With only a few days before Yooka–Laylee, a throwback 3D-platformer from Playtonic Games (who is comprised of ex-Rare developers), the first review was leaked…and then promptly taken down. Thanks to the magic of Google Cache, we’re able to see the review in its full glory.
Although this isn’t a review of the Nintendo Switch version, which won’t be out for a few months, it does provide a nice glimpse into how the overall mechanics and aesthetics of the game work.
The review mentions the bad writing that accurately channels the tone of Banjo-Kazooie, but doesn’t really translate well to a modern-day:
Tonally, it’s all Banjo-Kazooie, but with those old rose tinted glasses on, it appears that everyone has forgotten just how bad it was (even back in the 90s). The delivery is even worse. Again, I get why they did it (all aboard the nostalgia train and all that), but hearing those squeeks, beeps, barks, and God forbid, belches, quickly begins to grate.
Luckily, the gameplay seems to be pretty solid. According to the review, Yooka–Laylee excels at being a 3D platformer collect-a-thon:
Those who long for the old days of 3D platformer collect-a-thons rejoice, because Yooka-Laylee nails it in a way not achieved since, well, the last traditional Banjo-Kazooie release.
The reviewer concludes his piece with a nice comparison to Super Mario Galaxy:
With its fantastic mechanics married to a selection of sprawling words chock full of challenges and a fantastically addictive sense of progression, Yooka-Laylee overcomes its occasional rough edges and lack of polish to deliver the finest 3D platformer this side of Super Mario Galaxy.
It looks like we have another game to put on our wish list!
[via Brash Games, NeoGAF]
