Like the mushroom-eating gaming mascot himself,Mario’s green dinosaur companion has been featured in many great platformers. Yet, most of these are games use him as a sort of enhancing “power-up,” or protective animal buddy who carts Mario around from place to place, gobbling up enemies and running over treacherous platforms.
Still, there are at least a handful of titles in which this gluttonous prehistoric sidekick has taken center stage. These games typically hold similarities to theirMariocounterparts, while often coming with aesthetic and/or mechanical twists, making for charming, unique experiences.
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With that said, let’s go over all of theYoshi-centered titles currently featured onMetacritic.comand the rankings of each.
9Yoshi Topsy-Turvy (60)
This bizarre experiment of a game, also known asYoshi’s Universal Gravitation, turned out to be little more than a gyroscopic novelty rather than an interesting platformer with substance. While tilting around the Game Boy Advance to shuffle Yoshi around on-screen can be fun, the novelty quickly wears off, and you tend to wonder, “What’s the point?” These colorful, cartoony environments prove pretty simple - no doubt to accommodate the odd, slippery controls, but still manage to be a cumbersome, disorienting mess more often than not.
Still, if you wanted to try a watered-down version ofYoshi’s Islandwith strange controls, perhaps you’ll want to fumble around with this one.
8Yoshi’s New Island (64)
This cute little platformer tends to get a bit overlooked, given its bland title, and the fact that this basic 3DS romp was quickly overshadowed byYoshi’s Woolly Worldand Switch’sCrafted Worldsoon after. Still, while there are stronger entries in theYoshiseries, this is a relatively underrated platformer that plays quite a bit like the classicYoshi’s Island.
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In staying true to the unique aesthetics prominent inYoshigames,New Islandruns with an appealing chalky sketch look that feels like playing through a painting. The gameplay is a mixed bag of familiar mechanics and a few new 3DS-based concepts which tend to fall flat at times.
7Yoshi’s Story (65)
In hindsight, this adorable sidescroller is an admirable platformer, given its stylish storybook look and distinct gameplay, as well as its adherence to 2D in an era where 3D reigned. Still, this game was rightfully criticized for being a bit too short, simple, and shallow. High scores were emphasized over survivability, which proved rewarding at times, but wasn’t always too thrilling.
It felt a bit like a step back from its predecessor on the SNES,Yoshi’s Island. While it lookedcute and kid-friendly, that SNES originator actually was pretty in-depth and tricky, especially for completionists. ThoughYoshi’s Storyis charming in its own right - especially in terms of its presentation - the actual gameplay left a bit to be desired.
6Yoshi Touch & Go (73)
Yoshi seems to be the go-to when it comes to Nintendo showing off new tech and features of their handheld devices.Yoshi Touch & Gocontinues the tradition started by GBA’sTopsy-Turvy. The game largely revolves around the DS-specific features, including the touch-screen, microphone, and multiple screens, which provide a wider perspective.
Despite the novelty of these bells and whistles proving a bit less interesting these days, it’s still fun to scurry your way through this unique scrolling platformer and rake up those high scores. The familiarYoshi’s Islandoverlay is a nostalgic draw for old school fans, while the gameplay is novel enough to keep things fun and interesting.
5Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World (77)
Essentially, those who enjoyed the charming, fabric-laden sidescroller that isWoolly Worldshould enjoy this enhanced version on the 3DS.
Not only does this accessible gameplay lend itself to the 3DS' handheld capabilities, but you also get some added content featuring the amusing companion, Poochy. This energetic dog pal basically acts as an added easy mode for a game was alreadya breeze - the myriad of collectibles notwithstanding. The once detailed, crisp textures have also been dialed back, looking a bit more muddled for Nintendo’s less-capable handheld.
Still, this is a solid game in its own right, and this 3DS port offers a fun new twist for fans who enjoyed the original Wii U platformer.
4Yoshi’s Woolly World (78)
Much like the similarKirbyplatformer,Epic Yarn,Yoshi’s Woolly Worldoffered an interesting and visually pleasing new way to play this familiar series, while keeping some of the underlying concepts from past games. This 2015 release helped to strengthen a Wii U library that very much needed it at the time, providing a platformer that was both accessible and innovative.
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The mechanics mainly revolve around dismantling and filling in areas of the environment by using Yoshi to yank threads with his tongue. you’re able to also tie up baddies with string, and fill in platforms with yarn balls. These distinct gameplay concepts, coupled with the rewarding feeling of nabbing collectibles, madeWoolly Worlda delight to play. It’s noYoshi’s Island, but it’s nonetheless a cool twist on platforming.
3Yoshi’s Crafted World (79)
While many Wii U diehards will insistWoolly Worldshines as the superior entry (at least barely), Metacritic lists thisSwitchsequel as justa touch better. A case could certainly be made for both titles, thoughCrafted Worldis worthy of its high ratings.
Rather than lean on the unique, stringy mechanics ofWoolly World, this game paints the scene with cardboard cutout assets that can be traversed, flipped around, and knocked out. Some may argue this concept is a bit less interesting, though it does make for a more “solid” feel - in both the literal and figurative sense. Its environments are a bit more diverse and interesting, and the gameplay feels more likeYoshi’s Island, while still providing some creative flair.
2Yoshi’s Island DS (81)
Yoshi somewhat became the designated platforming mascot for Nintendo’s DS consoles, much like Wario had been for the Game Boy handhelds.
Unlike some of its quirkier DS/3DS counterparts, however,Yoshi’s Island DSfelt more like a true and faithful sequel to the original SNES classic. It’s surprising, given that this follow-up was made by a developer other than Nintendo - specifically known as Artoon.
The game runs with that same cartoony visual style, with many of the same mechanics - aiming/firing eggs at foes and getting collectibles. Yet, this sequel fleshes out the level design and cranks up the difficulty, making for a less straightforward romp. Artoon also adds some fun new elements like the ability to play as Baby Bowser and Peach, each with different abilities. It’s a more dynamic and endearing brand ofYoshigame.
1Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (91)
While the originalYoshi’s Islandno doubt would have topped our list if it had a Metacritic score, this GBA version is no slouch either. It certainly helps thatSuper Mario Advance 3is pretty much a direct port of that SNES gem - and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
This handheld iteration reminded Nintendo fans just how creative and enjoyable this spin-off toSuper Mario Worldwas when it was released in 2002. It features that same satisfying gameplay of gobbling enemies, gathering goodies and firing off eggs, and makes for a terrific handheld experience. On top of this, it holds up pretty well on the rather limitedGame Boy Advance.
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