Yooka-Laylee (2017)

Yooka-Laylee is an ambitious open-world platformer that harkens back to the golden age of 3D collect-a-thons. Developed by Playtonic Games, a studio formed by veterans of Rareware, it thrusts players into the vibrant, expansive worlds of Yooka and Laylee. As this unlikely duo, you'll traverse diverse environments, battling a cast of quirky characters and hoarding a dazzling array of collectibles. The game’s core mechanics revolve around acquiring new abilities to overcome platforming challenges and puzzles, all while thwarting the nefarious plans of Capital B to hoard the world's literature for his own profit. The Digital Deluxe Edition elevates this experience, offering an exclusive digital manual and art book filled with behind-the-scenes insights and concept art, alongside the phenomenal soundtrack composed by gaming legends David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, and Steve Burke. This title absolutely earns its place among the best from Playtonic Friends. Yooka-Laylee represents a passionate and successful revival of a beloved genre, showcasing Playtonic's deep understanding of what made those classic games so engaging. The playful humor, the inventive level design, and the sheer joy of exploration are all hallmarks of Playtonic's pedigree. Furthermore, the Digital Deluxe Edition enhances the appreciation for the game's creation, providing fans with a more comprehensive and immersive dive into its development. The inclusion of contributions from composers behind iconic soundtracks further solidifies its status as a high-quality, nostalgic, yet fresh adventure.