Ubisoft's popular limbless mascot has been MIA on consoles since his previous entry, "Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc" from last generation. "Rayman Origins" marks his valiant return and offers one of the best 2D platformers on consoles. The manic gameplay perfectly complements the stunning visuals and has effectively brought a long-dormant franchise back into relevancy.
The tale begins with Rayman, Globox and his buddies relaxing in the Glade of Dreams when suddenly the Electoons and Nymphs are captured by the invading Darktoons. Rayman and friends set off in pursuit and from there, the player begins their journey through various worlds and levels.
Conforming to modern 2D platforming conventions, "Rayman Origins" features 4-player drop-in, drop-out co-operative play. With a simple button press, friends can join in or leave, making levels easily accessible for a quick playthrough or an extended gaming session. Upon death, players float around the level "New Super Mario Bros" Wii-style waiting for their surviving buddies to pop their bubbly figure.
Each level is designed brilliantly, with seemingly endless gameplay variations. One level you may be riding a mosquito in the middle of a thunderstorm, the next you're traversing through the stomach of a fiery monster chef. Different challenges, secrets and unlockable items are riddled throughout the adventure, giving hardcore gamers the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny while others can fly through the levels at their leisure. The difficulty ramps up in the later stages and if you're hoping to uncover every secret, prepare yourself for death after death.
New powers such as flight, wall-running or slapping are introduced as players progress. Every one of these are permanent abilities, and players will have to implement each one if they hope to explore everything this game has to offer. You can also hit your fellow players, ruining their game. It is as infuriating as it sounds, especially when attempting a difficult section. However, it's just as satisfying to slap your buddies into a tentacle and then defend yourself as they react furiously. While I have very few complaints about the game, I would sometimes get caught in sections where it was impossible to escape after taking damage and I was forced to watch helplessly as Rayman blew up onscreen.
Besides the fantastic gameplay, the art style in "Rayman Origins" is one of the most breathtaking I have ever seen. Levels often contain themes ranging from musical instruments, to lush green forests to the dark depths of the ocean. The fantastical backdrops are complemented by even more impressive details in the foreground. Minute details like puffs of dust or over-exaggerated expressions make the cartoonish character models even more elaborate. Moving through the levels and examining every new element they've included is just as enjoyable as the amazing gameplay.
"Rayman Origins" is the perfect holiday title for hardcore gaming sessions or playing with your family. Ubisoft has brought Rayman back with a stunning game that impresses as much with its visuals as with its gameplay. Never afraid to throw new experiences at the player, Rayman offers new opportunities at every junction, creating a game that's never repetitive or dull. Bringing back Ubisoft's first great character for its 25th anniversary has resulted in the best platformer to buy this holiday season and one of the most visually stunning I have ever seen. Rayman's revival is long-overdue, and after this latest adventure, I hope he's here to stay.
Grade: A-
