DaRmaZat When Yooka-Laylee first launched back in 2017, it carried the bright spirit of 3D platforming’s golden era on its green, googly-eyed shoulders. Created by Playtonic Games, a studio formed by former Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country veterans, the game promised a modern revival of that collectathon magic — whimsical worlds, pun-filled writing, and hundreds of shiny things to grab.
Reception at the time was mixed but warm: fans praised its charm and humor, even as some criticized its camera quirks and uneven pacing. Still, for many, it marked a welcome return of that rare, carefree energy long missing from modern gaming.
Eight years later, Playtonic Games returns with Yooka-Replaylee, a full-scale remaster published by PM Studios and Playtonic Friends, launching October 9, 2025. More than a visual overhaul, this “retelling” rebuilds levels, refines controls, adds new mechanics, and reimagines the adventure through a playful storybook presentation. It’s not just a nostalgic revisit — it’s a second chance for Yooka the chameleon and Laylee the fruit bat to show just how timeless a great platformer can be.
Between Books and… a Storybook
Of course, it all begins near Hivory Towers. After crash-landing their trusty Batship Crazy, chameleon Yooka and his bat companion Laylee stumble into a new misadventure. Deep inside a mysterious cave, they free The One Book—a magical tome said to grant any wish. Unfortunately, corporate villains Capital B and his quacking partner Mr. Quack want it for themselves.
When their malicious machine starts vacuuming up every book in existence, the pages of The One Book scatter across the world as “Pagies.” To restore its power, our duo must dive headfirst into books and their colorful worlds to reclaim what was lost. This playful setup fits perfectly with the duo’s tone: cozy, mischievous, and endlessly self-aware—while the villains are the typical dim-witted types who believe they’re geniuses, which adds a nice touch of humor. The storybook-style presentation—complete with cheeky narration and added embellishments—gives this retelling a personality all its own. Adding to the charm, is the orchestral soundtrack, featuring perfectly fitting melodies.
More, More, More
It’s immediately clear that Yooka-Replaylee does more than just polish the original game. The visuals look sharper and more modern, with reworked lighting, updated textures, and more expressive animation. Entire areas have been added, while older ones have been restructured with new camera perspectives, an improved flow, and fresh challenges. Truth be told, most of the areas and platforming sections remain relatively small in scale, and there are still loading segments—a remnant of the original game, of course.
Most of the puzzles—while simple and not particularly challenging—remain enjoyable, especially for younger players. They’re more cleverly integrated, collectibles feel more meaningfully placed, and traversal is more enjoyable thanks to refined camera controls. The new adventurers’ notebook also makes exploration smoother, helping you track Pagies, bookmarks, and even spendable Q.U.I.D.S., the game’s shiny new currency used for a wider range of tonics, cosmetics, and upgraded abilities. These return through Vendi, the ever-enthusiastic vending machine.
Platforming Improved
Where the original sometimes stumbled in navigation and platforming, Replaylee now leaps far more gracefully. Yooka’s rather basic moveset from the original has been expanded with many new combos and tighter controls, giving every jump and roll a confident rhythm. The camera—once a point of frustration—has been tamed as well, keeping pace even during the most chaotic sequences and top-down puzzle sections. It’s much easier to manage now, though still not always perfect.
Laylee’s abilities have also seen an impressive overhaul, with new gliding and echo-bouncing moves. Tagging in for precision platforming makes the duo’s teamwork feel more natural than ever. And then there’s Rextro, of course—back in his own playable arcade-style segments, offering a fun change of pace. Perhaps this time there’s finally a reason to chase high scores? For this review, I wasn’t quite able to find out yet.
Final Thoughts
Yooka-Replaylee is everything a remaster should be: a faithful rebuild that reimagines rather than repeats. From its crisp visuals and smoother controls to its expanded worlds and whimsical storytelling, it’s clear that Playtonic poured genuine care into this version. Minor quirks—like occasional camera hiccups or the odd clunky mini-game—don’t overshadow what’s here: a vibrant, joyful celebration of 3D platforming at its most sincere. Whether you’re revisiting a beloved adventure or discovering it for the first time, Yooka-Replaylee proves that good platformers don’t age—they just respawn stronger.
Additional Information
Release Date: Oct 9, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Playtonic games
Publisher: PM Studios, Inc., Playtonic Friends
Website: Yooka-Replaylee
Relevant links: Yooka-Replaylee on Steam
