Yoshi’s Island DS

A colourful return to a classic formula

Yoshi’s Island DS followed in the footsteps of the beloved Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, bringing back the hand-drawn aesthetic and egg-throwing mechanics that made the original so iconic. Released for the Nintendo DS in 2006, this sequel retained the whimsical art style while introducing new gameplay twists. The dual screens of the DS allowed for vertical exploration, making levels feel larger and more dynamic.

A new twist: multiple baby characters

Unlike its predecessor, Yoshi’s Island DS introduced multiple baby characters that Yoshi could carry, each with unique abilities. Baby Mario increased speed, Baby Peach used her umbrella to catch wind currents, and Baby Donkey Kong allowed for powerful attacks. This mechanic added variety, requiring players to switch babies to solve puzzles and access hidden areas.

Charming but challenging

Despite its cute appearance, Yoshi’s Island DS wasn’t just a walk in the park. Levels became increasingly complex, with tricky platforming sections, hidden secrets, and enemies that required precise timing to defeat. The game’s soundtrack kept the charm alive, though some fans felt it didn’t quite match the magic of the SNES original. Still, for those who enjoyed the first game, this sequel offered plenty of nostalgic fun with fresh ideas.

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