The creative boss designs take advantage of the systems two screens in very unique ways. One boss takes the action up to the top screen, while the bottom screen mirrors the action. The boss, a portly ghost with a bad attitude, isn't visible in the top screen, but is there in all his glory on the bottom screen. The action on the bottom screen is flipped and upside-down, and with each hit, the ghost chucks a table or chair at the bottom screen to crack the mirror.
Yoshi's Island DS bursts with variety, keeping things fresh while the game progresses. The difficulty also helps the game's replay ability, as the levels are peppered with red coins, special flowers, huge character coins, and jumping stars that are a collector's dream come true. Even after finishing the levels, the draw to getting all those red coins or flowers proves great, especially when accomplishing these goals unlocks bonus levels.
Yoshi's Island DS is a gorgeous 2D game with vibrant colors and lively animation. Every level has a hand-drawn look that is very pleasing, and this style is coupled with colorful characters teeming with personality.
Take the second world as an example, with its lush green vines, fluidly swinging ropes, and luscious jungle setting. Couple the backdrop with what's happening in the main field of action, as huge piranha plants contract and expand in the hopes of having Yoshi for lunch. Meanwhile, the jungle's resident monkeys take in the action or go about their business.
The Yoshi's Island DS soundtrack is pretty standard as far as Mario games go, with catchy yet largely unforgettable songs. They relate to the setting and action well, but don't expect to hum more than a couple of the tunes after the DS has been shut off. The sound effects are also standard fare, but the voices of both the children and the Yoshis adds yet more personality.
Mini games further enhance the replay value, thanks to some clever programming. Once unlocked, they can be played at any time. One of the games is a long jump where Yoshi must use the flutter jump to get as much distance as possible, while another has Yoshi feeding enemy Shy Guys to a hungry plant.
Another nice addition is the Yoshi's Island museum. In this museum, which has been laid out much like a level with many different paths, Yoshi observes the different enemies that have been defeated. The Shy Guy exhibit is where the most common enemy on Yoshi's Island is observed, while the underground exhibit features lava creatures.
Instead of going overboard with the new features, Yoshi's Island DS sticks to its roots, never forgetting what made the original such a beloved classic. The game's beautiful visual style is complimented by the personality of the characters, and both combine to form a wonderful adventure that can be enjoyed by any Mario fan.
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