Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

The Good
This game still has those amazing graphics it had on the SNES. This game is easily one of the most beautiful games that are available on the GBA. In Yoshi's Island you get too see Mario as a baby. A stork flies with the baby Mario Bros. in his beak. Luigi gets been kidnapped by Kamek the Koopa who has foreseen the brothers' numerous successes in defeating the Koopa's. He fails to capture Mario however, who lands on the island of the Yoshi's. The Yoshi's decide to escort Mario on their back and free Luigi. This takes you trough various very colorful and hand-drawn levels that look like they have been drawn with crayons. The game may look like it's only fun for kids, but it has enough depth to satisfy older players as well. They game is very easy since Yoshi doesn't get hurt when hit but loses Mario and when he is not in time to pick him back up in his bubble Kamek's goons will appear and take him and you will lose a life. Though this gameplay system makes it much easier than other Mario games it's not hurting the game overall since this game has lots of secrets you will have to find to unlock more levels making the very replayable so you won't put it down after the easy main quest. Attack can be done by trowing enemies or eggs which can be pointed at anything an made by swallowing enemies. This system works surprisingly well and adds depth to the gameplay. The enemies are very fun too and every world has two bosses which are XXL versions of normal enemies. Though the enemies are usually easy to defeat they are original and varied and you will see old and new ones with their own weak and strong points. The sound is great too and is full of fitting tunes to the themes. Some classic sound effects are here too making sure you remain the Mario feel while playing a game that is totally different since Yoshi is the main character rather than Mario. The Mario Bros. game is included too and although it's the same as in previous Mario Advance titles, it's a nice extra.

The Bad
Some of the weird graphical effects are a bit choppier than they would on the SNES and it's a bit of a letdown that the Mario Bros. arcade game is still the same. May be a bit easy although there is enough replay in this game to keep you busy for hours.

The Bottom Line
A great package with very few flaws and a very memorable graphical style that still amazes after the ten years it's been since it was released. Highly recommended, simply one of the best platform games on the GBA.