Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 111 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 111
  3. Negative: 23 out of 111
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  1. Males123
    Oct 10, 2019
    9
    This is the best platformer since donkey kong tropical freeze its a return to form for yokalaylee playtonic listend to the fans and in some aspects it improves on tropical freeze and the music being on par with donkey kong helps
  2. Persephon
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    I skipped out on the first game on this series, based on some fairly lukewarm reviews, but thought I'd give this one a shot based on a rave from IGN... So glad I did! This game is an absolute delight, with tonnes of replayability. Really fun puzzles, super tight, imaginitive platforming, and a fabulous progression system. It has heaps of depth, but don't be misled by the cutesy graphicalI skipped out on the first game on this series, based on some fairly lukewarm reviews, but thought I'd give this one a shot based on a rave from IGN... So glad I did! This game is an absolute delight, with tonnes of replayability. Really fun puzzles, super tight, imaginitive platforming, and a fabulous progression system. It has heaps of depth, but don't be misled by the cutesy graphical style; this game can be hard as balls! The graphics sparkle and the crash-detection, essential in a platformer, is absolutely spot on. On the surface this looks like a retro-inspired 2.5D homage to games like Donkey Kong Country, and it is that: it's also absolutely brimming with fun new ideas, mechanics and adorable characters. I haven't had this much fun with a platformer since Rayman Legends...… Expand
  3. Heavydog
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    There is no DLC, don't believe these 'jokes'. Game is awesome, great graphics, great music, great gameplay.
  4. PietStok
    Oct 10, 2019
    10
    DON'T believe the negative reviews (which are all posted by 1 guy with multiple accounts), 'cause it runs like a charm (60fps) and the only DLC is a tonic pack, which costs just $/€4,- (and is 100% optional)!
  5. leandroeuler98
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    Ótimo jogo, sempre quis um jogo de plataforma assim pra nova geração. Agora e esperar o próximo.
  6. Tiulino
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    An amazing game; colorful, dynamic and... REALLY FUN. They did a great job in this new game. DK lover MUST buy. Perfect sountrack btw. Worth every cent on it.
  7. KlingoftheCastl
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    Really great game with surprisingly hard platforming. Game has some great humor and you can complete the game whenever you want, assuming you're good enough
  8. ClutterBrain
    Oct 8, 2019
    0
    Content that was included with the game before launch has now become paid DLC. Seriously?! That quickly saved me from making a purchase.
  9. PikachuRebelde
    Oct 9, 2019
    0
    This is one of the absolutely worst games of all. The game breaking bugs are terrible. I wait developers! Fix this glitches!
  10. JinoGamer
    Oct 8, 2019
    0
    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. It has a lot of game breaking bugs and framerate issues in certain parts. Also, this game has a lot of DLC. How can the developers screws this game? The first one was okay but this a bank of money based on nostalgia!
  11. Va2592yoshi
    Oct 20, 2019
    9
    Such a fun platforming game! Really enjoyed the new mechanics, changing level mechanics, and music. Recommend as one of the best platform games this year.
  12. SpoilThatSong
    Oct 13, 2019
    10
    Bought this for my Nintendo Switch and it has been the most fun I've had in ages. It is bursting with charm through the colourful visuals and witty dialogue.

    One of the best parts that makes it stand out from other platformers is the overworld that you explore to find/manipulate the levels as well as secret tonics which changes the gameplay or graphics in some way. There are a lot of    Bought this for my Nintendo Switch and it has been the most fun I've had in ages. It is bursting with charm through the colourful visuals and witty dialogue.

    One of the best parts that makes it stand out from other platformers is the overworld that you explore to find/manipulate the levels as well as secret tonics which changes the gameplay or graphics in some way. There are a lot of zelda-like puzzles, characters to meet and areas to discover. I didn't expect it to be that fun, but it's very cleverly made.

    The game runs at 60fps and the controls are tight. The levels themselves are just as good as DKCTF, delivering fun platforming, hidden secrets and the perfect amount of challenge. One of my favourite parts is getting hit and having to catch Laylee before she flies off, leaving you very vulnerable. It's a great risk reward dynamic.

