Rayman: Origins impressions

Got my copy from GameFly today, played it for an hour. Game's great, beautiful too. Definitely feels like a throwback to the original Rayman game (some enemies and a bit of the structure are lifted right out of the first game), with the multiplayer madness of New Super Mario Bros. Wii tossed in for good measure.

It's a pretty standard platformer, so far. You run through vibrantly colored levels jumping about, grabbing collectibles, fighting monsters, and, assuming you play cooperatively, partaking in all sorts of crazy shenanigans. I played it with a second player in tow, and it was a lot of fun. Having another player around didn't seem to complicate things needlessly like these games are often wont to do. Seems like it'd be perfectly competent played as a single-player only game, though the multiplayer is where the game shines. The sheer chaos of multiple players jumping around and accidentally (or purposely) hindering each other's progress suits the goofy tone of it all perfectly.

Looks like there's a lot of content to delve into as well. Nothing spectacular, mind you -- just some time trials and hidden collectibles to find that correspond to unlockable costumes and the like -- but hey, it's something. Controls feel good, though it can at times be a touch difficult to control the character's mid-jump. They like to overshoot platforms and don't always jump as far as I'd like in spots. Probably just me having to get used to the mechanics, though, so it's hardly a big problem.

Anyone else here playing this fine platformer?

I Gamefly'd it, but it hasn't arrived yet. I suspect I'm just going to hit the "Keep It" button, though, as I'm a huge fan of Rayman and platformers are such a rare genre these days. I've heard near unanimous praise for the game, and I can't wait to check it out.

I'd like to play it too. Looks like another colorful, geniunely fun platformer. I enjoyed DKCR and NSMB-Wii a lot, and this looks right up there with those two. Long live platformers!

Just wish I had the cash. I could definitely buy it, I've got enough, but I really should'nt, at least for now. I'll have to wait for a price drop. Shame, it looks like a lot of fun.

I will be getting this on Black Friday for sure

[QUOTE="DJ_Lae"]I want to play it but there's just so much other great stuff this holiday that I've put it on hold. And given that it's a Ubisoft game, I'd imagine it'll drop in price really fast.Oilers99

AC 2.2? I honestly have NO IDEA where you got that from. Is it because it's still part of the AC II storyline? Maybe so, but AC Revelations has the same gameplay that remains the same while bringing in changes that haven't been seen in either ACII or Brotherhood, for that matter. You have played AC Revelations, haven't you? Or not yet?

[QUOTE="Oilers99"][QUOTE="DJ_Lae"]I want to play it but there's just so much other great stuff this holiday that I've put it on hold. And given that it's a Ubisoft game, I'd imagine it'll drop in price really fast.Metamania

AC 2.2? I honestly have NO IDEA where you got that from. Is it because it's still part of the AC II storyline? Maybe so, but AC Revelations has the same gameplay that remains the same while bringing in changes that haven't been seen in either ACII or Brotherhood, for that matter. You have played AC Revelations, haven't you? Or not yet?

[QUOTE="Metamania"]

[QUOTE="Oilers99"] Why is this game coming out now, anyway? Are they purposely burying it under Skyward Sword, Skyrim, MW3, Battlefield 3 and Assassin's Creed 2.2?Oilers99

AC 2.2? I honestly have NO IDEA where you got that from. Is it because it's still part of the AC II storyline? Maybe so, but AC Revelations has the same gameplay that remains the same while bringing in changes that haven't been seen in either ACII or Brotherhood, for that matter. You have played AC Revelations, haven't you? Or not yet?

Indeed!

But back to the original posting...I have every intention of picking up Rayman Origins and seeing what the hoopola was surrounding the series when it first started coming out years ago. Seems like a solid platformer that looks gorgeous for the eyes.

I Gamefly'd it, but it hasn't arrived yet. I suspect I'm just going to hit the "Keep It" button, though, as I'm a huge fan of Rayman and platformers are such a rare genre these days. I've heard near unanimous praise for the game, and I can't wait to check it out.

Shame-usBlackley

I loved the demo - but unfortunately, there's way too many games to play in November alone and not enough time. I'll purchase it eventually, but chances are it won't be at $59.99.

Why is this game coming out now, anyway? Are they purposely burying it under Skyward Sword, Skyrim, MW3, Battlefield 3 and Assassin's Creed 2.2?Oilers99

I have no idea. Very dumb move on their part, though. Game doesn't have much of a chance at success at this point.

