Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U
- Developers: Nintendo, Nintendo R&D2
- Publishers: iQue, Nintendo
Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3: A Dinosaur’s Tale of Adventure and Heart
Released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 is a charming and challenging platformer that takes players on an unforgettable adventure with Yoshi and his adorable companions. A remake of the beloved Super Nintendo classic, Yoshi’s Island, this handheld gem retains the original’s whimsical charm while introducing new features and enhancements that make it a must-play for fans of the series and platforming enthusiasts alike.
A Vibrant and Enchanting World
Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 transports players to a vibrant and imaginative world teeming with lush landscapes, colorful enemies, and memorable characters. From the rolling green hills of Donut Plains to the fiery depths of Mount Lavalava, each level is a visual feast that showcases the GBA’s graphical capabilities.
The game’s environments are not merely eye candy, but also play an integral role in the gameplay. Players must navigate through treacherous terrain, solve environmental puzzles, and interact with the surroundings to progress. Whether it’s using Yoshi’s flutter jump to soar over gaps or utilizing the help of friendly Shy Guys, the game constantly encourages exploration and rewards clever thinking.
Yoshi and Friends: A Dynamic Duo
At the heart of Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 is the lovable dinosaur Yoshi and his companions, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi. Yoshi, with his signature green hue and insatiable appetite for fruit, serves as the main playable character, while the babies ride safely on his back.
Each character brings unique abilities to the table. Yoshi can flutter jump, ground pound, and swallow enemies, while Baby Mario and Baby Luigi can use their bubble attacks to stun enemies and collect items. Players must master the abilities of both Yoshi and the babies to overcome the game’s many challenges.
Along the way, Yoshi and his friends encounter a cast of quirky and memorable characters, including the mischievous Poochy, the helpful Toadette, and the enigmatic Magikoopa. These characters provide assistance, comic relief, and a touch of heartwarming camaraderie to the adventure.
Classic Platforming with a Twist
Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 retains the classic platforming gameplay of its predecessors while introducing innovative twists that keep the experience fresh and engaging. Players must navigate through a variety of levels, collecting coins, defeating enemies, and solving puzzles to reach the end goal.
However, unlike traditional Mario games, players cannot directly control Baby Mario or Baby Luigi. Instead, they must guide Yoshi and use his abilities to protect the babies from harm. This unique gameplay mechanic adds a layer of strategy and depth to the platforming, requiring players to carefully consider their every move.
A Treasure Trove of Collectibles and Secrets
Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 is a game that rewards exploration and attention to detail. Hidden throughout the levels are a multitude of collectibles, including stars, flowers, and coins. Collecting these items unlocks bonus levels, grants extra lives, and adds to the overall replay value.
In addition to the main story mode, the game also features a variety of bonus challenges and minigames that provide additional entertainment and replayability. Players can test their skills in Time Attack mode, compete against friends in multiplayer races, or simply relax and enjoy the charming minigames.
A Timeless Masterpiece of Platforming
Nearly two decades after its initial release, Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 remains a timeless masterpiece of the platforming genre. Its vibrant world, endearing characters, innovative gameplay, and abundance of collectibles make it a game that continues to captivate and entertain players of all ages.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Yoshi series or a newcomer to the world of platformers, Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 is an essential addition to your gaming library. Its timeless charm and unforgettable adventure will leave a lasting impression on your gaming memories.
Review Score
9.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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