SL4IN
04-18-2007, 07:40 PM
Retail Price: $29.99/$34.99
Rating: E
Release Date: November 13, 2006
This is the first time I've picked up a Yoshi game since Yoshi's Story on the Nintendo 64... and I'm pretty impressed. With having seen friends and other people play the gameboy advance versions of the Yoshi games, I knew in a sense of exactly what to expect.
As soon as you flick that on switch on your DS, you'll notice a bright, vibrant, colorful game unfold right in your hands. Your welcomed to soft music playing in the background with a brief story of how Yoshi was able save his friends in Yoshi's Island, but now he must embark on a new journey to over throw the evil Bowser and reclaim his small baby friends.
Once you start in the actual game, you'll notice a level select almost identical to the Mario games, it's simple; you complete a level, a new one opens up and you continue on the final stage which results in a boss battle at the end of each world. Pretty much the basic platforming we've loved and come to expect from the side-scroller Nintendo games.
Now the premise of Yoshi's Island DS has actually no functionality with the stylus and touch screen, which isn't completely bad. The touch screen is used in a very unique way, and does prove very helpful for those wanting to complete the game 100%. It works like this: the bottom screen is used as an extra viewing for you to see very far below you or very high above you. Obviously in boss fights, with out this the game would be near impossible.
The normal Yoshi moves are in the game, you jump, flutter, and of course eat stuff and turn it into eggs to throw. New additions are the ground pound, and each baby has their own ability to aid Yoshi on his way.
All in all, the game is great and it filled my expectations. If you need a new DS game have yet to find one worth your money, this one really tickles my fancy and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good time cruncher. Let's check the numbers.
Presentation
Colorful menus, bright settings and beautiful sprites. Really makes you feel like you're playing back on the SNES. - 7.5
Graphics
I have to say I love 'em. Some of the best 2D animation and sprites i've seen thus far on the DS. Though, I am a little disappointed in the lack of different eggs and repetitive enemies with rehashed colors. - 8.0
Sound
I really liked the kiddy, easy music playing the background. And Yoshi's little sound effects never sounded better. The only complaint is how annoying the crying of the babies get when you lose them. - 8.0
Gameplay
This is really where the game shines. Levels do look rehashed later in the game, but you'll find that design is completely different and that's what keeps it fresh. Enemies are more than easily predictable with a few tough ones thrown in the mix every now and then. Bosses are really mixed, some are embarrassingly easy, but most do offer a challenge. - 8.5
Lasting Appeal
Overall, definitely worth a purchase if you haven't already got it. If you liked Yoshi's Touch & Go, this is worth a check out. It's a great, engaging, time consuming platformer that has definitely earned a spot into my permanent DS collection. - 8.5
tell me what you think!
Rating: E
Release Date: November 13, 2006
This is the first time I've picked up a Yoshi game since Yoshi's Story on the Nintendo 64... and I'm pretty impressed. With having seen friends and other people play the gameboy advance versions of the Yoshi games, I knew in a sense of exactly what to expect.
As soon as you flick that on switch on your DS, you'll notice a bright, vibrant, colorful game unfold right in your hands. Your welcomed to soft music playing in the background with a brief story of how Yoshi was able save his friends in Yoshi's Island, but now he must embark on a new journey to over throw the evil Bowser and reclaim his small baby friends.
Once you start in the actual game, you'll notice a level select almost identical to the Mario games, it's simple; you complete a level, a new one opens up and you continue on the final stage which results in a boss battle at the end of each world. Pretty much the basic platforming we've loved and come to expect from the side-scroller Nintendo games.
Now the premise of Yoshi's Island DS has actually no functionality with the stylus and touch screen, which isn't completely bad. The touch screen is used in a very unique way, and does prove very helpful for those wanting to complete the game 100%. It works like this: the bottom screen is used as an extra viewing for you to see very far below you or very high above you. Obviously in boss fights, with out this the game would be near impossible.
The normal Yoshi moves are in the game, you jump, flutter, and of course eat stuff and turn it into eggs to throw. New additions are the ground pound, and each baby has their own ability to aid Yoshi on his way.
All in all, the game is great and it filled my expectations. If you need a new DS game have yet to find one worth your money, this one really tickles my fancy and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good time cruncher. Let's check the numbers.
Presentation
Colorful menus, bright settings and beautiful sprites. Really makes you feel like you're playing back on the SNES. - 7.5
Graphics
I have to say I love 'em. Some of the best 2D animation and sprites i've seen thus far on the DS. Though, I am a little disappointed in the lack of different eggs and repetitive enemies with rehashed colors. - 8.0
Sound
I really liked the kiddy, easy music playing the background. And Yoshi's little sound effects never sounded better. The only complaint is how annoying the crying of the babies get when you lose them. - 8.0
Gameplay
This is really where the game shines. Levels do look rehashed later in the game, but you'll find that design is completely different and that's what keeps it fresh. Enemies are more than easily predictable with a few tough ones thrown in the mix every now and then. Bosses are really mixed, some are embarrassingly easy, but most do offer a challenge. - 8.5
Lasting Appeal
Overall, definitely worth a purchase if you haven't already got it. If you liked Yoshi's Touch & Go, this is worth a check out. It's a great, engaging, time consuming platformer that has definitely earned a spot into my permanent DS collection. - 8.5
tell me what you think!