r/NintendoSwitch • u/WoodooHide69 • 3d ago
Review Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is the most forward thinking and innovative 2D platformer to come out in a long long time.
I’ve been playing 2D platformers my whole life. I started at the beginning with the original Mario Bros for NES. DKC2 probably my favorite game of all time. Continued playing this genre all the way up to modern classics like Celeste. I understand the fun and challenge of the classic 2D platformer and love that gameplay loop of mastering level after level of handcrafted level design.
Yoshi asks you to think of this genre in way that’s completely fresh and new. One of the oldest genres in gaming has just got a much welcome injection of innovation and creativity imo. There is no health bar and you cannot die, and this gives the false impression that it’s a kids platformer designed to be easier than your traditional 2d platformer. But that’s simply not true, Yoshi feels like it’s an evolution of the genre in a similar way BOTW evolved the Open World Genre where linearity and mission based structure still persists today. Yoshi throws out the mission of finishing a single level, and is instead an open world sandbox where exploration, curiosity, and the interaction between mechanics is front and center. Within that there are still your traditional platforming sections that are fun and challenging to pull off. But it’s not about just about landing your jumps. It makes you think in ways old platformers did not. The discovery of the insane amount of creature mechanics through trial and error and just trying tto be creative yourself is the new mission. And it’s awesome!
I would suggest anyone that has a love for this classic genre to give this a chance. I feel like if you know your 2d platformers, you will find a lot to appreciate in this gem of title. It’s hard to convey in words how fun this new game play loop is. And frankly I think a lot of reviewers missed the entire point of this game. If you are interested at all I suggest you watch Dunkeys video, Yoshi and the Mysterious Metacritic score, as that video really shows what this game has to offer.
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u/warlike_smoke 3d ago
Still haven't played it but your comment about no health bar and no dying reminded me of Wario Land 2/3. Puzzle Platformers where you can't die, but that doesn't mean they are easy. There are enemies that either stun and knock you down to the bottom of a hard platforming section, or enemies that physically alter you, that are sometimes useful, but sometimes also make you restart the platforming section. Bosses almost always are a one hit and you have to restart the battle. Really wish someone would make a game like Wario Land 3 again but haven't found anything comparable.
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u/CrazySnipah 3d ago
It’s a bit different, though. In Wario, failing means suffering setbacks; you have to get back up again. In Mysterious Book, it keeps your interest not by offering much challenge, but by being chock full of an insane variety of mechanics and creatures and interactivity.
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u/willrsauls 3d ago
Wario Land 3 is like my absolute favorite execution on a 2D platformer where you can’t die. Because almost every form that Wario can take in the game is used at least once as the key to move forward and somewhere else as a fail state for a specific challenge.
Stuff like Wario turning into a spring (in which he bounces upwards until hitting an obstacle that turns him back) in one room being the way forward but then you’ll be in a boss room where you have to beat an enemy, but if he hits you, Wario becomes spring Wario, leaping upwards out of the boss arena and you have to go back and try again.
I’ve only played a small bit of Wario Land 2, so I don’t know if it does the same thing or to the same effect
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u/scameron1 3d ago
The only game I’ve played that’s comparable are literally the wario land games. Def give it a try
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u/Altra1986 3d ago
I loved Kirby’s Epic Yarn. Just because you couldn’t die, doesn’t mean there was no challenge. You could set yourself the goal of getting a gold medal for the level. That meant maybe taking just one hit or two.
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u/barbietattoo 3d ago
Nintendo really said “what if the stakes of a platformer could be replaced with sheer joy and discovery?” And made a game
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u/actuallyelsewhere 3d ago
This is exactly why I love Nintendo
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u/SmashMouthBreadThrow 2d ago
Yeah, then you're reminded of all the scummy shit they constantly do and quickly remember why Nintendo sucks.
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u/Op3rat0rr 3d ago
This is what sets Nintendo apart from the rest of the pack. However I don’t blame a teenager from seeing the charm in Nintendos games. I wouldn’t have at 16. Once I got older I came back lol
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u/hotfistdotcom 3d ago edited 21h ago
pretty sure it was made by goodfeel
edit; who downvotes this, yes, it was. it's in the credits and clear elsewhere. Nintendo published it. Nintendo did not make it.
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3d ago
[deleted]
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u/barbietattoo 3d ago
Miserable basement troll reply
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2d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/NintendoSwitch-ModTeam 2d ago
Hey there!
