Back in 2015, Good-Feel unleashed their second yarn-based platformer and now it's available for 3DS. However, does this bite-sized version improve on the beloved original? Well, it does feature more cute canine content than you can shake a knitting needle at!
Before we begin, I already reviewed the Wii U version over a year ago so this review will be focused on how that experience translates to 3DS. Therefore, if you've played the Wii U version and just want to know if this 3DS iteration is worth adding to your collection then please keep reading. However, if you're unfamiliar with the original Yoshi's Woolly World then please head over to my full review before reading any further.
Now that that's out of the way, Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World is basically the same game as the vanilla version. Obviously, it's now portable and also in 3D. Being able to carry around such an awesome platformer on the go is a fantastic treat. You'll encounter the same adorable enemies, lovely environments, head-scratching puzzles, tricky platforming situations, and memorable boss fights as before. On top of that, the 3D component makes it feel like you're playing a live puppet show. Some moments in particular stand out in such a wonderful way that they'll remind you why the 3DS is such a special handheld device.
One aspect of Yoshi's Woolly World that I absolutely love is the ability to play it cooperatively. Having a friend join you in such a cute and lively world makes it so much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, there is no multiplayer in this iteration at all. I wish there were at least Download Play mini-games or even local wireless multiplayer for pals who both own a copy. Instead, you have to play the entire campaign by yourself. On the other hand, you can invite virtual companions to join you via the amiibo support. You can control additional Yoshis simultaneously while the Poochy amiibo has the adorable doggy run amok on his own accord. As he excitedly skips about, he'll attack enemies and help you collect goodies. You can even ride him around which is great for whenever Yoshi's feet get tired.
Jun 25, 2015 Yoshi's Woolly World is a 2.5D side-scrolling game for the Wii U by Good-Feel. It is the fifth main platform game starring Yoshi and the first Yoshi home console game since Yoshi's Story. The game takes place in a handcrafted universe, similar to the one in Kirby's Epic Yarn, which was also developed by Good-Feel. Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World doesn’t provide much for those who have enjoyed the Wii U version of the game, but for those without it, you have a solid side-scrolling Yoshi title that will give you hours of entertainment, even though you’re forced to play alone this time around. Besides the lack of multiplayer, another significant downside is that the overworld in Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World is frankly boring when you consider the one in the original. Whereas the Wii U version had large areas to run around and Miiverse characters scattered about, the overworld here is simply a linear path that links the stages together one after the other.
Besides the Poochy amiibo, there's a whole new mini-game to play. Entering the Poochy Hut grants you access to six stages based on the campaign's themed worlds. In these stages, you command an automatically moving Poochy to jump and slide in order to avoid hazards and collect beads. Doing so allows you to complete missions such as obtain 1500 beads, pop three balloons, perform a stage-specific stunt, and those who have a Poochy amiibo can challenge a time attack mode, too. It may not occupy hours of your gaming time but this extra mode is definitely very fun and adds some welcome variety to the overall experience.
Believe it or not, Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World includes even more exclusive content. Yoshi Theater contains 31 short films that are some of the cutest things that I've ever seen. Considering you get a new video every day, it'll take a while to unlock them all but you could watch a few on Nintendo's YouTube channel (for example, Go Fetch, Peek-a-boo, and Cake). For those who love designing, you now have a couple of new options in the Yoshi Hut. You can create your own patterns with the Craft Yoshi option and receive designs from others via StreetPass. Also, instead of acquiring Miiverse stamps, you now unlock craft materials while completing stages.
Another welcome inclusion is Mellow Mode which makes the challenge as easy as pie. Specifically, Yoshi gets wings that allow him to float in a straight line, he has more health and receives more hearts, you get an invincibility egg if you manage to fail a course five times, Poochy pups will help find secrets (how cute!), and you can skip stages instantly via a pricey badge. These factors obviously make the adventure far too easy but I can see that they'll allow younger folks to enjoy the tale at their own pace.
Besides the lack of multiplayer, another significant downside is that the overworld in Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World is frankly boring when you consider the one in the original. Whereas the Wii U version had large areas to run around and Miiverse characters scattered about, the overworld here is simply a linear path that links the stages together one after the other. It's pretty drab in comparison.
Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World may be lacking in a couple of areas when you compare it to 2015's platforming gem but it more than makes up for these aspects by including a handful of fantastic new additions. Even if you already own and love the Wii U version, Poochy & Yoshi will feel right at home on your 3DS, too.
- + Same incredible platforming that now fits in your pocket and is in 3D
- + Loads of exclusive extra content
- + Mellow mode is fun for youngsters
- - No multiplayer whatsoever
- - Overworld is mostly underwhelming
- Publisher:Nintendo
- US, EU
- Genre:Platformer
- 16th Oct 2015 (USA)
26th Jun 2015 (UK/EU)
“Yoshi’s Woolly World” is a side-scrolling style platform game developed by Good-Feel and released by Nintendo. This will be the second version to have only one character – Yoshi since the “Yoshi’s Story” version was released in 1997 on Nintendo 64, as well as the spiritual successor to the “Kirby’s” game from Epic Yarn 2010. With gameplay similar to Good-Feel’s “Kirby’s Epic Yarn” games, players will be able to play the protagonist of the game, Yoshi, and will explore the world together, where Characters and environments in the game are made up of yarn and fabric. The game retains much of Yoshi’s movement from the “Yoshi’s Island” game series, including using his tongue to swallow enemies and using his flutter jump to reach high areas. The game is set on an island that contains many Yarn Yoshis of varying patterns, the evil Magikoopa Kamek turns nearly all the Yoshis into bundles of yarn for his master Baby Bowser, scattering them across different worlds. However, two Yoshis manage to avoid being transformed themselves, and they set off to pursue Kamek and rescue their woolly friends. After traveling through six different worlds, Yoshi manages to storm Baby Bowser’s castle. When Yoshis reach Baby Bowser, Kamek reveals that he stole the yarn so that he could use it to grow Baby Bowser to a much larger size. After battling Baby Bowser, the Yoshis rescue their friends from Kamek and Baby Bowser. Kamek and Baby Bowser fly away but crash land on the moon.