Yooka-Laylee

Yooka-Laylee for PC, PS4 and etc. is a 3D platformer developed by Playtonic Games, a studio created by the devs who were responsible for Rare’s biggest hits. Steve Mayles, responsible for character design in the games like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country, had the same role in Yooka-Laylee’s development. The game’s soundtrack was composed by David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, composers for both of the aforementioned series. Gavin Price, the man responsible for Viva Piniata and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts ‘n Bolts, took the role of the lead designer for the Playtonic Games’ newest production. The game’s title is a combination of the main characters' names.

Mechanics

Yooka is a chameleon that has an unusually long tongue. It can be used to grab onto various surfaces, which allows him to cover large distances. The principle is similar to a grappling hook from many other games. Laylee is a lady-bat who can use sonic attacks. She can also carry Yooka over short distances.

During our adventures, we explore vast 3D locations, where we have to use Yooka and Laylee’s unique abilities to move forward. Yooka-Laylee’s world is filled with various items and bonuses to collect. When we enter a new location, many of its corners are unaccessible. To access them, we need to find and collect golden artifacts.

Misc.

The devs paid much attention to the diversity of activities in the game. There are many simple logic puzzles to complete and various foes to fight with. Besides that, the players will also have to face powerful bosses. From time to time we will have to try ourselves in racing sequences inspired by pinball tables. Additionally, every map in Yooka-Laylee has a unique, arcade-inspired minigame hidden and waiting to be found.

Last updated on February 1, 2020