Yooka-Laylee, Playtonic Games’ crowdfunded indie throwback to 3D platformers, was one of many 2016 releases delayed to next year, but the team of ex-Rareware developers is still providing some interesting information to make the wait easier.
The game’s latest trailer is a good example, as it turns out that none other than Shovel Knight, from Yacht Club Game’s 2014 retro hit of the same name, will be making a cameo of some sort. Exact details remain unknown, but if the Banjo-Kazooie games Playtonic is drawing influence from are any indication, he will likely be an NPC seeking the help of titular heroes Yooka and Laylee.
2000’s Banjo-Tooie pulled a similar trick, when one level briefly featured Sabreman, one of Rare’s older protagonists, being thawed out of a frozen hibernation. The trailer also showcases many of the original characters that players will encounter, including the villainous Capital B and ability-teaching snake Trowzer.
Yooka-Laylee is scheduled to launch on PC, Mac, Linux, Wii U, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in early 2017.