By Purple Yoshi
July 9, 2003
Ever since the release of Super Smash Brothers Melee in December 2001, there has been an uproar from many yoshi fan regarding yoshis new "look". Fans say that yoshi has been ruined or is no longer cute. I however, felt as though yoshi has evolved slightly. Fans can not possibly expect yoshi to remain the same forever. He has already changed so much since his debut in Super Mario World in 1991. From reliable friend, to hero, to multi player game selectable character, yoshi has seen many years, and many changes.
Why the uproar now? Fans said nothing as the two dimensional hero transformed into the very cute fruit eater. People didn't say a word when yoshi became a character of his own rather than Mario's faithful pet. So, why now? My theory on this issue is that yoshi has reached an all time "high" in popularity. While mario is unfairly being criticized for his latest adventure game, Super Mario Sunshine, yoshi has gained more fans than ever. Yoshi websites are much more common than any other nintendo site dedicated to a specific character. He has been part of many games for Nintendo64, and the sudden change in his appearance has angered fans. I don't see why. Yoshi in Super Smash Brothers Melee is very similar to the way he was in such games as Mario Golf, or Super Smash Brothers.
It infuriates me that yoshi "fans" are turning their backs on him because of MINOR changes! There is not nearly enough difference to go from loving the adorable dino to despising everything about him.
Since the release of Super Mario Sunshine in August of 2002, some fans have come to their senses. Though the majority of people now accept the gamecube yoshi as he is, there are still a few fanatics who insist that Nintendo has ruined him. Now fans are complaining about green yoshi's incredibly small role in Super Mario Sunshine. Yoshi can be pink, purple, or orange, and he turns green when he is about to die from lack of fruit. Many people are very vocal with their opinions on the yoshi colours in Super Mario Sunshine. I say that change is good, and green yoshi WAS included in the game, so what are they complaining about?
It is a sad thing that there will always be people who hate yoshi. As he changes more in the games yet to come, more gamers will be outraged. I tend to think that no matter how yoshi is changed, it won't change the past. Yoshi in Yoshi's Island, or Yoshi's Story will always remain the same. One shouldn't dislike yoshi based on his new look, if they still like the older games. There are some people who are fans on and off, depending on the most recent game with yoshi in it. There are also some fans that loved yoshi ever since they picked up their Super Nintendo controller, and played Super Mario World. I am proud to say that I am one of them, and I will follow yoshi wherever Nintendo takes him. Despite what some people think, I feel as though they are taking yoshi in a new and exciting direction.
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