Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review: A joyous exploration platformer on Switch 2
Yoshi is back and he delivers another joyous platform game for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Mysterious Book is a wonderfully designed and novel take on the usual side-scrolling puzzle fodder.
Animated in a drawing style, you play the cutesy critter as he delves into a living book to discover all sorts of wild and wacky animals on the island he lives in.
And this clever little title not only scratches that Mario platforming itch for 2026 but also gives us a unique twist on a well-trodden formula.
It all revolves around a talking book named Mr E which drops out of the sky onto the island where the Yoshis live.
Mr E’s pages are packed with creatures to discover, and he invites Yoshis to dive in and learn about them.
But they’re not alone: it looks like Bowser Jr and witch pal Kamek are also searching for a bird discovery of their own.
What ensures is the most lovely video game of the year, all based on the idea of discovery, and a feast for the eyes thanks to beautifully rendered graphics.
One minute you’re being led through the skies on living clouds, darting between them to collect sunflowers just out of normal reach.
The next it’s bouncing on the heads of little frog-type creatures as they each play a note, sounding out a song in the right order to unlock a collectible.
When examining creatures, Yoshi can jump on them, carry them on his back, gobble ‘em up to see what they taste like.
It’s simple to play and great fun as every level peels the onion layer back on another fascinating critter.
You get to name them each too as Mr E’s empty pages slowly fill out with details about your discoveries. Iff you’re stuck for a name Mr E will offer one.
Each discovery can lead to new avenues of exploration on these living pages and even more discoveries.
As players progress, more chapters of the book will unlock and expand research opportunities.
From woodland areas and windy mountaintops, to sunny seasides and bug-infested jungles, each one is packed with unique habitats for the subjects of Yoshi’s studies.
VERDICT 4/5
