Rayman Raving Rabbids Review - 8/10
Rayman Raving Rabbits is a compilation of 125 mini-games which are designed to utilize the motion sensing technology of Nintendo’s Wii-Remote, or Wii-Mote, to create an enjoyable “party starter” style game.
For loyal fans of the Rayman series, the first striking difference between this game and others in the series is the fact that this game features none of the platform style gaming from previous Rayman games. However, Rayman Raving Rabbits is still an excellent game for the Nintendo Wii.
Rayman Raving Rabbits features a whacky storyline, which gives rise to some amusing visual themes through the various mini-games. Basically, Rayman has been imprisoned by rabbits and is forced to participate in various tasks in order to secure his freedom. Sure its not deep, but it makes for a great laugh as you shoot, hammer, throw and kick rabbits whilst progressing through the game.
Gameplay
Rayman’s gameplay mainly revolves around using the Wii-Remote to perform varied tasks, which test coordination, memory, precision, endurance, timing, or a mixture of some or all of the above. This makes for an interesting experience and ensures that the game never gets too repetitive or boring. Be warned though, playing Rayman for extended periods of time can lead to a phenomenon I call Wii-Arm (Severe pain in the forearms due to excessive use of the Wii-mote in a vigorous manner)
The game features a total of 125 mini-games in the single player story mode, which will take an average gamer between 9 and 15 hours to complete. It’s not particularly long, but single player is not where Rayman shines as a game.
Rayman’s strength as a game lies in its multiplayer component. Although many gamers have complained that most of Rayman’s mini-games do not allow for simultaneous play, I felt that the alternating style of gameplay allowed for a more enjoyable experience, with each player either cheering or jeering at their competition as they attempt to best each others score.
However, not all of Rayman’s 125 mini-games are equally fun. The mini-games range from being extraordinarily fun to being downright frustrating. However the latter are few and far between. Games such as cow throwing and carrot juice spraying are an absolute joy to play both in the single and multiplayer modes, whilst other games, such as navigating through a minefield with a pig as your mine sweeper are ridiculously frustrating
Overall though, Rayman’s gameplay is for the most part, extremely fun and will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Visuals
Rayman features some decent visuals. The graphics are in no way mind blowing, but they aren’t a sight for sore eyes either. Instead, the developers have used a cartoon style approach, creating a fun filled atmosphere about the game without having to push the graphical envelope.
Rayman’s visual style definitely suits the game and its artistic flair is most impressive. I found myself genuinely amused by the rabbits, often breaking out into a chuckle due to on screen animations involving the rabbits injuring each other or themselves. The rabbits are definitely a highlight and have gained icon status in my books.
Be warned though, if you are a graphics fanatic, who demands to see beads of sweat trickle down the face of each on-screen character, you will be sorely disappointed. Otherwise, the graphics will be fine.
Final Word
Rayman Raving Rabbits is an impressive launch title for the Nintendo Wii, not because of its graphics, but rather its innovative game design and visual styling. The mini-games are definitely amusing and fun to play when playing alone, but truly shine when playing with a crowd.
For those who prefer solitude, scores for each mini game can still be uploaded onto the internet and compared with scores posted by other players worldwide, creating a worldwide Rayman competition.
Rayman is not a must-buy title like Zelda, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in playing the Wii with friends or simply wants to have some wholesome, rabbit smashing fun.
Submitted by sezza
12/12/2006
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Comments
Anarchy
says:
It's great fun with a couple of mates over!
12/21/2006
Perth
ren_caz243
says:
sounds cool might get it now
12/21/2006
Melbourne, Victoria
pikmin
says:
Do we need Nunchuk for the multi-player games?
12/21/2006
Matrix
meccamune
says:
great review, this will be my next game =D
12/16/2006
Brisbane, Queensland
sezza
says:
There are 70 basic structures of mini games, but 125 mini games in total including variants. (ie. You may play the same game "bunnies cant dance" but to different music)
Thanks Mr Wii =)
12/13/2006
Melbourne, Victoria
Brownstone
says:
I thought there were only 70+ mini-games. Not 125??? 
12/13/2006
Warrnambool, Victoria.
MrWii
says:
Nice Review, recommending.
12/13/2006
Melbourne, Australia
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