Mina the Hollower Just Overtook Forza Horizon 6 as 2026’s Highest-Rated Game

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A surprise indie release has officially dethroned Forza Horizon 6 as the highest-rated game of 2026 on OpenCritic. Mina the Hollower, the new gothic action-adventure title from Yacht Club Games, currently holds a 92 Top Critic Average after reviews went live ahead of launch.

The retro-inspired game blends elements of classic Zelda titles, Castlevania, and Soulslike combat while using Game Boy Color-style visuals and a Victorian horror aesthetic. Critics are praising its tight controls, interconnected world design, challenging combat, and memorable soundtrack, with several reviewers already calling it a Game of the Year contender.

The achievement is especially notable considering the competition. Mina the Hollower surpassed major releases like Forza Horizon 6, 007 First Light, Resident Evil Requiem, and Pokémon Pokopia despite coming from the creators of the indie hit Shovel Knight rather than a massive AAA publisher.

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an indie game with game boy color visuals beating massive aaa releases in review scores is the gaming industry’s favorite recurring plot twist