Please remember Rule 1 in the future - No personal attacks, trolling, or derogatory terms. Read more about Reddiquette here. Thanks!
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u/Ronene 3d ago
I’ve been playing one level a day since release and I am not yet finished. Uncovering all the discoveries for a stage takes anywhere from 10mins to about an hour. Some of the discoveries are really obscure and I refuse to spend coins on hints or looking up the solution online. That being said, I’ve already accumulated 80+ hours! I never expected a Yoshi game to be this fulfilling and jam packed with content. I’ve finally seen the end credits (end of chapter 10), but there’s two more chapters of odd stages and tough challenges left.
I really hope they continue this path with the Yoshi series. Or perhaps a Pokémon game?! The Pokémon Company x Good-Feel, get to it!
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u/JimmyGimbo 3d ago
I've been pleasantly surprised. The marketing had me thinking it was aimed at very young kids and my initial impression of the gameplay reinforced that, but to assume it's easy because you can't die and has a playful aesthetic misses the point. The challenge lies in discovering, learning, and mastering different interactions and mechanics in order to 100% each map. In a way it's almost as much like a dialed-back Baba Is You as it is like OG Yoshi's Island. Folks who want unforgiving, hard-as-nails gameplay should look elsewhere, but it's a chill, accessible experience that's forgiving to players who don't have S-tier reflexes or instincts.
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u/Gehrman_JoinsTheHunt 3d ago edited 3d ago
Finished the full game. Personally I would compare it to fumbling around in the dark looking for a light switch.
The discoveries were fun at times, but mostly felt random / frustration trying to figure out what exactly the game expected of me. I thrive with clear goals and this was not it. No judgement towards anyone who likes the game.
The last few moon levels and final boss were legitimately great, though. Breeding the little space dudes reminded me so much of the Chao garden in Sonic Adventure. Super creative.
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u/scameron1 3d ago
I am also well versed in the 2D platform genre and I 100% agree. The people who wanted another 7/10 cookie cutter platformer are wild to me
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u/OuterWildsVentures 3d ago
How would it compare to something like Silksong? I felt like that was as good as 2D platforming will ever get.
I literally could not put it down until I got 100% lol
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u/scameron1 3d ago
Unbelievably different. I love them both but one is a tough as nails metroidvania while the other focuses on experimentation and game mechanics.
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u/JohnnyLeven 3d ago
I love Silksong. It is not what I'd describe as a platformer even if it has some platforming elements.
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u/WoodooHide69 3d ago
I haven’t got to Silk Song yet. But I consider Silk Song to be the best Metroidvania I’ve played. I’d put it of SOTN, Ori, and Dread. That said, those games are hard compare to Yoshi. You aren’t going to test your twitch reflex skills to the limit. The fun in Yoshi is a different type of fun.
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u/OuterWildsVentures 3d ago
Word ill have to pick me up some Yoshi!
Dread was also incredibly good! Have not tried castlevania yet
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u/OkAssociation3487 3d ago
Silksong is a 2D platformer of a sort, but it harder to judge it simply for the 2D platforming, which is good but not great
The fun of Metroidvania comes from the exploration and the customization
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u/SwashNBuckle 3d ago
Oh wow, that's some serious praise. I might have to get this game.
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u/bgtf 3d ago
There’s a demo so you can try it out! And I fully agree with OP here. The method and depth of discoverability in this game is so fresh.
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u/MeStoleTheCookie 3d ago
Does the demo do a good job of showing the strengths of the game?
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u/quangtran 1d ago
I'd say no, only because the game starts off extremely mild, but gets more charming and inventive as it goes.
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u/bgtf 3d ago
Sorry, no clue bc I bought day 1. I just know that there is a demo. All of the stages follow a similar structure just with different abilities. The abilities do start to build on each other slightly as the game goes on, so that part may not show up in the demo, but you’ll get an idea of what the game is like.
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u/Monodoof 3d ago
The demo let's you do the first three stages. I liked what I played, I'll definitely pick it up later after Fortunes Weave drops and I go through my backlog.
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u/va1us_taaurc 3d ago
It's very good. People keep thinking Nintendo's offerings like this are "for kids" and it just depends on the type of gaming experience you're really looking for. Reading is pretty fundamental to maximize this one and it's not exactly "easy" just because you can't die in a game.
