Case Study: Mina the Hollower — A Modern Ode to Retro Adventure

Venetian Whip Combat | Gothic Pixel World | Kickstarter Community | Retro Meets Innovation

THE BACKGROUND

When Yacht Club Games - the indie studio famously behind Shovel Knight - unveiled Mina the Hollower on Kickstarter in early 2022, it wasn’t just another crowdfunded game: it was an invitation back into the magic of handheld classics. The pitch promised a bone-chilling top-down action-adventure with haunting visuals inspired by Game Boy Color titles, refined for modern audiences yet rooted in nostalgia.

Backers were eager. Over the 30-day campaign, more than 21,000 supporters pledged $1.24 million - nearly four times the original goal - signalling a passionate community hungry for this blend of retro aesthetics, atmospheric storytelling, and high-tempo combat.

In Mina the Hollower, players take on the role of Mina, a renowned Hollower (a whip-wielding inventor and adventurer), immersed in a gothic world full of darkness, beasts, and buried secrets. Across cursed islands, sprawling ruins, and cryptic catacombs, Mina’s journey blends nostalgic exploration with sharp action, and a cast of bizarre characters brings narrative depth to each location.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yachtclubgames/mina-the-hollower/description

THE APPROACH

At the heart of Mina the Hollower is a design philosophy that reveres the past while innovating for the present. Yacht Club Games didn’t set out to just replicate nostalgia; they wanted to expand it. Inspired by beloved handheld classics like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and infused with tactical combat elements reminiscent of Castlevania and Bloodborne, the team crafted a world that feels both familiar and fresh.

Visually, the game embraces pixel-perfect aesthetics grounded in the style of retro hardware, but with modern touches: widescreen support, detailed animations, and fluid controls. Mina’s whip attacks, burrowing mechanics, and arsenal of sidearms give players mechanical depth while preserving the tight, responsive gameplay that fans of old-school action adventures crave. Rather than leaning purely on paved design, the developers built an interconnected world teeming with secrets, hidden paths, and environmental puzzles, each corner crafted to reward curiosity. A dynamic MSX-style soundtrack, composed with atmospheric flair, pulls players deeper into the game’s gothic ambience.

Player engagement was also central: Mina the Hollower’s Kickstarter didn’t just fund development, it fostered a community. Yacht Club shared trailers, playable demos tied to Steam Next Fest, and regular updates that invited players into the creative process long before launch. Progress in the demo even carries over into the full game, reinforcing the shared journey between backers and creators.

TOTAL BACKERS:

21,439

AMOUNT RAISED:

US$ 1,239,584 / US$ 311,503

PERCENT OF GOAL:

398%

GIF of the graphics, gameplay and world of Mina the Hollower, from their Kickstarter campaign

GIF of the graphics, gameplay and world of Mina the Hollower, from their Kickstarter campaign

GIF of the graphics, gameplay and world of Mina the Hollower, from their Kickstarter campaign

GIF of the graphics, gameplay and world of Mina the Hollower, from their Kickstarter campaign

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yachtclubgames/mina-the-hollower/description

THE RESULTS

The success of Mina the Hollower on Kickstarter reaffirmed Yacht Club’s ability to rally a devoted community around bold creative visions. Surpassing its goal by such a wide margin wasn’t just about money, rather it was a vote of confidence from fans who grew up with retro classics and trust the team’s craft.

While the studio initially targeted an October 31st 2025 release - perfect for its spooky aesthetic - the launch has since been delayed as the team focuses on final polish, balancing, and ensuring a high-quality experience across platforms. This decision, framed as a commitment to excellence rather than a setback, reflects the studio’s respect for its audience and legacy. For many backers and demo players, early impressions have been overwhelmingly positive: the demo’s combat, burrowing mechanics, and boss encounters deliver a satisfying fusion of challenge and strategy, and the world’s atmosphere evokes both nostalgia and novelty. Players have shared excitement for the full game’s expansive areas, intricate level designs, and soundtrack, positioning it as a likely favourite when it finally arrives.

Mina’s evolution from Kickstarter project to highly anticipated title demonstrates the power of community-driven development - a reminder that passionate backers don’t just fund games; they shape them. Mina the Hollower shows how wisdom from the past can power the innovations of today. Yacht Club Games didn’t just make a retro-style title; they built a living, breathing adventure that honours handheld classics while standing firmly in the modern era. Even with delays, the loyalty of its community and the strength of its design suggest a bright future once the final release lands.

For creators, the lesson is clear: invite players into your process, honour the legacy you inherit, and never rush art that deserves time to shine. Backers will wait if they trust your vision and see your heart in the work.

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