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Rayman Origins
PlayStation 3
Back to Basics with Style
3.5/5 stars
Rayman Origins feels like it belongs to a different era - a simpler time before 3D platformers became all the rage or FPS introduced 30 shades of brown to gamers. Yet despite the old-school presentation, the HD graphics and responsive controls put this firmly in the realm of this generation. Yet for fans who enjoy a bit of nostalgia while still enjoying next-gen technology, you won't get much better than Rayman Origins.
Presentation
This is where the game really stands out. Vibrant colors, slick textures and ear-worm inducing catchy tunes all add up to an enjoyable, memorable experience. The graphics are firmly in the the more cartoonish realm, I'm thinking the frog friend who hangs off ledges with his lip or the purple electoons you rescue who appear to be teeny-bopper grapes with ponytails and super-white teeth. The enemies are likewise varied - cranky old men and zombie women, horn-blowing birds, dasterdly puffer fish and the bosses - an overgrown and quite angry bird, a tentacles plant monstrosity - once again, I was reminded of the demented humor of Ren and Stimpy.
The levels each has a theme - one level was based on music with drums and piano keys spread about. One was food-based featuring some un-PC Mexican theme (still catchy as hell though) with chili and peppers playing their part while cutlery flies with impunity. Each level also usually features one flying-based level, with the characters riding mosquitoes in a kind of mini-SCHMUP that helps break up the 2D platforming for a change of pace.
There are also a series of challenging chase levels where characters must pursue a sentient treasure chest across a series of obstacles where you must make a series of timed jumps and avoid various instant death scenarios until you catch the bugger. These can be highly frustrating, and the "reward" is opening an even more frustrating final level and final, final boss that may induce controller-throwing rage in even the most patient gamer. But, if you like a challenge, there's no reason to let them slide.
In order to unlock these challenges, and unlock different skins for the various characters, you must collect Electoons - you do this in various ways - each level contains three hidden cages where they are kept, collecting enough lums (little golden "tokens" if you will) unlocks them as does completing the time trial on each level. It's not too challenging, some of the lum challenges took an extra playthrough but the hidden cages are easy enough to find and the time trials are also not too tough once you get the layout of the level. In the end, it all comes down to how much of a completionist you happen to be.
Story
There's not a lot to go on here. You begin with each character snoring away happily (at The Snoring Tree - how original) apparently making the downstairs (undead) neighbors cranky enough to unleash an army of nasty things into the world. They also manage to steal away the nymphs and corrupt the kings of each world. First you must rescue the nymphs (who, once rescued unlock a variety of powers - attacking, hovering, swimming and wall running) then, once they are freed, you go back to each world to track down the kings, who have all been transformed into various monsters, and knock some sense back into them, leading to a final showdown.
There's not a lot of depth, but really, did any 2D platformer game have a lot of story (Save Princess, Save Princess Again, Stop Evil, Save Princess Yet Again, etc.)? Rayman is not about the destination, but how you get there. Mainly, it's a lot of fun to play, but not a lot of fun to analyze for any deeper meaning. Just go with it.
Gameplay
It doesn't break any new ground, but it captures that classic essence perfectly. Running, jumping, attacking, swimming, flying - this goes back to the basics, but it does the basics extremely well. While the early stages ease you into the game, don't be fooled by the bright, happy presentation, some of the later levels (and the wholly voluntary bonus stages) require some pretty precise timing and control in order to make it through. While there are plenty of checkpoints, the game is not without its share of frustration. While the nature of the game would have you think it is for the younger crowed, I can see fun turning to anger quickly - even with three grown adults playing, there were times I didn't know if we were going to go on.
Overall
If you're looking for a good next-generation game that brings back some old-school memories, grab a few friends (or bravely go after it alone) and take a trip back to a simpler time and enjoy the 2D trip without having to sacrifice quality.
Presentation: 5/5
Story: 1/5
Gameplay: 3/5
Overall (not an average): 3.5/5
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