I've never been a massive fan of Rayman. My experiences with his franchise has been limited to playing the original at a friends place when I was knee high and a brief flirt with Rayman: Raving Rabbids when I picked it up free with my Wii purchase. I don't actively dislike the character, he just sort of existed for me, a 'beloved' character that I just never got into.
Until this morning.
I had been hearing increasingly positive things about Rayman: Origins from the various video game sites I frequent. Positive reviews, cries of 'BUY THIS GAME' from reviewers and people whose opinion I trust, people who have generally had the same or similar tastes as my own. I looked into it, and had the same reaction I think everyone will initially have when they look at it. Its a 2D, cartoon platformer, with a full retail release price? ($99 in my neck of the woods, Australia). What? No, thats not right, this stuff is released digitally, for $15-$20, right?
I put it out of my mind, with so many massive time sink titles already threatening to clutter my desk, no way I could devote time and money into this weird thing.
So, to get to the point, I picked up my copy of Skyward Sword and Super Mario 3D this morning. I was trading in some games, and I had some credit left over. The universe aligned, just as the staff member selling me these two titles, I have yet to even unwrap as a result of this confluence of events, was asking me if I wanted anything else, the other staff member opened their delivery box, revealing a half dozen copies of Rayman: Origins. 'Ooh, I'll take a copy of that' I said, without thinking, all the positive praise for the title flooding into my conscious, causing me to not think, just do.
I got home, three games in hand, what to do first? Well, my 3DS hasn't been turned on for well over two months, so I set that on the charging cradle. Wii needs an update to play Skyward Sword? Ok, I'll whack Origins in then, give it a couple of levels, then jump into Skyward Sword.
Four and a half hours later, and I cannot put Rayman down. It prompted me to write this post, something I have never done before, I have messaged all my friends, begging them to try it out, my girlfriend is actually hanging out with me, watching me play a game. She might even be convinced to join me. It is such an amazing experience. Nothing looks like it. The animation is simply astonishing, and COLOUR! COLOURS, I had almost forgotten what they looked like! I don't know how long it will last, at this point I no longer care. It has been such a refreshing change from the drab, realistic, gritty experiences of the past three months that the price for admission has been worth it.
If your sick of Military dudes, shooting other Military dudes, or swinging swords at dragons, or punching guys, get Rayman. Even if you don't, get Rayman. It is such a beatiful, surreal experience, so expertly crafted, and just so damn FUN, as the title of this post suggests, most everyone won't play it. I can't blame anyone for that decision, but I do pity anyone who doesn't.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to it. Those Electoos won't collect themselves!
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