    The games named after the first/final level which you can try to defeat from the very beginning. However, by playing other levels you can collect bees which take damage for you in the lair. It's a clever idea, and it's fun to go back and see how much further you can get in the lair.

    Don't give it a pass just because it's gone from 3D to 2.5D gameplay. It's honestly stands alongside DKCTF and has just as much (if not more) content. It's really polished and well worth the price tag of £25.    … Expand
  13. lione81
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    Mala cámara. Mal control, muy malo malísimo. Mala cámara por cierto. Imprecisiones en saltos y movimientos
  14. bancandrei
    May 24, 2020
    6
    The overworld brings the score up a notch for me as it gives you a feeling of exploration and maybe of finding secrets (to unlock the state change in the level) which so mostly missing in the levels, and indeed in most all platformers
  15. Jools86
    May 3, 2020
    6
    I would normally have given this game an 8, but I feel cheated by the literally impossible ending. The game has 40 fun 2D levels and a 3D overworld I had more fun in tbh.

    Chapter 16 hidden exit is almost impossible. Even slowing time. There must be a tonic I do not have. The last 2 levels “impossible and not so impossible” lair are not fun. The difficult spike is terrible. (Have soloed    I would normally have given this game an 8, but I feel cheated by the literally impossible ending. The game has 40 fun 2D levels and a 3D overworld I had more fun in tbh.

    Chapter 16 hidden exit is almost impossible. Even slowing time. There must be a tonic I do not have.

    The last 2 levels “impossible and not so impossible” lair are not fun. The difficult spike is terrible. (Have soloed Dark Souls, 100% mario) odyssey so it’s not me.

    I really enjoyed the last game, the characters are blank compared to banjo but it was great to have a modern day 3D banjo

    I hope your next game has more iconic characters and reverts back to 3D.

    Having said that Playtronic are great, bringing these type of games back to us.    … Expand
  16. Psy_pmP
    Oct 21, 2020
    5
    I have not played other parts. Perhaps I should have given them away, then perhaps I would have bought the rest. But this game is disgusting. I don’t understand what these characters are and no one is trying to explain to me. The controls are inhibited, there is no responsiveness. The levels are monotonous. I only had enough for the first 3 levels.
  17. wesker2012
    May 10, 2022
    7
    A decent mix of donkey kong country and top down zelda mixed together. I'm more of a fan of 3d games rather than 2d games though, so I didn't enjoy the 2d levels as much. The gameplay and puzzles are still relatively simple like the previous Yooka Laylee.
  18. 92lucascosta
    Feb 9, 2021
    9
    Diferentemente de seu antecessor, de 2017, que traz uma jogabilidade baseada nos clássicos da geração 32/64-bits (especialmente, Banjo-Kazooie), Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair é um platformer 2D com tudo que um bom game desse gênero merece: cenários variados, saídas secretas, gameplay agradável, mapa de seleção de fases interativo, colecionáveis diversos na medida certa...

    Mesmo    Diferentemente de seu antecessor, de 2017, que traz uma jogabilidade baseada nos clássicos da geração 32/64-bits (especialmente, Banjo-Kazooie), Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair é um platformer 2D com tudo que um bom game desse gênero merece: cenários variados, saídas secretas, gameplay agradável, mapa de seleção de fases interativo, colecionáveis diversos na medida certa...

    Mesmo produzido por ex-funcionários da Rare e inspirado em Donkey Kong Country (com David Wise na trilha sonora, inclusive), o game possui diversas ideias e mecânicas originais, como a utilização dos tônicos, que são itens modificadores encontrados pelo vasto mapa de seleção, com potencial para alterar bastante a experiência de jogo. Há tônicos que apenas alteram a paleta de cores e a resolução, e outros que enfraquecem ou fortalecem inimigos, e até mesmo que adicionam novos movimentos aos personagens. A combinação desses diversos tônicos (62 ao todo), permite um bom fator replay para o game.

