Yoshis Crafted World – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Yoshis Crafted World

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2019

86%

WISE Score

77%

IGDB

A delightfully gentle platformer where everything looks like a preschool craft project—in the best possible way.

Yoshis Crafted World

game

2019

86%

WISE Score

77%

IGDB

A delightfully gentle platformer where everything looks like a preschool craft project—in the best possible way.

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Where to Play

Nintendo

Screenwise Verdict

Yoshi's Crafted World is that rare game you can hand to a 5-year-old without a single worry—and they'll actually want to play it. The craft-paper aesthetic is genuinely creative (not just cutesy), and the flip-side mechanic adds a layer of spatial thinking that feels fresh.

It's not going to win awards for narrative depth or challenge hardcore gamers, but that's not the point. This is a cozy, cooperative, utterly stress-free platformer that builds real skills (coordination, problem-solving, spatial reasoning) while looking like a Pinterest board come to life.

The safety profile is basically flawless: no purchases, no chat, no violence beyond cartoonish bopping. If you've got younger kids or want a game the whole family can play without anyone rage-quitting, this is a top-tier choice. Just know that older/experienced players will breeze through it—which might be exactly what they need after a long day of Fortnite stress.

Age Fit

Perfect sweet spot for ages 4-10, especially kids who love crafts, gentle gameplay, or are new to platformers. Older kids might enjoy it as a nostalgia/relaxation game, but it won't challenge experienced gamers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Yoshi's Crafted World is exceptionally wholesome with its cheerful, non-violent gameplay centered on cooperation and exploration. The optional two-player co-op encourages teamwork without competition. The craft-aesthetic world is gentle and inviting, with Yoshi collecting items and solving simple puzzles. No weapons, no enemies that feel threatening—just a thoroughly positive, stress-free experience that models patience and persistence.

Imaginative

The handmade diorama art style is genuinely creative and distinct, presenting levels that look like cardboard, yarn, and craft materials. The flip-side mechanic—where you can view and play stages from the reverse angle—is inventive and encourages spatial thinking. Players hunt for hidden collectibles and Poochy-Pups throughout beautifully detailed environments. While it's a traditional platformer at heart (not open-ended creative play), the aesthetic imagination and perspective-shifting gameplay elevate it significantly.

Safe

Nearly perfect safety profile for a game. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no online chat, and users only interact locally in co-op. The gameplay is entirely non-violent—Yoshi doesn't fight enemies so much as gently bop them or wrap them in yarn. No sudden scares, no dark themes, no content that would surprise or upset a young player. The only minor deduction is that some younger kids might find certain timed challenges mildly stressful, but that's inherent to platforming, not a safety concern.

Enriching

Solid skill-building in hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning (especially with the flip-side mechanic), problem-solving, and pattern recognition. The collectible-hunting encourages thoroughness and observation. Co-op mode teaches turn-taking and collaboration. However, the game is fairly straightforward and doesn't push deep strategic thinking or offer much narrative depth—it's more about mastering platforming mechanics and enjoying the aesthetic. Entertaining and relaxing, but not profoundly enriching beyond motor skills and spatial awareness.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The handmade craft aesthetic is genuinely charming and visually distinct—kids who love art projects will be mesmerized
Co-op mode is truly cooperative (not competitive), making it perfect for siblings with different skill levels or parent-child gaming
The flip-side mechanic teaches spatial reasoning in a playful way—seeing the 'back' of each level is surprisingly delightful
Zero stress, zero violence, zero monetization traps—just pure, relaxing platforming fun
Builds hand-eye coordination and problem-solving without feeling like 'educational' content

⚠

What to Watch For

Experienced gamers (especially older kids) may find it too easy or slow-paced—this is firmly in 'chill vibes' territory, not challenge mode
The game can feel repetitive if played in long sessions; better suited to 30-minute play bursts
Some collectibles require backtracking and thoroughness that might frustrate impatient younger players

Conversation Starters

"Which side of the level did you like better—the front or the back? What was different?"
"If you could make a level out of stuff around our house, what would you use?"
"How did you and your sibling/friend figure out how to work together in that tricky part?"
"What was the coolest thing you found hidden in a level today?"

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