Rating: 4.5/5 stars
When you hear about a game release coming from Rare studios, you already know it is going to be amazing. The studio has a history of making games popular ever since games were 16-bit. What started from Donkey Kong, eventually branched out into other formats but the studio never ventured away from its roots. Yooka-Laylee is a game created by Playtonic, a company formed by former Rare employees that go back to the essence of what made Rare studio games so much fun. Even though the game is not revolutionary in terms of what it offers, It is still an extremely enjoyable experience.
Building upon the storyline of the previous installment in the franchise, the game sticks to its roots while offering new twists and turns that make sure that you can never predict where the game is going to head next. The due of Yooka and Laylee is back in action in this edition as they wander across a plethora of different locations to face challenges. The main objective of the game is to rescue Queen Phoebee’s Royal Beetallion. Their journey is supported by a cast of entertaining characters that aid them in their mission and make sure that the game never gets boring.
Following the precedent set by the Donkey Kong games, the game is extremely simple and makes sure you understand every bit of the dynamic at the start of the game. The game dynamics are really fun to experience and we really loved the character designs and colors the game had to offer. It was truly like a trip back into memory lane. We were able to get hours of fun due to the humorous, wacky storyline. It made sure that we had a fun time.
The major objective of the game is to capture the Impossible Lair and it feels like everything else in the game leading up to the lair is actually a training exercise to prepare you for the perils of the Lair. The Lair is a dungeon filled to the brim with extremely strong foes and dangerous traps. It is extremely difficult and took us several different tries to get across some of the hardest challenges. The Beettallions help massively through the course of the progression as they help protect you against damage.
The undeniable influence of Donkey Kong is present throughout every element of the game. From the movement of characters to the way they are designed, every aspect of the game reflects the classis element of Rare Studio games. The importance of working together is essential for Yooka and Laylee to make sure that they can hit unique moves when they are together. The levels are set uniquely, offering new environments for every stage. Throughout the course of the 50 stages in the game, there is no repetition of gimmicks which is a refreshing aspect to see.
The game offers a comprehensive, entertaining 2.5D experience that is a must-try of all fans of platform gaming, what the game lacks in innovation it more than makes up for it in the humorous, engaging storyline and non-stop action.
The Anxious Gamer 