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Yono and the Celestial Elephants
Released On: Oct 12, 2017
73
7.1
Where to Buy
Where to Buy
All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 12 Critic Reviews
73
33% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
58% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 12 Critic Reviews
73
33% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
58% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
If an official Zelda sequel were commissioned for players under the age of 7, it would certainly end up a lot like this. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 20M]
Yono and the Celestial Elephants is more than just a Zelda clone. It offers a steady stream of puzzles that gradually increase in complexity providing you with a satisfying challenge. The comforting art style adds to the experience, especially to the characterisation of the different inhabitants that feature in the world. Then there is the endearing and thought-provoking story that helps to give the game its unique charm.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 23 User Ratings
7.1
52% Positive
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
30% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
17% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 23 User Ratings
7.1
52% Positive
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
30% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
17% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Honestly, for an Indie videogame, Yono is one of the cutest and well done videogame inspired by Zelda gameplay style. I really enjoyed it, I know the game is simple, but it's perfect to get the stress out in a bad day. For me this videogame is amazing.
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Nintendo Switch
A perfect fun little game with a very cute story and world. I picked this because I love elephants and it looked cute and relaxing- something I can always use more of these days. For me this was a breath of fresh air in a world of games that always feel the need to be a little bit punishing or a little bit dark/grim. This was light and happy and the perfect blend of puzzles and story- I just wish it was longer! I really liked what the creator did with the usual puzzle dynamics- the incorporation of the elephant trunk with air, water, peanuts, and chili peppers and all the ways they were used was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the unique blend of societies (humans, happily undead bonewights, and free robots) and the theming of each area. One of my favorite aspects was the different skin designs you could buy- someone definitely put some thought and creativity into the artwork for those as well as some Easter eggs paying homage to the games Yono and the Celestial Elephants took inspiration from. Not a hard game but perfect for relaxing while still challenging your brain a bit and getting a good dose of serotonin from all the baby elephant cuteness! There definitely seems to be room here left for a sequel or two and I really hope the creator makes one! There is so much potential in the puzzle dynamics and world of this game that I’d really love to see explored and expanded on! I hope this isn’t the last we see of Yono the Celestial Elephant!
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Nintendo Switch
Yono and the Celestial Elephants is a memorable and charming journey with a story that'll actually make you think. Although it suffers from a mostly unchallenging campaign, this is one adventure that you'll definitely be happy to experience.
It would be misguided to see Yono and the Celestial Elephants as children's game. Beyond an obvious appeal to younger players, this game can surprise those older and more experienced through its approach to surprisingly relevant issues. Its difficulty, however, could use a little shake up, as its puzzles can feel too simple and the game's story is too short.
A game that is acutely aware of the great titles that it draws inspiration from, even it falls a little short in its well-meaning execution.
Yono and the Celestial Elephants, while simplistic in design, hides a curiously metaphysical tale behind it. Those looking for a Zelda-lite adventure might be disappointed by its straightforward approach and lack of upgradability, but those who are willing to give its lighthearted and deliriously cute tale a spin will find a worthy game to play.
I wanted to like Yono so much. But despite its adorable visuals, superb soundtrack and well-executed puzzles, Yono and the Celestial Elephants suffers from a lack of polish throughout. It's an enjoyable enough experience, but it's disappointing to see a concept with so much potential fail to deliver. There's fun to be had, but tempering your expectations is a must to get the most out of the experience.
So, first let me clarify that recently I have only been playing the Nintendo Switch as my primary console as of late. When I first came across, Yono, with a huge discounted tag, I had to buy it for two simple reasons (both being equally as simple and fun as the game itself). First: my daughter absolutely loved the cute and colorful graphics. Second: the lighthearted gameplay and Zelda inspired charm makes this game a no-brainer for anyone that enjoys family gaming! This is THE perfect example of an introductory level game into the world of puzzle solving for your young gamer. Not to mention it’s fun for the whole family! The best part of the game while playing, is uncovering the lore behind Yono and the Celestial Elephants. As simple as the game plays and feels, unlocking the story as you go, makes it a great adventure for any age. Definitely give this game a try if you have a young one looking to join in on the fun!
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Nintendo Switch
Por mucho que los tráilers puedan dar la impresión de que este juego es Zelda pero con un elefante, no lo es. De hecho, Zelda tiene muy poco. Yono and the Celestial Elephants es un juego de puzles, con algunas sesiones de plataformas y combates superficiales en los que el cabezazo es el ataque principal. Entonces, no hay peleas de mazmorras, exploración o uso de varios elementos y hechizos, aquí somos solo un elefante haciendo cosas que cualquier elefante hace, como cabezazos, escupir agua, soplar veletas y arrojar cacahuetes para reventar globos flotantes. La mecánica es sencilla: apagar incendios con agua, empujar cajas para activar interruptores, dejar caer llaves con cabezazos en la pared para abrir puertas y cofres, soplar hierba o destruir tarros para conseguir monedas o diamantes que sustituyan a los corazones de Zelda. Incluso la mecánica de encontrar cuatro piezas para aumentar la salud máxima está presente aquí. Los primeros minutos son monótonos. Los gráficos simplistas y la motivación inicial superficial no convencerán al jugador novato. Pero pronto el juego comienza a ponerse interesante. Los puzzles son sencillos y objetivos, si tienes más de 5 años no deberías quedarte atascado en ninguno de ellos. La mayor cualidad de este juego está en su filosofía. Yono es un elefante joven, con mucho que aprender, mucho por lo que vivir. Esta es la impresión de este juego. El final del juego solo necesitaba decir “carpe diem”. Al mismo tiempo, la propuesta parece un poco desequilibrada. La sencillez de la estética, los combates y los puzles hacen que parezca un juego dirigido a niños, pero sin duda los diálogos presentes se acercan más al universo de un universitario que al de un niño. En serio, ¿cuántos juegos conoces en los que los NPC usan palabras como "status quo"? Recomendaría este juego por su mecánica y visual, pero mucho más por su narrativa.
