Yoku's Island Express

 Xbox One
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. games(TM)
    Jun 15, 2018
    70
    A clever, but not seamless, mix of genres. [Issue#201, p.90]
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  2. TrueAchievements
    May 29, 2018
    70
    The beautifully drawn and wonderfully composed Yoku's Island Express is another nice addition to the Xbox One's library of platformers. There is a ton to unlock and collect on the island's large map, which is rewarding and fun to explore, although the size of the world can sometimes lead to problems. But while the mashup of pinball and platforming is enjoyable to play, players aren't going to see anything in Yoku's they haven't already seen from either genre.
  3. The Digital Fix
    May 29, 2018
    70
    Beautiful to look and gentle at first, but some sections can ramp up the frustration to breaking point.
  5. TheSixthAxis
    May 29, 2018
    70
    Yoku’s Island Express is a beauteous, aurally delightful treat that riffs off the Metroidvania template and pinball tables in a smart and playful manner. It’s somewhat tempered by the dual frustrations of the pinball mechanic’s need for constant precision and a lacklustre fast-travel system that leaves you having to cover the same ground over and over, ultimately taking what could have been an amazing game, and making it a good one.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Xbox One Game of 2018
72
#72 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2018
7
#7 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jun 7, 2018
    9
    It’s very rare these days that a game takes a tried and tested formula and turns it on its head so to speak, but when a game does exactly thatIt’s very rare these days that a game takes a tried and tested formula and turns it on its head so to speak, but when a game does exactly that you end up having an experience like no other and that’s exactly what you get with Yoku’s Island Express. Without a doubt from the moment you begin your journey with the game you can tell that a great deal of love and effort has gone into it and this love and effort shines through at all times. The best way to enjoy all this love and effort then is when you explore the world that’s presented to you. Exploring is a rewarding experience at all times and finding little secrets here and there never gets dull. In fact the game on the whole never gets dull and that’s mainly down to its unique pinball and platforming mechanics. I must admit that I was little dubious when I found out that the main crux of the game involved both pinball and platforming at the same time, but to say I was proven wrong would be a massive understatement. Both these elements work together flawlessly and when they do combine together the fun factor is simply off the charts. Another thing that keeps the fun factor sky high is the level design in the game. Each level has a huge amount of variety present in them and by doing this it meant that the frustrating moments caused by backtracking and playing the same tables never became much of a problem, which is great. I will say though that traversing the levels do require quite a lot of precision and this can be a little tedious from time to time, but even this didn’t stop me in the end from playing the game time and time again. I wish the game was a little longer and that just shows how good the game is because in terms of content the game has a decent amount for you to be getting on with. To my surprise this content was also accompanied by a very good story and I will admit that I didn’t expect it to be as charming as it was and I certainly didn’t expect to get attached to the characters as much as I did. The presentation side of the game also surprised me in a good way. Visually the game just oozes charm and I fell in love with the game’s style immediately and when you combine the fantastic visuals with the awesome soundtrack it really does make the gameplay stand out even more. All in all Yoku’s Island Express is one of my most favourite games I’ve played so far this year. It’s managed to take the good things from a number of different genre’s and roll them up into one fantastic package and when it’s all said and done I fully recommend that you give this game a try.… Full Review »
  2. neomoonsevin
    May 19, 2023
    1
    Garbage pinball game that isn't any different to any other pinball game devil crush wannabee
  3. Quellyford
    Mar 23, 2022
    8
    Feels like Ori but with a great fun twist! Less difficult, more approachable - music is fantastic and it has such positive vibes. AbsolutelyFeels like Ori but with a great fun twist! Less difficult, more approachable - music is fantastic and it has such positive vibes. Absolutely worth checking out!… Full Review »
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