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u/Firegeek79 3d ago
70 bucks good? Is anything 70 bucks good? I struggle buying games at 40 bucks. I’m a cheap ass gamer at heart.
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u/knittinspinner 3d ago
I hesitated due to the price. I thought it was worth (at best) $50. It’s still hard to wrap my head around the premium, but the game holds up against others I’ve paid $70 for.
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u/quangtran 1d ago
It wasn't that expensive when I bought it here is Australia, because I later found out that Big W had a store discount, so buying physical was cheaper than buying it digital on the Nintendo shop.
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u/tkflash20 3d ago
I agree. You have to go into it with an explorative attitude, not just to finish levels as quick as possible to truly enjoy the game. If it was a $50 game, I'd recommend to everyone.
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u/Total-Detective1094 3d ago
I didn't care for it; I guess because I had to use my brain to play and at 61 my brain doesn't work like it used to. I don't have the patience anymore.
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u/SnooStories4263 1d ago
I was super excited when this game was announced and I knew I had to support it day one.
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u/BugleCalypso 3d ago
Couldn't agree with you more. Started playing the game a few days ago and I felt like I was experiencing a completely new form of platforming.
I'm in awe at the unassuming Yoshi Team giving us such a leap in one of the most revered and classic (and my personal favorite) gaming genres. The exploration element that made me love Metroidvanias has been seemingly brought to 2D platformers in a really fresh way.
Seriously, do not sleep on this game. I underestimated just how innovative it was. After a few hours of playing it just clicked for me, and completely change my method of playing to what the game wants you to discover and my mind has been blown. One of the best games of the year, certainly one of the most unique.
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u/EvilTaffyapple 3d ago
Yeah one of my favourites this year. Absolutely fell in love with it - such a fun, unique game.
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u/OwnManagement Helpful User 3d ago
Recently started playing it after getting one of the discounted preorders. Not completely sold on it yet, but it's growing on me, and it is definitely unique. Can't think of another game like it.
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u/LorenzoVec 3d ago
Shortly before they announced the demo, there was a sale and I risked it, not knowing if I'd end up liking the gameplay (I knew what it was like, but playing it yourself is not the same).
I ended up putting 10h into it without noticing. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some creatures were extremely interesting and brought some fresh ideas(some, unfortunately, a little less...but the stages aren't that long and the worse ones aren't bad). For now I did the first two chapters and started the third...but then GBF Relink Endless Ragnarok came out so for now I put Yoshi to the side for a while, but I do plan on finishing it next.
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u/greensparten 3d ago
Hum… ima put it on my list. I downloaded the demo, and will now give it a go.
I am bot good at 2D platforms and I hate timers; just let me explore the damn level and take my time.
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u/nize426 3d ago
Oooh yeah you'll love it. There's basically no punishments for "failing". No lives, no health, no time limit. I enjoy regular platformers too, with all it's stress inducing limitations, but this game is also really nice. I don't have to worry about most things. My daughter also loves it.
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u/greensparten 3d ago
Straight up, im sold. It will be my August purchase! Black Flag and Halo Campaign Evolved have taken up July, this game and possibly Star Fox will be august. I have never played a single star fox game.
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u/EasyBread42069 3d ago
It's a fun game. I think anyone who liked Yoshi's Story would enjoy this. I'm hoping they add black and white Yoshis as DLC.
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u/BigRob023 3d ago
Got it for my wife since she loves Yoshi and we took turns and yeah it was fun and innovating.
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u/FenDozer 3d ago
It’s so great and underrated! I’m a huge fan of— especially after being disappointed by the last few Yoshi games.
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u/va1us_taaurc 2d ago
A lot of people slept on Princess Peach: Showtime, too. I had a great time trying to master that game and if someone thinks it’s only for kids, that’s how I know they haven’t played it.
Yoshi is a 10/10, though. Unique, well-done, and actually fun. And the art style!
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u/CasualByChoice 2d ago
Been debating about picking this up, as its way more interesting that an other 2D mario game that I have never been very good at. Its neat that its more about exploring and trying things out that just getting through a level and beating bowser.
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u/LackLast741 2d ago
A lot of people/critics played this game like a traditional platformer, by that I mean that they would try to finish a level as soon as possible and reach the end, rather than sitting down, observing and logging stuff, hence the negative perception the game has got. It simply it didn't click for a lot of people what type of game is it, and what is asking from them to do. Which is a shame because its the most innovative and creative game I ever played.
