

Each level lets you run backwards from finish to start in search of Poochy Pups, the most adorable little dogs ever to grace a video game. One of the neater aspects of Yoshi’s Crafted World is the ability to play levels in reverse. While it still largely feels like a 2D platformer, walking into the backdrops adds a level of depth that reminded me of Super Mario 3D Land. Yoshi’s egg toss move lets you aim anywhere on screen: directly in front of you, off in the distance, or even towards you, the player. Whether that be collectibles behind cardboard trees, enemies holding rare red coins, or objects that are needed to progress further through the stage. Each level has stuff going on in the background as well. The clever cobbled together world adds depth to sidescroller perspective. Seriously, this game puts me in a state of bliss. You can easily spend ten minutes in each one if you attempt to gather everything in your first go. Levels are also longer than the average Nintendo platformer. The sheer brilliance of each level slowly reveals itself as you continue to peck away at your surroundings. To find everything in each level, from flowers to red coins to the tiny walking stars, you need to take your time. Yoshi’s Crafted World is all about smiles, exploration, and an appreciation for a design philosophy that encourages you to simply enjoy your surroundings. While some may argue that Yoshi’s Crafted World is too easy, I’d argue that the point of this game isn’t to trip you up on tough platforming sequences or boss fights. Even playing alongside an inexperienced player who rarely plays video games, we didn’t die a single time. This, of course, reminded me of how Mario routinely chucks Yoshi off of ledges just so he can jump further.Ĭheckpoints revive your health and the adorable costumes Yoshi dons increase his health. Failing is virtually impossible, as even falling off the map only takes away a health point rather than killing you. Take your time and let this magical, idyllic world engulf your senses. Yoshi’s Crafted World, rather boldly, asks you to stop and look around.



Almost all Nintendo platformers, even simple ones like the Kirby series, feel as if they are constantly propelling you to move forward. Not only is it ridiculously adorable, with its colorful cardboard and construction paper created world, but it has a rare pace to it. Yoshi’s Crafted World might just be the most charming game Nintendo has ever made. Though I am disappointed that the Yoshis have to take time away from their relaxing retirement to gather the gems of the Sundream Stone, and kick Kamek and Baby Bowser out of the home that, frankly, is too idyllic for the likes of them (and Mario, for that matter). It’s no surprise that Yoshis of all colors have abandoned the Mushroom Kingdom and returned to Yoshi’s Island, a place as endearing as the smiles on their faces. No, he just sat there looking as cute as ever, thankful that his fellow majestic dinosaur was willing to let him rest his adorable little feet for a few minutes. Unlike that rotten wannabe plumber in Super Mario World, red Yoshi didn’t punch purple Yoshi in the back of his head. Yoshi’s Crafted World proved to me that the supposedly “Super” Mario is, in fact, a monster. When red Yoshi jumped on purple Yoshi’s back, who happened to be wearing a wonderful train costume, I became absolutely certain. Fitbit Versa 3Īfter watching my green Yoshi waddle around in a cow costume, I started to become suspicious.
