Yoshi's Island DS review (DS)

Egg-cellent, it’s finally arrived. After more than a decade since the original was released, we finally have a sequel to the utterly fantastic Yoshi’s Island, first released on the SNES way back in 1995. And, lets face it, the original was probably the greatest platformer to ever grace a console, and still holds true to this very day, even if things have moved past the 2D barrier into the realm of 3D. What made it special? Possibly the ingenious level design, superb gameplay, ample secrets and replay value, I think you’ll find.

Yet, how many of us as eager 10 year olds were berated for our seemingly childish taste in games? Indeed, Yoshi’s Island was a targeted by self proclaimed “hip” kids simply for its bright colours and cutesy characters, yet such parochial views failed to deter us from lapping it up – even at such a naïve age, us hardcore kids knew we had something special with the game. Yes, it simply is that good. Perhaps so good, that some would have reservations of developers Artoon – not exactly flavour of the month from past experience – deciding to take the franchise into their grasp and tinker about with it. Still, with such a brilliant template at their disposal, how could one fail?

Egg tastic

Waffling aside, the inevitable sequel is upon us. Once again, the setting returns to the peaceful abode of the Yoshi tribe, named Yoshi’s Island. After failing to kidnap the Mario babies highlighted in the original game, magi-Koopa Kamek decides to turn his plan up a notch – instead of capturing two babies, he sets out to kidnap all the tots in town. As luck would have it, baby Mario manages to evade capture, safely plummeting to the ground and landing on an unsuspecting Yoshi. With brother Luigi again in the hands of the enemy, it’s up to Yoshi and mini Mario to save the day once again, only this time four other tots join him in his quest.

Again, the premise is simple; guide Yoshi and his accompanying tot throughout five worlds, each divided up into eight stages. Needless to say developers Artoon haven’t fiddled with any fundamentals here, and it’s as cut and dry as the first outing, only there’s a little more oomph to it this time. As mentioned, four additional babies now support Yoshi, namely Bowser, Donkey Kong, Peach and Wario, each sporting their own special abilities. The key is, each level contains certain items and bonuses to collect but are mostly unreachable unless you utilize a certain baby. For example, Donkey Kong can climb vines allowing you to reach areas previously unreachable, while Peach allows you to float for a greater distance.

Catch Those Coins

Aside from this, there are hidden character coins located in each level, which can only be collected if Yoshi touches them while the correct baby is on his back. Making a return from the previous game are the red coins and flower tokens, many of which are well hidden this time around, requiring a thorough search of each stage. Of course, it wouldn’t be right not to mention the obvious at some point; the game is played using two screens, with the action spanning both the bottom and top screens.

Needless to say, vigilance is required when hunting for bonuses and coins alike, as they’ll more than likely be obscured with in the “space” between each screen. Fortunately this doesn’t really create much of a problem, but being hit by a seemingly invisible foe can lead to some minor frustrations.

Everybody Walk The Dinosaur

Also making a return are the imaginative power ups, such turning into a helicopter or Thunderbirds-style mole, and a number of mini games used to boost your life count. As daft as it may sound, however, you can repeat these in-level bonus stages as many times as you like, making racking up lives a ridiculously easy task. The game isn’t exactly the toughest you’ll play either, although latter stages do start to up the challenge so to speak. As with the first game, you’ll have to face off against some impressive looking boss creatures as you progress.

Interestingly, while they’re fun to look at, they never actually all that challenging; some of them appear to be pale imitations of bosses that cropped up in the first outing. More disappointingly is the fact the DS functionality is almost non existent (bar the use of dual screens to view the action), which is a shame considering one boss in particular hints at some intriguing ideas – you’ll see what I mean. In places the game feels like its never really challenging the fundamental principles at hand, and, while one could argue you shouldn’t mess with a solid foundation, it would have been nice to see a couple of DS-exclusive features thrown in for good measure.

Still, one of the most rewarding aspects of the game is its ample hidden content. Coins, extra lives and other basic items are copiously spread throughout each level, and you’re going to have to hunt high and low for each and every one of them. Some are unreachable unless you use a specific baby in tow; others just require a keen eye. It’s this sense of scope that is immensely rewarding for the player, and one that has been successful hauled over from the original game. Even more so, in fact, thanks to the aforementioned “character” coins.

Almost There, But Not Quite

One aspect that hasn’t experienced the transition well, though, is unquestionably the game soundtrack. Gone are the wonderful, catchy and uplifting tunes from the original, replaced with a handful of dreary, monotonous fillers that just cannot seem to do the gorgeous backdrops any justice. There are a few rough jems in the mix, but not as plentiful as they should be. The intricate backgrounds and visual splatter are just as captivating as they always were, and full of life. Still, eagle eyes will be quick to note the visuals appear to have been “cleaned” up, with the black outline missing. Perhaps a picky thing to say, but at least psychologically, those of us who have played the original can’t help but feel they’re watching an episode of Stars In Their Eyes; they sound good, but something still isn’t quite right.

Overall though, Yoshi’s Island DS is a pleasure to experience from start to finish. It’s thorough, pretty, sometimes challenging and downright fun to play. Artoon certainly could have stretched its wings on a couple of aspects – such as DS functionality – but at the end of the day, it’s more than just a quick reminder of a classic period; it makes you smile, and takes you back to where it all began. And that’s what we want it to do.