Mina the Hollower will be a retro tail for the ages

Okay, It’s finally time. I’ve waited entirely too long to gush about “Mina the Hollower,” a brand-new game from Yacht Club Games, the masterminds behind Shovel Knight. Before we even get into details, can we all just take a moment to appreciate the Game Boy Color aesthetic? The 8-bit visuals are both hauntingly authentic and polished for modern times.

And, get this, it even features a 256×144 resolution, which is essentially a widescreen upgrade from the Game Boy’s 160×144 screen resolution. Before you even ask, no, no one has officially confirmed whether or not they’re porting this to Gameboy Color, but there are some fan demakes.

Gameplay and Plot

In Mina the Hollower, you’ll step into the shoes of Mina, a whip-cracking Hollower on a high-stakes quest to save a cursed island. Baron Lionel, her long-term patron, sends her a distressing letter about the island’s Spark Generators going dark, raising suspicions of foul play. Your journey is filled with perilous battles, fiendish monsters, and a vast, interconnected world steeped in Victorian Gothic horror. The game not only includes a fascinating story but also introduces Mina as a complex character, an inventor who has used her Spark technology to bring prosperity to Tenebrous Isle.

The Mechanics

Let’s talk about the Hollowing technique. The Hollowers are basically Earth scientists with a super heroic flair. With the ability to move faster underground, you’ll find yourself dodging threats and burrowing through the soil as you make your way around this dark, expansive world. You’ll also have a host of sidearms and trinkets at your disposal, adding depth to your combat strategies.

Mina wields a trusty whip called Nightstar and has access to a selection of other weapons, each with its own unique move set. As you progress, you can collect and equip trinkets that offer all sorts of gameplay enhancements. Plus, the game features a soundtrack by chiptune virtuoso Jake Kaufman, infusing your adventure with a certain electrifying nostalgia for the 90s.

Modern Meets Classic

The game effortlessly marries classic gameplay elements reminiscent of titles like “Castlevania” and “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” with modern features, including detailed animation and widescreen visuals. Running at a smooth 60fps, “Mina the Hollower” delivers action-packed gameplay that feels retro and new at the same time. For those wanting a deeper dive into the making of the game, you can check out this Game Informer documentary below – you’re welcome.

A Tale for the Ages

One of the most captivating elements of “Mina the Hollower” is its narrative. Yacht Club Games has drawn inspiration from Gothic Horror classics like “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” to offer a chilling yet heartwarming story. In their own words, the developers have always been fans of horror fiction, and this passion shows in every pixel of this new adventure.

Wishlist It Now!

Set to be released this December, Mina the Hollower promises to be an unforgettable journey, especially for myself and others who can’t get enough of our childhood classics. From the way the character moves, to the way the sprites are colored, and more, this makes me want to bust out my Game Boy Color like, right now. You can wishlist it on Steam right now using the widget above. Trust me, this is one indie title you won’t want to sleep on.