Rayman Raving Rabbids
Graphics 7
Sound 7
Gameplay 7

It is a pity that some of the mini-games on offer are so horrible as these really drag down the whole packages. The game does offer a lot of entertainment and the twisted sense of humour will have you laughing out loud. This is the type of game that the Wii remote was made for.

Gameplay: Apart from a few duds the mini-games are quite fun.

Graphics: Goofy and entertaining but it won’t blow you away.

Sound: Those rabbids sure know how to make a noise

Summary 7.0 Good
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Gameplay 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

Rayman Raving Rabbids

Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: 2006 | Genre: Party | Website: n/a | Purchase: Amazon

The unique motion controls of the Wii make it the perfect fit for some mini-game action and Ubisoft has stepped up to the plate with Rayman Raving Rabbids. The plot focuses on Rayman, who while on picnic one day is captured by a horde of raving rabbids. Rabbids are basically a bunch of violent and stupid rabbits who force Rayman to perform in a gladiator style arena for their amusement.

While the game boasts over seventy mini-games, most are simply variations of others but it is still an impressive total. Of course, with so many games on offer there was bound to be a few duds. Since you only have to complete three out of the four available mini-games before moving on to the main trail for each day, it is possible to skip the duds. This is a good thing as some mini-games are just plain broken with controls that barely work or fail to register for no reason at all. While the quality of the mini-games varies greatly, there are some really fun challenges on offer so everyone is bound to find something that they will enjoy.

Whether it is pulling worms out of rotten rabbid teeth, hurling or milking cows, slapping singing rabbids or drawing food, the game has a very off-beat sense of humour that makes things interesting. The rabbids are quite funny and star in all of the goofy mini-games. After completing the required trials for the day, you can tackle the main trial which usually involves on-rails shooting sections or warthog races. The shooting sections are a lot of fun as you shoot plungers at the rabbids while shaking the nunchuck to reload. Winning the main trial rewards you with a plunger which Rayman uses to build a ladder with which to escape from his rabbid captors.

The visuals are nothing spectacular but the goofy rabbids add a lot of charm and there is plenty of cool touches. The initially bloodthirsty rabbids soon grow bored of your success before eventually warming to Rayman and cheering him on in the end. You can also unlock all kinds of wacky costumes to customize your hero and the whole game has a very cartoon vibe to it. It’s hard not to laugh when you spot the Sam Fisher style rabbids stealthily attacking you in the first person shooter sections or the maniacal expressions on the rabbids faces as you grab them and hurl them at their friends.

The audio is also pretty good with plenty of familiar tunes like “Girls just wanna have fun” and “La bamba.” The rabbids are a noisy lot, prone to lots of screaming but it thankfully never becomes too irritating. The controls work well for the most part but some mini-games, like the one where you have to shake the nunchuck in order to slam urinal doors just plain sucks.

Once you complete the story mode you can tackle the Score mode in order to unlock bonuses or to challenge friends. The only problem with the multi-player is that most games require players to take turns which can go on for far too long. This dampens the enjoyment a bit but there is still fun to be had. While Rayman Raving Rabbids doesn’t quite live up to its full potential it is a nice indication of the type of games that the Wii is able to offer. It doesn’t take itself very seriously and bar some frustration, it is sure to put a smile on your face.

*Review originally published December 2006.

Related posts

Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2

With Bayonetta 2 Platinum Games has not just crafted one of the most enjoyable and impressive games on the Wii U, but also a title that can stand with the best of any system. The action is ever bit as over the top as the original game and fans of the character are in for a treat. If you enjoy action games then Bayonetta 2 is simply one of the best titles available. Gameplay: Bayonetta 2 focuses even more on the in-depth combat that has made the first game such a hit. Graphics: Impressive for any system let alone the humble Wii U. Sound: The soundtrack is great as is the sound effects and voice acting.

Tomb Raider: Legend

Tomb Raider: Legend

After seeing how the Tomb Raider franchise was milked dry and ran into the ground I was a bit hesitant to pick up Legend. Fortunately Crystal Dynamics did a great job capturing all the elements that made the series a blockbuster back in the day. Its not a very long adventure, but despite a few annoyances it is well worth checking out. Gameplay: A welcome return to the roots of the series. Graphics: Good but could have been much better if created from the ground up for the Xbox360. Sound: Decent voice acting and a nice soundtrack.

Virtua Fighter 4

Virtua Fighter 4

Virtua Fighter 4 is aimed squarely at the hardcore fighting brigade so if you do not have the time and patience to devote to this game you will not get your money's worth. It seems to be a bit more accessible than previous entries, but is unlikely to wow fans of Tekken and Soul Calibur. Gameplay: A beat 'em up where the focus is purely on the fighting and not the story or other bonus thrills. Graphics: Pretty good considering its age. Sound: A mixed bag, but not bad overall.

Leave a comment

twenty − 9 =