New Zelda-Like RPG Is A GOTY Contender That Ranks Higher Than 11 Franchise Entries

A new Zelda-like RPG is taking gamers by storm, and for good reason, as it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.

If you’ve ever wondered what a Legend of Zelda game would be like if Nintendo genuinely hated you, Mina The Hollower’s unforgiving soulslike gameplay might be your cup of tea.

Mina The Hollower Currently Ranks Higher Than Several Legend of Zelda Games

From the makers of Shovel Knight, Yacht Club Games, Mina The Hollower draws a lot of its inspiration from old-school RPGs, while still exhibiting its own unique identity.

The game launches tomorrow on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch 2. We would probably recommend the latter platform, as it just feels right.

Critic reviews for the game have been overwhelmingly positive so far with 9s and 10s across the board, awarding it a respectable rating of 92 on Metacritic.

At the time of writing this places it above 11 actual Legend of Zelda titles, which is quite the achievement for a game so heavily inspired by Nintendo’s golden franchise.

It just barely surpasses The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds whilst outright clearing games like The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019) and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.

Be warned though. If you’re going into Mina The Hollower expects a laid-back experience; you’re playing the wrong game.

While it borrows a lot from the Zelda series, it also leans heavily into the challenges of both old and modern gaming.

Yacht Club Games

Mina’s moveset sees her wield a variety of weapons and sidearms you’ll collect throughout your adventure. Using these additions to your arsenal, plus trinkets to buff your abilities (or grant you new ones), you’ll form powerful builds that could carry you through the game.

You’ll still have to put the work in though, as mastering Mina’s tunnelling ability is how you’ll duck out of harm’s way. If you don’t get this technique down early in your playthrough, it’s going to make things a lot harder as you progress.

Enemies can be fast and unpredictable so mobility is key to overcoming the game’s obstacles, but should you falter and perish before collecting your lost bones (in-game currency used for levelling up) you’ll lose them all.

Don’t fret though, as whatever you’ve lost can be found again, whether it be through your natural gameplay or by doing a bit of farming before a big dungeon. The game is tough but so, so rewarding.

If you’re at all a fan of Zelda, Castlevania, or other such classics, Mina The Hollower is definitely for you.

There’s a learning curve to overcome but those who persevere will come out the other side having played a truly remarkable experience that once again proves why Yacht Club is a master when it comes to retro revivals.

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