Yoku's Island Express

 Switch
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 125 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 125
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 125
  3. Negative: 9 out of 125

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  1. drlowdon
    Aug 24, 2023
    7
    When dung beetle Yoku arrives on the island of Mokumana to take up employment as the new postmaster, he soon finds himself having to save the inhabitants from a looming calamity when the island's deity is attacked.

    Yoku’s Island Express is a relatively short game, and the metroidvania style gameplay design requires a little too much backtracking, but the unique mix of pinball machine    When dung beetle Yoku arrives on the island of Mokumana to take up employment as the new postmaster, he soon finds himself having to save the inhabitants from a looming calamity when the island's deity is attacked.

    Yoku’s Island Express is a relatively short game, and the metroidvania style gameplay design requires a little too much backtracking, but the unique mix of pinball machine and platformer provides a good few hours of entertainment.    … Expand
  2. PacoBN23
    May 23, 2023
    7
    Yoku's Island Express es un juego peculiar que destaca por su bonito apartado gráfico. Como metroidvania la verdad es que deja bastante que desear, pero el diseño del mapa y la forma de incluir las zonas de pinball está bastante bien. Sin embargo, llega un momento en el que se hace algo pesado e ir desde una punta del mapa hasta la otra se hace pesado. Lo habría mejorado incuyendo másYoku's Island Express es un juego peculiar que destaca por su bonito apartado gráfico. Como metroidvania la verdad es que deja bastante que desear, pero el diseño del mapa y la forma de incluir las zonas de pinball está bastante bien. Sin embargo, llega un momento en el que se hace algo pesado e ir desde una punta del mapa hasta la otra se hace pesado. Lo habría mejorado incuyendo más puntos de teletransporte.… Expand
  3. nitorita
    Apr 1, 2023
    8
    An incredibly solid and unique Metroidvania designed to look and feel like Ori and the Blind Forest, but with pleasantly chill vibes and pinball as the primary mechanic instead.

    The game is not overly complex and doesn't necessitate too much backtracking as you are free to approach the many different quests in your own desired order and pace. It is definitely one of the better games    An incredibly solid and unique Metroidvania designed to look and feel like Ori and the Blind Forest, but with pleasantly chill vibes and pinball as the primary mechanic instead.

    The game is not overly complex and doesn't necessitate too much backtracking as you are free to approach the many different quests in your own desired order and pace.

    It is definitely one of the better games available for the Nintendo Switch that is truly "E for Everyone", and worth trying out.    … Expand
  4. pekkemoste
    Dec 20, 2022
    8
    This game is truly charming. Much has been said about its creative premise, but I think you have to give a lot of credit to its beautiful art style and relaxing music. The puzzles are also great fun.

    However, there are a few downsides to it. The bosses don't feel engaging, because they are completely static, without much action, and the finale is especially anticlimactic. You can easily    This game is truly charming. Much has been said about its creative premise, but I think you have to give a lot of credit to its beautiful art style and relaxing music. The puzzles are also great fun.

