Playtonic’s Yooka-Laylee has always been seen as a spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie, and now the duo is returning in Yooka-Replaylee – a reimagining that doesn’t just polish up the original, but meaningfully rebuilds it into something far larger. With PM Studios publishing, Playtonic is positioning this as the definitive version of their modern platforming adventure, complete with new content, mechanics, and refinements that reflect years of feedback. We went hands-on with the game at Gamescom, and came away impressed with how much more ambitious this is than a standard remaster.
What we know
Yooka-Replaylee revisits the original story of Yooka and Laylee, but does so with a retelling that adds new narrative flourishes and presents the adventure in a storybook-like style. Players will once again face off against Capital B, chasing down Pagies across colorful, fantastical worlds – only this time, there are double the challenges, areas, and collectibles compared to the first release. Gameplay has been significantly overhauled, with new moves, combos, and a sharper camera system giving platforming more flow and precision. A fresh collectible currency called Q.U.I.D.S. introduces additional ways to unlock secrets, mini-challenges, and upgrades, while the beloved tonic system now allows for deeper customization. On top of that, the soundtrack returns in grander form than ever, with orchestral arrangements of themes from David Wise, Grant Kirkhope, and Steve Burke, alongside new contributions from Dan Murdoch and Matt Griffin.
What we saw
At Gamescom, PM Studios showcased Yooka-Replaylee inside the bustling Indie Arena Booth, where we were able to try out a demo build and chat with the developers about their approach. The hands-on section let us test the revised controls, explore redesigned areas, and see first-hand how the game has evolved. The crowd around the booth was a clear sign of how much anticipation there is for this expanded return.
What we thought
The most striking takeaway is just how much more Yooka-Replaylee offers compared to its predecessor. The sheer amount of new content – from areas to challenges to collectibles – makes it feel less like a re-release and more like a full reimagining. For players who never tried the original, this already feels like the version to start with, and for returning fans it’s an enticing chance to rediscover the adventure in a significantly richer form. The new moveset, with smoother combos and better flow, makes traversing environments and tackling platforming sequences more enjoyable, while the reworked camera ensures these improvements aren’t undermined.
There’s also a strong sense that Playtonic has carefully listened to community feedback. Many of the rough edges of the original have been addressed – whether it’s pacing, navigation, or collectible placement, everything feels more streamlined and accessible without losing the charm of a true collectathon. The addition of fast travel and the adventurer’s notebook are smart quality-of-life upgrades that prevent frustration and keep momentum high. Meanwhile, extras like Rextro’s expanded isometric challenges and the new Q.U.I.D.S. system add variety, giving players more to do between the main worlds and reinforcing the sense of this being an all-in-one definitive package.
Visually and aurally, Yooka-Replaylee makes a strong impression. The colorful environments pop with more detail, and the orchestrated score lends a grandeur that enhances both exploration and platforming moments. The duo’s personality still shines through, but the presentation feels more polished and complete than before. Our demo also suggested that controls are more responsive and cameras work better, with character movement feeling natural and weighty in a way that makes tackling precision challenges more satisfying.
Overall, Yooka-Replaylee doesn’t just give Yooka-Laylee a second chance – it feels like the game Playtonic always wanted to make, brought up to modern standards and then some. With its wealth of new content, mechanical refinements, and presentation upgrades, it looks set to be a modern platforming classic that can stand proudly alongside the genre’s best.
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