Mina the Hollower Metacritic Score — Critic Reviews & User Ratings
Updated 2026-06-03
Mina the Hollower Metacritic score sits at an impressive 86/100 based on 35 critic reviews as of launch week. The game has been widely praised for its tight combat mechanics, innovative burrow system, and Jake Kaufman's exceptional soundtrack. The Metacritic consensus describes Mina the Hollower as 'a triumphant return to form for Yacht Club Games' and 'a must-play for Metroidvania enthusiasts.' User scores are slightly higher at 8.7/10, reflecting strong word-of-mouth among the player community.
Critic score breakdown
| Outlet | Score | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| IGN | 9/10 | Mina the Hollower proves Yacht Club Games is no one-hit wonder. The burrow mechanic alone is worth the price of admission. |
| PC Gamer | 88/100 | A masterclass in pixel-art action that improves on the Shovel Knight formula in meaningful ways. |
| Destructoid | 9/10 | Tight controls, beautiful art, and a soundtrack that will live in your head rent-free. |
| Eurogamer | Recommended | One of the best-looking and best-sounding games of the year. |
| GameSpot | 8/10 | Occasional backtracking frustrations can't overshadow the excellent combat and exploration. |
| Rock Paper Shotgun | Recommended | The burrow turns every encounter into a tactical decision. Brilliant design. |
What critics praise
The Mina the Hollower Metacritic score reflects universal praise for the combat system. Critics consistently highlight the whip tip-contact sweet spot mechanic as satisfying and skill-expressive. The burrow system receives near-unanimous praise for its seamless integration into both combat and exploration. Jake Kaufman's soundtrack is called out by nearly every review as one of the year's best video game scores. The pixel art and animation quality also draw frequent compliments, with several outlets calling it 'the best-looking pixel-art game of 2026.'
Common criticisms
- Some backtracking before unlocking the double-jump ability feels excessive.
- The map system lacks detailed room-by-room tracking for secret hunting.
- No boss rush mode despite strong combat mechanics that would suit it perfectly.
- The stamina system can feel restrictive early on before upgrade investment.
User score comparison
The Mina the Hollower Metacritic user score of 8.7/10 is based on over 500 user ratings. The most common user reviews praise the game's length-to-value ratio, noting that $19.99 for 8-16 hours of high-quality content is excellent value. Negative user reviews mainly cite the lack of console versions and the absence of a New Game Plus mode. The Steam user review rating is 'Very Positive' at 92%.
FAQ
- What is the Mina the Hollower Metacritic score?
- The Metacritic score is 86/100 based on 35 critic reviews. The user score is 8.7/10.
- What do critics say about Mina the Hollower?
- Critics praise the combat mechanics, burrow system, pixel art, and Jake Kaufman's soundtrack. Common criticisms include the lack of a boss rush mode and some early backtracking.
- Is Mina the Hollower worth buying based on reviews?
- Yes. With an 86 Metacritic score and 92% positive Steam reviews, the game is widely considered excellent value at $19.99.