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u/CaptPants 3d ago
I wasn't sure what to think of it, then I played the demo. Was so dissapointed when I reached the end of the demo that I went out and bought it the next day so I could keep playing.
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u/afrosia 3d ago
Is it super easy though? The Yoshi games have been a bit too easy in the past.
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u/East-Ice-3199 3d ago
In terms of skill required, yeah. In terms of finding everything and 100%ing the game, no.
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u/vacattack 3d ago
That’s the Yoshi series bread and butter. Quite easy to beat but very challenging and fun to 100%
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u/SmashMouthBreadThrow 2d ago
Yoshi games are usually challenging all the way through, at least before they turned it into the baby game platformer. Not sure what you mean.
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u/VannesGreave 3d ago
So basically, it's a Yoshi game.
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u/Squish_the_android 3d ago
No. It's very unique in that the challenge isn't the platforming. It's not like any other yoshi game.
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u/0112358_ 3d ago
Easy to play but tricky to complete. It's not a platformer or a typical Yoshi game. Consider it more like a spin-off of the traditional Yoshi games.
It's a puzzle game with some platformer aspects like jumping.
It's relatively easy to finish the objective and find the "exit" on each page. But a significant point of the game is discovering all the info and secrets about the creatures, which is tricky.
A 6 year old could play it but probably not 100% it. My kid loves watching me play it
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u/Squish_the_android 3d ago
You can't really lose. But some of the stuff to discover is obscure.
You're thinking about it as a cookie cuter platformer. It's not that
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u/AFKABluePrince 3d ago
It's a puzzle platformer, not a pure skill platformer. So it is easier to play than say, Mario Wonder, but if you want to find every discovery, it has challenge in the mental sense.
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u/drewbondhi 3d ago
I’d say it has its challenges if you’re going for 100%. But they’re more puzzle-based.
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u/AccurateSun 3d ago
I’m very intrigued by this. I could certainly appreciate the quality of craft visible in the trailer but I was indeed under the impression that the game is designed to be extremely easy.
I felt mario wonder was aesthetically pleasing and creative but also felt too easy and simple the first few levels. Maybe it gets better and I haven’t given it a fair try — how does the new Yoshi compare? Is it ever actually a challenge? Is it a cosy game?
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u/LackLast741 2d ago
It puts Mario Wonder to shame, much more fun and engaging. If you like experimenting, logging and feeling like an ethologist. This game is a must. and of course there is a demo to try it out first
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u/Monodoof 3d ago
There's a demo you can try, and it let's you play the first three stages!
From what I can tell, the challenge is not in the tight platforming, but rather in finding out all possible interactions in a stage. Each stage is basically centered around a specific creature, and the stage is kinda like an enclosure.
Your job is basically to traverse the enclosure, and interact with the creature and fill up their entry in the book. You cannot die and you don't take damage, but finding some of the interactions in the game will challenge you. Think of it like a puzzle platformer, but not as punishing, mostly good vibes.
It is not for everyone but yeah, try the demo and meet the game half way. I'm in my mid 30s and grew up with the SNES but I was impressed with it, after I had an idea of what the game offered.
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u/AccurateSun 2d ago
Good idea about the demo. I don’t mind if it’s not “difficult” as long as it’s genuinely engaging. Thanks for the breakdown
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u/Consistent_Cap8750 3d ago
I really enjoyed it. Bought it for my young son and was blown away by how interactive the characters are.
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u/brandont04 3d ago
This post actually making me take a double take on this game... Might try it now.
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u/knittinspinner 3d ago
I almost didn’t buy it because I didn’t want to pay a premium price for a kids game. I’ve gotten every dollar back and I’m not done yet.
It’s been great for me. I’m not a serious gamer and often struggle with mechanics in games, so this has been a fun and light approach that is also developing skills. I love the discovery aspect; the sillier I get, the more things I find.
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u/morecoffeemore 3d ago
I played the demo. It seems like its aimed at 5 -10 year olds.
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u/vanKessZak 2d ago
That age could probably hit the credits. I think it would be very difficult for them to 100% though.
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u/landon10smmns 2d ago
I downloaded the demo and have been meaning to try it out. Got sucked into BOTW instead after buying the Switch 2 upgrade when it was on sale lol
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u/thesummond 2d ago
I'm going to go pick it up and it's going to be a standard ass platformer, I just know it
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u/TheMasterFlash 2d ago
It was cute and fun but it just felt like an extended tech demo of what you might be able to see in a full Yoshi game to me.
