Rayman Origins Review for PS Vita

System: PS Vita
Dev: Ubisoft Montpellier
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: February 14, 2012
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 544p	Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Suggestive Themes

I cannot help but keep a smile plastered to my face when the music is on, starting right at the logo that appears upon launching the game. It's chock-full of classic cartoon slaps, wails, gasps, and so many other sounds that never seem to get old. The gibberish speak throughout reminds me of a cross between Simlish and something out of a Monty Python skit, so it's pretty hilarious. Equally humorous is the music, which is scored beautifully, and when you add constant inclusions of a jaw harp and ukulele, it's hard to stop smiling.

Rayman Origins Screenshot

The one sad omission in the PS Vita version is multiplayer. The four-player campaign on the consoles had less to do with strategy and more to do with seeing how often you could jump on your friends' heads, but it was a fun way to get a group involved nevertheless. Instead, the Vita version adds a Ghost Mode where you can race through a level against your friends' clear times, which can be posted on the Vita's Near application. Also, you can collect hidden relics through the campaign, which will reveal pieces of two giant murals at your home base. Neither adds extreme value to the game, but they are still nice additions in lieu of multiplayer.

Rayman Origins is something truly special in today's gaming world. Not only did Ubisoft successfully re-imagine a classic and endearing mascot, but they brought him back in a 2D platformer that couldn't even slightly be classified as outdated. With so many games nowadays clinging to dark humor and violent pleasure, it's infinitely refreshing to see a game like this come out of the woodwork. You may think yourself a hardcore gamer with little care for a game such as Rayman Origins, but everyone needs to smile once and awhile, and this one will surely stretch those cheek muscles upward.

By
Sean Engemann
Contributing Writer

@CardCanuck
Date: February 27, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.8

Graphics
It may be the farthest thing from realism, but this fantastical world is truly a sight to behold.

4.3

Control
They start simple and never get too complex. It may fit the platforming style, but still feels a bit underaged at times.

4.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
From the wacky sound effect to the gibberish language, it all is sure to elicit a smile.

4.1

Play Value
The lack of multiplayer aside, there's still enough levels crammed in to keep you going for several hours, and many more if you're looking to collect everything.

4.4

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Rayman Origins features over 100 characters, including many of the classic characters revived in their original 2D form, as well as a whole new host of characters.

Discover a rich world with 12 unique environments, which includes over 60 levels of 2D platforming gameplay designed for players of all ages and playing styles.

Unlock new abilities progressively and return to previous levels to discover new paths and hidden secrets. Test yourself in epic boss battles that challenge your skill and speed.

Challenge your friends in Ghost Mode and compete for the best time in speed runs throughout each level. Share your best times and other unlockable gifts using Near functionality with your friends.

Discover the origins of Rayman by collecting relics throughout the game. You can find them on your own or share your discoveries with friends using Near. Assemble all the relics to reveal frescos and videos that tell the history of the Glade of Dreams.

Rayman Origins uses the multitouch capabilities of the PS Vita to collect Lums, defeat enemies, or even to zoom, allowing you to see the beautiful HD graphics in greater detail.