Rayman is certainly a character that gets around. Not only has he seen a fruitful life on the Playstation 2 console for a number of years, but now he is available on the GameBoy Advance system from Ubi Soft with the title Rayman 3.
Incorporating many of the characters from the Nintendo GameCube version of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, this GBA offering sees Rayman doing what he does best; fighting the evil minions of the Dark Lum and finding his pal Globox, whom has disappeared…after accidentally swallowing the Dark Lum Lord.
Graphics
Since the action is restricted to the small screen of the GBA, one might think that the visuals are severely curtailed. Yet, the visuals are done quite well, and are very colorful. Indeed, the graphics are done well enough that the game is almost a continuation of the play seen over on the GameCube.
Audio
Sound option for Rayman 3 include English, Spanish, and French subtitles. Since there is no scripted speech, all communication is read from text screens. The music is satisfactory and catchy at times, although not as trendy as the music heard in the console version of the game.
Gameplay
Rayman 3 is of course a side-scrolling game, but there are a few levels that take this principle to a different level. Rayman will water ski behind a snake in one swampy level and the action is anything but side-scrolling here. In a few other levels, Rayman will race around a track, collecting power-ups as he goes–so simply stating that he moves from Left to Right and vice-versa would be incorrect.
Rayman can jump and use his fist as a projectile weapon against enemies he comes across, but there are several items in the game that he can interact with that can be used as firepower as well–barrels, bombs and rockets are scattered about the levels for Rayman to use.
Replay
Gamers can play against three other players using the GameBoy Advance Game Link Cable. For those with only one copy of Rayman 3, the Single Pak mode will allow two players to share a cable for play between two GBA’s.
Players can also link their GBA’s up to their GameCube, and with a copy of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, unlock a new level for every 100 Lums collected in Rayman 3.
Fun, colorful, and a blast to play nearly everywhere on the portable GameBoy Advance, Rayman 3 is a sure bet to add to your GBA library–especially now that the GameBoy Advance SP has released.
Screenshots