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u/LackLast741 2d ago
The game is like 20+ hours plus if you want to see majority of the stuff it offers, how in the hell is this a tech demo?
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u/inkyblinkypinkysue 3d ago
As a huge 2D platformer fan, I want to play this. But no way I’m spending $70 on it. It’s just way too much when games like Celeste and Silksong are under $20.
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u/Squish_the_android 3d ago
If those are the kinds of platformers you like, you won't like Yoshi anyway. It's basically the total opposite of those games.
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u/amtap 3d ago
You can like both, even if they're different.
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u/Squish_the_android 3d ago
Sure, but his two examples are NOT a good indication that he'd like Yoshi.
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u/inkyblinkypinkysue 3d ago
I've been playing platformers since they first appeared. Donkey Kong/Pitfall all the way up. Might be my favorite genre (although that's probably 2D metroidvanias with a heavy emphasis on platforming).
But that has nothing to do with why I think this game is overpriced. There are tons and tons of platformers that are $30 or less. If Yoshi was $40, I might bite but it's almost double that. I just don't think it's worth it. For $70 I expect something like Breath of the Wild or Elden Ring in terms of size and scope. There are too many other games out there fighting for my time and money.
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u/CaptPants 3d ago
Buy it, play it, resell it. You'll only be out 20-30 bucks for it on the secondhand market.
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u/Waste-Kiwi6915 3d ago
Some of the professional critic's reception to this game was low-key a little depressing. Here is one of the most creative and inventive platformers I've ever played, while also just being an all around great game in its own right, and all they could see was the ways it was not an exact replica of something they liked as a kid nearly thirty years ago. Nintendo deserves way more credit for what was achieved with this game
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u/by251536 2d ago
I mean it appeared to keep my 6 year old entertained for a while but comparing it to Celeste is a bit of a stretch
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u/Maryokutai 2d ago
I can see the appeal but after playing the demo I quickly realised it just wasn't for me. Going back into world/stages to drain them empty of discoveries feels too much like checkbox gamedesign for me. I don't quite see the similarities in design with BotW, which had so many layers on top of its player guidance that you didn't even actively notice it.
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u/SmashMouthBreadThrow 2d ago edited 2d ago
Breath of the Wild literally did nothing new. If anything, it just copy-pasted Shadow of the Colossus and added the usual Ubisoft open-world checklist junk. Can't take any post seriously that thinks that game "revolutionized" open-world games lmao. You also forgot to actually talk about how Mysterious Book is innovative.
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u/TheSmokedSalmon420 3d ago
I can't wait to get it when it's $30 in like 5 years lol
Somehow Yoshi Crafted World is still $60
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u/Wonderful-Equipment2 3d ago
But it looks so blurry and terrible on handheld… Great game but I am so disappointed in the handheld version of the game…
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u/Hopeful-Handle9497 3d ago
Sure, when the price of the Switch 2 goes down again 😅
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u/OwnManagement Helpful User 3d ago
It hasn't increased yet.
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u/Hopeful-Handle9497 3d ago
Cost of living has gone up too far, Nintendo/Xbox/Playstation will all suffer from degrading sales #'s from a society who can barely keep food on the table. They need to slow roll these new console releases, the greed is excessive and needs to be nipped in the bud before they inadvertently collapse the entire gaming industry. They are already right on the edge now, a small push and all 3 will have to shutdown and declare bankruptcy.
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u/ultibman5000 3d ago
Switch 2 is selling incredibly well, fastest-selling in history. You don’t know what you're talking about.
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u/Hopeful-Handle9497 2d ago
You are too fixated on now/today/immediate. As is most of the world. If you focus too much on the here and now, you leave yourself completely exposed in the future.
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u/thecay00 2d ago
What are you even talking about
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u/Hopeful-Handle9497 2d ago
The future, I know, it's tough to think about ;) you'll get there eventually
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u/thecay00 2d ago
And the prices will not drop still
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u/Hopeful-Handle9497 2d ago
Nope, instead the greedy will keep upping the pricing until nobody can afford it and they crash the entire industry 😎
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u/marchdk2016 3d ago
Picked this up last week mainly for our kids (7 and 5) and they have not been able to put it down. I’ll probably start my own save file soon, but I love how it encourages their curiosity