Everyone knows our limbless lum collecting friend, Rayman.

Rayman Origins dates back to a very simple and quirky series that released for multiple consoles throughout the days. With this new addition, Ubisoft plans on reinventing this old-school platformer’s image for the better.

Welcome to Rayman Origins, where 2D side scrolling platformers are something to behold. In this new installment the story beings with Rayman himself and a few friends sleeping. With their loud snoring they disrupt the Land of the Livid Dead, in turn releasing Darktoons and more creating chaos of all kinds. Set out to collect and rescue the Electoons and fairies that we captured as well, Rayman sets out immediately. Through more gameplay you will discover more enemies and realize who is behind a good majority of what is going wrong as well as secret motives! While the story isn’t Half-life or Zelda worthy, it’s specific enough to make you care, and brief enough to get into gameplay in a simple manner. Much of the game shines through gameplay but the story is there regardless of what impression it gives.

Gameplay is straight forward as most platformers would suggest. You have your basic jump and punch moves, along with charging your punch attack. Maneuvering is very fun in Rayman Origins. You can glide, spin attack, and slide on the ground after running. Others like ground pounds are sometimes needed as to get past certain obstacles. The difficulty will rise as you go through each world from easy to very frustrating especially if you are a perfectionist. There are coins to collect as well as a certain number of lums for each level. Characters are plentiful to unlock as well. The game has some length to it as it cannot be beaten easily in one sitting. Hearts will be acquired to cushion being hit instead of dying. There is also up to four player co-op which entails much fun to be had with your friends.  Many will enjoy swimming, gliding, jumping and attacking through the wonderfully devised levels with many hidden areas to discover. There is a boss at the end of each world offering a traditional experience. Punching and maneuvering is simple and controlled well with crisp controls that allow you to scale walls and perform moves of the like.

The cartoony graphics are another strong suit. With beautiful background and foreground visuals and environments, no matter what system you play this on, your pupils will thank you. Colors stand out beautifully with vibrant shades of green for foliage, comforting blues for wet water, and rich red for the hot lands you traverse to name a few. Edges on every enemy and character are clean and crisp with no visual faults. The amount of detail put into the graphics alone is phenomenal. Not only is it stunning when you start the game, but even to the end of the story your eyes remain treated to a buffet of wonderful colors and animations. Each animation is clearly displayed, as you can tell what is going on at every turn. Although this is in 2D, many 3D titles have nothing on this one with appearance.

Audio for this game is goofy and fully entertaining. The levels sound organic and made with great thought. Sound effects are crisp as well and are just as pleasing as the graphics. Replay value may drop for those who do not like repetition but with hidden levels and skins you can unlock promise more hours of fun. Although there is co-op but no online play, being one of if not the best platformers out today, there is still no reason why you should not pick this one up. Though many may feel like they are playing an original Rayman game, it is agreeable that this new addition does nothing but put a smile on the face of anyone who plays it. The happy themes and goofy artwork add to the experience and anyone who plays this will have a good time. This is definitely a break from the usual shooters and intense games of today. So if you are tired of a daily routine, Rayman Origins is most inclined to change that as one of the top of its genre.

9.5/10