Yooka-Replaylee Reviews
If it once seemed like Yooka-Laylee was trying too hard to be a new Banjo-Kazooie, now it seems the title has finally embraced its own identity. Ultimately, Yooka-Replaylee does what it sets out to do, reimagining the original adventure without losing its essence. Whether the new version of the title puts it on par with its predecessors remains to be seen; but I believe the future may hold good new adventures starring the chameleon and the bat, based on the mistakes corrected and the lessons learned from the remake.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Yooka-Replaylee is the comeback story fans were hoping for, with this return transforming a once-divisive debut into a fantastic platforming experience. Every tweak and adjustment, from the tighter controls and streamlined world design to the wealth of thoughtful quality-of-life updates, shows Playtonic Games’ dedication to learning from past missteps, and whilst its 2017 DNA still peeks through in places, the sheer polish and fluidity on display make those quirks easy to forgive. This is the version of Yooka-Laylee that always should have been, and one that firmly earns its place among the best modern 3D platformers available today.
Yooka-Replaylee is, by and large, the same 2017 game you know and (hopefully) love, with just an extra layer of polish, less bugs, and more content to enjoy. I might not agree with all of its features, as well as how easy the game feels when compared to the original, but there’s no denying that this is still one hell of an entertaining platformer, with some incredible level design, amazing music, and outstanding visuals.
Yooka-Replaylee is exactly what I hoped the original game would be: a joyful and beautifully built 3D platformer bursting with things to discover. Whether you’re a returning fan or completely new to Yooka and Laylee’s antics, this version delivers everything with polish and heart. For me, it was extra special because I played most of it with my son, who was grinning from ear to ear watching me roll and jump through the levels. It’s the kind of game that’s just as much fun to watch as it is to play, and that’s a rare thing. If you’ve ever loved Banjo-Kazooie, or if the original Yooka-Laylee didn’t quite grab you, this is your second chance, and it’s well worth taking. A free demo is also available if you want to try it out first.
Yooka-Replaylee is the kind of remake every studio should study. Playtonic didn’t just give the original game a fresh coat of paint; it rebuilt the foundations, fixed design flaws, and delivered a modern, fluid, and charming version. It’s an experience that blends nostalgia and freshness, capturing the spirit of the classics without feeling outdated.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A beautiful 3D platformer with stunning visuals, solid gameplay, open creativity for the player, great map exploration, long hours of fun, and an affordable price.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Playtonic's Yooka-Replaylee is the definitive edition, successfully eliminating the original game's flaws with polished controls, a fixed camera, an orchestrated score, and doubled content. Yet, this otherwise successful, vibrant tribute to N64-era platformers is frustratingly held back by being locked at 30 FPS and suffering from noticeable performance dips on Switch 2.
Yooka-Replaylee isn't a revolutionary new title, but it is a lovingly crafted, well-made remake of a charming platformer. The colorful worlds, smooth controls, and generous amount of collectibles provide hours of enjoyment. The technical improvements, such as ultrawide support and the smooth framerate, make this the best version to play. However, the camerawork remains a bit of a nuisance at times, and those who have already mastered the older games will have less to explore. The adjustment, which makes all abilities available from the start, and the visual upgrades make this revision feel refreshingly fresh. And you really have no excuse not to play this game again.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
laytonic and friends take another stab at Yooka-Laylee with Yooka-Replaylee, a revised version of their 2017 Rare-flavored character platformer.
Full of heart, a cute cast, a seemingly endless array of goodies to grab and new ideas at every turn, Yooka-Replaylee is a must buy for any fan of the platforming genre.
Overall, while there are still some issues, Yooka-Replaylee’s revamped level and game design reflect a more confident identity both for this series and developer Playtonic Games. There is still some room for the series to grow in a potential sequel, but until then Playtonic Games has delivered the game fans have wanted since the initial Kickstarter campaign, which happens to also be one of the strongest collect-a-thon 3D platformers of the current generation.
Yooka-Replaylee stands as the definitive version of what was only a promising start back in 2017. This remake-remastered finally delivers to fans the Yooka-Laylee they deserved, filling the original’s gaps with a series of additions that make the experience richer and up-to-date, without neglecting a colorful and joyful visual style and an exceptional orchestral soundtrack. Yooka-Replaylee is therefore a game suited both for those who didn’t play the original eight years ago and for those who didn’t fully appreciate it because it was too anchored to the '90s style gameplay; now, I am sure, they will completely change their mind.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Yooka-RePlaylee is still the same love letter to Nintendo 64 classics as the original release was, but in a much more refined form. The game contains roughly double the challenges as the original, there are hundreds of ways to customize the experience in unique ways, the controls have never felt better, and the quality-of-life upgrades really go a long way in improving the experience. This is, in fact, Yooka-Laylee in its best form, and it gives little reason for players to go back and play the original.
One of the best games of its kind since Super Mario Odyssey. Not for copying, but for understanding the spirit of the collectathon—that almost childlike joy of collecting things, discovering secrets, and watching the counter rise, without ever feeling repetitive.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Yooka-Replaylee finally feels like the game it was always meant to be—an expansive, polished platformer that celebrates the genre’s golden days. Its worlds are denser, its controls tighter, and its charm undeniable, making it a joy for both newcomers and longtime fans. But despite its many improvements, a lightweight story, overwhelming collectibles, and a handful of dated quirks keep it from true greatness. What we’re left with is a game that shines brightly, even if it never quite reaches the top of the platforming mountain.