Rayman Advance is perhaps the first real must-play Game Boy Advance game available. It's a full conversion of the PlayStation classic brought to life in vivid detail with level-by-level optimisations, gorgeous graphics, large, detailed and well-animated characters and that patented
Rayman gameplay that Ubi Soft has been delivering for years now.
Those unfamiliar with the character and story should expect yet another cute take on the 2-D side-scrolling adventure game but Rayman easily stands alongside Mario in terms of brilliance. Rayman, a cute, big-nosed guy with a pompadour fringe and an infectiously upbeat attitude, is the Guardian of the World. Oddly, he has hands and feet but no arms or legs to support them--but that doesn't stop him from doing his thing. His powers include jumping, clinging to ledges, using his ears as a helicopter, and most importantly, punching. A helpful fairy doles out these powers to you as you complete tasks and progress in the game. Rayman's task, as usual, is to defeat enemies and free creatures (called Toons) caught in great iron boxes. He also collects "tings", which he can use to barter with magicians as he rids his bizarre little world of oppression from the likes of colourful bosses Moskito and big bad Space Mama.
The most striking thing about Rayman Advance is its graphics and gameplay. The design is extremely creative, there are things to bounce on, ride and grab and other tricks to do. It's the sort of game that always has you doing something new, which is no mean feat considering it spans 60 levels. A first rate 2-D platform game for all ages. --Andrew S Bub
