Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Satellaview, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Nintendo EAD
- Publishers: Hyundai, Nintendo, Playtronic, St. GIGA
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island: A Colorful and Innovative Platformer
Released in 1995, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is a side-scrolling platformer developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game is the second installment in the Super Mario World series and serves as a prequel to the original Super Mario World. Yoshi’s Island introduces several new gameplay elements to the series, including the ability to play as Yoshi, use Yoshi’s signature abilities, and explore a hand-drawn world.
Gameplay
Yoshi’s Island is a 2D side-scrolling platformer in which players control Yoshi as he escorts Baby Mario through a variety of levels. Yoshi can run, jump, and flutter jump to navigate the levels and solve puzzles. He can also use his tongue to eat enemies and produce eggs, which can be used as projectiles or to transform into vehicles.
The game features 48 levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. Players must use Yoshi’s abilities to overcome these challenges and reach the end of each level. Along the way, they can collect coins, power-ups, and hidden items.
Yoshi’s Abilities
Yoshi has a variety of unique abilities that he can use to traverse the levels and defeat enemies. These abilities include:
- Flutter jump: Yoshi can flutter his arms to slow his fall, allowing him to reach higher platforms and cross gaps.
- Egg laying: Yoshi can eat enemies and produce eggs, which can be used as projectiles or to transform into vehicles.
- Transformations: Yoshi can use eggs to transform into a variety of vehicles, including a helicopter, a submarine, and a tank.
Hand-Drawn Aesthetic
One of the most striking features of Yoshi’s Island is its hand-drawn aesthetic. The game’s backgrounds and characters are all rendered in a colorful and whimsical art style that gives the game a unique and charming look.
Critical Reception
Yoshi’s Island was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming visuals, and memorable characters. It has been ranked as one of the best Super Mario games of all time and is considered a classic of the SNES era.
Legacy
Yoshi’s Island has had a lasting impact on the Super Mario series. The game introduced several new gameplay elements that have become staples of the series, including the ability to play as Yoshi and use his signature abilities. The game’s hand-drawn aesthetic has also been influential, and has been used in several other Super Mario games, including Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy.
Conclusion
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is a charming and innovative platformer that introduced the world to Yoshi as a playable character. With its hand-drawn aesthetic, clever puzzles, and memorable characters, it remains a classic in the Super Mario series.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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