Team17 sent Family Friendly Gaming a digital download code for Yoku's Island Express before the game officially launched to the public. This is an interesting adventure video game based on pinball mechanics. We are an ant that pushes around a ball. He is actually the new postmaster for an island.

Beetle's about.

Gloriously adorable; Beautiful visual style; Intelligent level design

Inertia issues

What's brown and sounds like a bell Despite the coprophagial tendencies of the hero, this game is very decidedly NOT a steaming pile. On the contrary, it's one of the most ingenious, original games I've played in a long time.

Yoku is a dung beetle headed to Mokumana Island to become their new postmaster. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes before his arrival as their deity, Mokumana, is attacked and it's up to Yoku to rally the three island chiefs to save it.

Fun mashup of pinball and platformer genres; colorful hand-painted visuals

Unlike traditional platformers you don't have complete control over Yoku unless you're good at pinball or physics

If you can wrap your brain around what developer Villa Gorilla calls an "open-world Metroidvania pinball adventure," and you don't mind playing as a spry dung beetle, you're in for a unique and wholly satisfying treat.

I'd have loved to have been at the brainstorming session that came up with Yoku's Island Express. "I've got this great idea for a character called Yoku!" says one of the three-strong team that is Villa Gorilla.

Cool fusion of pinball; platforming; and Metroidvania; Beautiful art; Jesse Harlin's soundtrack

Constant precision can be wearing; Fast-travel system doesn't cover the whole map; Repetition sets in towards the end

a pinball/platforming hybrid that works brilliantly well

For everyone out there who has been beaten down by the relentless pursuit of thrills and high scores, Yoku's Island Express is going to feel very refreshing. It's a charming vacation filled with beautiful locales. Taking the time to explore everything is highly recommended.