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MONSTER

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
Item: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableOct 8, 2019

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperPlaytonic Games

Overview

Yooka and Laylee are back for a brand new adventure! Get ready for the ultimate challenge - the Impossible Lair! Capital B has created a Hivemind device and used it to enslave the toughest bees in the Royal Stingdom - the Royal Beettalion Guard! Liberate them from chapters filled with only the tastiest 2D platforming trimmings, and take on a 3D overworld that contains a wealth of puzzles, secrets and some familiar faces!

Elsewhere

7.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair has received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers, such as PlaySense and Wccftech, appreciated the colorful and engaging narrative with fun characters and challenging puzzles, highlighting the humor and wackiness that provided a nice backdrop for the platforming action. Additionally, Gaming Age and Twinfinite found the premise of rescuing Queen Phoebee's brainwashed Beettallion to be a solid foundation for the gameplay, adding depth to the overall experience. On the other hand, several critics expressed more critical views regarding the story of the game. CGMagazine and PCWorld noted that the writing lacked the charm and depth seen in Rare's Banjo-Kazooie games and the original Yooka-Laylee, respectively. GameWatcher criticized the narrative for being filled with puns and dumb jokes, coming across as tryhard and impacting the overall storytelling experience negatively. IGN also mentioned that the story was forgettable and merely served as an excuse for bee puns, indicating a lack of memorable or engaging storytelling elements. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a somewhat lukewarm reception of the story in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. While some reviewers appreciated the humor, colorful characters, and the foundation the narrative provided for the gameplay, others found the writing to be lacking in depth, charm, and memorability. The general sentiment suggests that while the story may not be a standout feature of the game, it still manages to complement the platforming action and overall experience to varying degrees, depending on individual preferences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Some praise its colorful characters and engaging narrative, while others criticize its lack of depth and charm compared to previous games. Overall, the story serves as a decent backdrop for the gameplay, with opinions varying on its impact.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, highlighting its tight controls, enjoyable platforming mechanics, and challenging level design. CGMagazine commended the game for its tight and responsive gameplay, while Game Informer described it as a well-paced side-scrolling platformer with imaginative level design. DualShockers noted that the platforming gameplay is solid and reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country, with familiar mechanics like running, jumping, and butt stomping. Impulsegamer also praised the movement and jump mechanics, along with the tonics that transform gameplay, adding depth to the experience. The game's mix of 2D platforming levels and a 3D overworld, as mentioned by Twinfinite and Xbox Tavern, provided a variety of challenges and puzzles, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the gameplay of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. GameSpot mentioned predictable and unremarkable platforming gameplay with floaty jumps and a lack of exceptional moves, while NintendoWorldReport criticized some level design for being pedestrian. DualShockers highlighted frustrations arising from the lack of proper conveyance of gameplay tools, indicating a potential issue with player guidance. Additionally, Game Rant mentioned that the platforming felt slippery and imprecise, which could lead to some challenges in controlling the characters effectively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. The game is lauded for its tight controls, challenging yet fair difficulty curve, and engaging level design that draws inspiration from classic platformers like Donkey Kong Country. The inclusion of unique mechanics such as using Laylee as an extra hit point, tonics for customization, and the ability to modify levels in the overworld for unique experiences adds depth and variety to the gameplay. Despite some minor criticisms about conveyance issues and control precision, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be enjoyable, rewarding, and a marked improvement over its predecessor. Overall, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair received high praise for its gameplay, making it a standout title in the platforming genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about the tight controls, challenging levels, and engaging platforming mechanics in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. The game was praised for its resemblance to Donkey Kong Country, with solid movement and unique tonics adding depth. While some critics noted issues with conveyance and imprecise controls, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive. Yooka-Laylee stands out in the platforming genre for its enjoyable gameplay, fair difficulty, and imaginative design.