Shovel Knight studio’s ‘make or break’ new game has the highest reviews of the year
Mina the Hollower, the latest release from Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games, has achieved the highest critical reception of any game released this year with a Metacritic score of 92. The 2D platformer, which was successfully crowd-funded in 2022, surpasses other notable releases including Forza Horizon 6, Pokémon Pokopia, Resident Evil Requiem, and Mewgenics in critical acclaim.
The game has received widespread praise from major gaming outlets, with more than a dozen reviewers awarding it perfect scores. Notable publications including RPG Site and IGN both gave the title full marks, with IGN describing it as “a truly special game.” This critical success is particularly significant given that Yacht Club Games had positioned the title as a crucial release for the studio’s future, with industry observers describing it as a “make or break” moment.
Mina the Hollower’s strong critical reception validates the studio’s continued expertise in 2D platformer design following the original Shovel Knight’s success. The positive reviews suggest the game has resonated with critics across multiple outlets and represents a successful continuation of the studio’s proven track record.