While Nintendo has caught flak for what many labeled as a lacking E3 presentation, at the very least gamers around the world could agree on one thing: Yoshi’s Woolly World looks absolutely adorable. Looking like a mash-up of Kirby’s Epic Yarn and the beloved SNES classic Yoshi’s Island, the title brings Mario’s trusted pal into a world composed of yarn, and tasks players with retrieving Yoshi’s friends from the insidious Kamek.
While there’s no debating that Yoshi's Woolly World is practically filled to bursting with cute, reviews have begun to roll out for the title, and first impressions show a game that is polarizing critics. Many are singing praise for the platformer, but others say that the cuddly visuals hide the fact that the game brings nothing new to the table.
With the game set to release in the U.K. for the Wii U this Wednesday, here’s what the critics have to say about the title:
“You don’t need to collect a single hidden item on your journey from 1-1 to the final boss. Some would say that gives Wooly World its inherent accessibility, in that players aren’t forced to take the hard road. But if you want to be fully entertained, the hard road is the only real option.”
Score: 6/10
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“Outside of those few great levels, Wooly World is a more forgettable and fragmented experience. Cool mechanics are cooked up, but they’re dropped into levels which never fully realize their full potential and fixate more on unearthing frustrating collectibles.”
Score: 7.4/10
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“It’s accomplished platforming within Yoshi’s quirky and unique template, and has enough soft cuteness to charm young gamers and melt the hearts of the most jaded of veteran gamers.”
Score: 9/10
“If you are the type of person who plays a game just to finish it and see the end credits, then there is a possibility that after six to eight hours of solid play, you will see the end credits, the smile will disappear from your face and you will feel slightly disappointed that it ends so soon. However, for those secret hunters, for those who boats a full roster of Pokémon on their 3DS, a complete collection of Amiibo on the self, or for those with young children they want to play games with, then Yoshi’s Wooly World promises to be a real treat.”
Score: 8.5/10
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“There is the odd flourish of creativity, but it is hard not to feel like it’s all been done before, and better. There’s still plenty to enjoy, but it doesn’t quiet carve out it’s own identity. In short: it’s finely crafted, if a bit wooly.”
Score: 3/5
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Ultimately, critics seem to agree that the game is a joy to look at, but it sounds as though the gameplay isn’t anything new. With the game set to release in North America on October 16th, this gives gamers plenty of time to decide if Yoshi’s Woolly World is a yarn worth spinning.
Yoshi's Woolly World releases June 26, 2015 for Wii U gamers in the UK, but does not hit the North America until October 16th.