Post by: Smash_Brother on July 22, 2006, 10:07:13 PM
I completed Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc in 6-7 hours, but I rushed through and certainly didn't unlock everything.
I'll say first and foremost that the game's only real flaws are a lack of polish (could have used subtitles for some of the voice acting) and it's a bit short. For being a game which was developed for all consoles, I can hardly blame it for being this way. I've yet to see an all console release that registers in my mind as a AAA title.
But I enjoyed it. I loved the voice acting (which is very well done), the jokes (of which there are many, some rather lewd at that: the ESRB must just not have EARS in order to let some of these go by), and the platforming was challenging and constant.
It reminded me very much of the 16-bit era's platformers, like Rocket Knight Adventures and Earthworm Jim, except it was brought into 3D very well, reminding me of Conker's Bad Fur Day. The bosses were generally VERY creative, with the last boss being a multistage epic.
The thing about Rayman gameplay (at least 3) is that you never know what to expect next. One minute, you'll be using a grapple line to swing from grapple point to grapple point, then catapulting off of exploding balloons, then scaling a wall, shimmying across the vines on the ceiling, then all off a sudden you're thrown into a minigame-like sequence where you're mashing the A and B buttons to paddle up a waterfall while trying to dodge piranhas. Then, you'll be using your detachable fists to pummel enemies and use the special item they drop to bash down a door or activate your next objective with a guided rocket which you yourself can aim. Then, you race down a mountain on a snowboard, stomp enemies with a giant mech after killing its original pilot, and race up a set of platforms as lava rises underneath you, nearly killing you at every step of the way.
It was always fun, but some points in particular had me sitting forward on the couch, grinning with glee. Something about some of these mini-segments just brought out the oldskool hardcore gamer in me; the 10 year old who absolutely would NOT get up to go to the bathroom until he had cleared this last room.
The more I reflect upon it, the more I like it.
If you haven't tried the game, I'd very much recommend you rent a copy and give it a whirl. The story is a bit difficult to follow at the beginning, but the platforming is so absolutely solid that it's easily forgiven, especially near the end where you'll be treated to rooms with invisible platforms which you can only see in the mirror. A lot of the puzzles reminded me of Prince of Persia, no doubt because of the Ubi team's influence on both games.
At the very least, I'd say rent it just to get acquainted with Rayman. With the recent announcement of Rayman 4 becoming at least a timed Wii exclusive, and after the rumor that Ubi will be contributing a character to SSBB (given Ubi's support unprecedented Wii support, it's hard to argue, especially since they deserve it far more than that ingrate, Kojima) I think it all but confirms him for SSBB.
I know Snake already. Had I not, I would have sought a game of his so I could find out. Knowing what I now know about Rayman, I decided I wanted to know him as well pending his inclusion in SSBB.
The verdict: I like him. The games definitely have a quirky, comic edge to them (VERY reminiscent of Earthworm Jim), but the dedication to some of the older platforming archetypes has won me over.
If you're at all a fan of platformers, you need to try this game. I tried it because I wanted to understand the character of Rayman and I'm glad I did. I know it's not 100%, but were he to be in SSBB, I can honestly say that he earned that spot, with his most recent game being a testament to the hardcore platforming and action upon which the video game market was built. Rayman offers a throwback to when games weren't afraid to bombard you with challenging gameplay which is completely unforgiving for inexperienced gamers.
I know it means nothing in the grand scheme of things, but Rayman has this old SSB fanatic's seal of approval.
Post by: KDR_11k on July 23, 2006, 03:35:00 AM
The changing is just the third part, the others are fairly consistent in their gameplay. There are a few areas with altered rules but it's nowhere near as extreme as a Treasure game.
Voice acting was just gibberish in the second part.
Post by: Smash_Brother on July 23, 2006, 08:11:47 AM
Unlocking bonus levels was all purely optional and didn't prevent you from completing the game.
Post by: KDR_11k on July 23, 2006, 09:39:02 AM
Post by: Athrun Zala on July 23, 2006, 09:55:17 AM
but I loved the second one, but getting everything is pretty hard.....I haven't got every lum yet :/
Post by: ShyGuy on July 23, 2006, 08:26:08 PM
Soul Calibur II
Beyond Good and Evil
um... I guess that's about it, heh.
Post by: Arbok on July 23, 2006, 09:59:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: ShyGuy
I think there have been a few AAA multiconsole titles current gen. Not many though
Soul Calibur II
Beyond Good and Evil
um... I guess that's about it, heh.
I would add Timesplitters 2 to that tally as well.
Post by: Sir_Stabbalot on July 24, 2006, 05:34:33 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on July 24, 2006, 07:11:29 AM
SC2 was excellent and I still need to finish BG&E...
Post by: UniversalJuan on July 24, 2006, 09:14:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
I thought TS was good, but not a AAA.
Hold the phone right there. If Halo gets to be considered AAA FPS gaming, then you are correct, TS isn't AAA....it's like...AAAAA.
Post by: Smash_Brother on July 24, 2006, 09:57:55 AM
It's a good game, but I ain't calling it AAA by any stretch.
Post by: KDR_11k on July 26, 2006, 07:34:47 AM
Post by: UniversalJuan on July 26, 2006, 06:45:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
Er, when did I say Halo was AAA?
It's a good game, but I ain't calling it AAA by any stretch.
My comment was aimed at the general gaming populace ;x
Post by: Kairon on July 26, 2006, 10:22:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
Er, when did I say Halo was AAA?
It's a good game, but I ain't calling it AAA by any stretch.
Well if you won't I will.
I mean... it's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it. *shrug*
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: IceCold on July 26, 2006, 10:41:51 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on July 27, 2006, 09:48:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon I mean... it's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it. *shrug*
It's high time the devil fired some of his advocates.
Post by: KDR_11k on July 27, 2006, 10:17:15 PM
Post by: Nick DiMola on July 28, 2006, 05:40:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: UniversalJuanQuote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
I thought TS was good, but not a AAA.
Hold the phone right there. If Halo gets to be considered AAA FPS gaming, then you are correct, TS isn't AAA....it's like...AAAAA.
Dude, amen to that.
Post by: Kairon on July 28, 2006, 05:03:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
He did, we call them lawyers.
Keanu Reeve's rocks.
And Connie Nielsen is hawt.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
