Review: Yooka-Replaylee (Switch 2) - Feels Like The Game It Was Meant To Be, Finally

Published: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Yooka-Replaylee: A Second Chance at 3D Platforming Glory

Playtonic, the studio formed by ex-Rare staff, has revisited its 2017 3D platformer, *Yooka-Laylee*, with a revamped version titled *Yooka-Replaylee*. The original game, a spiritual successor to *Banjo-Kazooie*, aimed to recapture the magic of classic 3D platformers. While the initial release was praised for its passion, it also faced criticism for its gameplay quirks. *Yooka-Replaylee* addresses these issues, aiming to deliver on the original promise.

This updated version goes beyond a simple remaster, incorporating significant changes to enhance the player experience. Improvements include tighter controls, fast travel options, a map, and a greater number of collectibles. These additions aim to smooth out the rough edges that some players found off-putting in the original. The core structure remains, with players exploring a central hub and five worlds to collect Pagies, which unlock new areas.

Exploration has been streamlined, with the heroes' movesets retooled and all abilities available from the start. The number of Pagies has been increased, making the worlds feel less empty. A new NPC, Mark, allows for fast travel and reveals the location of undiscovered Pagies. Players can also collect coins and quills, which can be exchanged for equippable Tonics and upgrades.

The visual presentation has been enhanced, with richer detail and improved lighting creating a more vibrant atmosphere. However, the Switch 2 port is capped at 30fps, which can make the action appear choppy. The developers are considering a post-launch performance boost. Some bugs were encountered during the review, including sound issues and instances of clipping.

BNN's Perspective:

*Yooka-Replaylee* demonstrates a commitment to refining a game based on player feedback. While the technical issues on the Switch 2 are a concern, the gameplay improvements suggest a positive step forward for the franchise. It's a testament to the developers' dedication to delivering a polished experience.

Keywords: Yooka-Replaylee, Yooka-Laylee, Playtonic, 3D platformer, Banjo-Kazooie, remake, remaster, Switch 2, gameplay, collectibles, Pagies, controls, fast travel, exploration, visuals, bugs, performance

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