Yoshi's Story

Nintendo 64
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Mischief Makers dropped some hints about what the N64 can do in 2-D, but Yoshi's Story pushes the boat out so far it''s run ashore on the other side ... but once you've got past the initial sense of ''ahh, isn''t that sweet'' it doesn''t take long before all that sugar rots your teeth and sets your stomach a-churning.
  2. Where most titles stress the importance in challenge in completing a level, Yoshi's Story emphasizes challenge in exploration--something rarely done in two-dimensional games. While Yoshi's Story isn't Yoshi's Island II, it is another shining example of simple, unadulterated entertainment in gaming.
  3. Not everyone is going to like Yoshi's Story. I do. It's Yoshi. It's easy, but it's fun.
  4. 70
    Yoshi's Story is a fun game. At its best, the level design is right up there with the original Mario games and it impresses with innovative control, great graphics and original levels. But at other times, Yoshi is an unchallenging romp through levels that reek of recycled game ideas, derivative layout, and clueless enemies.
  5. In the short term at least it's fun, very good fun in fact, and excellent for those retro fans who are desperate for a 2D platforming fix. Just don't expect to be playing it a year from now.
  6. There's a pervading feeling of trying to keep yourself busy (almost like a cat playing with a mouse) than being kept on your toes by your foes.In the end, Yoshi's Story is good for a rental at best.
  7. I can't recommend Yoshi's Story to anyone but the youngest of gamers.
  8. You may find that Yoshi's Story can be a wonderfully irresistible experience. It's like Super Mario Bros. 2 in that it's quite a bit different from the usual Mario fare. Many people loved Super Mario Bros. 2, whereas some didn't. That will be the case here as well.

Awards & Rankings

13
3
#3 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1998
3
#3 Most Shared N64 Game of 1998
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 136 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 136
  2. Negative: 14 out of 136
  1. Aug 26, 2020
    8
    Yoshi’s Story is what happens when you take a bunch of candy and mold it into a video game. It’s sweet, colorful and gives you diabetes justYoshi’s Story is what happens when you take a bunch of candy and mold it into a video game. It’s sweet, colorful and gives you diabetes just looking at it. Originally, Yoshi’s Story was meant to be a continuation of the Yoshi’s Island formula and instead evolved into a game more centered on exploration and ease of play. There’s no time limit to complete a stage, no baby Mario to protect and not too much by the way of collectibles for completion. In some cases, this would be considered a detriment, but in this case I think it works. Yoshi’s Story is clearly aimed at a much younger demographic, but at the same time the game doesn’t insult their intelligence. The game is very simple, but there’s enough little nuances to make it a worthwhile Yoshi game.

    The premise is basic. Baby Bowser is a d***, steals the Yoshi’s happy tree, and now a handful of them have to get it back. There are six worlds to traverse through with four stages within them to choose from. Each stage has a number signifying their difficulty. Your goal in every stage is collect 30 pieces of fruit. Nothing more to it. If you just collect the first 30 fruit that you set your adorable little eyes on, a single playthrough would take you less than an hour. It’s incredibly basic at its core, making it easy for kids to pick up and just start playing, but there is more to it than that. The Yoshis themselves, for example, are color coded. Their color tells you what kind of fruit they prefer. If it’s a purple Yoshi, they prefer grapes, yellow Yoshi likes bananas, etc. Having the Yoshis eat their favorite fruit not only has more health value, but it also earns you a higher score. However, the biggest challenge you can attempt in this game is to grab 30 Melons. Melons are universally loved by Yoshis, and they will give you the best score by the end. They are certainly much trickier to get, and some can only be obtained on a single go so if you are up for some exploration, try to nab them in each stage. The game can be as simple or as challenging as you want it to be. However, there are also a few boss battles sprinkled in, but they are very inconsequential and probably the most insultingly easy part of the game.

    Exploration is the biggest factor to Yoshi’s Story in place of raw platforming, and it’s certainly the most rewarding part of the game. You are not only on the hunt for those elusive melons, but there are a few other collectables to keep an eye out on. In each stage are two special hearts. You’ll need to collect these in order to unlock new stages in the game. There are also two hidden eggs in the game, a black egg and a white egg. Finishing the stage with them unlock both the black and white Yoshi, both of which love all fruit varieties. Even if there isn’t as much focus on platforming this time around, it’s still fun to explore these stages simply due to the game feel and the adorable aesthetics. The Yoshis control beautifully and the game’s visuals have held up incredibly well. It’s super bright and colorful, and I really dig the storybook concept they were going for. The music is surprisingly solid, using the general main theme of the game as a leitmotif for the soundtrack, remixing it into various musical styles.

    So no, Yoshi’s Story isn’t going to be for everyone, and if you were a big fan of Yoshi’s Island you may be disappointed. Personally, I think it’s a really solid kids game that does offers just enough substance to make it a worthwhile playthrough.
    Full Review »
  2. Nov 10, 2018
    10
    Игра хороша. В ней приятная музыка, хорошо сделанные уровни, сам Йоши, гемплей.
  3. Jun 10, 2012
    8
    Yoshi's Story is an amazing game, it is sweet and short, fans of all ages both Mario and video game fans will surely enjoy this cute andYoshi's Story is an amazing game, it is sweet and short, fans of all ages both Mario and video game fans will surely enjoy this cute and classic game. The game's amazing soundtrack, beautiful original visuals and great gameplay will capture your interest in playing this game for many years to come. Full Review »