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its bright, colorful, and visually appealing art style. CGMagazine highlighted the game's resemblance to Donkey Kong Country, while Game Over Online and Cubed3 commended the stunning and lushly-detailed environments. Additionally, Impulsegamer and Xbox Achievements found the visuals to be varied, colorful, and cartoonish, making the game one of the most visually appealing titles they have seen in a while. The vibrant colors, diverse environments, and charming graphical art style were consistently praised by multiple critics, creating a visually engaging experience for players. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. Easy Allies and Game Rant mentioned that the levels tend to share a similar visual theme and lack variety, which could potentially impact the overall visual experience. DualShockers also noted that some visual cues in the overworld can be unclear, affecting gameplay. PCWorld highlighted that while the art style is gorgeous, it can be challenging to interpret at times, leading to difficulties in distinguishing hazards and secrets. These criticisms suggest that there are areas where the game could improve in terms of visual diversity and clarity to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair excels in its Graphics and Visual Design, offering a vibrant and visually appealing experience for players. The game's bright and colorful art style, detailed environments, and diverse levels were widely praised, with critics like DarkStation and Push Square commending the game for its creative modifications, beautiful levels, and top-notch presentation. While some critics pointed out issues such as lack of visual variety and clarity in certain areas, the majority of reviewers appreciated the game's aesthetics and found them to be a significant strength. The overall sentiment suggests that the Graphics and Visual Design of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair contribute positively to the game's charm and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praise the vibrant and visually appealing Graphics and Visual Design of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, likening it to Donkey Kong Country with stunning environments. While some critics mention issues like lack of variety and unclear visual cues, the majority agree that the game excels in its art style, offering a charming and engaging experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. Composed by industry legends Grant Kirkhope and David Wise, the soundtrack was described as amazing, catchy, and fitting perfectly with the gameplay experience. CGMagazine and IGN Italia specifically mentioned the irresistible nature of the soundtrack, with IGN emphasizing how the music elevated the overall experience of the game. Additionally, reviewers such as Game Over Online and GameWatcher commended the sound effects for enhancing the world and keeping players engaged, further contributing to the positive reception of the audio elements. On the flip side, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks regarding the Sound Design and Music of the game. DarkStation and DualShockers noted that while the musical score was pleasant and fitting, it lacked particularly memorable tracks that stood out. Xbox Achievements mentioned that some of the music could be seen as annoying earworms, indicating a subjective aspect to the overall audio experience. However, these criticisms were minor in comparison to the overwhelming praise the Sound Design and Music received from the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. The combination of Grant Kirkhope and David Wise's compositions was widely celebrated for enhancing the gameplay experience, evoking nostalgia, and fitting perfectly with the game's tone. The infectious and joyous nature of the music, as highlighted by Impulsegamer, contributed to creating a feel-good atmosphere throughout the game. Despite some minor criticisms about the memorability of certain tracks or subjective opinions on specific elements, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of the game were very good and a significant highlight of the overall experience, as echoed by multiple critics across different platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the stellar Sound Design and Music in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, composed by industry legends Grant Kirkhope and David Wise. The soundtrack is described as amazing, catchy, and perfectly enhancing gameplay. While some critics found the tracks not particularly memorable, the overall reception is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising how the music elevates the game experience and creates a joyous atmosphere.

