Yoshi’s Story – Review and Longplay – 1998

Yoshi’s Story Retro Review
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 64
Release Date: December 21, 1997 (Japan); March 10, 1998 (North America)
Genre: Platformer, Side-Scroller

Introduction

Yoshi’s Story, released for the Nintendo 64, stands as a sequel to the much-acclaimed ‘Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island’ for the Super Nintendo. It departs from its predecessor’s art style and gameplay mechanics, embracing a more storybook aesthetic with vibrant, textured environments that look like they’ve been cut from cloth and paper. This platformer aimed to capture the hearts of Yoshi fans and younger players with its accessible gameplay and cheerful atmosphere.

Story and Setting

The game is set in a whimsical world called the Yoshi’s Island and follows the story of the Yoshi clan as they attempt to lift the curse cast by the nefarious Baby Bowser, who has turned their world into a pop-up book. The player takes control of different colored Yoshis as they navigate through various levels to collect fruit and restore happiness to their home.

The narrative is light-hearted and straightforward, setting the stage for a playful and engaging experience. Each page of the story adds a layer to the adventure, providing context to the vibrant levels you’ll explore.

Gameplay

Yoshi’s Story trades in the traditional linear level progression for a more choice-driven approach. Players select their path through the story by choosing levels based on their preferences. The primary objective of each level is to eat 30 pieces of fruit scattered throughout, which can be a mix of melons, grapes, bananas, and more.

The game features the signature flutter jump and egg-throwing mechanics known to Yoshi games, but it also introduces new elements like sniffing out hidden items and the ‘Ground Pound’ move. The gameplay is designed to be more accessible and less challenging than ‘Yoshi’s Island,’ focusing on exploration and collection rather than overcoming difficult obstacles.

Graphics and Sound

Yoshi’s Story was a visual treat for its time, taking advantage of the Nintendo 64’s capabilities to create a pre-rendered 3D world with a handcrafted feel. The aesthetic is charming and unique, with levels containing textures that resemble various materials like wood, cloth, and other fabrics. This artistic direction gave the game an endearing storybook vibe that set it apart from other platformers of the era.

The soundtrack is equally playful and light, with tunes that are catchy and fit the game’s cheerful theme. Each Yoshi also has its own little vocalizations, which adds character and personality to the gameplay.

Replayability

Yoshi’s Story offers moderate replayability with its level-selection mechanic and various Yoshi colors to choose from, each with its own slight variations in gameplay. The drive to achieve a high score by eating nothing but melons or discovering all of the hidden hearts in each level provides additional challenges for those who seek them.

Conclusion

Yoshi’s Story is often remembered for its departures from the established formula of ‘Yoshi’s Island,’ offering an experience that is less challenging but brimming with charm. While it may not have lived up to the expectations set by its predecessor in terms of difficulty and depth, Yoshi’s Story found its niche as a relaxing, enjoyable platformer suitable for a younger audience or those looking for a less intense gaming session.

The game’s distinctive art style, endearing characters, and simple joy of exploration make it a delightful, if not particularly deep, addition to the Yoshi series. It’s a cozy, comforting chapter in the Nintendo 64 library that still brings a smile to the faces of those who appreciate its unique approach to the platforming genre.

Yoshi’s Story is a testament to Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with its franchises, offering a different flavor of Yoshi gameplay that prioritizes mood and aesthetics over rigorous platforming challenge.

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