RAYMAN RETURNS WITH STYLE

Rayman is back and better than ever! Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is the energetic and humorous sequel published and developed by Ubi Soft. The latest Rayman 3D action adventure would be difficult to miss as it was released across the PC, the GameCube, PS2, Xbox and GBA. All of the versions released with the exception of the GBA version are similar in many respects with a few minor differences. This review is based on the PS2 version that was released in March 2003. Let’s explore some of the magic that makes Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc such an engaging and exciting action adventure.

THE STORY

Rayman’s world is in great danger. Something has scared a red lum, an energy source that Rayman uses to replenish his health. This red lum has turned black and evil and taken the name Andre with a sinister plot to taint the heart, the source of the world’s vast power. To do this, Andre, has turned many of the previously good red lums into his black and dark hoodlums who now try to carry out his dark desires. Something then throws a wrench into these plans when Globox, Rayman’s trusted friend and sidekick from the last adventure accidentally swallows Andre. An adventure then ensues to not only save the world from the hoodlums but to release Andre from within Globox’s body and rid the world of Andre.

BEAUTIFUL AND MEMORABLE WORLDS

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc has matured dramatically from the last game. No longer is everything so bright and cheerful. Now, darker and more vibrant colors blanket each of the worlds you play in. The Rayman 3 team did not want to copy what had been done in the past but supercharge this new adventure with its own personality and uniqueness. Humor as well as the use of a darker palette of colors is prominent. Humor is splashed all across the world in the cutscenes, within the game and through the voices provided by some well known actors, John Leguizamo (Ice Age) provides the voice of Globox and Billy West (Ren and Stimpy, Futurama) provides the voice of Murphy, the helpful creature who provides basic tips at the beginning of the game.

I have not laughed in any game as much as in Rayman 3. You will laugh when you hear Murphy’s comments in the game regarding the game's manual and how he wonders who gets paid to write this stuff. Then laugh as you watch the manual answer back saying that the only place Murphy will find work in the future is in adult films if he continues his complaining. Or laugh as you watch each of the beautiful cutscenes in the game, especially the ones in which special doctors are trying to help Globox with his problem. Their solution is to use different parts of his body as a musical instrument, hoping that through playing music, it will release Andre. You just can’t hold the laughter as you see the weird expression on Globox when this is being done to him. You will find examples like this throughout the game.

Rayman 3 started production right after the last game was completed and the time was definitely well spent. Rayman 3 is a beautiful game and the artists have impressed me with the intensity of detail in each of the worlds. I would go so far as to say that it ranks as one of the most beautiful games I have come across on the PS2. Rayman’s world is spread across many different types of areas, from forest like environments to desert and snow ones. Many special effects are scattered throughout each of the environments from moving clouds in the sky, light radiating from windows, reflections on the floor, to a tower made out of crystal. So many things will delight you as you see the detail given to all aspects of Rayman’s world and smile as you take a few moments in each area to just admire it all. My compliments to the Rayman 3 art team who have impressed me with these stunning and amazing visuals.

HUMOROUS GAMEPLAY

Rayman 3 also delivers huge excitement in the gameplay department. Within the game you can use canisters that will grant Rayman specific powers. These powers will become important as they will be needed if Rayman is to solve the many puzzles and obstacles that are found within the game. Rayman can use the vortex power which allows him to send mini tornadoes to break down obstacles or bring down enemies. There is the heavy metal fist useful for those pesky doors that just won’t open and need an extra boost of energy. There is also the lockjaw power which gives Rayman a grappling hook, a chain attached with two metal snapping claws at its end, to reach distant areas. When you attack enemies with the lockjaw you can also send electric shocks. You will find many unique challenges in this game and you will need to do lots of jumping.

Some areas will have balloons to jump on to reach your goal or to figure out the challenge within the area. In one area, lava is spilling throughout the entire area and you must race to escape before it reaches you. In another area that is an arcade sequence, you must shoot enemy copters with a blaster equipped on a vehicle. You will also have to locate 60 cages that contain the captured teensies. Each time you collect six of them your health energy will be increased. Enemies are easy to deal with as you can lock on to an enemy and target them with any of your selected powers. The boss battles were sometimes very challenging but fun to complete. One of the first bosses you fight walks in some type of mechanical contraption. When you defeat the hoodlum riding this contraption you will be able to use it yourself and turn it against the other hoodlums that come after you.

There is an impressive final boss sequence. Be prepared for it to take awhile as there will be many forms that the final boss will take before it is brought down. Replay value will be high in this game as you try to score points in each of the levels by collecting treasures, finding mysterious creatures and defeating the hoodlums. A good tip to remember is that when you use your special powers the points that you get are doubled. Why is this important you may wonder? Special videos and mini-games will be unlocked when specific amounts of points are earned. One mini-game referred to as 2D madness has you revisiting a level like you would have found in the first 2D Rayman game. Many more fun and exciting things await you within Rayman’s world. Are you ready to stop the hoodlums from wreaking their havoc upon this world?

A JOY TO PLAY

What can be said that has not already? Ubi Soft has done wonders for the Rayman world in this latest installment. It is the best game in the series as it merges the best elements of the past games with new elements that bring with it a much welcome and needed change. My only complaint is that this game is short and can easily be completed in a few days but the point system will give the opportunity to replay the game and score even higher points. Ubi Soft is further enhancing the Rayman experience by holding a competition to find the Rayman 3 player that scores the highest points across all the major console platforms. After how impressive and exciting Rayman 3 turned out, I eagerly await a possible future sequel. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is a joy to play with a compelling and exciting adventure set amidst beautiful and memorable worlds!

Pros

Cons

Final Grade: 92%

Just RPG Recommended Game!

Official Rayman website