    However, there are a few downsides to it. The bosses don't feel engaging, because they are completely static, without much action, and the finale is especially anticlimactic. You can easily get stuck somewhere because you don't have enough fruit, and then you have to play an old "pinball room" again to get the fruit. Considering the game's fun and uniqueness, those things don't matter much.    … Expand
  5. redlongarms
    Oct 7, 2022
    9
    Excellent combo of platforming and pinball. Really something special. No other game like this.
  6. GRAFAIAI
    Sep 1, 2022
    0
    this is a very bad game with no good content. the gameplay looks very bad and cheap.
  7. lucinhagamer
    Aug 26, 2022
    0
    this game has a big lack of content. is very bad and cheap game with no good story
  8. Nintendist
    Jun 30, 2022
    0
    i expected much more about this game it all. the stages are really easy. im so sad.
  9. Wrecktangled
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    What an interesting combos. I love metrovanias, but wasnt sure about the pinball aspect. Turned out to be quite fun and novel.
  10. thryce3
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    A metroidvania based a round a pinball mechanic may sound like a mismatch, but it works perfectly. On top of that, the characters, story and tone are a pure delight. I really close to giving this a 10 it's so good. The pinball platforming must be very precise at points, but failure is not very punishing. The story is enjoyable, but not super deep. The only thing is the ending isA metroidvania based a round a pinball mechanic may sound like a mismatch, but it works perfectly. On top of that, the characters, story and tone are a pure delight. I really close to giving this a 10 it's so good. The pinball platforming must be very precise at points, but failure is not very punishing. The story is enjoyable, but not super deep. The only thing is the ending is pretty anticlimactic. Plus there's a collection quest that's just as anticlimactic. Overall though, if you want a low stress metroidvania style game, this is a pure joy. Play the demo like I did and I bet you'll be hooked.… Expand
  11. Kiriiko
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!
    Graphics: 10/10
    Gamplay: 10/10
    Audio: 10/10
    You wanna chill ? Just get into it.
  12. ophone
    Dec 16, 2021
    8
    Who would have thought it were possible to merge Metroidvania with pinball? The developers from Villa Gorilla definitely succeeded in that endeavour.
    Furthermore this game controls easily, has colourful graphics and nice music. Then when have we ever been able to take the role of a dung beetle pushing a pinball instead of its habitual ball of faeces?
    The game's only downsides are the    Who would have thought it were possible to merge Metroidvania with pinball? The developers from Villa Gorilla definitely succeeded in that endeavour.
    Furthermore this game controls easily, has colourful graphics and nice music. Then when have we ever been able to take the role of a dung beetle pushing a pinball instead of its habitual ball of faeces?
    The game's only downsides are the shortness of the main story and the final boss battle which was not challenging enough. But in the end Yoku's Island Express has been an agreeable discovery.    … Expand
  13. duckwaffles
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Never thought I would like a pinball game, but boy did this game change my mind. Absolutely spectacular! Even though the story is simple, the side quests are a blast and the experience is very fun and enjoyable. The gameplay really shines without almost any sort of gimmicks interrupting. It is just a giant open pinball world to explore and enjoy.
  14. LeonKn
    Aug 12, 2021
    9
    A super charming, fun and creative game that mixes pinball with classic metroidvania style gameplay.
    In stead of running, jumping and fighting your way around, you shoot your ball with strategically placed flippers.
    The story is very simple but that's okay, the fun lies in the exploring and great gameplay. After finishing the main story in about 6-8 hours I went back and 100 percented    A super charming, fun and creative game that mixes pinball with classic metroidvania style gameplay.
    In stead of running, jumping and fighting your way around, you shoot your ball with strategically placed flippers.

    The story is very simple but that's okay, the fun lies in the exploring and great gameplay.
    After finishing the main story in about 6-8 hours I went back and 100 percented the game, and I am sure I will go back and play it more times as well.

    Loved it:)    … Expand
  15. alza2
    Jun 20, 2021
    9
    Had this game for a while and didn't play till this week. The entire world is beautiful, lots of attention to details. The whole mechanics are solid and innovative. Plus these are well developed. It feels good to play. The variety is high. There is a lot to do. The story is good. Characters are different and not just dull, but not memorable either like in Hollow Knight. NPC are fun andHad this game for a while and didn't play till this week. The entire world is beautiful, lots of attention to details. The whole mechanics are solid and innovative. Plus these are well developed. It feels good to play. The variety is high. There is a lot to do. The story is good. Characters are different and not just dull, but not memorable either like in Hollow Knight. NPC are fun and have their characteristics.