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Nintendo Switch
This is a cute fun little game. Its a series of simple puzzles with light combat scattered through. New mechanics are continually added so the puzzles don't get too boring. Its about a 4 or 5 hr game, but they provide some interesting backstory that you can unlock by collecting letters scattered throughout the game. I would definitely recommend unlocking them all because they are pretty interesting little stories. I picked up the game for 50% off on the eshop and am very happy with my purchase. There were a few little glitches here or there but nothing game breaking. The controls can be a little weird in some of he tighter traversal, but you aren't heavily punished for falling off anything. All in all a fun quick little game that pretty relaxing to play.
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Nintendo Switch
My first time seeing this title was during a Nindies presentation. I saw a cute elephant with an isometric camera and at one point a chicken riding on his back. While I loved the look of the game, the chicken is what did me in. The game had me on charm alone – but could the rest of it hold up to that initial awe?
Starting Yono and the Celestial Elephants, you’ll come to realize that this is a game that wants to tackle the adventure genre that Zelda defined. However, it’s more along the lines of Oceanhorn (review available on the Garage Band Gamers site), both in appearance and simplicity. Playing for an hour, I turned to my wife and said “you know who would love this game? Our kid.” This is a game that an adult can enjoy, but I think a younger audience would appreciate it much more.
Aside from the picture book visuals which are an absolute joy, the game’s music is very cheery, and the gameplay itself is easy to pick up. You’ll head-butt enemies to death, break blocks, and knock things over with one button, while blowing dandelions and spraying water you **** up out of your trunk with another. The action button will allow you to talk with citizens, but it’s also how you’ll put items/animals on your back and use/throw them depending on the situation. That’s essentially it control wise, other than a lock-on. You’ll come across some other things that serve as “power ups” for puzzles outside of water, one of which is peanuts.
Speaking of puzzles, that is the bulk of the game. Whether it be moving blocks or figuring out who lost their top hat at the top of a column, there are a lot of puzzles to solve. And in the event you need to fast travel to complete one, each city has a train station allowing you to traverse to any town you’ve already discovered. It’s also here that I thought of my unborn child though. Maybe it’s because I’ve been playing puzzle games for years, but everything seemed so simple. I didn’t have to sit and think about anything I came across – even the bosses, which were the only ones with any sort of urgency for completion. Not a bad thing by any means, but something to consider if you’re hoping to wrack your brain for hours on one puzzle.
There are lots of collectibles to be found while on your adventure, which includes letters to unlock pages of lore, heart pieces to increase your life, and coins to purchase new skins. If you’re a fan of lore, you are in for a treat with this, as the game has much more depth than you might think at a glance. Learning about the elephants and their purpose of keeping the peace on the planet every so many centuries at a time is quite fascinating. The extra hearts will help in making you a tank, but much like the skins, are completely unnecessary. However, if you’re a fan of skins, this game has a TON, and they are really cool if you get all the things they reference. If you can’t be bothered though, you can bypass all of this and just continue with the game’s main path.
While the game’s music is upbeat and well produced, the other sounds in the game are less so. Each character has a type of noise they make when you start talking to them, and some of these can be grating after the first couple of times hearing them. Some sound effects also sound a bit crushed – by that I mean they sound like they weren’t optimized and were recorded through a Styrofoam cup phone. Hopefully this is something that can be patched, as it constantly pulled me from the experience. The fighting is also very lackluster, as you’ll head-butt your enemies until they die without regard for your own life. With how easy it is to come across hearts, there’s really no reason to do anything but hit attack until you win. It would’ve been nice to see a bit of variation in battles, like a dodge being necessary before attacking, or needing to do more with your trunk abilities. It may even be better without the basic combat at all. More bosses would’ve definitely been preferred over any amount of regular combat.
If you are looking for an entry level puzzle adventure for your kids, I highly recommend Yono and the Celestial Elephants. With the stunning aesthetic and simple game design, they should have no problem becoming immersed. If you’re looking for something along the lines of a new Zelda, you’ll likely be disappointed in the fighting that’s offered. If you just want to relax with some puzzles and beautiful visuals though, with a chicken in tow, you’ve found the game
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Nintendo Switch
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Nintendo Switch
Summary Yono and the Celestial Elephant is a grand adventure, featuring carefully designed puzzles, treasure hunts, a sprinkling combat and a world full of people.
Rated E
for Everyone
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: Oct 12, 2017
Developer:
- Neckbolt
Publisher: Plug In Digital
Genres:
