Yooka-Laylee remake confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series and “Nintendo platforms”

The highly anticipated remake of Yooka-Laylee, affectionately named Yooka-Replaylee, has been officially announced for release on consoles. Playtonic has set its sights on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and “Nintendo platforms”, indicating a release for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 rather than the current console. The game will also be available on PC, as previously announced.

We find ourselves in an interesting era for remakes and remasters, with Yooka-Replaylee being a remake of a game that is almost a decade old. Originally released in 2017, the game marked the debut title for Playtonic Games, which began development in 2015.

Instead of creating a sequel, Playtonic has chosen to revisit the original game in order to incorporate lessons learned over the years. Yooka-Replaylee will boast enhanced graphics, more dynamic environments, new and improved challenges, additional collectibles, new characters, and various quality of life improvements. The original game also received a significant Spit ‘n’ Polish update to address initial issues.

The visuals are quite impressive, and one can only hope that this remake paves the way for a full-fledged 3D platformer sequel if it garners enough popularity. Additionally, there was a side-scrolling spin-off titled Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair.

Serving as a spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie, Yooka-Laylee pays homage to the golden era of collectathon 3D platformers. Reflecting on the original review, Jim remarked, “In creating a 3D platformer reminiscent of the classics from the late nineties, Playtonic skillfully navigates around potential obstacles. Yooka-Laylee successfully revives a long-forgotten format with enthusiasm and passion. However, players should not expect it to revolutionize the genre.”