3D platformer tribute Yooka-Laylee is getting a surprise sequel that turns the franchise into a more traditional 2D (or 2.5D platformer).
Titled Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, this upcoming sequel will reportedly combine elements of 3D exploration with 2D platforming. It’s not entirely clear how the 3D elements work at this time, though, as the only reference to them in the trailer mention a 3D overworld to explore. Based on the little footage that we see in the trailer, it seems like the game might function as an enhanced version of Donkey Kong Country 3. That is to say that you’ll navigate between 2D levels by exploring a 3D overworld loaded with puzzles, collectibles, and secrets.
For the most part, though, it does seem like developer Playtonic is leaning on the 2D platforming elements. So far as that goes, these levels seem to resemble the complex (and beautiful) ones we’ve seen in games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. It remains to be seen whether or not this game will be quite as punishingly difficult as that title, though.
Despite the changes, there are aspects of Impossible Lair that verify its sequel status. Not only does the game continue the story of the first by asking players to help Queen Phoebee bring peace to the Royal Stingdom, but we see appearances from some of the original game’s characters. Besides, it’s pretty obvious the original game’s sense of…humor is going to make a comeback.
Advertisement
We reviewed the original Yooka-Laylee and found it to be a loving tribute to the 3D platformer genre popularized by Rare and Nintendo. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily a good thing. The game also featured many of the problems featured in those classic titles, including the overreliance on the number of collectibles that we saw in the daunting Donkey Kong 64. Thankfully, the 2D genre tends to be more historically rock solid and makes Impossible Lair a slightly more appealing prospect than the first game.
Here’s what we know about Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair:
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair Release Date
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is set to be released sometime in 2019 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam, and Xbox One.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair Trailers
The latest trailer for Yooka-Laylee focuses on the game’s alternate levels mechanic and a few other features. Take a look:
Here’s the debut trailer for Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair:
Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014.