Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

The Good
NOTE: This is about the GBA conversion

1. The GBA version adds an additional 6 secret levels that are unlocked after you complete stages with 100% completion rates on top of the SNES's 6 secret levels. Bonus!

2. The portability of GBA means I can take YI anywhere.

3. Porting this game into another generation of consoles ensures that YI will continue to influence gamers for another generation or so.
   
   The Bad
   NOTE: This is about the GBA conversion

4. The conversion makes the sound come out a little strange. I'd describe it as sounding a little weak and slightly metallic. I don't know how to describe it, as I'm not an audio person.

5. There is slow-down in the graphics of some stages. It's not enough to put you off the game, but there you have it.

6. My opinion is that YI is not suited for the "small screen" simply because the graphics look so much nicer in front of you on a big display. If you don't have an SNES but have a GameCube, think about getting a GameBoy Player on the cheap, hooking it up to your GC, and giving Yoshi's Island a try through your GC. It's worth the effort.
   
   The Bottom Line
   Here's a URL to cut'n'paste for the Moby Games SNES listing of this title: http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/super-mario-world-2-yoshis-island

For the SNES version, I submitted a much longer review in which I basically write that this game is a classic and is something every gamer should experience. For that reason, I think the GBA port is a fantastic way to keep this game "alive," so to say.

If you have a GBA, buy this game and play it. As I mention above, the graphics are compromised only slightly by the GBA, and that meager shortcoming doesn't take away from the outstanding gameplay and truly inspired design. If you can do the GameBoy Player on the GameCube, do that, otherwise play this game on your GBA.

If you give this game a fair chance, it will instantly join your list of favorite platformers and (perhaps) overall favorite games.

The Good
The game seems to have all the graphics needed for a good GBA play. All the graphics contain the great looking colours and textures (well, not really textures,but you know what I mean), and it the amazing array of different colours really catches the eye. It is amazing how the game truly comes all the way to being the Snes version.

Playing the game is also very fun as you move Yoshi along the levels. They aren't too hard, nor are they too easy, which makes for a very balanced game without too many retries and not too easy at the same time.

Sound is also quite good, as the sound effects are good, but you wouldn't really care about them after a while.

The Bad
The only bad thing about this is something that was also in the SNES version. I didn't like the level select screen. Had they made it more like Super Mario Worlds level select screen, this game would be much better.

The Bottom Line
Bad select screen or not, this game is a definite must. If you have got a GBA and looking for a worthy game, definitely go here first.
< My Rating> ( 4.5 / 5 )

The Good
Bah, not really. He's too damn cute to do that.

Anyhoo, this game offers an outlet in the Game Boy Advance side for Yoshi fans who can't get enough of the little guy on the SNES. This game has a simple storyline, which doesn't require much thought but to go from stage to stage. Easy controls and fun enemies to deal with really sweeten the deal. Egg-whippin', head-stompin', baby Mario-luggin' fun! The music is pleasant to listen to, and really sets the mood for the level. Sounds aren't that new, but hey, who cares? They're still good, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it! The visuals are pretty slick as well, because I for one am glad the import didn't mess with the Mario-esque look of things.

The Bad
Well, this game lacked diversity. The levels were simply awesome, but there were only two or three mini-games to play, and no silly "fun" mode like I would expect. The power-ups also disappointed me EVER SO SLIGHTLY. They were neat and fun at first, but few and far between. I'd also like a couple more, like have another Yoshi come in or possibly a shield. Just something to make the experience more delightful.

The Bottom Line
A fun Yoshi port for the Game Boy Advance. Like Yoshi? Pick it up! Definite buy for any fan of Mario.