[QUOTE="Oilers99"] Why is this game coming out now, anyway? Are they purposely burying it under Skyward Sword, Skyrim, MW3, Battlefield 3 and Assassin's Creed 2.2?c_rake

I have no idea. Very dumb move on their part, though. Game doesn't have much of a chance at success at this point.

[QUOTE="Oilers99"] Why is this game coming out now, anyway? Are they purposely burying it under Skyward Sword, Skyrim, MW3, Battlefield 3 and Assassin's Creed 2.2?c_rake

I have no idea. Very dumb move on their part, though. Game doesn't have much of a chance at success at this point.

I'd love to play it, but I dont have Gamefly anymore and I dont wanna pay 60 bucks for it. =PAllicrombie

Yeah, I'm thinking about waiting for the price to drop down for it. In fact, I'm not sure how long the game will be, so if it's a short game, no point in buying it now.

[QUOTE="Allicrombie"]I'd love to play it, but I dont have Gamefly anymore and I dont wanna pay 60 bucks for it. =PMetamania

Yeah, I'm thinking about waiting for the price to drop down for it. In fact, I'm not sure how long the game will be, so if it's a short game, no point in buying it now.

$40 on Black Friday at Gamestop

I would love to get it, as I always love a good platformer... It's definitely on list of games I'm planning on purchasing at some point in the future.

[QUOTE="Metamania"]

[QUOTE="Allicrombie"]I'd love to play it, but I dont have Gamefly anymore and I dont wanna pay 60 bucks for it. =Pmegadeth1117

Yeah, I'm thinking about waiting for the price to drop down for it. In fact, I'm not sure how long the game will be, so if it's a short game, no point in buying it now.

$40 on Black Friday at Gamestop

Hmm...wonder how much MGS HD Collection would sell? I'm more interested in that than Rayman Origins at this point.

I just downloaded the demo but i haven't played it yet.

At this point I've played the game extensively and I must say it is on the track to being the best 2D platformer ever created. After reaching the halfway point, the game goes into mega hyper overdrive! Having all of your powers makes all the difference! The level design is above Nintendo's super high standards and the set of abilities/ control are as smooth and perfect as any person could ever imagine! I loved the first Rayman on PS1 and Rayman 2 was the best game I played of the N64 generation, but Rayman's latest is clearly the best of the series.

awesome, good to hear that pikmin. I had no hype for this game at all, but the ign review made me curious so i tried the demo and absolutely loved it. I preordered it right after playing and now its sitting here waiting for me to play, but i am first playing through rayman 2 on n64 to get more acquainted with the series. Glad to see it is as good as my first impressions were!

At this point I've played the game extensively and I must say it is on the track to being the best 2D platformer ever created. After reaching the halfway point, the game goes into mega hyper overdrive! Having all of your powers makes all the difference! The level design is above Nintendo's super high standards and the set of abilities/ control are as smooth and perfect as any person could ever imagine! I loved the first Rayman on PS1 and Rayman 2 was the best game I played of the N64 generation, but Rayman's latest is clearly the best of the series.Pikminmaniac

So the platforming gets crazier? Sweet. I'm still in the early parts of the second world, so I haven't gotten much of the powers unlocked yet. I can only imagine what levels will throw at you once all the powers are available.

Just played it... this game is amazing. It's nothing revolutionary, but it plays great and looks absolutely stunning. I'm just going to go buy it since Gamefly really doesn't do the game justice. I can tell I'm going to dig the s*** outta this game. Does anyone know if Michel Ancel had anything to do with this?

Does anyone know if Michel Ancel had anything to do with this?

Shame-usBlackley

Just played it... this game is amazing. It's nothing revolutionary, but it plays great and looks absolutely stunning. I'm just going to go buy it since Gamefly really doesn't do the game justice. I can tell I'm going to dig the s*** outta this game. Does anyone know if Michel Ancel had anything to do with this?

Shame-usBlackley

Yeah, this is the first game Michel has been completely in charge of creatively and otherwise since Beyond Good and Evil. It's obviously the reason why Rayman Origins is so darn good. Michel Ancel is a genius and I place him right next to Miyamoto for Game Directors that I respect.

