Rayman Pocket

.: By: Corn Bread :: Device used: E-125 :: October 12, 2001 :: Buy this game :.

Update:

Since this review was written, the game has been updated to include storage card support.

Original review:

I can’t believe I’m playing this on a Pocket PC!

This is what I thought to myself in the first 5 minutes of playing Rayman on my Pocket PC. With the release of this game, my Pocket PC has truly become a viable Game Boy Color replacement.

Setting up Rayman can be quite a chore and it is something that I wish that the developers had simplified. After downloading the 11 MB zip file, running the setup file will then install Rayman into your Pocket PC and install a synchronization agent into your desktop PC. It should be noted that Rayman can only run when installed in the main RAM of your PPC as, for now, storage cards aren’t supported. Ludigames have, however, said that they are working on a version that supports installation onto a storage card and anyone who has already purchased the game will be given the updated version for free.

Rayman needs a minimum of 3.7 MB of storage space and 1-2 MB of program memory for it to run properly. You have the option to choose whether you want to install all of the levels or only one at a time. Personally, I usually have only one level installed and, when I finish that level, I simply install the next level and uninstall the level I have just finished - this way, I can save on storage memory. I suggest you read the installation instructions thoroughly during the installation and registration process.

Graphically, there is nothing I can complain about Rayman - this has got to be the most visually pleasing and colorful games there is for the Pocket PC. The level of detail in the backgrounds is truly amazing, from trees to mountains to caves, this is a feast for the eyes. The different animations that you can see in this game are truly a sight to behold - no jerky movements here folks, the animation is both smooth and flawless. There seems to be constant movement; nothing stands “still”, from Rayman himself (see him slide, punch, climb, hang on cliffs, wave, etc.), his various enemies, and indeed the very levels themselves, where constant subtle movements can be seen.

Even with all these animations going on, I have not experienced any crashes, slowdowns or jerky movements. The sound effects and music also shine in this game. There are no ordinary beeping and jumping noises; rather, the sound quality is very much comparable to that of the Dreamcast version of Rayman. Use your headphones while playing this game and you’ll see what I mean. The controls of Rayman are very tight - no sloppiness here folks; I was able to control Rayman with no problems whatsoever.

Just like every platform game, Rayman has a basic objective: get to the end of the level, and save his friends along the way. As the game progresses, Rayman is granted two permanent power ups to help him along the way. The first one grants Rayman the power to glide over long distances, the second grants Rayman the power to use his extending arms to swing from several hanging rings scattered across the levels.

Other power ups includes golden fists which temporarily give Rayman a stronger and far reaching flying punch, hearts that replenishes your life, icons that gives you extra life, and trails of small coins that, if you follow them, will lead you to the end of the level or a secret passage. Also, if you collect 50 of the small coins, the game will grant you an extra life. I especially like the stages where Rayman is given the ability to fly, which makes for a nice change of pace. There is also a doorway to a bonus stage in all of the levels, and the fun is in finding them.

The world of Rayman consists of eight areas (a total of thirty-one stages) ranging from magical forests to fiery caves, with each level having its own distinct feel and atmosphere. For example the “Airy Tunes” level consists of stages where there are a lot of jumps to be made and moving platforms, whilst, on the other hand, the “Spell Bound forest” levels are full of hanging trees and vines where you can climb and jump onto.

The stages are also well constructed - you won’t get lost in them because you will always know where to go next due to the clean graphical layout. There are also various obstacles, such as flash floods, lava pits, moving/falling platforms, reverse controls, and fighting a “dark” version of Rayman. All these are just a few of the challenges that await you.

If you think you're good enough, there’s an Online Challenge Mode where you can race with other Rayman players' “ghosts” to see who has the fastest time in finishing a level. In order to use this mode, you have to log onto the the Rayman Pocket website and, from there, you can either download the “ghost” of the fastest player around. Alternatively, you can upload your “ghost” for other players to play against. The Online Mode gives Rayman a boost of longevity and an added incentive to play once you have finished the single player game. Kudos to Ludigames for implementing such a well thought out addition that gives us more bang for the buck!

Overall, Rayman is one of the must-see/play games for the Pocket PC. The “gee-whiz” factor of the graphics is astounding and, what's more, the game is rather enjoyable to play. The game is priced at $20, and is available for MIPS and ARM (sorry, SH3 users!).


Pros:

• High quality and beautiful graphics.

• Smooth and flawless animation.

• Very tight controls.

• On-line mode adds replay value to the game.

Cons:

• Cannot be installed in storage cards.

• Difficult registration and installation process.

.: Game category: Platform Games :: Reviews Index :: Buy this game :.