Yoshi's Safari

"Don't mess with Yoshi when Mario's got a gun."

Ah, Yoshi's Safari. This game sure brings back memories. Memories of playing with my mother on a Saturday afternoon when my dad was working late. Memories of my grandmother sitting there holding my sleeping baby sister and playing as player 2 at the same time. Memories of my grandmother's best friend trying to play, not even realizing that the game wasn't even on...Good times...good times...

Yoshi's Safari is one of those weird games that, having played it, one will become addicted to and be able to play every day for the rest of his or her life and still not get bored. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but let's be real: this is one HELL of a game. For each category, I will list 2 scores. The first is the score for the time it was released. The second is how I would rate it now.

Graphics: 8/10, 6/10
The graphics were great for the time, but could have been a little better, considering this game was released just one year before Donkey Kong Country was released. Sure, in 1993, multi-colored water and constantly moving screens were pretty cool, but, let's face it: the ground and the water are one plain with not definition whatsoever. In other words, use a color tv. Also, the enemies move rather well for such an old game, considering occasionally in Super Mario World, enemies would slow down a little bit. It's no Super Mario Cart as far as graphic effects go, but, then again, what was back in 1993?

Sound: 6/10, 4/10
The worst part of the game is definitely the sound. Most of the music is too bright, especially considering how dark some of the later levels are. Also, when ever Yoshi runs over a Dash Sign, it's like Luigi firing up the vacuum cleaner in the background (In a frilly pink apron, I'd imagine). Still, Yoshi does actually cry out when hit, rather than just making some weird sound like a squeak toy or something. I mean, okay, there's no voices and polytonic ringtone music always blaring in the background. Big deal. That's what mute buttons are for.

Gameplay: 9/10, 7/10
Another fatal flaw: 12 levels. JUST 12 LEVELS. (Oh, and a secret mode with a super hard difficulty). Not a lot, but enough to get you through a Sunday afternoon. This is borderline pathetic, considering the number Super Mario World had. What more, you can't save your place in the game, meaning you have to start over EVERY TIME. This aside, once you get your bearings and learn to properly aim, the game can be quite fun. Each level has several different paths you can take, and 2 bosses (a total of 24). It's nice to fight some of the bosses using different means than just jumping and shooting fireballs. The worst part of this game is that it's so hard to set up sometimes, requiring some to move the receiver every 2 or 3 levels. One more warning: In level 7, there is one Dash Sign that causes Yoshi to run sideways like a cat with tape on its back. Weird, huh? This aside, (and the 12 levels), I'd say it's still a great game, once you get used to it.

Story: N/A
What story? Princess Peach is already safe and sound in the beginning. Not much left to do, but maybe if you help King Fret and Prince Pine, Princess Peach will open her mouth next time she kisses Mario...yeah right. Seriously, this game doesn't have much of a story. It's basically just go and get the gems and bring them back to Princess Peach. Then go rescue the King and Prince.

Replay: 7/10, 8/10
So once you beat the game, you need to decide if you want to replay it or not. There are 3 reasons why you should replay this game:
1. 2P mode. Now, player one controls Mario and player 2 controls Yoshi. It's a nice twist to the game and makes it so even your sweet old grandmother can play along. Mine did.
2. Secret mode. Now you can play with the difficulty up; a feature praised by modern Kingdom Hearts and Star Ocean players.
3. 2P Secret mode. See how far you can get before beating player 2 with the scope.
I still love this game. I've been playing it for 15 years, and I am still amazed by just how much power I have when I can shoot down my enemies (and ? blocks) with a gun instead of a fireball...Power is good. Real good.

On a final note, with a game this old, a review doesn't only encourage (or discourage) new players, but it also encourages (or discourages) old players who may want to play the game again. The biggest reason to play this game again is how it brings back fond memories in everyone who has previously played it.

Overall: 9/10, 6/10
Weighted: 8/10.
Buy it. It's a cheap game if you already have the scope. Play a little, have a little fun. Put it away and break it back out six months later, and for every friend you ever have over. Then repeat. Just don't knock it. Remember, Mario's got a gun.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/10/09

Game Release: Yoshi's Safari (US, September 1993)