Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island delivers tightly tuned platforming that puts you in control of Yoshi’s unique skill set. Rather than directly controlling Mario, you guide a series of Yoshis through vibrant levels, using flutter jumps, ground pounds, and egg throws to overcome obstacles. The absence of a traditional jump-and-stomp mechanic elevates the importance of precision timing and creative use of Yoshi’s abilities, making each encounter feel fresh and engaging.

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A standout feature is the egg-throwing system, which transforms swallowed enemies into projectiles you can store and aim. This mechanic doubles as both a combat tool and a puzzle-solving device: many levels are designed around hitting switches, activating platforms, and uncovering hidden paths by lobbing eggs at strategic points. Mastering the arc and distance of each throw is immensely satisfying, especially when chained together to solve environmental challenges under pressure.

Adding depth are the vehicle transformations that appear periodically, turning Yoshi into a helicopter, submarine, or train. Each form introduces its own control nuances and level design twists, from navigating underwater currents to weaving through enemy-filled caverns. These segments break up the core platforming loops and encourage you to adapt quickly, ensuring the gameplay never feels repetitive.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Yoshi’s Island is instantly distinguishable, thanks to its hand-drawn, crayon-like art style. Every background looks as if it were sketched on paper, with bold outlines and bright, pastel colors that pop on the Super Nintendo and continue to shine in later re-releases. This whimsical aesthetic perfectly complements the game’s lighthearted tone while providing clarity for on-screen action.

Level variety is another graphical highlight. You’ll traverse lush green meadows, murky swamps, fiery fortresses, and icy caves, each bursting with distinct color palettes and thematic details. The levels feel handcrafted, with playful animations like fluttering butterflies, rolling boulders, and mischievous enemies that react dynamically to Yoshi’s presence.

Boss battles are equally well-animated, featuring oversized foes powered up by Kamek’s magic. Their exaggerated expressions and flamboyant attack patterns make confrontations as visually entertaining as they are challenging. Textural details, from the rugged stones in castle environments to the shimmering waves in submarine stages, showcase the game’s artistic ambition and ensure it remains a standout title decades after its release.

Story

Yoshi’s Island sets its narrative in the infancy of the Mario timeline, offering a charming origin story for the Mushroom Kingdom’s most famous duo. When Kamek’s kidnapping attempt scatters the infant twins, Mario ends up on Yoshi’s Island and is taken in by the local dinosaur tribe. This premise immediately establishes an emotional hook: you are not just playing a platformer—you’re shepherding Baby Mario back to safety.

While the story is simple, it carries surprising depth for a platform game of its era. The gentle humor and expressive sprite work convey character and motivation without heavy dialogue. Yoshi’s dedication to protecting Baby Mario is palpable in every level, especially when Mario drifts away in a bubble and you must race back before the timer runs out. That tension adds a layer of narrative immersion to the gameplay loops.

World-to-world progression feels like chapters in a storybook adventure. Each world introduces new visual motifs and escalating stakes, culminating in boss encounters that advance the plot against Kamek. Though minimalistic, the story is memorable, reinforcing the bond between Yoshi and Baby Mario and setting the stage for future installments in the Mario franchise.

Overall Experience

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island remains a benchmark in platforming design, combining inventive mechanics with timeless charm. The game strikes a perfect balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for seasoned players. Collectibles such as red coins, flowers, and star icons not only boost your completion percentage but also influence the difficulty and pacing, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover every secret.

The soundtrack and sound effects further enhance the overall experience, with lively melodies that capture the whimsy of the environments. In its Game Boy Advance re-release, subtle audio improvements and additional bonus levels offered even more content for devoted fans. The 2019 Switch Online version preserves this quality, making it readily available for modern audiences.

Ultimately, Yoshi’s Island excels by offering a cohesive package: responsive controls, imaginative level design, endearing visuals, and a heartfelt story. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast revisiting a classic or a newcomer discovering it for the first time, this game stands as a shining example of how creativity and polish can elevate a platformer into a timeless adventure.

Retro Replay Score

8.6/10