Rayman Origins Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
Dev: Ubisoft
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: November 15, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Suggestive Themes

Multiplayer gameplay occurs in the main levels of the game, and is the way to go for less hardcore players. Up to four people can play at once, though the result is a bit of a different feeling than the elegant single-player game evokes. There's a lot more push-and-pull involved. Though players are able to help keep each other alive, they can also accidentally (or purposefully) knock each other around. Still, it's an easy drop-in, drop-out system, so it's worth giving a spin.

Rayman Origins Screenshot

Rayman's spell does break occasionally. The checkpoint system disappears during the speed run challenges that are a part of every medallion. That means one hit or slip and you're back to the beginning of the level, which is likely to be frustrating to all but the most hardcore players. The controls can also be a bit hard on the hands. Between holding down the hover button and pressing in the trigger that allows for wall-running, it's advisable to take regular breaks from the game in order to avoid hand cramps, especially if you have stupidly small hands like I do. Finally, more casual players may be disappointed to learn that later in the game, access to bosses requires having filled a certain number of medallion slots, meaning that a certain number of "optional" challenges must be completed in order to finish the main story of the game.

Rayman Origins has received just short of a "Must Buy" rating due to the design decisions that may frustrate some players. Hardcore platforming fans, however, absolutely must pick up this title. It's some of the most interesting and challenging platforming to come along in some time, and the excellent audiovisual design is icing on the cake. Platforming fans who felt that Super Mario 3D land was just a bit too short will find Rayman Origins to be refreshingly lengthy and more challenging throughout. More casual players will enjoy the amazing world and the diversity of levels available, although they may not make it to the end of the game. I implore anybody who enjoys traditional two-dimensional platformers to put down their guns and swords at some point this holiday season and grab a copy of Rayman Origins. You'll be glad you did.

By Becky Cunningham
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.8

Graphics
Rayman Origins features a beautifully made, imaginative 2D world that looks gorgeous in HD.

4.5

Control
In general, Rayman controls like a dream, with a bit too much button holding as the only complaint.

4.2

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Sound effects are delightfully wacky, and the soundtrack is appropriately weird and wonderful.

4.3

Play Value
There's a ton of content here; enough that the forced repetition of old levels could have been avoided.

4.4

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

A Massive Universe to Explore: Rayman Origins includes over 100 characters, 12 unique worlds, and over 60 levels of 2D platforming gameplay designed for all ages and playing styles. Unlock abilities progressively and return to previous levels to discover new paths and uncover secrets.

Crazy Moves & Gameplay: Rayman Origins is a platformer at its core, but it has elements of many game genres. Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies gain unique abilities as they progress through the adventure, including swimming, diving, slapping, and the sensational "HairlyCopter." The game also features many elements of action, adventure, beat-'em-up gameplay and slapstick comedy.

Epic Boss Fights: A giant pink monster with hundreds of eyes, a possessed, mountainous golem, an evil daisy-cum-carnivorous plant; Rayman Origins will put players to the test with these and many more challenging boss battles.

4-Player, Jump-In/Jump-Out, Co-op Gameplay: Play on the same screen as Rayman in the solo campaign, or have up to three friends jump in at any time to play as Globox or as one of the two Teensies. Players can leave at any time without affecting the others' progression.

Rebirth of a Platforming Legend: It's been 15 years since the first launch of Rayman. Discover the roots of Rayman by encountering classic characters & collecting and assembling pieces of the Glade's history to reveal the truth behind Rayman's origins.