Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

 Switch
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 124
  3. Negative: 18 out of 124
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  1. GentlemanGamer
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    The most fun I've had with a 2D platformer since DKC Tropical Freeze, which in turn is a platfomer that- barring the other DKC titles- I enjoyed immeasurably more than any other 2D platformer on the market. Highly recommended.
  2. peroquelepongo
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    Amazing... I am fan of the DK trylogy in SNES and this game is more like snes games than DKC retuns and tropical freeze, very good music very good lairs I would like a donkey kong game made from the team of Yooka- Layiee
  3. dib1313
    Nov 4, 2019
    9
    Wow! This game gets really close to be a real DKC (Snes style) successor. I definitely recommend this one! The exploration of the overworld is awesome and it have some good levels too.

    I wish only to suggest a few things for the next one: 1 - Make two playable characters like in real DKC (Diddy and Dixie) (For the next one I suggest some cliche like Laylee was kidnapped and Yooka and    Wow! This game gets really close to be a real DKC (Snes style) successor. I definitely recommend this one! The exploration of the overworld is awesome and it have some good levels too.

    I wish only to suggest a few things for the next one:

    1 - Make two playable characters like in real DKC (Diddy and Dixie) (For the next one I suggest some cliche like Laylee was kidnapped and Yooka and his cousin will search for her)

    2 - Implement an way to exit the level that you already have finished without losing the Trowzer coins

    3 - Design the level to have only one checkpoint (several checkpoints like Rayman origins style is getting boring)

    4 - Instead of 5 generic Trowzer coins in each level, put only two Trowzer coins per level with bonus level challenge to acquire each one (DKC style again)

    5 - Include some boss levels in the overworld (the player have to beat the boss to gain access to new area, no more paywalls)

    6 - Include a secret world where you have spend the Trowzer coins to play new levels (paywalls only in the secret world)

    7 - Put a single special coin in each level (like a DKC coin in DKC2 and DKC3). Make it an extra... maybe an 4th slot reward only.

    Follow those steps and your game will be the GOTY    … Expand
  4. 2bitplayss
    May 20, 2021
    8
    really solid platformer kinda like donkey kong tropical freeze.. the level design is really good and i love that the level changes for example a level with windmils and platforms then you do somthing on the overworld and now in th elevel there is a storm. stuff like that is great. and the 3d overworld has many fun puzzles. the backrounds also look good and that is important its mutch morereally solid platformer kinda like donkey kong tropical freeze.. the level design is really good and i love that the level changes for example a level with windmils and platforms then you do somthing on the overworld and now in th elevel there is a storm. stuff like that is great. and the 3d overworld has many fun puzzles. the backrounds also look good and that is important its mutch more enjoyable to look at like look at new super mario bros. the art style is so generic there is nothing going on there. here on the other hand.... anyway great game… Expand
  5. EROCKQ
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    Similarly to the first game, this one is being trashed by many people for what are obviously the wrong reasons. If this game looks interesting to you, you will love it. Great exploring and puzzles on the overworld, and fun platforming levels.
  6. fonderboker
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    this is a fantastic 2.5D platformer. It's also 60 fps both docked an undocked!
  7. artiestein
    Oct 25, 2019
    10
    Well after playing this game for 2 weeks, it reminds me of a combo of Zelda and Donkey Kong Country.
    Bottom line Yooka Laylee the impossible Lair is downright FUN
  8. ClinOton
    Oct 13, 2019
    10
    Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair’s brilliance is something that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze comparisons are to be expected and well deserved they are...these comparisons are initially what hinders Yooka Laylee. Tropical Freeze sets the bar too high in many respects, from dynamic graphics, level variety, the sound track, overallYooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair’s brilliance is something that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze comparisons are to be expected and well deserved they are...these comparisons are initially what hinders Yooka Laylee. Tropical Freeze sets the bar too high in many respects, from dynamic graphics, level variety, the sound track, overall character likability, artistic aesthetic choices that immerses you in a world that you believe in and enjoy coming back to again and again. Yooka Laylee falls short in all of these categories...and yet it just keeps getting better and better on closer inspection. The play control is exceptional, I believe it’s that added Mario spin at the end of jumps that sets it apart...this spin is not an after thought but something that is well thought out and imperative to master. When mastered it leaves you wishing that Tropical Freeze had something similar. The roll, jump and split second twirl giving you that extra distance is factored into the level design with love and full comprehension of its importance. Everything from the sound track, play control, world and character design choices and even the impossible lair that at first seems unfair keeps getting better and better with closer inspection. This game stands on its own merits as a must play platformer!… Expand
  9. Open_Lane
    Oct 8, 2019
    8
    Really fun game. Good graphics, sound. One of the funnest platformers i've purchased in a while. I def prefer the 2.5d lay out over 3d. Recomended, highly!
  10. StephanRoz
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    Love this game!!! I don't know whether this or dk is better, but it's still a great game!
  11. Outriders
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    Bardzo dobra gra platformowa. Piekna i kolorowa i bardzo grywalna. Czołowka platformerow na switchu
  12. CyraxWK
    Oct 8, 2019
    9
    Great game. It doesn’t beat DKTF in any way, but it’s a really nice platformer. Good graphics and nice control. A bit looser than the DK serie.
  13. 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)!
  14. Whopper744
    Oct 16, 2019
    10
    If you’re a fan of 2D platformers, especially the original SNES DKC games, don’t miss this one!
  15. Miguel22
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    Gran juego de plataformas, divertidísimo de jugar. 60 fps sólidos, gran diseño de niveles y buena banda sonora.

