Rayman Origins Collector's Edition (Xbox 360)

Rayman Origins.

This review may show I have a little too much love for this game.

Rayman one, two and three where my childhood, and I hadn't thought about this hero for a long long time. Then I heard this game was being released I was so happy.

So, Let's get into it:

The story

It's a 2D Rayman platformer.

There's almost no story at all. Your sleeping at the start, and your snoring makes the enemy's angry because it's keeping them up. So they get mad at you, and kidnap your princesses and take all your lums. That's literally all there is to it.

...

I'm not kidding here, It's rayman! Rayman doesn't need a story. It's just pure fun.

The gameplay

This is a fast pasted plat former, Every level is around 1 - 4 minuets long, and involves you getting from A - B as fast as possible.

You start off with only the ability to jump. Of course, this being a platformer that doesn't last long at all. Within the first level you obtain the ability to punch, and from then on the game gives you power ups that make the game more interesting.

Most levels contain 1 - 3 Lum cages for you to hunt out and break in order to save the lums, and by doing this you unlock levels for you to continue to.

After finishing a level once, you unlock a time trial most, which is pretty much the only reason you will play the level more then once. It gives you a set time, which I will add, is always doable without wasting hours on hours perfecting levels.

Other then all the platforming levels, there's a few boss levels in each section of the game, and these can be pretty existing.

Sound

The sounds... The music ... oh my god, the music in this game is amazingly well done!

The entire game is done using musical themes, since none of the games NPC's or rayman himself can speak.

The introduction cut-scene is one big musical act, and it really puts you in a good mood after seeing it, because it's bright, colorful and best of all, really creative.

The soundtracks use in the levels are all composed directly for the game, and it's really noticeable.

Graphics

The graphics are all in there own little style.

It's very original, like nothing I've seen in a game before. While it's not the kind of thing you'll see in any blockbuster AAA+ titles like Mass effect 3, this game looks adorable, and the style makes you appreciate how much effort the artists have put into making this game.

Difficulty

Simple game, Easy to pick up and play. However, this doesn't take anything away from the game itself. A 5 year old could play this, and likely enjoy it.

I will say, some of the time trial levels may drive you to insanity, but if your not too bothered, just playing the game is a shocking experience.

Value for money

I brought this for £30 and spent 3 days (At about 11 hours a day playing) beating this wonderful game and I enjoyed every moment. Normally a game that only lasts 30ish hours wouldn't be considered great, but it's very rare I'm able to pick up a game and play that long without getting bored.

So, if you looking for my option (which I assume you are, since you are reading a review written by me) then this game is well worth the money.

Final words

Shockingly nostalgic
Awful lot of fun
Musically brilliant

All words I would used to describe this wonderful game.

So, take it for it is, A old school platformer with wonderful graphics, music and game-play and you will love it.

Sorry for the short review, There's not a awful lot to talk about.