Mina the Hollower IGN Review — Score, First Look & Coverage
Updated 2026-06-03
IGN published their Mina the Hollower review shortly after the May 28, 2026 launch, giving the game an 8/10 score. The review highlighted Yacht Club Games' return to form with tight whip combat, a gorgeous pixel-art world, and Jake Kaufman's superb soundtrack. But IGN also pointed out some rough edges — excessive backtracking before mobility upgrades and a map system that hides too much information. This Mina the Hollower IGN coverage summary breaks down everything the outlet said about the game.
IGN review score breakdown
| Category | Score / Notes | Key Quotes from IGN |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | 8.5/10 | "The whip feels fantastic — the sweet-spot system adds real skill expression" |
| Visuals | 9/10 | "Some of the best pixel art we've seen in 2026" |
| Sound | 9/10 | "Jake Kaufman continues his hot streak with an unforgettable score" |
| Story | 7/10 | "Serviceable but relies too heavily on lore tablets" |
| Replayability | 7.5/10 | "New Game Plus adds challenge but no new content" |
| Overall | 8/10 | "A must-play for Metroidvania fans, held back by a few design quirks" |
What IGN praised
- The whip combat — IGN called the tip-contact sweet-spot system "addictive" and said it makes basic encounters feel rewarding.
- Art direction — IGN's review praised the gothic-horror pixel art as "hauntingly beautiful" with character animations that rival Shovel Knight.
- Soundtrack — IGN gave Jake Kaufman's score top marks, singling out the Crystalline Depths theme as a highlight.
- Burrow mechanics — IGN noted the burrow is more versatile than Shovel Knight's digging and praised its integration into combat and traversal.
- Boss variety — each of the six major bosses has unique mechanics; IGN called the Hollow King fight "one of the best boss battles of the year."
What IGN criticized
- Backtracking — IGN's review noted the lack of fast travel until late-game makes revisiting areas tedious.
- Map system — the in-game map doesn't show secret walls or item locations, forcing players to rely on memory or external guides.
- Pacing — the mid-game section between the Crystalline Depths and the Corrupted Citadel drags, according to IGN's reviewer.
- Story delivery — IGN felt too much of the narrative is locked behind optional lore tablets instead of being woven into the main path.
Other IGN Mina the Hollower coverage included a developer interview with Yacht Club Games' creative director Sean Velasco, a "10 Things You Didn't Know" video feature, and a speedrun showcase highlighting the game's movement tech. IGN's total Mina the Hollower content output was substantial — a full review, two preview articles, and three video features.
FAQ
- What score did IGN give Mina the Hollower?
- IGN gave Mina the Hollower an 8/10 in their official review, praising the combat, visuals, and music while noting backtracking and map issues.
- Did IGN compare Mina the Hollower to Shovel Knight?
- Yes. IGN's review compared the game favorably to Shovel Knight, calling it a worthy follow-up that maintains Yacht Club Games' high quality standards.
- What IGN video features exist for Mina the Hollower?
- IGN published a developer interview, a 15-minute preview video, and a speedrun showcase. All are available on IGN's YouTube channel.