    On the few negative side.
    - To get from 1 place to another it can be quite frustrating till half of the game, but maybe because I have zero sense of direction. It's still fun to roam around. I happen to move freely forgetting where I was heading and not worrying, Oh yeah there is no loosing or dying in this game, which does not mean that it's easy.
    - The map on the switch screen is very small and there is only 2 zoom options. It's still too small
    - User is bombarded by tasks, most are optional but it's difficult to keep track of all    … Expand
  16. Flammie
    Jan 5, 2021
    9
    Yoku's island express is an interesting combination of pinball mechanics and an adventure game. In the game, you control the ball and an ant as well as flippers as a main mechanic, and this works surprisingly well. The walking / moving has a bit of slowness to it which works well in the actual pinball-like sections but gets slightly frustrating when having to walk long distances, it isYoku's island express is an interesting combination of pinball mechanics and an adventure game. In the game, you control the ball and an ant as well as flippers as a main mechanic, and this works surprisingly well. The walking / moving has a bit of slowness to it which works well in the actual pinball-like sections but gets slightly frustrating when having to walk long distances, it is not very accurate or pleasant to control. For that point though, the game is only a few hours long, which is for me exactly the point where I felt that this control scheme is starting to feel frustrating for the minor part of the game. Few other instances of frustrating control schemes appear towards the end of the game, but are used sparingly enough that you can kind of feel like you've mastered them rather than that you are fighting against them. The story is nice, interesting enough to stay focused. The graphics are OK, nothing special but nothing bad either, the same can be said for music, all in all, well worth a purchase just to experience the unique idea. If it's ever to have a sequel though, I would expect few fine tunings.… Expand
  17. BeeBoss
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best metroidvania I've ever played. It's so good in many ways...
  18. Daisuk
    Jul 24, 2020
    8
    Very original concept, and well executed. It's probably a bit too much on the easy side of things, but it's fun to play, the music is nice and the graphics are great. Overall a game well worth playing.
  19. Zeina28
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    Lovely and fun, keeps you hooked for hours and most importantly, truly relaxing. The pace lets you explore at peace, but at the same time never lets you get bored. I fell in love from the demo and purchased it on a sale and it was the best investment. Truly recommend!
  20. Squidveemo
    Nov 24, 2019
    8
    A great game with a great art style. However the game is a little short and I never got used to blue being left and yellow being right. Great game otherwise though.
  21. kasparius
    Oct 19, 2019
    9
    This game really blew me away. It seemed like a fun concept and I've been meaning to play it for a long time. As a huge fan of Metroidvanias and a low key Pinball admirer (as in I always liked it in theory, but never played much of it) this game had my attention from the first time I heard of it. I was a bit concerned that it relied on god-like Pinball skills, but it was not the case. SomeThis game really blew me away. It seemed like a fun concept and I've been meaning to play it for a long time. As a huge fan of Metroidvanias and a low key Pinball admirer (as in I always liked it in theory, but never played much of it) this game had my attention from the first time I heard of it. I was a bit concerned that it relied on god-like Pinball skills, but it was not the case. Some of the pinball challenges are a bit tricky, but the game never penalizes you in a brutal way, and it's easy to just keep at it.

    The real question here is how well do pinball and 2D adventure platforming blend together? The answer is that they blend shockingly well, at least they do here thanks to some clever game design. I was really happy with my time, it was over before I actually wanted it to be, but thankfully there are quite a bit of secrets and things to do in the post game.

    All in all, this is a must play if the concept appeals to you.

    Liked:

    A very original concept, that the devs completely pulled off.
    Nice presentation, graphics reminded me a bit of Rayman, or Ori.
    Fun world and story
    Pinball elements fit right into the Metroidvania genre
    Game can be tackled in different order, and you are never guided too heavily, yet I was never really lost and always had plenty to do.
    I want more of it and hope they make a sequel

    Disliked

    The music wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable and it didn't really fit the game for me.
    Some of the rewards for difficult optional challenges felt completely useless and kind of bummed me out.

