In a time when 2D platformers seem to be fading into gaming history, for fans of the SNES it's downright heartwarming to see a sequel that is true to the classic.
I can honestly say that Yoshi's Island DS is one of the best games I have ever played.
It takes many of its core mechanics from the original Yoshi's Island on SNES, an excellent game, which should not be seen as a bad thing as many of the borrowed features are perfectly integrated and make the Yoshi's Island series unique. The idea of having to collect all of the red coins, power flowers and 30 stars to achieve a perfect score, for example, works perfectly and gives this game replayability, so why change it? The main new addition is the diffeerent babies, each of whom have a special power, for example Baby Mario allows Yoshi to run faster, while Baby Peach allows him to float using wind currents. This can lead to some interesting level designs, though perhaps could have been used in more ways, such as to solve puzzles.
The best thing about this game is probably the difficulty. It is challenging, with levels taking several tries to complete, especially if you are searching for secrets, but this only gives you more satisfaction when you beat the level, and to a much larger degree, when you score 100 points by collecting everything. The secret and extra levels offer a new level of difficulty along with brilliant level design. The game's one flaw is the soundtrack, which can be repetitive and dull, though not annoying or ruinous in any way.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but I actually prefer this game over the original. One of the best games on DS, and one I would definitely recommend.
Though there are problems, and though it doesn't actually match up to the magic of the original, Yoshi's Island DS is still a great little game. [January 2007, p.70]
The lack of a multiplayer mode was somewhat disappointing but rest assured should you decide to pick up and purchase this title you won’t be disappointed by the rest of the package.
This game left fond memories of my childhood. It is one of those adorable games certainly suited for hardcore gamers. Everything is solidly made with a heart, it is the best remake of a classic game that is ported to a handheld which is rare. By far, the best DS game I've ever played.
Yoshi's Island DS looks brilliant; the picture book-like artstyle matches really well with the general feel that Yoshi gives. The game is a standard platformer, with several babies that can influence your abilities in different ways. This is an interesting mechanic, and it still fares well here. This mechanic also allows for variations in difficulty, as some of the abilities are slightly harder to get used to. Also, only one baby means that another's ability might need to be sacrificed. The level designs are boring, though, and none of the levels felt memorable, unlike New Super Mario Bros. The game itself is also not challenging, and after a few hours, might feel easy. It's a good game, but not as great as it could have been.
Yoshi's Island DS certainly had a lot of potential with the mechanic of new baby powers, but instead riddled it with tedious puzzles, levels, and controls. The ascetics are just as unrealized, and while as a whole the game isn't bad, it certainly doesn't level up to the original Yoshi's island or it's platforming status.
While this game may have given some people the nostalgic feeling of the original Yoshi's Island game, this game leaves a sour taste in my mouth. While the first game was fun and appealing, the DS version left me bored and unsatisfied. Instead of having to deal with one annoying baby crying, now we have to endure several, although each baby having it's each different ability is a nice touch of originality. The rest of the game, however, is a step in the wrong direction for the Yoshi's Island line.
SummaryReturn to the colorful wilds of Yoshi's Island in a new platforming adventure for Nintendo DS. A mysterious floating island has suddenly appeared over peaceful Yoshi’s Island. Soon after its arrival, a gaggle of kids vanishes from the island school. Thankfully, Baby Mario, Baby Peach and Baby Donkey Kong manage to avoid being kidnapped. ...