    Aparentemente, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair passou bem despercebido, até mesmo por retrogamers e entusiastas do gênero. Não se vê muitos reviews, gameplays e comentários em geral sobre o jogo apesar de, a meu ver, se indispensável para qualquer fã dos plataformers 2D clássicos dos 16-bits.    … Expand
  19. Boobileah
    Oct 7, 2022
    0
    Bought it for my 5 years old kid... he and I are both struggling it.

    First, the game is very text based, obviously, young children can't read... to make things worse the game even quiz you about these texts and you have to pass them to proceed. Also the classic camera that should help young player doesn't work well. Some of the mechanisms are clear enough. No aim or platform edge    Bought it for my 5 years old kid... he and I are both struggling it.

    First, the game is very text based, obviously, young children can't read... to make things worse the game even quiz you about these texts and you have to pass them to proceed.

    Also the classic camera that should help young player doesn't work well.
    Some of the mechanisms are clear enough.
    No aim or platform edge assists exists and this makes the game very frustrating.

    I wouldn't recommend buying this game unless in serious sell.    … Expand
  20. rafaelmsoares
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    The gameplay is just perfectly tight and the level design is top notch. Definitely worth of anyone's time and money. A masterpiece.
  21. Invaderfrost
    Oct 14, 2019
    8
    A much better game for the studio probably wasn't to hard to make for them but fun nonetheless
  22. stunstaa
    Oct 13, 2019
    9
    This game is a huge step up in every way from the first one, while i loved I thought the first one, it was a fun nostalgia trip it was just decent overall. This game is super fun, and actually pretty tough, but its fair. The music is of course great coming from the masterminds grant kirphope and david wise. Every level is unique from each other, and theres even a cool overworld filled withThis game is a huge step up in every way from the first one, while i loved I thought the first one, it was a fun nostalgia trip it was just decent overall. This game is super fun, and actually pretty tough, but its fair. The music is of course great coming from the masterminds grant kirphope and david wise. Every level is unique from each other, and theres even a cool overworld filled with mild puzzle solving and platforming. Im happy playtonic decided to keep the IP alive and deliver us this game. Instant classic… Expand
  23. Andrewwyoshh
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    Yooka Laylee and The Impossible Lair has successfully captured the nostalgic feel of Rare games better than the first game. Being a side scroller this time around, the controls are simple and very responsive which makes going through a level inside the game feel like a breeze. But don't get the wrong idea! this game while simple, provides a fair ammount of challenge especially in the laterYooka Laylee and The Impossible Lair has successfully captured the nostalgic feel of Rare games better than the first game. Being a side scroller this time around, the controls are simple and very responsive which makes going through a level inside the game feel like a breeze. But don't get the wrong idea! this game while simple, provides a fair ammount of challenge especially in the later stages. But its never to the point of frustration. The music sounds like something from your childhood eventhough its a current gen game. If you're into 2D platformer fhb theb this game will be a blast!… Expand
  24. EscobarBR
    Nov 6, 2019
    9
    Yooka and Laylee The Impossible Lair é a forma mais honrosa de mostrar como ainda é interessante jogar games de plataforma hoje em dia, gênero este que se perdeu no mar de muitos games de ação e etc;
    A Playtonic fez um trabalho maravilhoso nesta sequência de Yooka and Laylee, game bem produzido graficamente, efeitos e sons soberbos e jogabilidade a "la Donkey Kong" fez esse título ser um    Yooka and Laylee The Impossible Lair é a forma mais honrosa de mostrar como ainda é interessante jogar games de plataforma hoje em dia, gênero este que se perdeu no mar de muitos games de ação e etc;
    A Playtonic fez um trabalho maravilhoso nesta sequência de Yooka and Laylee, game bem produzido graficamente, efeitos e sons soberbos e jogabilidade a "la Donkey Kong" fez esse título ser um dos melhores games do estilo que joguei neste ano!!!!    … Expand
  25. alissongomes23
    Nov 6, 2019
    10
    Melhor game de plataforma que eu joguei desde os Rayman Origins e Legends. As mecânicas de alterar as fases e os tônicos dão uma dinâmica muito boa ao jogo. Como brasileiro, só senti falta de uma localização em português, mas super recomendo.
  26. Raulmk9
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Meu , para mim jogo excelente um dificulta bem elevada como os clássicos jogos plataformas sempre foram, e uma trilha sonora nas fases maravilhosa, uma verdadeira e enorme evolução , diga de quem platinou fez 100% , jogo maravilhoso pra quem gosta do estilo
