Yoshi's Crafted World (Switch) Review

by Neal Ronaghan - March 27, 2019, 6:00 am PDT
Total comments: 1

Yoshi's Crafted World. Lead Yoshi on a brand new adventure that will turn everything you’ve come to expect from side-scrolling game upside down! Players take control of a Yoshi exploring a big world crafted from household items like boxes and paper cups, journeying through each themed stage to solve puzzles and find hidden treasures. You can flutter-jump into fun with these helpful tips and tricks for the Yoshi’s Crafted World game, available now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch system.

Wrap yourself in a blanket and curl up with the cuddliest Nintendo game in a while.

Yoshi’s Crafted World plays like a comfortable warm blanket. A coziness pervades the entirety of GoodFeel’s Switch debut, following up on their similar past work of Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Yoshi’s Woolly World. It carves a slightly different path than Woolly World, though - one that I found far more enjoyable - and in the process creates a new Yoshi adventure that edges out of Yoshi’s Island’s shadow and becomes something more fresh by focusing on a gentler pace and an emphasis on discovery.

Let’s start with the very good: the visuals are spectacular, going for a distinctive look that relies on a handmade arts and crafts style. Crafted World is one of the prettier games on the system so far, blending GoodFeel’s craftwork aesthetic with the sheen of Unreal Engine. The cardboard and plush feel of the surroundings and world feel like you could reach out and touch everything. Nearly every level has a new twist or trick that adds to a sense of discovery, whether it’s the joy of Yoshi’s papercraft mech or Poochy’s playful prancing. Unfortunately the music doesn’t match the glory of the graphics; the soundtrack repeats a lot of similar variations of the same theme. The better tracks nail a music box toy feel, but nothing stands out as all that memorable or good. It’s a disappointment given GoodFeel’s generally great soundtracks for their games in the past.

The level structure and gameplay loop is a little peculiar (and also elegantly on display in the available eShop demo), with one to three levels making up a themed area. The levels feature the typical Yoshi collectibles of hidden flowers, 20 red coins, and full health. Here each level has a coin goal as well. You could more or less blaze through each level from start to finish without much interference, at least as long as you collect enough flowers to progress to the next area. Though taking Crafted World at a fervent pace seems ill-advised, especially as the variant Flip Side levels and souvenir hunts add more replayability to each level while encouraging you to stop and smell the cardboard roses. The Flip Side levels, which all fall under the conceit of playing the stage over again but in reverse and from the other side (or “Flip Side,” get it?), focus on speed, as you try to collect all three hidden Poochy Pups in a certain amount of time. On their own, I find those levels to be a little antithetical to the game’s overall pace, but combined with revisiting areas to find hidden objects for the souvenir hunts, I found replaying the beautiful levels amusing. Multiple steps are taken to make sure you have multiple avenues of collecting flowers to progress, and if the souvenir or Flip Side levels aren’t your bag, you can avoid them for the most part - or at least cherry-pick what you want to do the most of.

Unlike a lot of past Yoshi games, you don’t need to collect every object in a single run. Even better, when you do revisit stages for the hidden souvenirs, you can collect more red coins and flowers. Those extra collectibles will count towards your overall completion, even if you leave the stage when you find the object - which is an option presented whenever you find a souvenir in a level. Aside from areas being gated by collected flowers, Crafted World respects your time and focuses on delivering new environments, fun twists, and unique ideas.

The challenge, for the most part, never gets too tense. The last few levels get a tiny bit tricky, but nothing is ever all that hard. Bonus levels unlocked in the post-game are stronger tests, but in general, if you seek a terse platforming challenge, Crafted World won’t deliver. It’s a cutesy explorative platformer that rewards you for scouring every nook and cranny of this adorable tactile adventure. For the record, while I didn’t find it quite as egregious as past Yoshi’s Island games, this still has the hidden clouds that can only be found by walking over every square inch of the stage. That’s still a bad way to hide collectibles.

