amazon Yooka-Laylee reviews
When I saw the first pictures of Yooka-Laylee, I even thought of playing the old Banjo-Kazooie game. It’s up to you to find out about the game, new or this is the product of the Rare team has developed many good titles for the Nintendo 64. Interestingly, the two main characters in Yooka-Laylee inherit the way. Named after Banjo-Kazooie’s instrument. Other just now are gecko and bat instead of bears and birds.
The graphics of Yooka-Laylee make me feel that the developer is kind. With its colorful and eye-catching design, the world in Yooka-Laylee is vibrant. The experience feels like you’re watching a high-quality 3D animation. Character movement is quite smooth and natural. This does not surprise me as the game uses the Unreal 4 engine. But in terms of experience, I have the impression that this engine does not seem to fit in the colorful. It is better suited for environments with old Gothic and dark-skinned screens.
The game environment is well built. Brilliant and lively. You can feel this clearly when observing the character and environment in the game. The two main characters of Yooka-Laylee, for example, let alone do nothing for a while, you will find them playfully joking. Or far away, the pink butterflies are fluttering around the bushes of cool green trees waiting for the capture. Even, the supporting characters are also invested in building a cute image. Among them, many faces I see familiar, seem to be inspired by many famous old cartoon.
In terms of gameplay, Yooka-Laylee is a perfect re-enactment of the 3D gaming scene from the Nintendo 64 era. But this is not necessarily good, especially as video games have grown steadily for nearly 20 years. The biggest problem of the game is that you are totally not know, do not know where to start. Yooka-Laylee has no directions or hints, also no map at all, almost puzzles the player.
Meanwhile, Yooka-Laylee remains loyal to the familiar 3D scene. The game has a lot of items collected, so you have to hunt down every corner of the game. The main objective of the player is to collect Pagie, which is actually a lost book page. The more Pagie you find, the more chance you have to open a new level or expand your old game with more challenges.
To open a new screen is also a matter worth mentioning. Yooka-Laylee does not design a centerpiece for you to choose other screens, like many modern games today, such as Rayman Origins. Instead, players have to hunt around to find a new entry. If it’s easy, there’s nothing worth mentioning, this experience is no different than a difficult task to test the player.
Beside the Pagie’s main task, players can also collect Butterflies, large purple butterflies to expand the character’s blood bar or quill (gold) as a currency used in the game. But the most interesting is the Ghost Writer. Each level has a different number of Ghost Writers, hiding in the most unlikely places of the game. But finding them does not necessarily collect them, you also have the necessary skills to “subdue” them.
where can you get a Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets online
Yooka-Laylee – PlayStation 4: Buy it now
Yooka-Laylee [Online Game Code]: Buy it now
Yooka-Laylee – Digital Deluxe [Online Game Code]: Buy it now
Yooka-Laylee (PS4) (UK IMPORT): Buy it now
The player’s skills are obtained from Trowser. He is a red snake-shaped merchant whose face is rather cunning as his merchant nature. Every game has new skills, Trower sells anything that is horribly expensive. Therefore, you often have to wander long enough in the game to collect enough Quill, then find Trowser to buy the necessary skills. Otherwise, usually the player will never finish the game.
One of the problems that annoys me is the “voiceover” part. The characters talking to each other in nonsense language, quite headache. But the thing that bugs me the most is that the design does not allow you to skip the transitions. Which parts of the characters spoiled for some strange alien language. Finally, the camera angle changes very casually, making it very difficult to accurately measure angles to make some “jumble”.
In the end, Yooka-Laylee truly inherited the spirit of Banjo-Kazooie before. Even if I say that the game only for the old Banjo-Kazooie fans is not necessarily wrong. If you’ve been through childhood with some of the most famous 3D gaming titles of the Nintendo 64 or PlayStation 2 era, you’ll love the old nostalgic feeling Yooka-Laylee brings. If you are too familiar with today’s modern game style, you probably will not like Yooka-Laylee at all. This is probably true even if you like the bright, vivid graphics of the game. The game is released on PC, Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One.
