Yooka-Replaylee

The original Yooka-Laylee brought us a 90s platformer in a modern skin, but it also carried over a lot of the bad habits of the era. Instead of trying to be its own game, it tried too hard to be a Banjo-Kazooie. Yooka-Replaylee now knows more clearly what it wants to be: a modern platformer that evokes the past rather than being dictated by it. Everything here has been improved: the controls, the game world, the graphics, and the camera. I forced myself through the original release, and when I reached the end of this one, I was like, “Oh, it’s over.” Playtonic listened to feedback, reflected on their work, and have made something really great here.

Yooka-Replaylee is a solid choice for those looking to recapture the essence of Nintendo 64 classics with a modern twist. While it has some technical details that could be improved, it delivers a highly satisfying overall experience.

Yooka-Replaylee may have come as a surprise but it's a very welcome surprise nonetheless, as this remaster of the original not only expectedly improves on several audiovisual elements, completely redesigning some of them, but also makes the experience more fluid and dynamic by starting the adventure with the entire moveset unlocked, with each level fully expanded, and fast travel. While on the technical side the game could have made more of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, Yooka-Replaylee is a marvelous 3D platformer that will be duly enjoyed by both fans of the genre and fans of the original game.

Ultimately though I think Yooka-Re-Playlee more than proves itself to be the definitive version of the game, and I hope it can find enough success for a sequel. It captures and reinterprets the vibes of old-school platformers well and really is the closest we’ve gotten to a Banjo-Kazooie successor, at least in my opinion...While it’s not perfect it’s definitely worth your time, whether you played the original version or not.

Yooka-Replaylee demonstrates resoundingly what needed to be fixed with the original game, offering an experience closer to Banjo-Kazooie rather than Banjo-Tooie, and being a better game because of it. Smart quality of life adjustments streamline exploration and progression, sharpening the pacing. Not all changes are equal, however, as Rextro still feels like a bit of a slog, and I still wish there were more worlds to explore. But the overall improvements to the experience are undeniable. With strong performance, great presentation and clever tweaks, Yooka-Replaylee delivers on the promise that Playtonic made so many years ago. It feels like the true successor to Banjo-Kazooie that we always wanted.

Yooka-Replaylee, in most ways, feels like the game that Yooka-Laylee was always meant to be. The core experience has remained the same, but much has been added or tweaked to make for a significantly more confident and streamlined experience. Though the technical issues hold it back a bit, at least on Switch 2 at launch, this is still a clear improvement over the original and a game that no fan of the 3D platforming genre should miss out on.

Yooka-Replaylee offers the ideal combination: on the one hand, the nostalgia of classic games for veterans, and on the other, an accessible experience for curious youngsters thanks to the inclusion of numerous quality-of-life (QoL) improvements. While it doesn't add anything revolutionary, it's clear how they've improved over time, and we can only wait for a third installment where they'll unleash even more creativity and see what surprises they have in store for us.

Yooka-Replaylee is a clear example of how a remake can fix many technical and gameplay issues without completely reinventing its soul. Playtonic has made a remarkable effort to improve on the original experience, and that deserves recognition. However, the lack of inspiration in the level design and challenges weigh down a package that, while adequate, never shines with its own light. An ideal title for those who love 3D platformers without high expectations, but far from the podium reserved for the greats of the genre.

Yooka-Replaylee finally feels like the game it was always meant to be—an expansive, polished platformer that celebrates the genre’s golden days. Its worlds are denser, its controls tighter, and its charm undeniable, making it a joy for both newcomers and longtime fans. But despite its many improvements, a lightweight story, overwhelming collectibles, and a handful of dated quirks keep it from true greatness. What we’re left with is a game that shines brightly, even if it never quite reaches the top of the platforming mountain.