2022/8/12: Playstation 4: Yoku's Island Express

[VideoGameCritic]

This was recommended by a reader and it's really not that bad. I really dig the pinball/platform concept but man I started to get bored after a while. Also, I wouldn't recommend the PS4 version due to the "pain" factor.

Let's get a conversation going!

[Stalvern]

Do you think this could have gotten a C if you'd played it on a different system?

[Retro STrife]

Man.. every time I think a game is up your alley, it gets a D! I was one of the readers recommending this one. I really like this game. It's got a chill summer vibe, and really unique gameplay as a Metroid/pinball hybrid.. And it's beatable in like 5 hours. I'd call it relaxing rather than sleepy.. the scenery, the music, and the fact you can't die all make it very casual to play, but the pinball has enough challenge that it isn't easy either. I played on PS4, completing it 100% in about 10 hours, and didn't have any issues with aching hands. I was thinking you'd fall more in the B range with this one.

I posted more thoughts about the game in Now Playing a couple years ago: https://videogamecritic.com/forums/view ... 5&p=166285

P.S. Since you praised the Buck Bumble theme song, what about the theme to Yoku's Island Express? : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6w5eEz7D7k

[ThePixelatedGenocide]

This was recommended by a reader and it's really not that bad. I really dig the pinball/platform concept but man I started to get bored after a while. Also, I wouldn't recommend the PS4 version due to the "pain" factor.

Let's get a conversation going!

Could there be a symbol for calming/boring/zen games?

Seems there's just as many people looking for them as there are trying to avoid them.

[BlasteroidAli]

I have it on Xbox Series S. Your review is right on the money. You start the game and it is great, and you are really enjoying it. Then like you, I got stuck in a loop. I totally went off the game. It is a great idea but the execution is flawed.

[VideoGameCritic]

Stalvern - it could have possibly creeped into the C territory without the hand cramps.

Pixelated - I do have a "boring" icon, which I applied to this one.

All - keep in mind a D on this site is like a C anywhere else. Another thing to remember is that I often start a game and return to it about a week or two later. With a game like this, breaking the continuity might ruin the experience.

Bottom line, if this sound enticing give it a try. I think I only spent about $20 on it. But I would not get it for the PS4.

[travistouchdown]

I can't stand games where you are tied to some object or forced to lug it around or move it to progress.

Tried Glover for N64 the other day since it's getting a LRG re-release. You have a ball you have to balance on and throw up slopes etc etc. Nope, don't like it one bit! So...I suspect i wouldn't like this one. Nice review though.

[VideoGameCritic]

I'm glad you mentioned that Travis. I was thinking about getting that old Glover game but from what I've heard it's really not very fun.