Story and Characters
Plot Overview
Yooka-Laylee follows the adventures of Yooka, a chameleon, and Laylee, a bat, as they set out to retrieve a magical book stolen by the evil Capital B and his minion, Dr. Quack. Capital B aims to use the book’s power to absorb all the literature in the world and convert it into pure profit. The duo embarks on a journey through various themed worlds, each filled with challenges, enemies, and collectibles, to recover the scattered pages of the magical book and thwart Capital B’s sinister plan.
Characters
The characters in Yooka-Laylee are designed to be instantly endearing and memorable. Yooka is the sensible and grounded protagonist, while Laylee provides the sarcastic and witty commentary, reminiscent of the dynamic between Banjo and Kazooie. The game features a colorful cast of supporting characters, including the bumbling Trowzer, a snake who serves as the duo’s guide and vendor of new abilities; Rextro, a retro-inspired dinosaur who hosts arcade games; and Dr. Puzz, a scientist octopus who offers transformative powers. The dialogue is filled with puns, humor, and references to classic gaming culture, creating a lighthearted and enjoyable narrative experience.
Gameplay
Core Mechanics
Yooka-Laylee’s gameplay revolves around exploring expansive 3D worlds, collecting various items, and solving puzzles. The primary collectibles are the “Pagies,” which unlock new worlds and expand existing ones, and “Quills,” which are used to purchase new abilities from Trowzer. The game features a wide range of moves and abilities that players can unlock, including rolling up slopes, flying short distances, and using sonar to reveal hidden objects.
The controls are generally responsive and intuitive, though some players have noted occasional issues with camera angles and precision platforming. The game’s mechanics pay homage to its predecessors, with a focus on exploration, platforming challenges, and environmental interaction.
World Design
Yooka-Laylee boasts five large, themed worlds, each with its unique aesthetic, challenges, and inhabitants. These worlds include the tropical Tribalstack Tropics, the snowy Glitterglaze Glacier, the moody Moodymaze Marsh, the industrial Capital Cashino, and the outer space-themed Galleon Galaxy. Each world is filled with diverse areas to explore, secrets to uncover, and characters to meet.
The level design encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, with numerous hidden areas and clever puzzles. However, some critics have pointed out that the worlds can feel somewhat empty or repetitive compared to the densely packed environments of classic platformers. Additionally, the expansion mechanic, which allows players to unlock additional areas within each world, adds an extra layer of depth and replayability.
Puzzles and Challenges
The puzzles and challenges in Yooka-Laylee are varied and creative, ranging from platforming sequences and enemy encounters to environmental puzzles and mini-games. The game includes a series of arcade-style mini-games hosted by Rextro, which provide a nostalgic nod to classic arcade titles and offer a break from the main gameplay. These mini-games can be played solo or with friends in multiplayer mode, adding to the game’s replay value.
The puzzles often require the use of specific abilities or transformations, which players must acquire by collecting enough Quills and Pagies. This progression system encourages exploration and ensures that players are continually discovering new gameplay mechanics and strategies. However, some players have found certain puzzles to be overly obscure or challenging, leading to occasional frustration.
Graphics and Art Design
Visual Style
Yooka-Laylee features a vibrant and colorful visual style, reminiscent of classic 3D platformers from the Nintendo 64 era. The game’s graphics are bright and cartoonish, with a whimsical and playful aesthetic that appeals to both nostalgic fans and younger players. The character models are well-designed and full of personality, with expressive animations and distinctive features.
Environments
The environments in Yooka-Laylee are rich and varied, each with its unique theme and visual flair. From the lush jungles and ancient ruins of Tribalstack Tropics to the icy landscapes and glittering caves of Glitterglaze Glacier, each world is a visual treat. The art design successfully captures the spirit of classic platformers while incorporating modern graphical techniques and details.
However, some critics have noted that the game’s visual fidelity can be inconsistent, with occasional texture pop-ins, frame rate drops, and less detailed environments. Despite these technical hiccups, the overall art direction and creativity of the world design remain impressive.
