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Rayman: Raving Rabbids review

Game: Rayman: Raving Rabbids
Platform: PlayStation 2
Genre: Casual (Party)
Developer: Ubisoft

Reader review by geekwoman

June 14, 2007

Rayman Raving Rabbids Review by Geek Woman

Rayman Raving Rabbids
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platform: Wii, PS2, XBox 360
Category: Action Adventure
Release Date: 12/6/06
ESRB : E

The consensus is that this is a crazy, silly and totally fun game no matter what console you play it on. There even are versions of it for DS, Gameboy and coming soon for the PSP as well. The universal appeal of the game makes it understandable why it has been chosen to migrate to just about every platform possible.

Rayman Raving Rabbids is the latest outing for Ubisoft's mascot and former platformer hero, Rayman. Someone was having a good time when they created this wacky comic relief. It consists of bizarre random mini-games that are sponsored by bedeviled, stark raving mad, bunnies. The game is such a goof that it is worth at least a rental just to see it.

The Wii version of the game is most likely the most fun way to experience it. This particular mini-game collection is a success because it combines the strange characters and the Wii's motion sensing technology. That makes it a very enjoyable game that will make you laugh for hours.

Raving Rabbids on the PlayStation 2 uses the analog sticks and trigger buttons and if that is what you are used to then it feels just like a conventional bunch of mini-games. If you have both consoles then obviously you want to play it on the Wii. But if you don't have the Wii the PS2 or 360 versions don't loose much in the translation, because the fun in the game is just how ridiculous it is.

Game - play

When you are playing a game where the object is to drown the Raving Rabbids by filling their scuba masks with carrot juice, you wonder what substance might have inspired such "creativity". The story is that these Raving Rabbids interrupt Rayman's picnic, (of course) and kidnap his friends. Then they force Rayman to compete against them as a gladiator in many mini-games. Each one is crazier than the next. The events include, but are not limited to, things like cow tossing, pig flying, warthog racing, dance contests with speeded up records, and teaching bunnies to keep the out-house doors closed. You don't want to know what happens if you fail at the latter one.

In the Wii version of Raving Rabbids the movements of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk are used instead of buttons and analog stick movements. The PS2 controls aren't bad. You use the R2 and L2 buttons in the dance sequences and there doesn't seem to be any problem doing that. It is odd shooting with the second finger but the learning curve is quick. It's been said that perhaps the game wasn't designed with analog sticks and buttons in mind, but it ends up that it doesn't matter.

It does get a bit repetitive because the game starts repeating the same mini-games you've all ready played. The levels have four available mini-games, at least three of which you have to complete to unlock the boss game, which is usually one of the first-person plunger shooter sequences or a race. You can not Save game at any time you want. There is an auto Save in the PS2 version that only happens when Rayman is allowed to go to his cell if you have won all 4 of the games in the level. It isn't fun when you have to repeat things because the game doesn't provide enough Saves. That isn't a very good way to make the game longer for no reason.

Graphics and Sound

The rabbids are hysterical. They have these weird blank eyes, they shriek, and they love plungers. They come at you with either kitchen utensils, "Hey I have that spatula!" or uzi's outfitted with the plungers. Each level has a theme like the old West, a tropical beach or a cemetery. The bunnies are dressed up in costumes like cowboy hats, or scuba gear and flippers. I saw a few of them wearing the Splinter Cell hero Sam Fisher's three light night-vision goggles.

The bunnies design looks like they originally came from Creature Comforts, Wallace and Gromitt. But then they got lost on the way to Ubisoft and got drunk and then made other bad ingestible choices that apparently are not good for rabbits. There are too many cameos and comparisons to other games in it to be made here. Generally the graphics are bright, colorful and purposely unrealistic.

Rayman himself does lack a body. He has no arms or legs. That maybe his style from old school games, but it just seems like a weak design point now. When Rayman wears Granny's garb, the dress is empty. Where is the main character's body? That's something that should not be missing.

There is cheerful music as well as versions of "Misirlou," "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and "La Bamba," that are speeded up for the dance sequences. The music isn't annoying or cloying which is plus in a kiddie game like this one.

Multi - player

Not every mini-game in Raving Rabbids can be played in simultaneous multiplayer. Many of the games are sequential and players have to take turns to get the higher score, and others are exclusively for two players. It is fun to play with friends and it is an excellent party game especially with the Wii.

Conclusions

Raving Rabbids does have a lot of comedy and charm, because of the looney character design. Rayman Raving Rabbids on the PS2 has all of the game's sense of humor. If you own a Wii you'll love it. But the PS2 version is plenty of fun and just as funny also. You won't be missing out on much there. The game is totally bonkers and it's brilliantly, comically surreal. I give it a 7 out of 10.

Pros: The game is funny and stupid.

CONS: It is short and repetitive.

Total Rating - 7.0
Game-play - 7
Enjoyment - 8
Graphics - 6
Sound/Music - 7
Multiplayer - 2- 4 players

Rating: 7/10

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