It's undeniable that Yoshi's Island DS AND playing the demo at the last E3 tempered my excitement.

But there's also the fact that while I loved Yoshi's Island at the time… I don't think it's aged all that well. And I think a big part of that is the number of slower-paced 2D or 3D platformers with sprawling level design and tons of things to collect that followed. Back then, I could easily stomach Yoshi's Island "collect everything" design. But since then, I've overdosed on that.

I've only seen the two trailers they released on Nintendo Directs and this one, and they don't do anything for me. And this is from a guy that adores the original Yoshi's Island...the art style isn't as charming, the music about puts me to sleep, and parts of the game look nearly identical.

That said, I may get this on the cheap someday, but not now. Gaming dollars are very limited, and I'm not dropping $30 or more on this game.

I'm gonna bite on it right away. It's a far more laid-back experience for all the Yoshi games since the SNES game, and I'm good with that now. If I want a challenging playformer, DK is where I go.

Interesting views, I had no idea the expectations for this game were so tepid. I planned to wait on reviews regardless but it sounds like it might be one I skip completely. I bought Yoshi's Island DS and that was pretty bland. It will be a shame if this game turns out the same way.

If they can nail the controls I might be there eventually.

I personally think the original Yoshi's island holds up really well. It's just a different kind of platformer. I do feel that something with the visuals isn't rubbing well with me in the new game. I prefer the flatter colors of the original. It's too bad they couldn't have taken the art from the original game and went all Wario Land Shake It on it. Maybe I'm an art style snob but the graphics were a huge draw of the original. Also loved the boss fights and humor of the game as well.

@Stephen

My tepidness comes from a mellow experience with Yoshi's Island DS, but the latest trailer hypes me up. This is on my list of games I'm waiting on just to make sure I beat more games I already own and plus I save a little cash right now. But I will play this game this year surely.

Like most games, I'll grab it eventually when it goes on sale. I haven't played much of Yoshi's Island DS, and I'd at least want to beat that first before buying a new Yoshi's Island game.

From what I can find, the ream who made this includes a few people from the NSMB series. That can probably go either way for people, but I think the NSMB series generally has good level design, so it could be a good sign for this game.

Yeah, I think Yoshi's Island DS really soiled people's expectations from this (sub)series. The SNES game is still a classic, the N64 Yoshi's Story was a complete disaster, and then the DS game was mostly...good? Okay-ish? I guess? But nowhere near as great as the original, so it kind of petered out at "alright" or "mediocre" in a lot of people's minds.

This newest game's trailers aren't doing too much to change that mindset...and to be honest? I think the music has a lot to do with that. Needs more "pep" and "bounce" to the melodies, IMO. The SNES game had a phenomenal soundtrack, but from what I've heard so far, New Island isn't quite as catchy. Not by a long shot.

Still, looking forward to diving back into the world of Yoshi's Island.

GameDadGrant said:

Yeah, I think Yoshi's Island DS really soiled people's expectations from this (sub)series. The SNES game is still a classic, the N64 Yoshi's Story was a complete disaster, and then the DS game was mostly...good? Okay-ish? I guess? But nowhere near as great as the original, so it kind of petered out at "alright" or "mediocre" in a lot of people's minds.

This newest game's trailers aren't doing too much to change that mindset...and to be honest? I think the music has a lot to do with that. Needs more "pep" and "bounce" to the melodies, IMO. The SNES game had a phenomenal soundtrack, but from what I've heard so far, New Island isn't quite as catchy. Not by a long shot.

Still, looking forward to diving back into the world of Yoshi's Island.

Yes, yes, yes! This (the bolded part) entirely! The trailers that I've watched have been the same boring music and makes the game feel dull. Even though the gameplay is more or less the same (aside from gyro controls, which I'm not sure how I feel about them), the music makes it feel...either childish or slow or just plain boring.

You know what was actually pretty fun? Yoshi Touch & Go. I thought that was a darned decent title (even if it'd probably be the kind of game that'd be on the eShop if released today).

They should get Good Feel's composers on Yoshi. They did a bang-up job with Epic Yarn's soundtrack capturing that whimsical, innocent feel while still being genuinely catchy and well-written. Too bad they're not working on a...

...oh wait! Yayyyy!

Incidentally, I made a Yoshi song for BitF's comic 550 today, but not really because of this game (just got lucky with the timing). It kind of endeared me more towards the character while working on it, but not enough to overlook Artoon/Arzest's tepid work in the past...!

I am simply disappointed that YNI isn't anywhere close to sounding as virulently malicious as YIDS is.

Does anyone care if Grant catches YNI? No.

Come on Nintendo. Work on your acronyms.

I've had it pre-ordered since E3. Due to Future Shop's E3 promotion, I'm netting the game for $26. Not too shabby.
I was mostly unimpressed with YIDS, but this game seems to have tossed away my biggest issue: The other babies.

@Shadowlink

@ploot

Hehehe. Second best character in 2-3


Also YIDS gives you babies. Who knew?

I was initially unexcited, but my feelings have recently changed.

At first I thought that the game looked and sounded bland and the gameplay was unexciting. The trailer made the game seem kind of like "eh, here I am. What more do you want?". But we've only really heard one track, so it's too soon to say that the soundtrack is a disappointment. And the art style really grew on me to the point that I like it. It is it's own thing separate from the rest of the series. It's not as inspired as the art style of Yoshi's Island or Yoshi's Story, but it's pleasant nonetheless. And the level design didn't look exciting because Yoshi games aren't exciting. Of course the trailer isn't going to get your heart racing. Try to imagine a gameplay-only trailer for Yoshi's Island or Yoshi's Story that is exciting or awe inspiring or any of the other things that good trailers do to reach out and grab the viewer. It's really hard to come up with anything. For me, at least. The Yoshi's Island series is a kind of fun that doesn't translate well into trailers or marketing. It's something you have to play for yourself in order to understand the appeal.

I liked the past 3 Yoshi Island games and I anticipate that I will like this one.

Yeah I think it is a combo of Yoshi's Island DS (which I didn't hate, but it was disappointing) and the fact that nothing shown off so far has really stood out as stuff to get excited about.

But I'm still holding out hopes for it.

I want to be excited about this game, but... no, it isn't happening. Positive reviews would help, but I'll still likely wait until I can get it for a good deal if ever.

I really wish they would tell us more about Yarn Yoshi.

@Shadowlink

Honestly the symptoms of YIDS isn't as terrible as people make it seem. It's best to try and relax and experience the "disease" while under the influence of your favorite medication. In some ways, it can be enjoyable.

How's THAT for a positive recommendation?!?

@GameDadGrant

I'm not sure if experiencing babies whilst under the effects of medication is a good idea.

Here is GameXplain's review. It was this guy's Q&A video about the game that changed my opinion on it. I suggest that anyone who likes Yoshi but is unexcited about this game watches the review. It might not change your mind, but it's at least a positive perspective on a game that will probably be receiving more than its fair share of negativity.

IGN - Graphics/music suck. Level design is great.
Gamespot - Graphics/music are good. Level design sucks.

wut