Sound and Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Yooka-Laylee is composed by industry veterans David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, known for their work on classic Rare titles such as Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie. The music in Yooka-Laylee is catchy, upbeat, and perfectly suited to the game’s whimsical tone. Each world features its unique musical themes, which adapt dynamically as players explore different areas and encounter various challenges.
The soundtrack successfully evokes a sense of nostalgia while introducing new and memorable melodies. The use of traditional instruments, chiptune elements, and ambient sounds creates a rich and immersive audio experience that complements the game’s visual style and gameplay.
Sound Effects and Voice Acting
The sound effects in Yooka-Laylee are well-crafted and add to the overall charm of the game. From the rustling of leaves and splashing of water to the quirky noises made by enemies and characters, the sound design enhances the sense of immersion and interaction.
One notable aspect of the game’s audio is its use of “mumbling” voice acting, a stylistic choice that mimics the gibberish dialogue of characters in Banjo-Kazooie. While some players appreciate this nostalgic touch, others find it repetitive or grating. The dialogue itself is filled with puns, jokes, and references to gaming culture, adding to the game’s lighthearted and humorous tone.
Reception and Impact
Critical Reception
Yooka-Laylee received a mixed reception from critics upon its release. Many praised the game for its nostalgic charm, vibrant visuals, and engaging gameplay, while others criticized it for its technical issues, uneven level design, and reliance on dated mechanics.
Positive reviews highlighted the game’s successful homage to classic platformers, its endearing characters, and its creative puzzles and challenges. Critics who enjoyed the game appreciated its lighthearted and whimsical approach, as well as its attention to detail and nods to gaming history.
On the other hand, some reviews pointed out the game’s technical shortcomings, including camera issues, frame rate drops, and occasional bugs. Critics also noted that the game could feel overly derivative or reliant on nostalgia, with certain gameplay elements and mechanics feeling outdated or less polished compared to modern platformers.
Player Reception
Player reception of Yooka-Laylee has generally been more positive, with many fans of classic platformers expressing their enjoyment of the game. Nostalgic players who grew up with Banjo-Kazooie and similar titles appreciated the game’s return to the genre’s roots and its faithful recreation of the classic platforming experience.
Players have praised the game’s colorful visuals, catchy music, and humorous dialogue, as well as its challenging puzzles and varied gameplay. However, some players have also echoed the criticisms of technical issues and occasional frustration with certain puzzles or mechanics.
Legacy and Future
Yooka-Laylee has had a significant impact on the revival of the 3D platformer genre, inspiring other developers to create games that pay homage to classic titles while introducing new and innovative gameplay elements. The game’s success has demonstrated the enduring appeal of the genre and the demand for nostalgic experiences that capture the magic of the past while embracing modern advancements.
Following the release of Yooka-Laylee, Playtonic Games has continued to support and expand the franchise. In 2019, the studio released Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, a 2.5D platformer that blends the classic 2D platforming of Donkey Kong Country with modern design sensibilities. This sequel received positive reviews for its refined gameplay, creative level design, and engaging challenges, further cementing Yooka-Laylee’s place in the platforming pantheon.
Conclusion
Yooka-Laylee is a charming and nostalgic tribute to the golden age of 3D platformers, capturing the spirit and magic of classic titles while introducing new generations of players to the genre. Despite its technical shortcomings and occasional reliance on dated mechanics, the game succeeds in delivering a vibrant and whimsical experience filled with endearing characters, creative puzzles, and engaging gameplay.
The game’s colorful visuals, catchy music, and humorous dialogue create an immersive and enjoyable world that appeals to both nostalgic fans and newcomers. Yooka-Laylee’s impact on the revival of the 3D platformer genre and its continued support from Playtonic Games ensure that the franchise will remain a beloved part of gaming history.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Banjo-Kazooie or a newcomer to the genre, Yooka-Laylee offers a delightful and entertaining journey through imaginative worlds and whimsical adventures. While the game may not be perfect, its charm, creativity, and dedication to capturing the essence of classic platforming make it a worthy addition to any gaming library. In this concluding segment, we will delve deeper into the specific aspects that make Yooka-Laylee a noteworthy title, explore its impact on the gaming community, and consider the potential future of the franchise and the genre it represents.