Mina the Hollower – Yacht Club Games
Mina the Hollower is a top-down action indie game developed by Yacht Club Games (same developer who brought you Shovel Knight). The plot is about a female mouse named Mina who is an inventor of nine Spark Generators. During her visit to Tenebrous Isles, Mina ship gets attack by a Kraken. Mina crash lands on Tenebrous Isles and sees its under attack along with town set on fire. She fights her way through Tenebrous Isles against these enemies and reaches her destination. Mina talks with Lionel who attends a ribbon cutting ceremony for orphanages. Lionel tells Mina he will meet her and suddenly attacked by Throne (a warrior who used to serve Lionel). Demo ends where a question is asked, what is Lionel true objective and why Throne was apart of a coup.
Mine the Hollower has a blend with dark fantasy Castlevania and Legend of Zelda. Yacht Club Games made another banger with immersive soundtrack from 8-bit era. Challenging puzzles and tough bosses to face in Mina’s adventure. There are three weapons to choose from like Whip (just like Simon Belmont) and two others that player chooses beginning of the game. Players use sub-weapons like Axe that cost shockwaves and boomerang dagger. Mina collects skulls to use for buying items but if you lost them went health is 0. Items can restore your health but very limited. The game has some different mechanics like “burrow”. Burrow allows Mina to go underground and boost jumps as well.
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Also as picking up rocks to throw at enemies. Not in combat, Mina can interact with townsfolks and explore different regions of the world. Mina the Hollower gameplay fascinates me because I grew up in 8-bit era. I will talk about more my thoughts on the game at end of this post. Mina the Hollower will be released at Q1/Q2 of 2026. It will be on platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch. Make sure to pre-order the game on their website and other online retailers.
Darwin’s Paradox – ZDT Studio
Darkin’s Paradox is a stealth adventure game developed by ZDT Studio along with published by Konami. The plot is about Darwin escaping from industrial factory complex but there is some obstacles getting in his way. In the demo, Darwin has to get away from Seagulls along with factory workers as well. During Darwin’s journey, he goes underwater to not get spotted by security camera with death rays. Along with getting away from rats and electric fences as well. In Darwin’s Paradox gameplay, he can dash, use ink to block out security lights and camouflage to blend into different surroundings. Players must have to use their wits to solve puzzles like walking with moving trunks to not get spotted. They’ve got to move within the shadows to get away from the light. Darwin can flip switches to open doors and latch on barrels to block spotlights.
Also, receive intelligence from HQ for information about surrounding areas and hint system that tells players what to do if stuck. Darwin’s Paradox is a very lighthearted stealth game that parodies Konami’s own Metal Gear Solid. There are some nods on the series, while playing the game. Darwin’s Paradox has a comedic tone went a bird gets angry with you. The game will be released on April 2, 2026, and available on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation along with PC.
Mina and Darwin Demo Thoughts
The main issue I have with Mina is burrow boost because I felt to my death trying to figure this mechanic out. Overall, I had good things with Mina along with fighting bosses like Hunk Trooper which I did had trouble as well. Personally, I didn’t understand underground safe zone, but you can switch trinkets and weapons. There is a machine that converts souls to skulls as well. Maybe in the full version, it might come together in one swoop. I was amazed by soundtrack and want to go back to NES days. How I recommend playing this game for retro gaming fans alike and if you love challenging puzzles.
Darwin’s Paradox is why I don’t play a lot of stealth games like Metal Gear Solid. Therefore, I found myself getting frustrated toward the end of the demo went you have to spring to escape. Hint system really saves me couple of times and Froger like section of the game had me in rage. While all I have to say that what Darwin’s Paradox is built for challenge and veterans of stealth gaming genre. I have gotten spotted couple of times and lost, but I was a novice on stealth games. If you’re a fan of Metal Gear Solid (which that game gets me Nightmares) than get it after April Fools.
Closing
Both games were showcased at PlayStation State of Play February 2026, and I had to get my hands on experience with them. If I had to choose between the two, I would buy Mina the Hollower because retro aspect of the game. Darwin other hand I might have a change of heart because my lack of interest in stealth games. What are your thoughts on Mine the Hollower and Darwin’s Paradox? Have you played the demos of both, let me know in the comments below. Thank you for reading my blogpost and tune into the next one from yours truly.
