Yoku's Island Express

Last updated

Yoku's Island Express
Yoku's Island Express cover.png
Cover art, depicting the protagonist, Yoku
Developer(s) Villa Gorilla
Publisher(s) Team17
Designer(s) Linus Larsson
Programmer(s) Jens Andersson
Artist(s) Mattias Snygg
Composer(s) Jesse Harlin
Platform(s)
ReleaseWindows, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
29 May 2018
Amazon Luna
20 October 2020
Genre(s) Platform, pinball, adventure
Mode(s) Single-player

Yoku's Island Express is a platform pinball adventure video game developed by Swedish studio Villa Gorilla and published by Team17. The studio's debut project, the game was released in May 2018 for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. A version was released for Amazon Luna in October 2020.

Contents

In Yoku's Island Express, players control Yoku, a dung beetle, who becomes a postmaster as he arrives at a fictional island of Mokumana. [1] The player is tasked with saving the island from a looming calamity, as the island's deity figure is attacked. [2]

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot Yoku's Island Express Gameplay.png
Gameplay screenshot

The gameplay of Yoku's Island Express consists mainly of side-scrolling platforming. The player can move Yoku left and right, but unlike most platform games, they can't jump. Instead, the player uses pinball paddles (flippers) placed throughout the map to launch a ball attached to Yoku into the air, pulling Yoku with it. [3] Yoku's Island Express takes place on a Metroidvania-style open-world [3] island with many bumpers, tracks and ramps to utilise the pinball mechanics. [4]

Development

Villa Gorilla was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 2013 by Jens Andersson and Mattias Snygg. They wanted to make a game in one year, choosing to "make a game about a ball" as they did not have an animator. [5] Eventually, they started calling their project an "open-world pinball game". [5]

The developers created a proprietary game engine suited for the needs of their project. [5]

Yoku's Island Express was announced on 20 February 2017. [6] On 16 May 2017, it was announced that Team17 would be the game's publisher. [7] Yoku's Island Express was released worldwide on 29 May 2018. The game was released for Amazon Luna on 20 October 2020. [8]

Reception

Yoku's Island Express received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. [9] [10] [11] [12]

Critics called Yoku's Island Express "unique". [3] [13] and "ingenious" [1] [4] They praised how the developers managed to combine several genres, with GameSpot 's Alexander Pan stating "Yoku's Island Express takes two unlikely genres and combines them into one playful, natural experience". [13]

Reviewers criticised the occasional retreading or backtracking in the game's world as sometimes being tedious or even causing frustration. [2] [13] [3] Jon Mundy of Nintendo Life stated that "figuring out exactly how to get from A to B in the early to mid-game stretch can feel like groping around in the dark". [2] Critics who reviewed the Nintendo Switch version complained about the in-game map being hard to read in handheld mode. [4] [2]

The game was nominated for "Best Debut Indie Game" at The Game Awards 2018, [14] and for the Central Park Children's Zoo Award for Best Kids Game at the New York Game Awards, [15] and won the award for "Game, Original Family" at the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards; [16] [17] it was also nominated for "Best Debut" with Villa Gorilla at the Game Developers Choice Awards, [18] and for "Best Sound Design for an Indie Game" at the 2019 G.A.N.G. Awards, [19] and won the award for "Debut Game" at the 15th British Academy Games Awards, whereas its other nomination was for "Family". [20] [21] In addition, it was nominated for "Best Visual Art", "Best Game Design", and "Best Original IP" at the Develop:Star Awards, [22] and for "Best Arcade Game" at The Independent Game Developers' Association Awards 2019. [23]

Related Research Articles

<i>Worms</i> (series) Artillery strategy computer game series

Worms is a series of artillery tactical video games developed by British company Team17. In these games, small platoons of anthropomorphic worms battle each other across a destructible landscape with the objective being to become the sole surviving team. The games are noted for their cartoony animation and extensive use of surrealism and slapstick humour.

<i>Tetris Effect</i> 2018 puzzle video game

Tetris Effect is a block-dropping arcade-styled puzzle video game developed by Japanese studios Monstars and Resonair and published by Enhance Games. The game was released worldwide exclusively for the PlayStation 4 on November 9, 2018, and features support for the PlayStation VR. A Microsoft Windows version, with support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, was released on July 23, 2019. A version for the Meta Quest standalone VR headset was released on May 14, 2020.

<i>Skylanders</i> Video game series

Skylanders is a toys-to-life action-adventure video game series published by Activision. Skylanders games are played by placing character figures called the Skylanders on the "Portal of Power", a device that reads the figures' tags through NFC and "imports" the character represented by the figure into the game as a playable character.

