Yooka Re-Playlee (PS5) | REVIEW | A Playful Puzzle Platformer For The Young And Old!!!

Developed by Playtonic Games and published by PM Studios, Yooka Re-Playlee returns to modern consoles in a visually upscaled 4K presentation complete with new guest characters. As the returning dynamic duo Yooka the chameleon and Laylee the fruit bat you take to the sea once again for high adventure only to crash your ship on an island inhabited by the evil Capital B, and his henchman Dr. Quack. Initially stumbling upon the One Book that turns anything written in it into the truth through the power of pagies, Yooka and Laylee inadvertently get themselves involved in a rescue quest as the One Book is once again captured by Capital B, and the pagies scattered abroad. What ensues is a colorful collect-a-thon with interesting characters, perplexing puzzles, combat, and plenty of platforming.

Booting up, Yooka Re-playee pushes you almost instantly towards gameplay as settings are minimal, and options equally as so. Once you begin though the story introduces to you the main characters, and their plot through art panels, and fully realized cutscenes that segue into platforming sections via different means of access. As you progress in the early parts of play the game introduces key abilities tied to the two main characters including Yooka's Sonar Shot, Reptile Roll, Camo Cloak, and Tail Twist. Each with it's own use. Leaving Laylee as the glider option for reaching out of the way platforms. Of course as you collect pagies in an attempt to restore and rescue the One Book you will learn even more moves that will be put to use in combat, exploration, and puzzle solving situations going forward. 

The Gameplay ...

Stages in Yooka Re-Playlee are fully 3D with access to a rotational camera perspective that's perfect for searching and platforming. You'll find that each new area of interest harbors unique enemies, unique characters, and three different collectibles outside of the standard coin currency. This includes a set number of pagies, quills, and pagie puzzle pieces. The coins, alone, will buy you upgrades and cosmetics from Vendi while quills will allow you to purchase unique and helpful items from Trowzer. And while the path to any of these currencies or collectibles aren't necessarily in plain sight or linearly accessed you will find that the vendor Mark who acts as the map marker will occasionally point you in the direction of a pagie or other item/character of interest. 

For the most part the playthrough is an open world affair sectioned off in stages with branching paths and hidden areas or secrets. As you interact with key characters, find pagies, and make your way to Capital B's HQ you trigger cutscenes that further the story. It is a story driven puzzle platforming experience with collect-a-thon goals, and combat that is both child and adult friendly. New to this remake, outside of the already explained, is the introduction of other indie characters like Shovel Knight whom will have quests for you along your adventure. Ultimately adding something new to the retro experience.

The Presentation ...

Yooka-Replaylee is a vibrant cascade of tropical colors with a lively cast of quirky cartoonish characters. All fully fleshed out on a 3D world that is just as lively as it's inhabitants. The upscaled 4K graphics look very impressive on the PS5, and definitely revitalize this retro classic. Not only does it look modern, but it plays as smoothly as you'd expect a modern release to. The soundtrack is full of whimsy, and fun-filled tunes that heighten the game's pleasantries. It's one of those rare experiences that exude a sense of joy, if you will, without adding the menace of evil to the mix even though there are bad guys included.

The Verdict ...

Yooka-Replaylee is an absolute to-the-point delight that is now fit for modern consoles. There's no extra padding outside of guest characters, but what it packs is hours of fun filled adventure of a nostalgic sort. Giving you plenty of side quests, collect-a-thon goals, combat, and a fun loving story about two unlikely heroes in a magical world teeming with curious characters. If you fancy something a little more lighthearted, or child friendly be sure to give this one a go. It's worth the price of entry!!!