Adding to that cardboard glory are some of the adorable unlockables. Each area has multiple costumes you can unlock using accumulated coins. Most of them are generic, like riffs on found objects like fruit and milk containers, but some of the cuter ones are Labo references and enemy-inspired outfits. Amiibo can unlock a few extras as well, with the highlights being Yarn Yoshi and Yarn Poochy outfits that blend the style of Yoshi’s last outing with his new one. The costumes add additional health complementing their flair. Not that Crafted World is starved for an easy mode (which is also available in the toggleable Mellow Mode), but the costumes add a layer of protection if needed.

That layer of protection circles back to the feeling of being comforted by a blanket while rolling through the variety of cozy levels and cute touches. Yoshi’s Crafted World is a stable, enjoyable adventure that brings enough of a twist to the expected Yoshi adventure to make it stand apart in a way no Yoshi platformer has done in years. It has a few blemishes along the way, but just break out the duct tape and stick that cardboard back up so you can romp your way through this delightful easy-going platformer.

Summary

Pros

• Comforting
• Gorgeous visuals
• Level variety and creativity
• Lots to collect, do, and see
• Pleasantly relaxed pace

Talkback

It is a very cute an a fun game. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Game Profile

• Reviews (1)
• Previews (3)

• Screens (34)
• Artwork (12)
• Box Art (1)

Worldwide Releases

Just when you thought Yoshi’s Crafted World already had enough collectibles, the game introduces the Flip Side. In each level’s Flip Side, there are three elusive Poochy Pups, even cuter versions of Yoshi’s friend Poochy. For each one you catch, the game rewards you with a Smiley Flower.

Even though the Poochy Pups bark when they’re nearby, they can still be tricky to get. If you’re having a hard time catching all the Poochy Pups along the first Dream Gem path, this guide can help you with the ones you’re missing.

Below are the locations of every Poochy Pup in each level of the path.

Rail-Yard Run

Poochy Pup 1

As the train you’re on begins to stop, you’ll see the first Poochy Pup run to a corner in the level trail. To get it, just head to that corner.

Poochy Pup 2

Shortly after finding the first Poochy Pup, you’ll see Poochy Pup 2 running back and forth between two bushes in the background. You can catch it by throwing something at it.

Poochy Pup 3

You’ll see Poochy Pup 3 hanging out in a cardboard box between two jelly bean containers. If you look closely, you’ll notice openings in both containers. Run through either opening to access the Poochy Pup.

Many Fish in the Sea

Poochy Pup 1

Poochy Pup 1 is waiting for you on top of the dojo-like structure near the beginning of the level. If you’re quick enough, you can catch it there.

However, it’ll more than likely flee from your reach. Don’t worry, though — if you just proceed through the level, you’ll notice it on top of a yogurt container. Throw an egg at it to get it.

Poochy Pup 2

Just after reaching the first checkpoint, you’ll come across Poochy Pup 2 hiding under blue boxes. To get it, ground pound one of the exposed boxes and then break the other boxes by throwing something at them. You can also break them with a Koopa shell.

Poochy Pup 3

Even though the last Poochy Pup is easy to hear, it’s not so easy to find. Shortly after reaching the second checkpoint, you’ll encounter a clownfish rocking back and forth on a tube. If you look in the background, you can see the Poochy Pup appear from a pipe and run to the right.

Although it’s possible to catch it by throwing something at it, it’s much easier to proceed through the level until you reach the section containing Shy Guys and floating fish. Don’t let these fish platforms fool you — there’s ground underneath. Go to the ground to get the last Poochy Pup.

Pirate Pier

Poochy Pup 1

As you make your way through Pirate Pier, you’ll come across Poochy Pup 1 hanging out on the level trail. If you’re quick enough, you can catch it by simply proceeding on the trail.

If it flees from you, it fortunately won’t run very far. To get it, just go a little bit to your left.

Poochy Pup 2

Poochy Pup 2 is next to a switch under the level trail. To catch it, you’ll need to flip the switch. You can flip it by jumping through the opening in the vertical cardboard structure and then throwing something at the target to your right. After hitting the switch, the door next to the Poochy Pup will open.

