I am currently 22. I got my first video game console, a GameBoy Advance SP on Christmas day 2004, and obtained this game shortly after in 2005. I didn't even know until years later that this was originally a SNES title, but I played it almost non-stop along with Mario vs. Donkey Kong in my GBA library. I had many more games I frequently played. This was my first console after all and I would take everywhere with me. On one unfortunate day it was inevitably destroyed in a freak accident in 2006 at my daycare. I still remember it quite vividly because I was actually traumatized by it.....
Not to worry about my game cartridges at least, they were spared (I think there were only 2 games with me that day) and I got a newer GBA that could light up brighter than the old one! But I still hate that my old one was destroyed, it still bugs me even after 14 years. :(
Just wanted to share an old memory though. Back to the game the subject this review is of. I remember watching another kid playing it on their GBA while at the same daycare, and the moment I laid eyes on it I WANTED IT BADLY! Yoshi's Island was a hard game for me, and it frequently frustrated me. But boy did I have a TON of fun playing it! I was thoroughly overjoyed every time I came across a secret entrance or a secret hidden block (or CLOUD in this game) as there was a lot to uncover! I also learned how to gain tons and tons of lives and items through the bonus minigames! When I finally made it to the very end a couple years later and watched the credits, the satisfaction I had was so overwhelming that I broke down in tears (followed immediately by frustration when I realized I had no choice but to turn off the game.)
What great memories this game has given me! SNES version is probably a bit better, but I like the sound effects in this one more to be honest. 10/10 game no matter which version!
Also does anyone know about the secret way to defeat the level 3-8 boss? I know I'm not the first to discover it, but that was my greatest achievement as a kid and I went hysterical when I found it. I wanted to show EVERYONE, but I could only show my parents who hardly understood anything that was going on. If you're curious to know how it's done, there are a few videos on Youtube.