    8.8/10    … Expand
  22. zefquaavius
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    Completely brilliant. Very clearly a game inspired by modern pinball, but with zero to very low consequences for the ball going down the drain. Instead, you explore one huge, immersive environment, all interconnected. I couldn't stop playing, and can't wait for another game like this!
  23. Lenny2k
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    This feels like a Nintendo game in terms of quality and gameplay. Highly polished and from start to the end just fun.
  24. iMustang
    Aug 23, 2019
    9
    This is a charming little game that takes platforming to an odd new level - a pinball hybrid! You explore an island filled with unique animals and other critters as the island's new post master, helping them with their problems and working to save the god of the island who's fallen into a deep sleep. You help them by shooting yourself around places as an adorable beetle with a ball, usingThis is a charming little game that takes platforming to an odd new level - a pinball hybrid! You explore an island filled with unique animals and other critters as the island's new post master, helping them with their problems and working to save the god of the island who's fallen into a deep sleep. You help them by shooting yourself around places as an adorable beetle with a ball, using bumpers and other familiar pinball methods to collect fruit and even take on bosses. The music is super chill and relaxing, and knows when to pick up and slow down at the right times. This game is a honest joy, and for the first game made by Villa Gorilla after 5 years of effort, you can really see the love.… Expand
  25. nusco
    Mar 23, 2019
    8
    Yoku's island express is a unique blend of metroidvania and pinball. It works very well as a metroidvania, following all the tropes of the genre: an extensive map that you unlock progressively, movement upgrades, dozens of hidden secrets that reward careful exploration, and so forth. The surprising part is how seamlessly it integrates pinball mechanics into its navigation system. Even theYoku's island express is a unique blend of metroidvania and pinball. It works very well as a metroidvania, following all the tropes of the genre: an extensive map that you unlock progressively, movement upgrades, dozens of hidden secrets that reward careful exploration, and so forth. The surprising part is how seamlessly it integrates pinball mechanics into its navigation system. Even the movement upgrades are pinball-inspired, and rarely fail to bring a smile to your face as your little dung beetle protagonist bounces and ricochets across the map.

    Yoku's execution is on par with its great central idea. The world is charming and happy, with an original graphics style that's cute and weird at the same time. There is no violence, and you cannot die. (Or can you? I never saw a "Game Over" screen). Some movement styles can result in mild frustration at times, especially near the end game–but overall, Yoku is consistently nice and comforting, and it challenges you without ever straining you. Yoku's adventure is on the short side, but it can become at least twice as long if you go for full completion, that the game gently encourages.

    This is definitely a game that the whole family could enjoy. Play the demo, and you'll instantly know if it's for you.    … Expand
  26. mpa
    Jan 12, 2019
    8
    Navidad es época de regalos y Yoku’s island express llegó de manos de un Papa Noel que quería que hiciera algo liviano durante las pequeñas y frías vacaciones. Y la verdad es que acertó de pleno.

    El juego, que he completado en switch, aunque no creo que eso distancie mucho la valoración que pueda tener con respecto al resto de versiones, nos mete en el papel de un escarabajo pelotero,    Navidad es época de regalos y Yoku’s island express llegó de manos de un Papa Noel que quería que hiciera algo liviano durante las pequeñas y frías vacaciones. Y la verdad es que acertó de pleno.

    El juego, que he completado en switch, aunque no creo que eso distancie mucho la valoración que pueda tener con respecto al resto de versiones, nos mete en el papel de un escarabajo pelotero, cartero de profesión. La bola que lleva dicho bichito permite incorporar en el juego pequeñas zonas de pinball que, a modo de pequeños “jefes”, nos permiten avanzar por la trama.

    El mundo, un mapa en 2D bastante más grande de lo que esperaba, lo recorremos de manos del escarabajo y, como un típico metroidvania lite, diferentes gadgets o habilidades que vamos consiguiendo por el camino. No estoy seguro de que tengamos plena libertad para elegir el orden en el que superamos a los distintos bosses ya que mi partida estuvo orientada de manera bastante natural hacia un camino en concreto, aunque me da la impresión de que hay cierta libertad.

    El juego me ha durado unas 13 horas (yo diría que unas 10 de completar el juego y otras 3 para conseguir el 100%). Y quizá el mayor problema del juego está en una distinción de la dificultad demasiado abrupta. El juego en sí es sencillo (moverte por el mapa o las zonas de pinball) lo cual en si no es un problema. Es un juego ameno para pasar el rato, pensar poco y entretenerte con el gracioso mundo (más profundo de lo que pueda parecer a primera vista). En cambio, completar todo al 100% implica tener que hacer un par de maniobras que pueden dar más que un quebradero de cabeza por unas físicas que no son todo lo perfectas que deberían y que nada tienen que ver con el “pinball” como tal, si no con el uso más o menos original de las habilidades que hemos ido consiguiendo.

