Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island, Enough Said – Today in Retro Gaming – October 4th, 1995

When Nintendo announced Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island it was kind of unknown what was to come. You see, back in the day fans had to deal with waiting for gaming publications to drop the scoop in their next issue. There was no Internet so we couldn’t load up YouTube and watch trailers to our hearts content. I remember when the first screenshots of Yoshi’s Island hit, it was so different to me. At first I was apprehensive of the art style being used but then I actually played it and I was hooked.

Apparently Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island is a prequel to the hit Super Mario World that was the pack-in game (current console gamers have no clue) for the Super Nintendo. This time you are not controlling Mario directly, instead you are controlling Yoshi in an effort to reunite Mario and Luigi. Baby Bowser has set his minions on the brothers and only succeeded in getting Luigi. One out of two is still good right?

The art style of Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island is unique as it is meant to mimic crayon drawings. This effect was done quite well and other than the gameplay is often the main thing fans remember about this sequel/prequel. Nintendo did really well with this release. As gamer noticed back in the day, this is another release that Sega had nothing to counter- another in a long line.

The gameplay is the classic run and jump formula that fans were well aware of but there were new moves. Now you could aim and take out enemies with eggs that you created as you played, Yoshi could flap for just a little more distance in jumps and of course you had to tend to baby Mario along the way. Let him get away and be prepared for one of the most annoying sound bites in gaming. Then there are the vehicles and other niceties that Nintendo included to continue to break the action platform mold. Man, there is so much in this game to talk about.

Miss playing Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island? Grab a copy off of Ebay.

This article was originally posted on Retro Gaming Magazine a gaming website I own.