<i>The Pinball Arcade</i> 2012 video game

The Pinball Arcade is a pinball video game developed by FarSight Studios. The game is a simulated collection of 100 real pinball tables licensed by Gottlieb, Alvin G. and Company, and Stern Pinball, a company which also owns the rights of machines from Data East and Sega Pinball. Williams and Bally games are no longer available since June 30, 2018, as FarSight had lost the license to WMS properties, which has since passed to Zen Studios.

<i>Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker</i> 2014 video game

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a 2014 action puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. The game was re-released for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS in 2018 with additional content. It is a spin-off of the Super Mario series and a part of the larger Mario franchise. The game stars Captain Toad and Toadette as they complete levels and save each other from the antagonist Wingo. Each level is contained within a miniature diorama-like environment that requires puzzle-solving and platforming challenges to complete. The player also uses the Wii U GamePad to rotate the camera and reveal new information and interact with the environment.

<i>The Escapists</i> Strategy video game

The Escapists is a strategy game played from a top-down perspective. The game was developed by Mouldy Toof Studios and following a Steam Early Access release in 2014, was released in 2015 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. It was released on iOS and Android in 2017. A Nintendo Switch version of the game containing all downloadable content was released in 2018. The game was launched on the Epic Games Store on 23 September 2021, with the weekly free game campaign of Epic Games. Players assume the role of an inmate and must escape from prisons of increasing difficulty.

<i>Yooka-Laylee</i> 2017 video game

Yooka-Laylee is a platform game published by Team17 in 2017 for Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, followed by a version for Amazon Luna in October 2020. Developed by Playtonic Games, a group of former key personnel from Rare, Yooka-Laylee is a spiritual successor to the Banjo-Kazooie series released for the Nintendo 64 nearly 20 years prior. After years of planning to develop a new game, Playtonic Games initiated a Kickstarter campaign that attracted significant media coverage and raised a record-breaking sum of over £2 million. The game follows chameleon Yooka and bat Laylee on their quest to retrieve a magical book from an evil corporation.

Super Mega Baseball is a baseball video game series developed by the independent studio Metalhead Software in Victoria, BC, Canada.

<i>Indivisible</i> (video game) 2019 video game

Indivisible is an action role-playing platform game developed by the now-defunct Lab Zero Games and published by 505 Games. The game was initially released in October 2019 for Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One and on April 28, 2020 for Nintendo Switch. It was released in Japan on July 16, 2020. A version for Amazon Luna was released on October 20, 2020, despite Lab Zero Games going defunct 11 days prior, thus discontinuing all additional content for the game.

<i>Worms W.M.D</i> 2016 video game

Worms W.M.D is a 2D artillery turn-based tactics video game in the Worms series, released on 23 August 2016. Its gameplay resembles that of Worms Armageddon more than subsequent installments, while adding new features that range from interactive vehicles such as tanks, to buildings that the worms can enter for protection. It is also notable for being the first major redesign the worm characters have received since Worms 3D.

<i>Overcooked</i> 2016 video game

Overcooked is a 2016 cooking simulation video game developed by Ghost Town Games and published by Team17. In a local cooperative experience, players control a number of chefs in kitchens filled with various obstacles and hazards to rapidly prepare meals to specific orders under a time limit. The game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in August 2016. A Nintendo Switch version was released in July 2017.

<i>SteamWorld Dig 2</i> 2017 video game

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a single-player 2D platform action-adventure metroidvania video game developed and published by Image & Form. It is the fourth installment in the SteamWorld series of games and the direct sequel to 2013's SteamWorld Dig. It was first released in September 2017 for Nintendo Switch, Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita. It was later released for Nintendo 3DS in February 2018, for Xbox One in November 2018, for Stadia in March 2020, and for Amazon Luna in October 2020.

<i>NBA Playgrounds</i> 2017 video game

NBA Playgrounds is a 2017 sports video game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Mad Dog Games for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and for Microsoft Windows, and is a spin-off title of the NBA 2K series published by 2K and a part of the Playground Sports series. Bearing similarities to previous related titles such as NBA Jam and NBA Street, NBA Playgrounds is an arcade-style basketball game officially licensed by the National Basketball Association.

<i>The Sexy Brutale</i> 2017 video game

The Sexy Brutale is an adventure puzzle video game developed by Cavalier Game Studios and Tequila Works. The game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in April 2017. A Nintendo Switch version was released in December 2017. A cloud-based version was released for Amazon Luna in October 2020.

