Yoshi's Island DS (Nintendo DS, 2006)

Yoshi's Island doesn't mess with the original's formula and really just adds some new elements here and there. The new multiple baby element is really cool, but doesn't change the feel of the game at all. Basically, this game is for you if you liked the SNES original or Gameboy re-release. It's not going to surprise you in any way (if you've played the original) but it is a solid Nintendo platformer.

Gameplay: 9/10
Pros: Classic Platforming of old. Playing one of the SNES's best games is always fun. New babies with different powers is a really cool new feature even though some work better than others.
Cons: If you've played the original this really just feels like more of the same. It's great, but you've played it. The first boss is even the same (well 2 of them instead of 1). It could've used some more touch features.

Graphics: 8/10
Pros: Same cool morphing effects from the remake and original. Great art sense and pastel / cartoon feel.
Cons: A lot of the graphics and animations are just ripped from the original (GBA or SNES, isn't DS stronger?), but what really bothers me is that the title screen and level progression menu is exactly the same.

Sound/Music: 8/10
Pros: I love the Yoshi yelp and the baby crying really makes you feel anxious to get the baby back. Again, the sound and music will instantly feel familiar and is perfectly sufficient.
Cons: Nothing new, perfectly sufficient but lacking something...pizzaz perhaps?

Lasting Appeal: 7/10
Pros: If you missed out on owning a SNES or didn't buy the GBA remake then this is a must buy and you will absolutely love it, play it, beat it, and play it again. There are tons of levels and a lot of different worlds. The bosses especially stand out and were always excellent in this series, so you'll play through just to see and beat all of them.
Cons: I'm not sure how much you'll care about finding all the flowers and collecting everything. I for one will not play it again after I beat it, though I may try to score high enough on a level here and there to unlock the bonus levels.

Average: 80.00%
Tilt: +/- 0.00%

End Result is that Yoshi's Island DS is a solid Nintendo Platformer that will surely please anyone who played the original. It copies the original in so many ways and just doesn't offer enough to live up to the original, which after all is a classic and arguably one of the best platformers of the 16-bit era. We are in a different era where the bar has been raised and doing the more of the same isn't enough to warrant a must buy title.

Verdict: 80%

very good game, fun for all ages. hours and hours of game play plus some special features. recommended for everyone.

My son started asking for this game about a year ago. I looked for it at Target, game stores, etc, and could never find it. I didn't think too much of it, but when he kept asking, I started looking more and more for it. Many places had it used, but finding it new was rather difficult. He loves this game and it's nice because he laughs and shows me things that Yoshi does. No guns or violence, just fun. We were thrilled to find it on ebay at a reasonable price.

A diverse platformer with 8 main levels(like all Mario-ish games) and a good handful of bonus levels & mini games. All of the different babies' abilities are easy to maneuver and add to the game play giving players tons to do. Crayon graphics and music provide a charming atmosphere. Unlocking everything is a real challenge, even if finishing the game is easy. Improves on the original without messing anything up.

hard game to find in stores, price was right and kids seem to enjoy taking yoshi and friends through the adventures. provides great entertainment