Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Reviewed by Brent Page
This game is excellent for the younger player, but is also quite
suitable for even the most experienced game player. While less
difficult than the typical Mario game, certain aspects of the game
can be quite challenging. There are six worlds with eight stages each,
but it is the extra stage per world that proves the most challenging.
For atmosphere, this game is a low stress level, pleasant game that
is pure enjoyment.
Graphics 9 out of 10
The graphics in this game are only surpassed by those of Donkey Kong
Country fame. Yoshi gets a new look as he is transported into a more
three dimensional land. There are few areas that are three dimensional,
but the areas that are done this way, are superb. The final scene, is the
best one as it should be. Bowser in three dimensions, it can be kind of
scary. It is clear that the makers went to great work in improving the
graphics by leaps and bounds. The background scenes are more
complicated and colorful than Super Mario World, and the villains,
though cheerful looking most of the time, are a bit more complex in
areas. The Koopas have a brand new look, as do the piranha plants.
Everything seems a bit bigger in scale. The most impressive feat is
the 360 degree scrolling in the Raven castle. Although it makes you
dizzy, it makes the game rock. Overall the graphics are quite impressive
for this type of system.
Music and Sound 8 out of 10
I would rank this area higher as the music is catchy and better than
previous Mario tunes, however, whenever baby mario is thrown off
Yoshi's back he cries this annoying little cry. They could have made
something a little less annoying. The music is similar to the altered
calypso tune heard in the special world from Super Mario World. It is
pleasant, catchy, and hard to keep from humming after you have played
the game a while. The music switches to more of a rock and roll attitude
in the final scene to add to the intensity. It works beautifully. All the
sounds in the game, jumping, doors slamming, doors creaking, boulders
rolling, etc., are crystal clear, and make you think you are directing an
animated feature rather than playing a video game. By the way, bubbles
actually pop in this game rather than the click you hear in Super Mario
World. Overall, the sound is excellent, though they left room for improvement.
Game Challenge 6 out of 10
I have mixed thoughts on the toughness of this game. To go through
every stage and beat the game is not nearly as challenging as the other
Mario games, but to get the special levels is extremely difficult at times.
This game uses a point system rather than a timer, and so you are allowed
as much time as you want as long as Mario stays on your back. This makes
exploration easier, and less stressful than in other Mario games. On the
other hand, you have to get the full 100 points in each level of the world
to gain the bonus level. Some levels, this seems all but impossible to get
the 100 points. This is the true challenge of the game, and the part that
experienced players will like. Mind you, the first world is not hard to get
the bonus screen, but try it after that!!! Also the bonus levels themselves,
are EXTREMELY difficult compared to the rest of the game. Younger players,
don't throw your controllers! Although it would be easy to lose interest
in the game after solving it, I would encourage players to try and get the
bonus levels BEFORE moving on to the next worlds. This will make the
game seem much more challenging. Overall, I would say that the graphics
took up enough of the memory that it was hard to make the game as involved
as the first Mario World. I think most will feel it is worth it as some of the
scenes are quite intense.
Game Play-Fun 10 out of 10
I can't think of a game much more fun than this one. Throwing eggs,
breathing ice, breathing fire, spitting watermelon seeds, are only
some of the things Yoshi can do. Yoshi's abilities make the game easier,
but certainly more fun to play. In many instances it is like several
games in one. Yoshi can also morph into submarines, helicopters, dirt
diggers and race cars. Finding all the hidden clouds can be a game in
and of itself. Also in each level there are locked doors that lead to a
challenge with a bad guy. If you win the challenge you get a bonus item!
At the map screen, if you key in the right code you can just play the
challenge games. The bonus rounds and challenges are much more
complex and interesting than the first Super Mario World, and just
make this game more fun!
Frustration
There are few levels that lead to frustration in this game as long as
you remember on important bit of advice, try everything!!!!! The bosses
are more complicated than in Super Mario World, and require some original
thought to beat them. The most frustrating thing is to lose Mario off
your back and then be immediately hit with an enemy. Not only are you
racing to get baby mario, but you have to hear that annoying crying!
Overall, there is little frustration with this game.
Replayability 2 out of 10
Unfortunately, once you have beaten every part of this game, it is NOT
challenging to go back and do it again. Once you discover the secrets
much of the game becomes easy. I do NOT recommend asking for tips if
you are stuck, I think it ruins this particular game if you don't discover
it on your own. It can be fun to go back and play certain levels, but I
can't imagine enjoying going through the entire game again. Overall, I'd
say enjoy the first time through, because that is about the end of it.
Honestly though, what would you expect from and adventure game?
Super Mario World 1 is the same way.
Game Value 7 out of 10
It is when it is on sale, but then I think very few games are worth the
$65 price tags you often see. This particular game is one of the better
games that sells at higher prices. It is fun and intense at times. It is
definitely not a game I regret buying.
Overall 8 out of 10
Overall, I think this is an excellent game that will find more people
playing it and getting hooked on it. It is another fine game in an incredible
series of games that started with Donkey Kong. As an adventure game, it
has few equals. The Mario games are head and shoulders above the rest,
and this game continues in that fine tradition, even if it strays from the
conventional Mario a bit. I highly recommend the game, and wish everyone luck.