Yoshi's New Island

Introduction

Lapping up enemies and popping out eggs with the expediency of the world's last asexual rabbit belongs to just one video game character, and in Nintendo's recent reproduction of popular platforming franchises at a similar rate, it's no surprise that Yoshi returns in his own adventure. 'Yoshi's New Island,' a 3DS sequel in the series spawned from the SNES title long-hailed as platforming perfection, 'Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island,' attempts to reignite the dinosaur's solo career after years of stronger side-kick showings and various sporting avails. Baby Mario is in need of a ride and, ever loyal, Yoshi is there once again to trek the Shy Guy-filled path.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

Were Yoshi a prideful beast, a trait I'd admittedly never attribute to the altruistic fella', he might be proud that the spotlight never waivers so far as to forgo a starring outing from time to time. But his latest couple of games haven't found glory, haven't found invention, and haven't found lasting impact. Were Yoshi prideful, he might find an ever-mounting sense of yearning in his gut, coupled only by the portentousness of every impending release. 'Yoshi's New Island' on the 3DS is no delivering of relief, no uncompounded pressure for success, for 'Yoshi's New Island' falters in almost every way. From artistic design to the very gameplay itself, rarely in my long history of platforming addiction have I felt this level of boredom and disconnect with what was happening on screen.

Were Yoshi prideful, he might be ashamed. But he isn't and he'll move on, to kart racing, smashing and golfing. We'll move on, but not before overcoming our disbelief. There was a time when firing off eggs and flutter-jumping felt refreshing. That time is not now. And after pushing myself through this small and insignificant game, it feels eons ago that I actually enjoyed chasing down a wailing baby Mario before he's scooped up and flown away. That, perhaps, is the worst sin of all. I'm all Yoshied out.

All those things that Yoshi does, and has done since 'Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island,' are present and accounted for, so it's not for a lack of authenticity that the title consistently fails to keep your attention. Shy Guys on stilts block the path, but that path is flat and uncharacteristically easy to cross. Windmill platforms await Yoshi's weight to move along a railed path, but those paths are short and straightforward, nary a twist to throw your analytic momentum. Vehicle sections are completely cut off from the level itself. They utilize tilt controls so simplified I could have laid the 3DS on its side and lazily tapped the A button to successfully maneuver certain trails.

And boss fights, of which there are plenty, never test your abilities, never challenge your mind and never last long enough to be memorable in the least. Three hits and you're done, every time, not having strained so much as a twitch in your thumb.

This is an indescribably easy game, but that in itself isn't enough to drag it down. 'Kirby's Epic Yarn' wouldn't let you fail, but I was happy not to over the charming backdrop. 'Yoshi's New Island' tries its hand at childish charm and fails, yet gives almost no effort in the way of level design. What few twists are thrown in – a giant Shy Guy swallowed for a giant egg or a giant metal egg that sinks Yoshi underwater – are utilized in just one way, over and over again. The best platformers find unique elements, teach you those things and then mix and match them in increasing complexity. Not even Yoshi's basic moveset is applied to the level design. I rarely felt the need to use his flutter jump, and if you do take damage and baby Mario is in peril, recapturing him is often quick and totally painless. There's simply no tension, no surprise. It is, at best, dull and functional. Ironically, what challenge exists is reserved for the side paths on the way to the game's multitude of collectibles, which I never felt motivated to actually collect due to the main paths' inability to engage. When I did make the effort, it felt like tedium as a result.