Playtonic has excelled with The Impossible Lair, surpassing their 3D platformer installment. I've always been a fan of the original game, even though it's not the popular opinion. However, I'm thrilled with the improvements made in every aspect with this shift. It's great to see that they hit their strides with this game.
The buddy duo Yooka & Laylee are an absolute blast to navigate through the tightly designed levels. They perfectly blend the challenging elements of Donkey Kong Country games with a satisfying flow that kicks in once you get the hang of controlling the characters.
The setup of this game is a nice twist & double that with the hub world which is a top-down structure like 2D Zelda. At first, I had concerns about its shallow nature, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it has to offer. The puzzles are captivating, there are plenty of collectibles to explore, and mini-challenges are quick & fun to do. It offers a cozy experience, especially after enduring some intense levels. It serves as a refreshing break without feeling half-fasted.
The presentation has certainly seen an improvement in visuals and soundtrack compared to the first game. I'm glad they maintain their excellent writing style, adding charm & entertainment to the characters. It's impressive how they've carved unique personalities & not much being under the Banjo-Kazooie’s shadows as time goes on.
I have two main issues with this game. Firstly, a significant portion of the Tonics you collect are simply different visual filters, which I find unrewarding. Secondly, the few altered levels that exist are not particularly unique compared to their original forms.
Besides these complaints, this game goes for a significantly reduced price, often seen at bargain prices during discounted sales. It is such a steal considering that it is one of the finest modern 2D platformers that I have played. Playtonic has crafted a game that retains familiarity without being trapped in the past while introducing unique elements that set it apart without losing focus, a criticism often directed at their 3D platformer installment.
The buddy duo Yooka & Laylee are an absolute blast to navigate through the tightly designed levels. They perfectly blend the challenging elements of Donkey Kong Country games with a satisfying flow that kicks in once you get the hang of controlling the characters.
The setup of this game is a nice twist & double that with the hub world which is a top-down structure like 2D Zelda. At first, I had concerns about its shallow nature, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it has to offer. The puzzles are captivating, there are plenty of collectibles to explore, and mini-challenges are quick & fun to do. It offers a cozy experience, especially after enduring some intense levels. It serves as a refreshing break without feeling half-fasted.
The presentation has certainly seen an improvement in visuals and soundtrack compared to the first game. I'm glad they maintain their excellent writing style, adding charm & entertainment to the characters. It's impressive how they've carved unique personalities & not much being under the Banjo-Kazooie’s shadows as time goes on.
I have two main issues with this game. Firstly, a significant portion of the Tonics you collect are simply different visual filters, which I find unrewarding. Secondly, the few altered levels that exist are not particularly unique compared to their original forms.
Besides these complaints, this game goes for a significantly reduced price, often seen at bargain prices during discounted sales. It is such a steal considering that it is one of the finest modern 2D platformers that I have played. Playtonic has crafted a game that retains familiarity without being trapped in the past while introducing unique elements that set it apart without losing focus, a criticism often directed at their 3D platformer installment.