It seems kind of fitting that yesterday I wrote an editorial about Nintendo’s approach to gaming (sticking with safe, iterative properties), and then today I am putting up a review round-up for another Mario Bros.-based platformer. Yes, Woolly World is gorgeous, and yes it is undoubtedly charming, but it does not make it any less safe of a game for Nintendo to make. That said, I cannot help but want to play it when I see it in motion. Like Kirby’s Epic Yarn before it, Nintendo has mastered virtual fabrics and materials when applying them to traditional gameplay. But just how good is Yoshi’s Woolly World. Well hear what the critics have to say, below:

Nintendo Life: Yoshi’s Woolly World has been a long time coming, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait. It’s accomplished platforming within Yoshi’s quirky and unique template, and has enough soft cuteness to charm young gamers and melt the hearts of the most jaded of veteran gamers. Along with some of Nintendo’s best co-op platforming, tough collectible challenges for skilled players and some simple but neat use of amiibo, it also delivers where it matters the most with clever, witty stage design. This stands up as one of the Wii U’s elite games – perfect for snuggled in gaming time. (9/10)

Nintendo World Report: Yoshi’s Woolly World is the best Yoshi game I have ever played. The controls feel extremely solid and the gameplay quirks just keep coming that makes it a unique experience. With over 50 levels to explore and many secrets to undercover, the game will keep you going for quite a while too. While I wish that the bosses and loading times were better, that shouldn’t stop you from playing the game. If you play it alone or with a friend, you will have a blast looking in every nook and cranny that the world offers. It was an adventure that I didn’t want to miss for the world. (8.5/10)

The Sixth Axis: Yoshi’s Woolly World is a joyful platformer, which takes a different approach to other games in the Mario family by emphasising collection and exploration, while retaining a solid level of challenge. Despite a few technical problems and design missteps, the variety, and thoughtfulness, of the myriad mechanics make it a pleasure, as you advance through each world exploring every nook and cranny. Once again, the Wii U makes an excellent argument for its existence, especially when it’s giving players time in the company of one of Nintendo’s most beloved characters. (8/10)

IGN: There’s a handful of really great levels in Yoshi’s Woolly World, which makes the most of its setting and choice of character. The world is exactly what I expected, thematically and in terms of structure: sand, snow, clouds, and fire, punctuated by bosses holed-up in themed fortresses. It’s incredibly familiar, but the imaginative and attractive art style makes it feel fresh and appealing. Outside of those great few levels, Woolly World is a more forgettable and fragmented experience. Cool mechanics are cooked up, but they’re dropped into levels which never realise their full potential and fixate more on unearthing frustrating collectibles. (7.4/10)

Game Spot: Should you decide against hunting down Woolly World’s hundreds of secluded items, opting instead to dash across its 48 levels as though you were playing any other Mario platformer, then you’re likely to come away slightly disappointed. Played straight, Woolly World does not inspire enough quick thinking or daring leaps of faith. There’s no time limit, and no lives to lose, which gives the proceedings a measured, pedestrian pace. (6/10)

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