<i>Pinball FX 3</i> 2017 video game

Pinball FX 3 is a pinball simulator video game developed and published by Zen Studios and is the sequel to Pinball FX 2. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 in September 2017 and then released for the Nintendo Switch in December 2017. A followup called Pinball FX was released in February 16, 2023.

<i>The Messenger</i> (2018 video game) Action-platform game

The Messenger is a 2018 action-platform game created by indie developer Sabotage Studio and published by Devolver Digital. The player controls the eponymous ninja, who is appointed by a great hero to deliver a scroll. As the Messenger explores levels and defeats enemies, he gains a currency called Time Shards used to purchase useful upgrades and abilities. The game begins as a linear adventure featuring elements of time travel, with the audio and visuals changing from an 8-bit style to 16-bit to represent the ninja's journey from the past to the future. In the second half, The Messenger becomes a Metroidvania-style game where the player revisits previous levels to find key items.

<i>Overcooked 2</i> 2018 video game

Overcooked 2 is a cooperative cooking simulation video game developed by Team17 alongside Ghost Town Games, and published by Team17. The sequel to Overcooked!, it was released for Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on August 7, 2018. The game was released for Amazon Luna on October 20, 2020. Overcooked: All You Can Eat, a compilation game that includes both Overcooked and Overcooked 2, was released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 12, 2020. The compilation came to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on March 23, 2021, and on Google Stadia on May 5, 2022.

<i>Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair</i> 2019 video game

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a platform video game developed by Playtonic Games and published by Team17. As a spin-off to Yooka-Laylee (2017), the game was released digitally for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on October 8, 2019, followed by a version for Amazon Luna on October 20, 2020.

<i>Carrion</i> (video game) 2020 video game

Carrion is a horror video game developed by Phobia Game Studio and published by Devolver Digital. Described as a "reverse-horror game", the game allows players to control a tentacled monster whose objective is to make its way through a facility, stalking and killing humans in its path.

<i>Hokko Life</i> 2022 video game

Hokko Life is a 2022 video game developed by Wonderscope Games and published by Team17.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Donlan, Christian (29 May 2018). "Yoku's Island Express review - a pinball/platforming hybrid that works brilliantly well". Eurogamer . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Mundy, Jon (29 May 2018). "Review: Yoku's Island Express (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Marks, Tom (29 May 2018). "Yoku's Island Express Review". IGN . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 4 McClusky, Kevin (31 May 2018). "Review: Yoku's Island Express". Destructoid . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 Handrahan, Matthew (29 May 2018). "Villa Gorilla's five-year journey to make a one-year game". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  6. ↑ Whitehead, Thomas (20 February 2018). "Yoku's Island Express, an 'Open World Pinball Adventure', is Coming to Nintendo Switch". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  7. ↑ Whitehead, Thomas (16 May 2017). "Yoku's Island Express Developer Partners With Team17, Set for Switch in 2018". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  8. ↑ Gartenberg, Chaim (20 October 2020). "Hands-on with Amazon's Luna game streaming service". The Verge. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Yoku's Island Express for Switch Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  10. 1 2 "Yoku's Island Express for PC Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  11. 1 2 "Yoku's Island Express for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  12. 1 2 "Yoku's Island Express for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Pan, Alexander (5 June 2018). "Yoku's Island Express Review: A Breath of Fresh Air". GameSpot . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  14. ↑ Grant, Christopher (6 December 2018). "The Game Awards 2018: Here are all the winners". Polygon . Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  15. ↑ Keyes, Rob (3 January 2019). "2018 New York Game Awards Nominees Revealed". Screen Rant . Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  16. ↑ "Nominee List for 2018". National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers. 11 February 2019. Archived from the original on 13 February 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  17. ↑ "Winner list for 2018: God of War breaks record". National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers. 13 March 2019. Archived from the original on 14 March 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  18. ↑ Good, Owen S. (4 January 2019). "Red Dead Redemption 2 tops list of Game Developers Choice nominees". Polygon. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  19. ↑ Lagumbay, Emmanuel (14 February 2019). "2019 G.A.N.G. Awards Finalists". Game Audio Network Guild. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  20. ↑ Fogel, Stefanie (14 March 2019). "'God of War,' 'Red Dead 2' Lead BAFTA Game Awards Nominations". Variety . Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  21. ↑ Fox, Chris; Kleinman, Zoe (4 April 2019). "God of War wins best game at Bafta Awards". BBC . Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  22. ↑ Blake, Vikki (16 May 2019). "Shortlist for Develop:Star Awards 2019 revealed". MCV . Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  23. ↑ Stephenson, Suzi (19 September 2019). "TIGA Announces Games Industry Awards 2019 Finalists". The Independent Game Developers' Association . Retrieved 25 September 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.