
Playtonic, the developers behind Yooka-Laylee, spent around eight years working on the remake of their only game, hoping to perfect it and redeem themselves in the eyes of fans. The result is Yooka-Replaylee, a refreshed version of the original that, while introducing notable improvements, also brings along a new set of problems.
This title is a 3D platformer where players must jump, attack enemies, collect items, acquire new abilities, and solve environmental puzzles in a colorful animated world reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. One of the biggest improvements is full camera control, allowing players to freely reposition it to better handle platforming sections. Character animations and movements have also been refined to feel smoother and more responsive.
Another major change is that all abilities are unlocked from the start, enabling more fluid exploration across levels. Collectibles have been doubled, and a new type has been added, theoretically making the experience less tedious. The visuals have been significantly upgraded with improved lighting, textures, and reflections. Some levels feature redesigned layouts with additional areas, and the user interface has been completely overhauled shedding its 90s aesthetic for a more modern look.
Story-wise, little has changed: it remains as mediocre as ever. However, a new prologue acknowledges the events of the original game, giving returning players a small sense of continuity. A new ending has also been added, offering a slightly more satisfying conclusion.
Unfortunately, these changes also come with drawbacks. Having all abilities available from the beginning removes the sense of progression that defines this genre. Doubling the number of collectibles diminishes the need to revisit levels, as players can meet most completion requirements within the first two areas. The story feels unbalanced, referencing events or abilities that may not even apply to your playthrough.
On top of that, the game suffers from numerous technical issues: characters getting stuck in the environment, doors that won’t open, dialogues that fail to trigger, and frequent restarts. Yooka-Replaylee doesn’t feel like a remake or a remaster it feels more like a New Game+ update with better visuals, sold at the price of a full game.
In the end, the improvements are evident and some additions successfully polish the original experience, but it’s clear that Playtonic has lost its direction. Instead of reworking their first title, they should have focused their time on a proper sequel or an entirely new IP.
Final Score: 3/5