yoshi’s woolly world

WII U
Written By tousue

💖

7.5/10

TLDR: Yoshi’s Woolly World is an adorable and accessible platformer with charming visuals and fun co-op mechanics, though its short length, simple gameplay, and clunky aiming features left us wanting more.

Reviewed by: 🐯 Alokin (Advanced Gamer) & 🐺 Oceanwolv (Casual Gamer)

 

OVERVIEW

Price: $50
Our playtime: 40+ hours
Coop style: Couch, Local
Where to buy: Nintendo

About: Yoshi’s Woolly World is a dyed-in-the-wool platformer that’s bursting with colour and texture. Explore a material world with Yoshi, who this time is made entirely of wool!

✅ pros

ALOKIN

  • Friendly approach (like wings!)

  • Expanding Yoshi’s story and world

  • Robust platformer wrapped in a cute bow

OCEANWOLV

  • The cutest game ever!! I love Yoshi!

  • Long and complex game

  • Accessible gameplay

❌ cons

ALOKIN

  • Clunky aiming features for yarn balls

  • A little too short of a game

  • Not in-depth for replayability

OCEANWOLV

  • Co-op mode requires coordination

  • Minor mechanics not as intuitive

  • There are no sequels!!! :(

🤼🏽 co-op ability: 5.5/10

(how well the game supports teamwork and collaboration between players)

ALOKIN’S RATING: 5/10

You cannot go wrong with a couple of Yoshis running around to complete a level. I like that you can share wool balls, and you can help save each other from lives lost. It’s certainly much more fun with people, but doesn’t require coop to complete the game.

OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 6/10

The interactive co-op lets you collide, assist, or hinder each other through challenges. Efficient teamwork and coordination are key, simulating real life proximity because it can be either chaotic or complimentary, or both! This co-op mode may not be for everyone because it requires dexterity and game awareness, but it’s easy to adapt to.

 

🎨 production quality: 8.5/10

(the design, artwork, components, and overall craft of the game's materials)

ALOKIN’S RATING: 7/10

The art style is so cute and approachable, friendly for any person who wants a challenge but also a cute platformer. It does a great job of expanding the Yoshi universe too. I love that you have multiple outfits you can unlock and also have small powerups that don’t change the actual outcome of the game.

OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 10/10

The design and artwork is my favorite in terms of cuteness overload and accessible UI. I mean… Yoshi in yarn!? It’s absolutely adorable and playing it makes me feel so happy and homey. I really appreciate the detailed tutorials and visual instructions. Plus, you unlock different Yoshi skins after every level, which you all know I am obsessed with!!

 

🎮 gameplay mechanics: 7/10

(the game's rules, flow, balance, and how engaging and intuitive the gameplay feels)

ALOKIN’S RATING: 7/10

This game is so easy to learn you could load it up and play it immediately. It takes all the knowledge from other platformers and integrates it. The game slowly levels up as the difficulty increases. There are hidden areas, drops, jumps, and a variety of levels. The only aspect I felt could be improved was the tossing of yarn balls. It locks you into a spot before you can toss. I wish you could toss as you ran.

OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 7/10

The mechanics are easy and balanced for Mario fans, but Yoshi’s jump feels unintuitive with its dip-and-rise motion. Throwing yarn balls is tricky, requiring buttons and joystick aiming. Co-op can be frustrating when players become obstacles, but with extra communication, the playful mechanics enhance teamwork like swallowing, spitting, and using each other as projectiles.

 

🤩 overall fun: 9/10

(how enjoyable and entertaining the game is for immediate play and long-term re-playability)

ALOKIN’S RATING: 8/10

Nintendo knows how to make a fun game and this is no exception. We played this game completely through and every level was fun and we were always pleasantly surprised to find the hidden areas too. The only thing that could’ve made this more fun was added content, more levels, and just an added level of increase difficulty for advanced players.

OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 10/10

If you love Yoshi or the Mario universe, you have to play this game!! It might be a learning curve with the game mechanics and interactive co-op mode, but it won’t stop you and your person from having fun or progressing in the game. The world of Yoshi is so undeniably cute, unlocking skins, badges, and finding hidden gems! Easily re-playable.

 

TIPS TO START

(helpful insights as you begin the game)

ALOKIN’S

  • Check the accessibility features because there are a few that can help balance out the game, especially the ‘wings’ component that can help with newer platform players.

  • The game has an infinite number of restart and continues so don’t get too hard on yourself if some levels seem more challenging than others and take longer to complete.

  • When you see a ‘yarn-block’ that dispenses yarn, take the time for you both to refill your balls as you play out the level. You may need ‘em all!

OCEANWOLV’S

  • Having Yoshi wings is not only cute, but helpful! It can make the game easier.

  • The game mechanics can be a learning curve, so just be patient with yourself and with each other.

tousue
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