  27. TripleAL
    Jan 23, 2021
    10
    I was really surprised by how good this game is. If you like Donkey Kong, you'll love this game. For me personally Yooka-Laylee is even better, since it has a funny and charming story, as well as a great overworld in the style of topdown zeldas, were you can solve a lot interesting puzzles. The tonics can be a nice change in the gameplay that can make the game harder or easyer, just as theI was really surprised by how good this game is. If you like Donkey Kong, you'll love this game. For me personally Yooka-Laylee is even better, since it has a funny and charming story, as well as a great overworld in the style of topdown zeldas, were you can solve a lot interesting puzzles. The tonics can be a nice change in the gameplay that can make the game harder or easyer, just as the player prefers and bring in a lot of Eastereggs to early days of gaming.
    Don't believe the bad reviews, there is no dlc, the framerate is smooth and i didn't experience any bugs.
    I can only recommend the game.    … Expand
  28. spacezombie3456
    Mar 26, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is a nice little platformer, but the levels don´t feel so different from each other, and the difficulty is all over the place some levels are far to easy others which can be unlocked earlier are harder, I thought that was really annoying. There are also collectibles one of them are coins you need to unlock more of the map you can find those in the different levels, some of them are easy to find and some really hard, there are also tokens which can be found in the overworld you can make the game easier or harder with them. There is also one thing I definitely missing and that are bosses there only one boss and that is the final boss. Overall I would say it´s a game you should play if you are a fan of platformers, but don´t expect something new because most of the things in the game you will already have seen.… Expand
  29. Kardenax
    May 25, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un juego hermoso, lleno de magia !
    Un viaje lleno de nostalgia, que trae recuerdos únicos como Donkey Kong o Banjoo Kazooie.     … Expand
  30. JacobTheToadMan
    Dec 9, 2021
    10
    Bought this game on a whim one day, did not expect to play one of the best 2D platformers since Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze. Every level is a joy to play through with amazing design, plus the 2 side of every stage gimmick is pulled off really well, with almost all of them feeling completely different. Needless to say, go buy this game, it's good lol.
  31. Morados9
    Jan 3, 2023
    8
    Fascinante juego de plataformas. Muy divertido. Escenarios preciosos. Muy placentero de jugar.
  32. Nferj
    Oct 24, 2022
    6
    very colorful platformer game and it's pretty good for the fans of platforming.
  33. empowell
    Jan 17, 2023
    7
    It was worth the buy but is not a very memorable game. I would give it a chance if it is on sale.
  34. Danovan91
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Un excelente juego principalmente para aquellos que crecieron con los juegos de Rare
  35. Warrior_of_Doom
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    The overall score is based on how much fun I personally had with every component of the game
    and the overall experience.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PS4 Game of 2019
74
#74 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Impulsegamer
    Oct 28, 2019
    100
    I know that the year isn’t done yet, and it might be a little early to start naming games the best of the year, but for me, I’m hooked beyond belief to Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. I adore this game, and can’t shake the feeling that it was made for people just like me: those who grew up with platformers, and want to revisit that joyous nostalgia of running and jumping on perfect level designs. I love this game completely and cannot see anything topping it.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 22, 2019
    70
    A cartoony feast for the eyes and ears, with a great overworld and lovely design. The platforming could be better, but it’s engaging enough to be worth your time. [Issue#168, p.79]
  3. GameOver.gr
    Oct 18, 2019
    70
    It’s evolution through devolution for Playtonic, going back to 2D platforming from the 3D design of the first Yooka-Laylee, a change that is definitely for the benefit of the franchise. The Impossible Lair is much more competent, offering a fulfilling experience through its breadth of levels, and a cleverly designed overworld map which is a game within a game. Nevertheless, we hope that in their next endeavor the British developers will create something with its own personality and avoid being so overtly “clingy” in the Donkey Kongs or Banjo-Kazooies of the past.
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