    Moverte dando vueltas por las flores es más complicado de lo que debería, y el uso de ciertos “explosivos” para alcanzar varios puntos un poco problemático. En este sentido, he echado en falta algún “jefe” algo más largo y complejo, quizá más original, que fuera lo que hiciera de barrera para alcanzar un 100% que, por otro parte, no deja de ser algo opcional.

    Digo esto por tener que sacarle punta a un juego magnífico que me ha dado muy buenos ratos por lo poco que cuesta. La verdad es que me he quedado con ganas de una segunda parte que se centre algo más en las fases de pinball, yo caigo sin dudarlo.

    8/10.    … Expand
  27. blawren4
    Jan 2, 2019
    10
    This game was pure charm and unique mechanics. Totally enjoyable from beginning to end. Great for handheld play as well and you'll want to 100% the game. It's not a difficult game, but still very fun and worth playing.
  28. BearDollars
    Nov 3, 2018
    8
    Novel, beautiful, and extremely fun to explore. This is a metroidvania style platformer with a pinball mechanic. The entire world has an attention to detail and feels meticulously hand-crafted which makes it fun to explore and even retrace your steps (which you do a lot in metroidvania style games). It's a perfect game to sit back and relax with.
  29. timleeds84
    Oct 1, 2018
    10
    Yoku's Island Express is a very refreshing adventure game mixing pinball mechanics with platform and exploration. I was randomly downloading a dozen of free demos on my switch, but this one really stuck out after only 10 minutes. The pinball mechanics are very precise, you may not get exactly where you want to go on the first try but you will almost always find secrets and extra fruits byYoku's Island Express is a very refreshing adventure game mixing pinball mechanics with platform and exploration. I was randomly downloading a dozen of free demos on my switch, but this one really stuck out after only 10 minutes. The pinball mechanics are very precise, you may not get exactly where you want to go on the first try but you will almost always find secrets and extra fruits by bouncing to unexpected areas. This is not a giant pinball world but rather an adventure game with interconnected areas full of small pinball puzzles and challenges. The map will update with your progress and you will keep finding secrets as you backtrack with new abilities or with a different perspective. The level design is really good, you will really have to observe your environment and think in terms of pinball physics to progress and find everything the game has to offer. I think I reached the end in about 10 hours with only 64% progress, then it was a joy to spend another 5-6 hours to find everything and reach 100% with a second ending. Did I mention that the game is really beautiful and charming? Every corner of the world looks hand drawn. In the end, it's not a perfect game and you can get occasionally frustrated by the difficulty of trying to bounce exactly where you want to go, but I think the level of challenge is fair and if you take your time you will always reach your objective. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Yoku's Island and could not put it down until I had explored every corner of its world. If you are not sure it's your cup of tea, then you could try the demo. For me it's a 10, as a measure of the fun I had with this one-of-a-kind game, and I'm happy I managed to secure a physical copy on switch rather than downloading it.… Expand
  30. Filipes
    Sep 20, 2018
    9
    Pinball dream on beautiful island even with multiball boss battle included.
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Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Switch Game of 2018
49
#49 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
58
#58 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Aug 28, 2019
    85
    A strong contender for the best Metballpintroidvania of all time! [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 24]
  2. Gaming Age
    Aug 27, 2018
    83
    Yoku’s Island Express is kind of a testament to the power of positivity. Sure, it’ll leave you frustrated at times. But it’s frustration borne out of wanting to experience more of this delightful world, and that’s more than enough to keep me pushing through those brief moments of annoyance.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Jul 18, 2018
    90
    If a pinball ball is a piece of dung in disguise that postman rolls over a mysterious island in order to save a divine guardian from a godslayer, and it's NOT a dream... Then it's Yoku's Island Express! An excellent and gorgeous game you should not miss for a world.
    Read full review
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