Mina the Hollower: Shovel Knight announces a new game
Shovel Knight developers Yacht Club are hard at work. The company has recently finished up co-developed Shovel Knight spinoffs, Shovel Knight dig and Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon. Yacht Club has revealed for the first time that they are currently working on a Shovel Knight game. Mina The Hollower was unveiled earlier today via Kickstarter and exceeded its initial funding goal.
A game between Bat and Mouse
Yacht Club’s Mina the Hollower is gorgeous. She has been lovingly rendered in Gameboy-esque pixels. As in Shovel Knight, this shows the dedication to recreating an era of gaming. Mina the Hollower is a more special homage to NES platformers than Shovel Knight.
This game will feature Castlevania’s skills and enemy design, as seen through the lens of Zelda-era Gameboy games. Mina hopes to bring back the Belmonts’ old skillset, from the crackle of a whip to the graceful arc of an axe thrown, and It will be interesting to see how these skills translate into a completely different game design.
It is hard to overstate how this game is like Link’s Awakening and Oracle of Ages/Seasons. From the 2D blocks to the minute details such as lock and key designs, Mina the Hollower is a beautiful addition to the Nintendo series.
Shovel Knight’s humble beginnings
The yacht club has seen the times change. It was necessary to develop Shovel Knight via Kickstarter to secure development funds. The Shovel Knight franchise has enjoyed widespread success and critical acclaim. Yacht Club has many publishing options. Why not return to crowdfunding?
Alec Faulkner, the designer, says Kickstarter will enable Yacht Club to “create an even more expansive game.” Although they will be financing the majority of the game, Kickstarter will allow for the game to be fully realized.
Yacht Club is also eager to “build community through Kickstarter”. All of this seems like a solid strategy. Shovel Knight did not become the most popular, high-budget title in the world by being the best. It grew by word of mouth and engagement with dedicated fans eager to see it succeed.
Mina the Hollower releases
Yacht Club reports that Mina the Hollower is still in development. However, the game looks impressive. They will hopefully have more information soon.
