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REVIEWS - Yoshi's Island ::
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| It gleems with fun. |
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| Game Info. |
Genre
Action (2D platformer) |
Publisher/Developer
Nintendo/Nintendo |
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Peripherals
(none) |
Release
10/01/95 |
Media
(none) |
Yoshi's Island
The hyper-charged classic on its way to the GBA.
Reviewed by Sam - August 5th, 2002
Yeah... we're a little late on this one. Or so it would seem, if you weren't a reader back at E3 and you didn't know that Yoshi's Island is being remade for the Game Boy Advance next year! Oooh! So, on with our review-in-preview; should you wait for this massive GBA release or keep some hard-earned cash from that bucktoothed geek at Babbage's cold, slimey hands?
In-case you didn't know, you play the game as Yoshi, carrying stranded Baby Mario on your back, in-search of long-lost twin Luigi, who is being held captive by none other than Baby Koopa in Koopa's Keep. Classic plotline. Let's get on with the show...
Gameplay
Yes, the game is brilliant. Miyamoto is a god among gods, blah blah blah. You all know it by now, and if you don't you're not a real Nintendo fan; this is truly one of video gaming's masterpieces, and to more than a few is considered the absolute best game on the planet. Why? Intense gameplay, with non-stop thrills that will make your pinwheel spin. I found it exciting, enthralling, and lots of other words in the "E" section. Possibly even... erotic? Hmm.
However, I like my games at least moderately cooked when I bite into them, and this, my friends, is one of the toughest games I've ever had to chew on. I mean, some challenges are just plain annoying. Why put things like that in a game? I really don't understand. Oh well.
9/10
Control
You find eggs or make them by licking up and swallowing enemies whole, then you throw 'em around to complete puzzles and stuff along your journey, all in dozens of super-fun levels around Yoshi's magnificent Island. What really stands out is a theme based around Yoshi's actions. Butt-stomping, throwing eggs, licking things, fluttering to stay airborne; they bring shame to even the greatest Jumpman classics.
On the darker side, at least in my experiences, the game has made Yoshi's movements too slow and his jumping seem weighed-down. As acid-enduced and delirious as it sounds, of all things, the game's quirky prequel-sequel Yoshi's Story really surpasses the Island in control, honestly.
8/10
Graphics
This is where the game has punch. Man, people were really TRYING back then! The visuals just explodes with beauty, it's really hard to explain. Amazing animation, superb detail, stunning special effects, and vibrant pastel environments. Damn, not to mention the absolute best use of SNES's psuedo-3D Mode 7 in any game, ever. Damn!
9/10
Sound
The music, as always, is fabulous. Mario scores keep getting better and better, and Yoshi's Island even throws in its own unique style with jazz trumpets, classical guitars, and of course the African jungle beats.
The sound effects can be irritating, however, not solely due to the infamous Baby Mario crying. No, a lot of samples are used multiple times for different effects, such as Yoshi swallowing an egg and the spitting eggplant making noise. While the connection is kinda' neat, it's just too confusing at times. I mean, "did I just swallow an enemy? I didn't press Y; what's going on?". What a weird way to cut corners.
8/10
Replay Value
Like I said, the game can just get too hard to play, really. Even so, I only find myself wanting more. Miyamoto, or whoever, did an incredible job of making each level distinct. You'll be surprised; even the last few levels feel bold and brand new.
8/10
Overall
I'm sure I'm the only reviewer in history to give this game an 8. To me, it's not that it didn't meet my standards or anything, cause man oh man, this game is incredible. I just think people tend to give "classic" games perfect or near-perfect scores without much thought.
Is the game fun? Yes. Is it challenging as hell? Yes, that too. But definately, if you're craving some SNES gameplay, this will be an excellent pick upon its GBA release next year. Or, if you can't wait, settle with a ROM. Trust me, those save states can help out a lot...
FINAL SCORE: 8/10
=Great=
Send feedback to: sam@ngeb.net
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