Game Review:Rayman Raving Rabbids

A raving experience.

A virgin when it comes to playing Rayman games, the funny-looking evil rabbits that were portrayed in various videos of the game eventually led me to Rayman Raving Rabbids. In case you are wondering, the DS version of Rayman Raving Rabbids is significantly different from its console counterparts, which are essentially a collection of mini-games. Being no fan of mini-games packages, which have became so rampant on the DS platform nowadays, just knowing that the DS version packs some platforming levels besides the usual mini-games gave me a compelling reason to jump into the Rayman franchise for the first time. Did the extra platforming levels deliver? Was the inclusion the aforementioned gameplay component for good or for worse?

The answer: It was for good. From top to bottom, the game exudes great creativity. Each ‘mission’ consists of 3 parts, namely the first platforming level that does not make use of the touch-screen in any way and the second platforming level that requires full use of the touch-screen, with a mini-game sandwiched in between the double platforming levels. The second platforming level is unique by the fact that you do not control Rayman’s movements; instead, you need to manipulate the environments to get Rayman to the finishing point. As you progress through the game, you get new abilities, as well as new costumes. Each of these 4 different costumes, when donned by Rayman, gives him special abilities exclusive only to that particular costume. For example, when Rayman is wearing the fire costume, he can slash foes and cut chains that hold up bridges, but he cannot freeze objects. The second platforming level becomes more and more challenging into the game after all 4 costumes are unlocked because quick reflexes are needed to quickly change Rayman into another costume lest you want him to fall to his demise. That is not to say the first platforming level lacks the brilliance of the second platforming level. The costumes are a necessity in these levels as well so that different obstacles can be overcome. There are instances where you are required to go back to a particular stage after you have gained a new ability or costume, and it feels forced at first, but after a while, you will realize that the stages have different paths that lead to different mini-games and second platforming levels. Most of the mini-games are also enjoyable. Short duration they have, but nonetheless, fun breaks that separate the double platforming levels. Incentives such as images of the rabbids and bonus mini-games can be unlocked as you advance further into the game.

Besides the challenges of the platforming levels, I also do like the artistic style of the game. Wacky, funky, funny, call it whatever you want. Unfortunately, big pixels sometimes pop onto the screens when objects appear close-up because of some low resolution textures. That does not suggest that the graphical quality of the game is bad because well, the graphics just do not look bad to me. A couple of licensed music like ‘Pump It’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ can be heard in the game as well and that gives the game more flavor.

Final Comments
Rayman Raving Rabbids puts one satisfying and creative gameplay experience into one competent package. The platforming levels are challenging and brilliant, with the costumes adding spice to the game. The mini-games are mostly enjoyable. The artistic style of the game is nice and the game is graphically appealing, though there may be some low resolution textures lying around, but overall, there’s nothing major to complain about. Perhaps my only gripe is that the controls may get a tad unresponsive at some particular areas, leading to some cheap deaths. If you are looking for a good platforming game, this is it.

TOTAL SCORE: 9.1/10

The Good:
- Challenging and creative platforming levels
- Mostly enjoyable mini-games
- Nice artistic style
- Licensed music
- Graphically appealing

The Bad
- Some low resolution textures evident
- Unresponsive controls at some particular areas