    Lo único malo que puedo decir es la poca variedad de enemigos.
  16. JustThatOneGuy1
    Nov 30, 2019
    8
    This game is pretty much if every level is Click Clock Woods except for the first level, which is Path Of Pain.
  17. Filipes
    Nov 3, 2020
    9
    Classic platformer with original ideas, secrets to search for, challenges to beat and on top of that world map with puzzles to crack. Really good package.
  18. Pnx725
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    I am playing this on my ps5 so late. I had no idea the people from Rare were behind of this game. I am playing this with the same vibe and happiness I did when I was a kid while playing Donkey Kong Country 2. Maybe DK has more memorable characters but being to replicate that feeling feels so good.
  19. krulemuk
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Gameplay wise YLatIL is a really good game with diversified level design but not on par with something like DKC: Tropical Freeze or Rayman Legends. However, YLatIL has the best overworld I've ever seen in a 2D platforming game. The overworld reminds me of Mario 64. In total I love this game and it's easily my game of the year 2019.
  20. wiiroy
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    I’m having so much fun with this game. I did not expect it to be this good. The platforming levels are like top-tier Donkey Kong Country levels. The overworld is kinda like 2D Zelda - providing some really welcome breaks between the intense platforming levels, while still being intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. It a mix which, for me, puts the game above Donkey Kong Country. TheI’m having so much fun with this game. I did not expect it to be this good. The platforming levels are like top-tier Donkey Kong Country levels. The overworld is kinda like 2D Zelda - providing some really welcome breaks between the intense platforming levels, while still being intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. It a mix which, for me, puts the game above Donkey Kong Country. The game is honestly beautiful on Switch. Certainly one of the best looking switch games and it runs at a solid 60fps, which only makes the super-tight controls even better. And the music! So so good!

    I waited for a sale to buy this one and I really didn’t need to. The game is certainly worth the full price.    … Expand
  21. jeffbizloc
    Jan 21, 2020
    9
    I really enjoyed Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Though after getting all 48 bees I found out the the last lair is indeed "impossible" for me.

    Game(s) like: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Pros: - Top notch medium difficulty platforming - Vivid visuals make the game pop - Tonics are such a fun idea to alternate the way levels can be played - The overworld puzzles were    I really enjoyed Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Though after getting all 48 bees I found out the the last lair is indeed "impossible" for me.

    Game(s) like: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

    Pros:
    - Top notch medium difficulty platforming
    - Vivid visuals make the game pop
    - Tonics are such a fun idea to alternate the way levels can be played
    - The overworld puzzles were quite enjoyable

    Cons:
    - The impossible lair itself. I generally like difficulty but having no checkpoints for 20 minutes is insane. I think the dumbest thing is you couldn't use your tonics which were integral to the rest of the game.    … Expand
  22. avictorao
    Jan 27, 2021
    9
    This game is an absolute joy. If you once loved the dk country trilogy, give this one a fair chance. You won't regret it :)
  23. greninjaX
    Jan 4, 2020
    9
    this game is like a mix between DK tropical freeze and link's awakening, and I love it. although I collected all 48 bees and still can't seem to beat the impossible lair. I guess it really is impossible
  24. TheVirtualDude
    Feb 24, 2020
    10
    Not only is the 2d platforming incredible with an amazing dynamic to change back and forth with the levels changing, but the over world might have been even more fun. Finding every collectible is a must for this game. All puzzles feel rewarding to complete
  25. ImARater
    Jul 24, 2020
    9
    The levels are clearly inspired by the new DKC games, even though they don't reach the quality of them. But it was an interesting idea that you can change them with interactions on the over world. And there we are at the best part of the game. It makes SO MUCH fun exploring the over world because of the many fun puzzles there are. The game is better than the first game in my opinion.The levels are clearly inspired by the new DKC games, even though they don't reach the quality of them. But it was an interesting idea that you can change them with interactions on the over world. And there we are at the best part of the game. It makes SO MUCH fun exploring the over world because of the many fun puzzles there are. The game is better than the first game in my opinion. Important to notice is that this game feels, other than the first game, finished.… Expand
  26. Oswinner
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Massively underrated game. Playing through the game whilst also playing Mario Bros 3 and Donkey Kong Country 2 for the first time. All three are great games and the best of their genre but this game is the best out of them. Absolutely sensational game. Don’t know what Playtonic Games has done to annoy people but both their Yooka-Laylee are underrated. The first game (3D platformer) is anMassively underrated game. Playing through the game whilst also playing Mario Bros 3 and Donkey Kong Country 2 for the first time. All three are great games and the best of their genre but this game is the best out of them. Absolutely sensational game. Don’t know what Playtonic Games has done to annoy people but both their Yooka-Laylee are underrated. The first game (3D platformer) is an 8/10 that gets unfairly panned. This game is a 10/10 masterpiece that only gets mild love.

