| Platform | OVERALL |
|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | 9.30 |
| Overall | 9.30 |
|
Rayman Origins began as a downloadable title but evolved into a full fledged retail title. The move was off putting to some that felt a 2D animated platformer would not be worth the price of a full title but don't be afraid, Rayman is one of the best platformers this gen. Rayman is a traditional side scrolling platformer in every way. You run and jump through colorful worlds usually involving real world items in funny ways like jumping on fruits with eyes. Or going through a crazy giant fiery kitchen while mexican music plays. Of course there is an ice level, green levels, flying levels, underwater levels, everything you would expect from a platformer. The game is BEAUTIFUL, the HD animation is incredible and makes for one of the most stunning games you will play. What makes this game so great is the pure platforming greatness that is packed in every level. The first half of the game introduces new powers about every 6 levels of so. After you get a hand of the running and jumping physics (which are perfect) you get the power to glide, later you get to shrink and eventually the ability to run up walls. All these skills get mixed in with each other to create very well balanced challenges. The last half of the game is the mastering of all these skills with some of the best platforming you will see. It is never too difficult, never too easy, the game walks a line where everyone can enjoy it. My favorite aspect of these levels, of which there are over 60 of them, is how they can be completed different ways. There is the standard level goal in which you reach the end. Each level is filled with lums all organized in a way where you have to keep a running pace and do extreme timed jumps to get them all, collect nearly all to master the level. Then there is the time trial where the levels become a race to a finish line causing you to speed to the level for a whole different challenge. It is a testament to the excellent level design to have nearly all stages work in these different ways. The game took me a good 15 hours to 100%, which is a daunting task, take half that time to simply finish it. I wish there was a bit more variety in the title though. The game is almost totally focused on core platforming elements that I miss zany moments like riding animals, or simply doing crazy mini game levels. The only levels outside of the standard platforming is riding a giant mosquito which acts like an old school shoot em up. These levels are really cool but I wish for something else to go with it. Also many level backgrounds start to repeat as the game goes on, it almost feels like you revisit worlds with new levels. The bosses in the game are excellent but the only show up in the last half, could have used a bit more. Rayman is a phenomenal game that any fan of platformers should buy. Have no fears of it being once a downloadable title, this is better than most epic multi-million dollar budget games you will play. |
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Posted by Dvader Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:14:52
Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:14:00
Sounds cool, will hobo it on 360
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:41:29
I:d lie and say I'll get this on Vita, but given my abilities with 2d platformers we all know that will never happen.
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:42:09
Oh and nicely written.
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:49:40
Sweet review. Glad I ordered it the other day. Glad one of my all-time favourite genres is still very much alive and well thanks to games like this
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