Mina the Hollower is now out on Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Switch after beating Forza Horizon 6 on Metacritic

Mina the Hollower is now available on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC through Steam and Windows. The indie action adventure game recently drew wider attention after overtaking Forza Horizon 6 on Metacritic, reaching a 92 critic score and becoming one of the highest rated games of 2026 so far.

That score alone has made many players take notice, but the game has another reason to stand out. Mina the Hollower comes from Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight, one of the most respected indie platformers of the last decade. That history gives the new release instant credibility, especially among players who enjoy retro inspired games with modern design.

The game is built around a 2D isometric action adventure format. You play as Mina, a mouse like heroine who sets out to free an island from a terrible curse. The journey takes her through gothic castles, dangerous traps, monster filled areas, and boss fights that lean into old school difficulty without looking outdated.

A Game Boy Color inspired adventure with modern combat

Mina the Hollower clearly takes inspiration from 1990s handheld games, especially the Game Boy Color era. Its 8 bit pixel art, chiptune music, and top down structure are designed to feel nostalgic. But this is not just a retro imitation. The animation looks detailed, the action appears faster, and the combat has more modern energy.

The gameplay appears to mix several familiar ideas. The isometric movement and exploration bring The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening to mind, while Mina’s whip based attacks and gothic tone feel closer to Castlevania. There also seems to be a Metroidvania style structure, with exploration, tools, combat upgrades, and secrets shaping the adventure.

That combination could be why critics have responded so strongly. Mina the Hollower looks small compared with a massive open world game like Forza Horizon 6, but it seems focused and polished. It knows exactly what kind of game it wants to be.

The handheld connection is also important. Because the game is inspired by portable classics, it feels like a natural fit for Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, Xbox Ally, and other handheld devices. Playing it on a small screen may be the best way to capture the old Game Boy feeling while still enjoying modern controls and sharper design.

Mina the Hollower’s success also shows how strong indie games remain in 2026. Big releases still dominate attention, but a well made smaller game can still break through when it has a clear identity. Forza Horizon 6 is still a major success, but Mina’s rise proves that scale is not everything.

For players who missed this one until now, the launch is a good time to pay attention. Mina the Hollower has the look of a retro tribute, but its strong reviews suggest it may be much more than nostalgia. It could become one of this year’s sleeper hits.