Yoshi Touch & Go (DS) Review
This game was introduced in 2004 as Balloon Trip, one of the technological demos showcased at E3 when the DS was presented in public for the first time. Back then was hard to see how that a simple concept like this could be expanded into a full game, but Nintendo proved everybody wrong. They have created a game with incredible game mechanics that cannot be done on any other system. Its unique feeling is overshadowed by the lack of storyline and the fact that the only goal in the game is to beat high scores. In spite of that Yoshi Touch & Go! Is a great addition to the DS library and a great display of Nintendos unique game ideas.
Graphics: the games sprite based graphics are simple but they push Yoshis worlds cuteness to the limit. Most enemies are re-hashes of old Nintendo enemies but there are a few surprises in there. And since the controls are 100% touch based, the interaction is different and the overall games world feels fresh and new.
Sound: classic Yoshi tunes mixed with some new charming music finishes the games presentation. Most sound effects are also from previous incarnations but the surround effects are pulled out very well. This can be specially experienced if playing with headphones.
Gameplay: this is where Yoshi Touch & Go shines. This is Nintendos answer to every single person that hesitated about the touch screen and its implementation in traditional genres like the platform one.
Each mode is divided in two parts. On the first one the player must score as many points as possible by drawing clouds to guide baby Mario as he falls from the sky. Drawing clouds is also the way to protect him from enemies. If this is done around an enemy, it will turn into a coin inside a bubble.
One little detail that makes this game even more unique is that if the player is not happy with the clouds on the screen, they can be cleared just by blowing air on the microphone.
Once Mario reaches the ground, Yoshi will catch him and the second part of the level starts. The amount of points on the first half is crucial because it determines which Yoshi will appear on the second one. More points scored mean a better Yoshi (faster and with more eggs) and a longer more complex horizontal level.
The game offers 4 modes: Score Attack, Marathon, Time Attack and Challenge (with only the first two unlocked to start with). Theres also a mini-game that unlocks once some goals are achieved, but I wont spoil the surprise.
Score Attack is the simplest one. The horizontal part of the level has a specific goal, which determines the end of the game. After that the only thing that matters is how many points were scored.
Marathon is one of the endless modes. This one measures the distance that Yoshi and Mario have traveled and this will be the final score. There are several random scenarios to travel through which makes the trip not too boring. When the points scored by collecting points and hitting enemies reach 100, a super star will appear to let the player control Super Baby Mario. Even though he is invincible, drawing clouds is tricky because of his amazing speed.
In Time Attack, Yoshi has to rescue Baby Luigi as fast as possible. In this mode the first half is important because it is almost impossible to beat with the worst Yoshis (green, pink, etc).
Challenge is the second endless mode. In this one, distance is one more time the score but game points are used in a timer. When the timer runs out, Kamek captures Baby Mario and the game is over.
Multiplayer value: this game supports single cart multiplayer. This mode is no other thing than a 1000m race of the side scrolling part of the levels. The players Yoshi is seen on the touch screen and the opponents on the other. The more combos that the player gets the more enemies are sent to the opponent.
Replay value: this game is like an old arcade where the most important thing was to score a new record. While Yoshi Touch & Go! Follows this formula, the game is deep, challenging and complex enough to you coming back over and over again. And if you can find a friend with another DS you can easily spend an afternoon playing multiplayer or trying to beat each others records. This game is pure old school Nintendo fun with a touch screen as a unique twist.
