Rayman Origins Is Finally Headed To 3DS - What To Expect

"Think of what Sonic games used to be."

 

Developer: UBIart Montpellier
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: June 8, 2012 (EU)
Platform(s): 3DS (X360, PS3, WII, PS Vita, PC)
Genre: Platform

 

 

Last year’s charming sleeper hit Rayman Origins is finally headed to Nintendo 3DS, after sizable delays have lead it to stray from a launch window all the way to early next month. Ubisoft launched a demo version of this charming platformer, so what can we expect from next month’s release? Is it a competitor for Super Mario 3D Land? Well, not exactly, but it doesn’t need to be.

 

 

There are several changes made from its bigger console brother, but let’s try and view the downsized handheld version for what it is as much as we can, instead of making a comparison chart. Rayman Origins on 3DS still boasts an impressive hand-drawn art design of jungles with vines and plants everywhere, windy outbacks and gorgeous caves. More so, the 3D effect now brings out the foreground and background panel differences more than ever before. It can get tricky during fast-speed chases, but it’s done adequately enough. Speaking of which, some of the art designs have also been adapted to seem a more minimalistic, in the silhouette noir genre recognizable from a few other 2D peers.

Rayman also is a charming title that thrives on its musical tones peppered along levels that let players find a cadence on which to flow on. Platforms and pickups ring a certain note and stringing these together whips the rhythm into place, as Rayman grooves in the given pattern. The speakers seem to have some trouble adjusting to the level however, which turns some more subtle touches into overly high pitches. And as something that does bear noting as a comparison, Rayman also seems to lose its unique soundtrack in some places. It remains present in some levels, such as the repetitive treasure hunt (the one spot where it could be left out). Hopefully it will make a full reprise, as this is a leading strength that binds the atmosphere of this game into place.

 

 

Big shocker: Rayman is even still a platformer, oh yes! In all seriousness, the rhythmical level designs and charming, simple to pick up but tough to master gameplay is again present. A mixture of quick reflexes, precision and traditional platform elements get merged with some more novel sweeping traits. Think of what Sonic games used to be, then mix that with some challenges that require more precise calculation rather than just going with the flow. This is what Rayman Origins brings in its differentiating levels, but with added challenges that can cause for some sweaty palms. This gets offset by sidescrolling shooter levels, that let our hero whizz through the air on a mosquito. There’s still challenge here as well, but it’s a change of pace.

What can be noted from the 3DS version is that the precision isn’t as pinpoint accurate as it could be. It’s not all that noticeable, nor is it really troublesome, but in stages like the speedy treasure hunts it can make all the difference. The buttons seem to do a fair job on being responsive, in fact they’re quite good at it; it merely seems that movement is just a hair off. Most of the time it will be fine, but when the stakes are at their highest, this could land the game into trouble.

Additionally, framerates aren’t always as solid, as there is the occasional freeze up or animations skip a few beats. In general, the smaller handheld also is less clear, as Rayman becomes a tiny speck on the screen. And speaking of screens, it would’ve been nice to add more than just a progression map on the touch screen. These aren’t big issues, but will however diminish the magic of this otherwise swell title.

 

 

While Rayman Origins won’t bring a lot of added value to those that already visited its original, the handheld version surely feels as capable as ever. With a splendid artsy appeal to call its own and gameplay that feels natural, 3DS owners looking for a game that will capture their attention will probably not be steered wrong with this game. Yet, this might come at the price of a slightly spoiled atmosphere.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)