Voice Acting

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Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair received positive feedback across the board. Critics like IGN Italia and Push Square praised the game's stable 60 frames per second performance on the PS4, with no major issues reported. Xbox Tavern also highlighted smooth gameplay on the Xbox One, despite mentioning some long loading times and minor glitches. FNintendo and NintendoWorldReport noted that the game ran smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, both in handheld and docked mode, showcasing a consistent framerate. On the flip side, some critics pointed out specific technical issues on certain platforms. Game Rant mentioned bugs with retrieving Laylee on the PS4 version, while TheSixthAxis reported problems with the camera and hitboxes. Press Start Australia and Xbox Tavern highlighted long loading times and occasional character glitches on the Xbox One. NintendoWorldReport also mentioned initial load times as a downside on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair delivers a solid technical performance across various gaming platforms. GameGrin and GameWatcher praised the PC version for its smooth gameplay, lack of loading times, and good optimization. Despite some minor technical hiccups reported by a few critics on different platforms, the majority of reviewers found the game to run well with stable framerates and enjoyable gameplay experiences. The general sentiment is that the technical performance of the game is commendable, with each platform offering a satisfactory gaming experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair impresses with stable performance across gaming platforms, earning praise for smooth framerates on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Minor glitches noted by some critics, but overall, the game delivers solid technical performance with enjoyable gameplay experiences on all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair has been positively highlighted by several critics. CGMagazine appreciates the replay value offered through collecting quills, unlocking cages, and accessing more levels in the overworld. DarkStation mentions the challenging endgame with the Beetallion mechanic and the potential for the speedrunning community to enhance replayability. IGN Italia praises the rich catalog of tonics that modify gameplay and the inclusion of the challenging 'Impossible Lair,' adding to the game's replay value. Hobby Consolas also commends the hidden collectibles and different gameplay modifiers in each level, increasing the overall replayability of the game. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out certain negatives regarding the replay value of the game. Game Rant criticizes the final level, the Impossible Lair, as repetitive and tedious, which could impact the overall replay value for some players. GameSpot describes the process of replaying stages to collect coins as a slog, introducing a pattern of repetition that may deter players from fully engaging with the game. PCWorld finds the final challenge to be tedious, lacking motivation to complete it, which could potentially hinder the game's replayability for certain players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair offers a significant amount of replay value through various mechanics such as collectibles, tonics, level modifications, and challenging endgame content. Critics like DualShockers appreciate the depth and variety added by overworld puzzles, while Video Chums and GameWatcher highlight the challenging platforming levels and unique spin on the final boss as factors that enhance replayability. Despite some criticisms regarding certain levels feeling repetitive or tedious, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's potential for extended gameplay sessions and the encouragement it provides for players to revisit levels and explore different gameplay options, ultimately contributing to a positive overall reception of the game's replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Summary: Critics praise Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair for its strong replay value, citing features like collecting quills, unlocking cages, tonics, and challenging endgame content. However, some critics find certain aspects repetitive and tedious, potentially impacting replayability. Despite mixed opinions, the game offers depth, variety, and unique challenges that enhance its overall replay value, making it a compelling choice for players looking for extended gameplay experiences.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, it is evident that the game received a lot of praise for its positive aspects. Critics such as DarkStation and God is a Geek lauded the game for its tight gameplay, creative level design, and unique mechanics like the Beetallion system. They also appreciated the refined gameplay, fun levels, and the overall nostalgic platforming experience that the game provided. Additionally, COGconnected highlighted the fresh gameplay and amazing music that added to the charm of the game. The critics' positive sentiments towards the game's engaging gameplay, visually appealing graphics, and challenging platforming elements showcase a consensus on the game's strengths. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns and pointed out certain negatives about Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Game Rant criticized the game for its lack of content, repetitive levels, imprecise platforming, and technical problems, which might hinder the overall experience for some players. DualShockers mentioned issues with conveyance of gameplay tools and the tonics system, which could potentially frustrate casual players. PCWorld also had a negative view, citing a lack of charm and personal preference for a different style of game, indicating a lack of appeal for certain players. These criticisms highlight areas where the game fell short of expectations and may have impacted the overall reception. Despite some mixed opinions and criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception for Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Critics like Game Over Online and PlaySense highly recommended the game, emphasizing its must-buy status for platforming fans and its potential to become a classic in the genre. While some critics pointed out flaws and areas for improvement, the majority appreciated the game's improvements over its predecessor, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the overall enjoyable platforming experience it offered. The general sentiment suggests that Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair succeeded in delivering a challenging and rewarding platformer that resonated well with fans of the genre, despite some minor drawbacks.

TL;DR

Critics praise Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair for its tight gameplay, creative levels, and engaging mechanics like the Beetallion system. They appreciate the nostalgic platforming experience, fun levels, and fantastic music. However, some critics criticize the game for lack of content, repetitive levels, and technical issues. Overall, the consensus is positive, with many recommending it for platforming fans despite its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

114 reviews found

100

GameGrin

Dec 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair as an outstanding platformer that improves on its predecessor in every way. It is described as one of the best platformers the reviewer has played in years.

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100

ZTGD

Xbox One

Oct 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer praises the game and considers it impossibly good. They appreciate the humor and the concepts introduced in the game. The soundtrack is also mentioned as a standout feature. The reviewer hopes for more sidescrolling platformers from the developer.

100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Oct 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes by stating that the reviewer is hooked on Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair and considers it one of the best games of the year. The game is praised for its entertaining and nostalgic platforming experience.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Oct 3, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is praised as one of the best platformers of this generation, with tight gameplay, great level design, and a satisfying and difficult endgame.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Oct 3, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as one of the best 2D platformers available with refined gameplay and fun levels.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Oct 4, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a rating of 95% and describes it as a must-buy for any platforming fan.

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Oct 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is described as a fantastic new direction for Playtonic's dynamic duo, with classic gaming tropes, fresh gameplay, and amazing music.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Oct 16, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed their time with the game despite its minor issues and believes it is a great starting point for the new direction of the series.

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DarkStation

PlayStation 4

Oct 4, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is praised for being excellent, fun, and delivering on its promises. The game offers a great experience for fans of the genre with tight gameplay, creative level design, and unique mechanics like the Beetallion system. The overall verdict is highly positive.

PlaySense

PlayStation 4

Oct 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended platformer that excels in various aspects and may become a classic in the genre.