Ylands – Review

GAME INFORMATION:
Release:  December 5, 2019
Players:  Up to 01 players
Genre:  Adventure, Casual
Developer:  Bohemia Interactive
Publisher:  Bohemia Interactive
Available languages:  English, Spanish, Czech, French, Italian, German, Russian
Available on platforms:  PC – Computer (Windows, Linux, Mac) and Nintendo Switch
Age rating:  10 Years
Version of the game analyzed:  American version for Nintendo Switch.

Ylands is a game that, at first glance, has everything to captivate those seeking creative freedom and personalized adventures. Developed by Bohemia Interactive, the title offers a sandbox universe with several possibilities, from exploring mysterious islands to creating entire worlds to share. With its arrival on the Nintendo Switch, a perfect portable experience was expected for those who like to let their imagination run wild anywhere. However, the execution of the adaptation for the console presents some challenges.

Ylands began as a creative tool within other Bohemia projects, but it quickly took on a life of its own. The game promised to be a space where players could explore, create, and share their ideas without restrictions. Initial trailers highlighted a charming visual style, accessible gameplay, and the promise of endless creativity. This focus on a more casual, younger audience was an interesting move for a studio better known for complex military simulation games.

One interesting point is how Ylands sought to differentiate itself from similar games, such as Minecraft , by incorporating a unique aesthetic and a robust creative mode. But did the Switch version manage to bring all this essence?

2. Technical Analysis and Operation

Mechanics and Gameplay

At the heart of Ylands is a mix of exploration, building and survival. The game has two main modes, which cater to different types of players:

1. Survival Mode
   You start on a desert island and must collect resources, build a shelter, and explore the surrounding archipelago. This mode is for those who enjoy challenges and creating strategies to overcome difficulties.
2. Creative Mode
   If you prefer more freedom, Creative Mode lets you create and modify the world however you want, without worrying about resources or survival challenges.

While the game has a lot to offer, the Nintendo Switch version has some issues. The controls aren’t as precise as they should be, which can make it difficult to perform actions like moving objects, building structures, or navigating menus. This can be frustrating, especially in moments that require more care or speed.

Graphics

Ylands stands out for its vibrant and simplified visual style, with colorful scenarios and an aesthetic reminiscent of minimalist animations. This approach gives the game a friendly and creative look, which fits well with the exploration and construction proposal. The landscapes, even if stylized, have a charm that encourages exploration, whether in search of resources or just to appreciate the environment.

However, in the Nintendo Switch version, the visuals lose some of their charm due to technical limitations. Low-resolution textures and the sudden appearance of elements in the scene (pop-ins) compromise the graphic quality. In addition, some areas seem excessively empty, which breaks the feeling of a living and immersive world. These problems end up taking away some of the magic that the game manages to convey on other platforms.

Sound

The sound effects in Ylands on Nintendo Switch help to build the atmosphere of the game, but they are lacking in some aspects. Sounds like the rustling of leaves, the sound of waves crashing on the beach and the noise of tools as they collect resources are pleasant and contribute to the immersion, creating a relaxing environment that is in line with the style of the game.

However, there are issues with audio quality and consistency that can detract from the experience. In more intense moments, such as during combat or dangerous situations, the sound effects are less impactful and can seem generic or muffled. Additionally, the mixing sometimes gives the feeling that the sounds are out of sync with the actions, which can break the immersion, especially in situations where auditory feedback is crucial.

Fun​

The fun in Ylands depends a lot on what you’re looking for. If your focus is on exploring and creating without rushing, the game offers enjoyable moments, but the lack of technical polish can get in the way. The replay factor is present in creative mode, but the performance limitations and less intuitive controls may discourage players who were expecting something more fluid.

Performance and Optimization

The Nintendo Switch version of Ylands faces serious performance challenges that compromise the player experience. Frequent drops in frame rate are one of the most noticeable issues, especially in more detailed areas or during moments of high action. This instability makes movement and interactions less fluid, directly affecting gameplay.

Additionally, loading times are noticeably long, which can be off-putting, especially when switching between islands or game modes. This delay breaks the rhythm of exploration and causes immersion to be constantly interrupted, taking away some of the fun of exploring the world of Ylands . For a game that encourages travel and discovery, this delay becomes even more frustrating.

Another recurring issue is the occasional glitches, which can range from minor visual bugs to more significant glitches that affect building or interacting with the environment. These issues, coupled with performance limitations, make the experience on Switch less enjoyable than on other platforms, making it difficult to appreciate the creative and exploratory potential that the game offers.

Conclusion

My experience with Ylands on Nintendo Switch was marked by mixed feelings. While the creative proposal and welcoming aesthetic are strong points, the technical issues and unresponsive controls made the game frustrating at times. Despite this, Ylands has the potential to please players who can overlook these issues in exchange for creative freedom and more relaxed moments.

If you’re curious to try the game, you might be better off opting for other platforms where performance is better. On the Switch, Ylands is an interesting idea that unfortunately stumbles in its execution.

Positive Points:

• Charming Visual Style;
• Variety of game modes;
• Creative and Accessible Proposal.

Negative Points:

• Unstable Performance;
• Problems with Controls;
• Reduced Graphic Quality.

Rating :
Graphics: 7.0
Fun: 7.5
Gameplay: 6.8
Sound: 8.0
Performance and Optimization: 5.0
FINAL GRADE: 6.86

* Analysis produced from a copy of the game provided by the Producer .