
MINA THE HOLLOWER might look like Zelda, but prepare yourself for something different
From Lightmap - Conversations with video game creators by SIFTER
May 29, 2026 · 40 min · Season 2 · Episode 256
About this episode
The episode discusses the game MINA THE HOLLOWER, its inspirations, and the balance between nostalgia and modern gameplay.
If you're a fan of the Gameboy era Zelda games, MINA THE HOLLOWER would have caught your eye. When you found out it's the team behind SHOVEL KNIGHT, I bet you got pretty excited. Well David D'Angelo and Nick Wozniak developers on the game say don't get it twisted, while the game is inspired by Link's Awakening and Oracle of Ages and Seasons, it's a different take on the top-down adventure. In this episode of Lightmap we learn about the balance between nostalgia and modern gameplay, why adding the modifiers and accessibility features were core to the game and make sure it was spooky enough. Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. * New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews…
People in this episode
Hosts: Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartho
Guests: David D'Angelo, Nick Wozniak
Topics covered
- game development
- nostalgia
- game design
- accessibility features
- independent games
Keywords
- MINA THE HOLLOWER
- Zelda
- game development
- accessibility
- nostalgia
- SHOVEL KNIGHT
- Link's Awakening
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: MINA THE HOLLOWER, SHOVEL KNIGHT, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons
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