Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Review: Don't Judge This Platformer by Its Cover

May 20, 2026 - 00:42

Nintendo's latest 2D platformer starring Yoshi proves that sometimes the most unexpected adventures come from the simplest premises. "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" takes the beloved dinosaur on a journey through the pages of a storybook, and the result is a breathlessly imaginative experience that finally gets Mario off Yoshi's back.

For years, Yoshi has played second fiddle to the plumber in red, often serving as a trusty mount rather than a star. This time, the green dinosaur leads the charge through hand-drawn worlds that feel ripped from a children's picture book. The art style is stunning, with watercolor backgrounds and paper-thin textures that make every level look like a living illustration. The game leans into its literary theme, letting players flip pages to reveal hidden paths, shake words out of sentences to create platforms, and even erase parts of the scenery to uncover secrets.

Gameplay stays true to Yoshi's roots: flutter jumps, tongue grabs, and egg-throwing are all here, but the level design is what shines. Each world introduces a new gimmick that never overstays its welcome. One moment you're riding a giant pencil across a sketchpad, the next you're dodging ink splatters from an angry author's pen. The difficulty ramps up gently, making it accessible for younger players while offering enough challenge for veterans hunting for collectibles.

The soundtrack deserves special mention, blending orchestral melodies with playful sound effects that match the whimsical tone. The story is light but charming, with Yoshi trying to restore a ruined book by collecting missing pages. It's a simple premise executed with polish and heart.

If you've ever wanted a Yoshi game that stands on its own, this is it. Don't judge this cover-it's far more than a cute face.