Yoshi's Island brings classic character to DS

Nintendo's Yoshi's Island for Super Nintendo was considered an instant classic. The quirky storybook-styled graphics and entertaining gameplay was appreciated by critics and consumers alike.

There was a pseudo-sequel for the N64 called Yoshi's Story, and it was re-released for the GBA a few years ago, but Yoshi's Island finally gets a true sequel for the DS.

Yoshi's Island DS picks up where the previous game left off. Bowser's right-hand Koopa Kamek has been stealing the island's babies.

Fortunately, the stork was able to rescue a familiar red-capped baby and meets with the Yoshis to get the babies back.

The game maintains the look and feel of the original.

Turning enemies into eggs and throwing them is as fun as ever, but Baby Mario is not the Yoshis' only passenger -Baby Peach, Baby DK, Baby Wario and Baby Bowser all take turns in the saddle.

To justify this, each baby gives the Yoshis different abilities. All of these abilities are required to clear the levels and receive a perfect score.

The levels span a wide range of environments with matching graphics.

The Yoshis navigate over plains, sewers, jungles, caves, clouds and castles. These castles also house the mini and end-bosses in each level. Bosses are generally supersized versions of regular enemies, but they require more complex methods to defeat.

Also, clearing each stage in a level with a perfect score unlocks additional, more challenging stages.

The difficulty starts out easy enough, but the final levels will test even the most seasoned players.

While the touch screen is usually not used during game play, it does allow for an extended view of the surroundings.

The gap between the two screens may hide platforms or items, but it also creates the feel of looking through a window.

The music is one of the less impressive factors of this game, but it doesn't detract from the experience.

Only those who remember the previous game may be disappointed with it.

Also, it is exceedingly easy to stock up an absurd amount of extra lives.

The only time when one is lost is when the riding baby gets knocked off of Yoshi for too long or falling in a pit, spike or lava trap.

This game is another excellent example of pure platforming excellence.

Anyone looking for an entertaining game with a side of challenge will be pleased with this game. Just make sure that the babies never stay off the saddle for long.