Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 remains a masterclass in 2D platforming, seamlessly adapting the SNES classic to the Game Boy Advance. From the moment players take control of the flutter-jumping dinosaur, the game rewards experimentation. Yoshi’s agility—running, high-jumping, and midair fluttering—feels tight and responsive, making each leap of faith across bottomless pits satisfying. The core loop of munching foes to produce eggs adds a layer of strategic depth, as players decide whether to toss projectiles at enemies, use them to trigger out-of-reach switches, or bankshots off walls to collect red coins.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Levels are meticulously designed to encourage exploration. Hidden flowers, secret exits, and clusters of red coins beckon completionists to deviate from the beaten path. Every stage challenges you to balance risk versus reward: stray too far and Baby Mario might be snatched by a lurking Toadie, but failure to pursue collectibles means missing out on perfect scores. The six brand-new secret levels—one tucked into each world—offer an extra test of skill, doubling the game’s already generous roster of stages.

Transformation sequences break up the standard platforming with fresh mechanics and memorable set pieces. Whether piloting the tiny submarine through underwater caverns, hurtling skyward as Yoshi’s helicopter form, or drilling underground in the mole tank, each vehicle introduces unique controls and puzzle elements. Boss encounters punctuate every world, demanding creative egg-throwing patterns and precise timing. These battles never overstay their welcome and consistently feel like a culmination of the skills the level has imparted.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Advance, Yoshi’s Island dazzles with its vibrant, storybook art style. Although the hardware is less powerful than the SNES, the developers retained the original’s hand-drawn aesthetic, complete with pastel backgrounds, expressive sprites, and whimsical animations. Yoshi’s idle wiggle and Baby Mario’s triumphant wave at the end of a level still charm, demonstrating how strong art direction can transcend technical limitations.

The graphical fidelity holds up beautifully even on modern GBA emulators. Character outlines are crisp, and the layering of foreground and background elements conveys a rich sense of depth. Each themed world—from lush forests to lava-spewing volcanoes—boasts a distinct palette and playful details, such as fluttering leaves or bubbling magma. Enemy designs are equally memorable, with the mischievous Toadies’ exaggerated faces and the comically stern bosses adding personality to every confrontation.

Performance is rock-solid throughout. The frame rate rarely dips, even during hectic moments when multiple enemies, projectiles, and background animations are on screen. Transitions between levels and transformation segments feel instantaneous, ensuring that the gameplay flow never stalls. The GBA’s small screen might limit visibility compared to a television, but proper use of color contrast keeps hazards and platforms clearly legible at all times.

Story

At its heart, Yoshi’s Island tells a simple yet endearing tale: Baby Mario has crash-landed on a mysterious isle, Baby Luigi is snatched by Kamek, and it’s up to Yoshi and friends to reunite the brothers. While the narrative is communicated almost entirely through cutscenes and character gestures, it resonates thanks to clever visual storytelling and a lighthearted tone. Each new world feels like a chapter in a picture book, with Yoshi’s group forging onward despite comical setbacks.

The absence of lengthy dialogue keeps the pacing brisk. Players are immediately thrust into action, with minimal exposition before level one. However, the game conveys emotional stakes effectively—Baby Mario’s iconic headstand cry when Yoshi is hit adds urgency, and the triumphant music upon rescue is genuinely uplifting. Supporting characters, such as the multicolored Yoshis, each get brief moments of personality, reinforcing the sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

Boss encounters serve as narrative milestones. Defeating each mini-boss and world boss isn’t just a gameplay challenge but also a step closer to saving Baby Luigi. The final confrontation with Baby Bowser strikes the perfect balance between spectacle and intimacy, offering an ending that rewards both casual players and those hunting for 100-percent completion. In under two hours, the story arc feels complete, yet the charm lingers long after the credits roll.

Overall Experience

Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 stands as one of the Game Boy Advance’s crown jewels. It captures the essence of the SNES original while adding handcrafted refinements for handheld play. The six secret levels expand the adventure in meaningful ways, enticing even series veterans to revisit beloved stages with fresh objectives. The inclusion of the classic Mario Bros. arcade game—complete with link-cable multiplayer—offers an extra layer of nostalgia and multiplayer fun.

The balance of challenge and accessibility is exemplary. Newcomers can breeze through early worlds, marveling at the game’s artistry and tight controls, while completionists have plenty to chew on through time trials, red coin hunts, and flower finds. Replay value is high: striving for perfect scores on every stage and uncovering all secrets can easily double the playtime, and the medal screen serves as a constant reminder of objectives yet to be tackled.

For anyone seeking a timeless platforming experience on the go, Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 is an essential purchase. Its blend of inventive mechanics, stunning visuals, and charming presentation makes it more than just a portable port—it’s a lovingly crafted reimagining of one of Nintendo’s most celebrated classics. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Yoshi’s adventures or a newcomer curious about retro gems, this game delivers boundless joy and creativity in every flutter jump.

Retro Replay Score

8.7/10