alter gameplay mechanics functions. Things that hinder, assist, or add weird effects for a more unusual take on Mina's adventure. 

The Presentation ...

The game's presentation shines with hauntingly authentic 8-bit visuals inspired by Game Boy Color, featuring crisp pixel art, limited but effective color palettes, and meticulous animation that feels premium on PS5. The world feels alive yet eerie, with excellent attention to detail in every screen. The soundtrack, composed primarily by chiptune master Jake Kaufman (with contributions from Yuzo Koshiro), delivers infectious, atmospheric tracks that perfectly complement the dark adventure which is energetic during exploration and tense in combat.

The Verdict ...

Mina the Hollower is an absolute triumph and one of the most ambitious and enjoyable indie action-adventures in recent years. Yacht Club Games has crafted a confident evolution of their signature style into a bigger, bolder experience that respects retro roots while delivering modern depth and polish. From the satisfying burrow mechanics to the rewarding exploration and challenging yet fair combat, it left me grinning throughout my playthrough. This is a must-play gem that exceeds expectations in every department.

I highly recommend Mina the Hollower to fans of classic top-down Zelda games, Metroidvanias, or Shovel Knight enthusiasts looking for something fresh. It's ideal for players who enjoy skillful action, deep world exploration, and retro aesthetics with substantial content. Whether you're a hardcore completionist or a casual adventurer, this title offers tremendous value and replayability on PS5. Don't miss it!