Mina the Hollower Claims the Highest-Rated Game of the Year Title Ahead of Launch
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Yacht Club Games' Mina the Hollower has claimed the title of highest-rated game of 2026 on OpenCritic, scoring a 92 average and surpassing previous frontrunners like Forza Horizon 6 ahead of its May 28 launch.
The 2026 release calendar has a new critical frontrunner. Yacht Club Games, the studio best known for Shovel Knight, has returned with Mina the Hollower, and early critical reception suggests the developer has delivered another modern classic. Ahead of its May 28 release date, review scores have flooded OpenCritic, pushing the retro-styled action adventure to a stellar 92 Top Critic Average after 27 reviews. This score narrowly eclipses major heavyweights of the year so far, including Forza Horizon 6, which previously held the crown with an impressive 91 average.
Mina the Hollower leans heavily into a distinct Game Boy Color aesthetic, combining Victorian Gothic horror themes with tight, challenging combat and an interconnected world. Players step into the shoes of the titular Hollower, utilizing a wide array of sidearms and trinkets while navigating exotic locales accompanied by an infectious soundtrack. Early praise has been remarkably strong across the board, with high-profile critics like Bloomberg's Jason Schreier calling it a masterpiece that blends the DNA of classic 2D Zelda and Castlevania with the design sensibilities of Bloodborne, complete with built-in item randomizers for high replay value.
For a studio that set a massive benchmark with its breakout indie hit years ago, this new launch proves that Yacht Club Games has not lost its touch. As digital storefronts continue to fill up with massive blockbuster sequels and live service updates, the immediate success of Mina the Hollower highlights the enduring appeal of sharp craftsmanship and focused single-player design. You can read the original reporting over at Game Rant.
Tags: Mina the Hollower, Yacht Club Games, OpenCritic, Indie Games, Game Rant
Original article: Game Rant