"Yoshi's Story" is a charming and colorful video game that was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997. While it may not be as well-known as some other Nintendo franchises like Mario or Zelda, it still has its fair share of interesting facts and tidbits:
Art Style: One of the most distinctive features of "Yoshi's Story" is its unique art style. The game used a technique called "papercraft," which made the characters and environments appear as if they were crafted from paper. This design choice gave the game a visually distinct and whimsical look.
Emotion-Based Gameplay: In "Yoshi's Story," Yoshi's happiness is a central gameplay mechanic. The game features a "Happiness Meter," and Yoshi's mood affects his abilities. When Yoshi is happy, he can jump higher and perform other special moves. This emphasis on emotions was a departure from traditional platformers.
Musical Gameplay: The game's soundtrack plays a significant role in gameplay. Each level has its own theme song, and eating certain fruits in rhythm with the music can provide special bonuses. This musical aspect adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.
Limited Lives System: Unlike many platformers, "Yoshi's Story" doesn't have a traditional lives system. Instead, players choose one of six Yoshi characters at the beginning of each level, and if the Yoshi they're controlling dies, they can choose a different one. The game focuses more on exploration and enjoyment than on punishing players for failure.
Secret Levels: The game is known for its secret levels. Finding these secret levels requires careful exploration and often solving puzzles within the game's levels. They provide a challenge for players looking for more difficult gameplay.
Inspiration from "Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island": "Yoshi's Story" is a sequel to "Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island." While it had a different gameplay style, it retained many elements, such as the use of Yoshi as the protagonist and the charming, storybook-inspired presentation.
Yoshi Voices: The game features a unique system for Yoshi's voice. The character doesn't speak a real language but instead utters adorable gibberish. The developers recorded a variety of sounds to represent Yoshi's emotions, and this became a distinctive part of the character's identity.
Unlockable Playable Characters: By completing certain tasks and finding secrets, players can unlock different colored Yoshis. Each Yoshi has slightly different abilities, adding replayability to the game.
Polarizing Reception: "Yoshi's Story" received mixed reviews upon its release. Some players appreciated its unique style and laid-back approach to platforming, while others found it too simple and short compared to its predecessor.
Cameos and References: The game features various cameos and references to other Nintendo games. For example, the Mario Brothers make appearances, and there are references to other Yoshi games like "Tetris Attack."
"Yoshi's Story" is a game that's remembered fondly by those who appreciate its unique approach to platforming and its distinctive art style. While it may not have reached the same level of popularity as some other Nintendo franchises, it remains a beloved title among fans of the series.