Retro fans have fond memories playing Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, this captivating SNES adventure cast players as the adorable Yoshi, charged with ferrying baby Mario through a pastel-colored world overflowing with detail. The 1995 classic received a sequel in 2006 titled Yoshi’s Island DS, and now players can experience a brand-new quest in 2014 with the upcoming 3DS effort, Yoshi’s New Island.
Much of this game remains a mystery, though the basic foundation of carrying baby Mario remains intact. To that end, players will feel right at home pulling off familiar Yoshi maneuvers like the Flutter Jump, Ground Pound and Egg Throw. There’s also an abundance of gold coins to collect, the staple of the Mario franchise.
That said, Nintendo was wise to add new additions to the gameplay, starting with Mega Eggs. Based on what we’ve seen, you come into contact with these gigantic eggs by devouring oversized enemies; a rather large Shy Guy for example. From there, you’re free to use this item to bust through rock and other surfaces to reveal secret doors and more coins.
In addition, the developers harnessed the power of the handheld’s gyroscope with the new binocular ability. Now you can physically move the 3DS around to find the best places for the Mega Eggs to go.
Of course, the graphics in Yoshi’s Island helped set the game far apart from other platformers in the 90s, and we’re proud to say this unique art style continues on a much grander scale. Pastels, yes, but also levels built using watercolor, oil paint and crayons.
There’s still a ways to go before Yoshi’s New Island appears on store shelves, and based on the early demo there seems to be plenty to get excited about. For now, replay the previous two games and get ready for Yoshi and baby Mario’s upcoming adventure.
Yoshi’s New Island will appear on 3DS in 2014.
