Message Block

Message Blocks, also referred to as Hint Blocks, are blocks with faces that appear in various platformers. They are most prevalent in the Yoshi franchise. They are usually white, smiling blocks that provide tips and hints to the player.

Super Mario World
Message Blocks first appeared in Super Mario World, where they usually describe a new level in the beginning stages of the game or explain a new game mechanic. Unlike later appearances, these Message Blocks have no face in Super Mario World but instead look like speakers.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island / Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3
Message Blocks became more common in the Yoshi series starting with Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, where they teach the player controls and give tips rather than saying things outright. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island gives Message Blocks their now-common look of smiling white faces with yellow cheeks. They reappear in the remake Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3.

Yoshi's Story
The Message Blocks return once more in Yoshi's Story. Here they fill the exact same role as they did in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. Their appearance has changed since then, though, as they are now much bigger, and their mouths continually move.

Yoshi's Island DS
They return in Yoshi's Island DS and are much the same as before but return to their Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island form.

Yoshi's New Island
They return in Yoshi's New Island. They mostly help Yoshi out with how to use the Mega Eggdozer and Metal Eggdozer.

Yoshi's Woolly World
They only appear five times in the game, with three in the first level and two in the third. They retain the appearance from Yoshi's Island DS, however their mouths now continually move, like in Yoshi's Story. Their cheeks are pink this time.

Super Smash Bros.
Message Blocks have a cameo in Super Smash Bros.. They appear in the stage Yoshi's Island where one can be seen in the background along with the Super Happy Tree. The same stage also makes a reappearance as playable for the sequel, Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Super Princess Peach
In Super Princess Peach, Message Blocks still give hints when hit, although here, they are yellow and blue and are called Perry Blocks, in reference to the umbrella of the same name.