YOSHI'S ISLAND: SUPER MARIO Review Part II

But while it is a tad on the easy-side (most of the time), it must be said that this game can get very frustrating - despite the usual catchy tunes and creative, fun-to-beat bosses. ...It is "babysitting", after all! Unlike Super Mario, Yoshi cannot 'die'.

Instead, each time he feels pain, Baby Mazza floats away in a bubble, and you must retrive the future-hero before time runs-out. Otherwise, it's back to square-one (or, perhaps, a save-point). How much time you have depends on how many little stars you've collected. The more you collect from bursting ?-marked clouds and feeding plants, the longer you will have to save him.

But, no matter what you may think (being Yoshi and all), it's not always 'that-easy' to retrive bubble-boy when air-borne foes like Lakitu are at large. When they constantly get in your way, you just KNOW there's nothing you can do to stop that clock ticking-away.

But, in all honesty, that's the only bad-point I have to make about this game! Aside from that, any Mario World-fan should instantly fall-in-love with this platforming 'gem' that shines 'fun' all-over. An essential purchase for any GBA-owner who missed out on this classic first-time around.

YOSHI'S ISLAND: SUPER MARIO Overview

I'm going to come right out and say it 'Yoshi's Island' is the greatest side-scrolling platform game ever made. There. I said it. I've thought it since the original version came out during the dying days of Super NES. It was the best then, and nothing since has topped it.

Granted, these are bold statements, but they're ones I'm willing to defend. To begin with, Yoshi's Island still looks great. Back when it was released on the SNES, its childlike, hand-drawn graphics were overshadowed by the high-tech rendered look of the Donkey Kong Country series.

Now, seven years later, DKC's CG-graphics look dated while Yoshi's beautiful graphic style stands the test of time. Yoshi also features some of the best-designed levels I've ever seen. They are fairly large and cleverly put together. There's also no time limit, so you can explore them as much as you'd like while searching for all the secrets.

Remember how cool it felt mastering Mario's moves in Super Mario Sunshine? You'll get the same feeling in Yoshi. The dino's egg-tossing technique is tricky at first, but you'll soon be chucking eggs like a pro. As you advance in the game, you'll have to learn to use Yoshi's moves in different ways to reach new areas and find hidden objects.

This variety keeps the game fresh. I'm glad that Nintendo has re-released the vastly underappreciated Yoshi's Island on the GBA. If you're a fan of platformers, you have no choice but to buy this game. Play through it and see if you agree with my bold claim above. Keep in mind, if you don't, you're wrong.