Poochy Pup 3

Poochy Pup 3 is also under the level trail. To enter the container it’s in, you must crouch through the small opening on the left. You can also get it by throwing something at it through the opening.

Poochy’s Tape Trail

Poochy Pup 1

After progressing through the level a bit, you’ll see the first Poochy Pup appear in the foreground. To get it, either throw an egg at it or take the path that leads to it.

Poochy Pup 2

You’ll see Poochy Pup 2 near the tutorial box you encounter shortly after reaching the first checkpoint. It’s jumping back and forth between two boxes in the background. Throw something at it to catch it.

Poochy Pup 3

From Yoshi’s perspective, the third Poochy Pup is hidden behind a bush. From yours, though, it’s in plain sight. When the level splits into three paths after you pass the golden crown, take the frontmost one until you reach the Poochy Pup. Throw something at it to get it.

Go-Go Yoshi

Poochy Pup 1

Near the beginning of the level, a truck carrying Poochy Pup 1 will appear in front of you. You’ll need to punch the truck to get the Poochy Pup. Be aware the truck will escape if you don’t clear the obstacles in your way quickly enough.

Poochy Pup 2

Shortly after you encounter three rising blocks carrying Shy Guys, you’ll see another set of three rising blocks. Poochy Pup 2 is on the rightmost block. To catch it, punch the block before it rises too far.

Poochy Pup 3

Poochy Pup 3 will appear on a UFO in the background. As soon as you see it, be sure to clear the obstacles in your way as quickly as possible.

After a moment, the UFO will come to the foreground. You must punch it to get the Poochy Pup. However, to reach the UFO, you have to jump. Also, like the truck from earlier, it’ll escape if you’re not quick enough.

Mine-Cart Cave

Poochy Pup 1

You’ll see Poochy Pup 1 near the level’s first green box of bomb enemies. It’s jumping among the waterfall platforms in the background. Throw an egg at it to catch it.

Poochy Pup 2

Near the level’s second green box of bomb enemies, you’ll hear Poochy Pup 2, but you won’t see it.

To expose it, spit a bomb enemy at the above rocks holding a mine-cart. The cart will fall, and you’ll find the Poochy Pup on top of it.

Poochy Pup 3

You’ll hear the third Poochy Pup right after making it to the top of a set of waterfall platforms. Move right until you reach a drop in the level trail. Spit a bomb enemy at the rocks to your left to access the Poochy Pup.

Whistlestop Rails

Poochy Pup 1

As you ride on the train, the first Poochy Pup will appear in the foreground on another train. Throw an egg at it to get it.

Poochy Pup 2

After getting off the train, take the path that leads to the background and turn left. Poochy Pup 2 is hiding behind a brown box next to the blue house. To catch it, throw something at it. If you throw something at the box first, the Poochy Pup will run away, but it will only run a little bit to your left.

Poochy Pup 3

Shortly after getting off the train the second time, you’ll see Poochy Pup 3 on top of a big rock in the background. Throw something at it to get it.

Mousers and Magnets

Poochy Pup 1

When you enter the first room of mouse enemies, make your way to the frontmost path and go all the way to the left until you see a soda can. Spit a magnet at the can and use it to jump to the top of the room. You’ll see Poochy Pup 1 running back and forth.

Poochy Pup 2

In the second room of mouse enemies, Poochy Pup 2 is hanging out among them. Inflate the balloon cat to get it to come down. To catch it, throw something at it as it runs in fear.

Poochy Pup 3

You’ll hear Poochy Pup 3 near a can suspended in the air. If you look closely, you’ll see it under the part of the level trail held by a string. To free the Poochy Pup, put weight on the suspended can by spitting a magnet on it.

Now that you know how to get each Poochy Pup in the game's first path, you're prepared to take on the Flip Sides' time trials. If you catch all three of a level's Poochy Pups in under a certain time, you'll obtain yet another Smiley Flower.