The story is really an entertaining one; it all starts with a stork carrying twins, but before it could deliver its cargo it was attacked by a mysterious villain and dropped the twins. But our mysterious villain could only kidnap one of the twins, later learning that the other twin had fallen onto Yoshi’s Island. (The Island where Yoshis live, naturally.) Of course by this time baby Mario has become the center of attention in the Yoshi community, and with baby Mario’s seemly innate ability to sense the whereabouts of his twin brother. The Yoshis wanting to help make the only sensible decision available; they decide to convoy the child, via Yoshi, to reunite baby Mario with his twin brother.

Now of course the true greatness of this game lies within its classic Mario style game-play. Ever since Mario 3 we have not had so many options in a Mario title, besides the same old, jump and ‘B-speed’ buttons. But in Yoshi’s Island you have plethora of moves and abilities to choose from. I’ll start with the basics, egg laying; you’ll never see Mario pulling this stunt off and thank our sweet lord for that! In YI eggs are your most important weapon for protecting baby Mario, because it gives Yoshi egg ammunition to hurl at his enemies. Also Yoshi has an air-walking ability, which allows you to prolong your jump and gives you a few extra inches of vertical. Add in Yoshi’s ability to morph into a helicopter, as well as his ability to preform the standard Mario title “butt-stomp” technique and you have a dinosaur on a mission. But wait there’s more! What Yoshi game would be complete without his classic tongue attacks? Yoshi can use his tongue to swallow his foes whole or he can just as easily spit them back with deadly precision. (Ok first picture Yoshi, and now try to picture “deadly”)

As with most Mario titles the atmosphere is an important element as anything in the game and this game has plenty of it; the level designs just scream Miyamoto! The levels are bright colorful with great background designs, and as with most Mario titles you never feel lost or overwhelmed by the puzzles and challenges that are within the game. (Not to say that this game is easy just not impossible, can anyone say Mega Man Zero?) You’ll see many traditional Mario enemies and of course they will be accompanied by many new faces. (I am happy to see Yoshi getting a steady diet of Shy guys.) Graphically the characters interact beautifully with all of the game environments, making this game a joy to watch even on the GBA screen. (Seeing baby Mario flash the “peace” sign after defeating a castle level made me grin from ear to ear.)

All in all this is just another bright and shining jewel on the Miyamoto crown of accomplishments! This often overlooked masterpiece will finely get the time in the lime light it deserves. People that own the GBA should not hesitate to buy this game, people who are fans of the Mario series need to get a hold of this game by any means necessary. This is truly a game that gamers live for!