[QUOTE="Shame-usBlackley"]

Just played it... this game is amazing. It's nothing revolutionary, but it plays great and looks absolutely stunning. I'm just going to go buy it since Gamefly really doesn't do the game justice. I can tell I'm going to dig the s*** outta this game. Does anyone know if Michel Ancel had anything to do with this?

Pikminmaniac

Yeah, this is the first game Michel has been completely in charge of creatively and otherwise since Beyond Good and Evil. It's obviously the reason why Rayman Origins is so darn good. Michel Ancel is a genius and I place him right next to Miyamoto for Game Directors that I respect.

Wow, that's why it feels so solid and has tons of personality. Dude may not make many games, but when he does, they're usually something pretty special. That just cements my decision to put this in the "buy" column. :)

Man, I tempted to pick it up now, but I'll wait a little longer.

OK, so I've gotten really far now in the game, and it has COMPLETELY EXPLODED MY MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy hell!!! Wall running is the greatest thing in the world! It is SO unfortunate that it probably won't sell very well :(

I think we have hit a new hallmark in 2D platforming

I played the demo. Sweet Jesus, I loved the music. :) Being a musician, that is the thing I tend to notice most from games I play outside of competitive online shooters. Defininitely will pick it up this Black Friday.CaptainAhab13

Completely agreed. The music is fantastic. Would love to own the soundtrack to this game.

OK, so I've gotten really far now in the game, and it has COMPLETELY EXPLODED MY MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy hell!!! Wall running is the greatest thing in the world! It is SO unfortunate that it probably won't sell very well :(

I think we have hit a new hallmark in 2D platforming

Pikminmaniac

Wall running? Awesome. I really need to pick up the pace on playing through this game.

For anyone who has gotten through the game by this point...how long is the campaign in itself? Is it like Sonic Generations short? Or is it a really long platformer?

I got the demo and loved it, but part of my brain doesn't want to part with £40 for a platformer. I will rent it though.

I'd love to play it, but I dont have Gamefly anymore and I dont wanna pay 60 bucks for it. =PAllicrombie

Really wishing I didn't buy BF3 now. I have a feeling that money would be much more wisely spent on Rayman than BF3.

Seeing this thread full of ppl enjoying it makes me a sad panda.

Are there any boss encounters in the game? Wishing to avoid spoilers of course, but do they just feel unique and awesome? Or kind of tacked on and slow down the pace?

Are there any boss encounters in the game? Wishing to avoid spoilers of course, but do they just feel unique and awesome? Or kind of tacked on and slow down the pace?MLBknights58

I've only encountered one so far, and it didn't seem like it disrupted the flow of the game. A little on the basic side, but overall it was fine.

Really wishing I didn't buy BF3 now. I have a feeling that money would be much more wisely spent on Rayman than BF3.

Seeing this thread full of ppl enjoying it makes me a sad panda.

Are there any boss encounters in the game? Wishing to avoid spoilers of course, but do they just feel unique and awesome? Or kind of tacked on and slow down the pace?

MLBknights58

After the halfway point, there are some major bosses that are VERY unique, well designed, and creative as well as quite difficult.

I got the demo and loved it, but part of my brain doesn't want to part with £40 for a platformer. I will rent it though.

DeX2010

I got the game on PS3 and I'm kind of upset, I know to some it's no big deal but the PS3 version does not have a DD5.1 audio track it's only Dolby Prologic II. The 360 version has a DD 5.1 and the sound is much crisper. I love the game still and I'm enjoying but what the heck is UBI up to here? I wish I had bought the 360 version now.

I got the game on PS3 and I'm kind of upset, I know to some it's no big deal but the PS3 version does not have a DD5.1 audio track it's only Dolby Prologic II. The 360 version has a DD 5.1 and the sound is much crisper. I love the game still and I'm enjoying but what the heck is UBI up to here? I wish I had bought the 360 version now._Bear

Huh. Weird. Wonder why they couldn't be bothered to get 5.1 sound in both versions. Can't be that hard to do, I'd imagine.

[QUOTE="_Bear"]I got the game on PS3 and I'm kind of upset, I know to some it's no big deal but the PS3 version does not have a DD5.1 audio track it's only Dolby Prologic II. The 360 version has a DD 5.1 and the sound is much crisper. I love the game still and I'm enjoying but what the heck is UBI up to here? I wish I had bought the 360 version now.c_rake

Huh. Weird. Wonder why they couldn't be bothered to get 5.1 sound in both versions. Can't be that hard to do, I'd imagine.