Summary
- Release Year: 2017
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Platform
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox One
- Developers: Playtonic Games
- Publishers: Team17
Yooka-Laylee: A Nostalgic Trip Back to the Golden Age of Platformers
Released in 2017, Yooka-Laylee is a vibrant and charming platformer that harkens back to the golden age of 3D platformers. Developed by Playtonic Games, a studio founded by former Rare employees who worked on classic titles like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country, Yooka-Laylee is a spiritual successor to those beloved games.
Players take control of Yooka, a green chameleon, and Laylee, a wisecracking bat, as they embark on an epic quest to thwart the evil plans of Capital B, a corporate creep who seeks to absorb all the world’s books and convert them into pure profit.
Gameplay
Yooka-Laylee is a 3D platformer in the vein of Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64. Players explore vast and colorful worlds, collecting items, solving puzzles, and defeating enemies. Yooka and Laylee have a variety of abilities at their disposal, including Yooka’s tongue grapple and Laylee’s sonar blast.
The game features a variety of different worlds, each with its own unique theme and challenges. Players will explore lush forests, icy mountains, and even the inside of a giant whale. Each world is filled with secrets to discover and collectibles to find.
Characters
Yooka and Laylee are a charming and memorable duo. Yooka is a kind and optimistic chameleon, while Laylee is a sarcastic and witty bat. The two characters play off each other well, and their banter is often humorous.
In addition to Yooka and Laylee, the game features a cast of quirky and unforgettable characters. There’s Trowzer, a greedy snake who sells Yooka and Laylee new moves; Dr. Puzz, a wise old owl who gives the duo cryptic challenges; and Capital B, the evil mastermind behind the plot to absorb all the world’s books.
Graphics and Sound
Yooka-Laylee is a beautiful game. The worlds are lush and detailed, and the character models are expressive and charming. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of catchy tunes and atmospheric pieces.
Reception
Yooka-Laylee received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming characters, vibrant worlds, and tight gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to its predecessors and lacking in innovation.
Despite the mixed reviews, Yooka-Laylee was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of 3D platformers and the nostalgia that many gamers feel for the golden age of the genre.
Conclusion
Yooka-Laylee is a delightful and nostalgic platformer that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s charming characters, vibrant worlds, and tight gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for anyone looking for a fun and challenging platformer.
Tips for Playing Yooka-Laylee
- Be sure to explore every nook and cranny of each world. There are many hidden secrets and collectibles to find.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with Yooka and Laylee’s different abilities. There are many different ways to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
- If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask Dr. Puzz for help. He can give you cryptic clues that can help you progress.
- Be patient. Yooka-Laylee is a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding. If you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Review Score
7/10