    It deserves much better.

    10/10 - A Masterpiece!
    10/20 - A Mast    … Expand
  27. Cywor
    Mar 30, 2021
    8
    This game is an nice tribute to the glory Donkey Kong Country series, with nearly similiar gameplay and Leveldesign. I love the Overworld Map, which is a welcome enrichment to the platformer part. But... this game is not made for everyone. The name giving "Impossible Lair" decribes the game right. The final dungeon is a hard beast you have to beat. It's a long and hard competition, whichThis game is an nice tribute to the glory Donkey Kong Country series, with nearly similiar gameplay and Leveldesign. I love the Overworld Map, which is a welcome enrichment to the platformer part. But... this game is not made for everyone. The name giving "Impossible Lair" decribes the game right. The final dungeon is a hard beast you have to beat. It's a long and hard competition, which you can save with four checkpoints. If you're running out of bees, it's Game Over.
    To me, the Lair felt like an big difficulty spike, and it was very hard to beat the game. But it was als fun and challenging. This game is by far better than the original Yooka-Laylee, but it's not ment to be a forgiving and easy game. Be aware of that!    … Expand
  28. Elite_Institute
    Mar 5, 2022
    8
    "Whilst I’m not a huge fan of the recent Donkey Kong Country games, Impossible Lair was a delight to play. It has some beautiful visuals and a fantastic soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope. The level variants were mostly a lot of fun and really helped to spice up the rather generic looking base levels. The overworld too was surprisingly way more enjoyable than I had initially expected; so much so"Whilst I’m not a huge fan of the recent Donkey Kong Country games, Impossible Lair was a delight to play. It has some beautiful visuals and a fantastic soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope. The level variants were mostly a lot of fun and really helped to spice up the rather generic looking base levels. The overworld too was surprisingly way more enjoyable than I had initially expected; so much so that I would welcome a third game made entirely in this style. All in all, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, like its predecessor, is really fun to play despite its flaws. I look forward to seeing what Playtonic cooks up next! "

    https://theeliteinstitute.net/2021/05/25/yooka-laylee-and-the-impossible-lair/    … Expand
  29. TSNintendogamer
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    Ok, this is game of the year 2019 for me. It's so great it truly is the revival of rare. I love the level design both in the levels and in the overworld. The game is pretty hard even if you do beat all the levels to get the bees. I love the jokes the game makes too. The music is great and it honestly has the best overworld ever because to get to a level, you have to solve puzzles... genius.
  30. ProPlatGaming
    Jul 8, 2023
    10
    Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is nothing short of a generational masterpiece. Every single aspect of this game is creative, engaging, and most importantly FUN.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best Switch Game of 2019
40
#40 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Universo Nintendo
    Jun 4, 2020
    90
    It’s such a shame that Nintendo have little interest in developing a sixth DKC, but at the same time it’s incredible how Playtonic nailed the formula so well. Fun levels, on point difficulty, visuais and soundtrack very well executed and a slew of new ideas really makes The Impossible Lair feel like a sequel to a series that we like so much, and not just a cheap knock-off.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 29, 2020
    90
    I had doubts concerning Playtonic's ability to evolve past their '90s game design mentality, but they've proved this naysayer wrong with a strong rebound performance! [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 18SH]
  3. Attack of the Fanboy
    Oct 23, 2019
    90
    Even with plenty of superb 2D platformers releasing in recent years, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair easily belongs alongside the best the generation has to offer thanks to excellent level design and platforming that is evocative of past classics from the genre.
    Read full review
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