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This really does stay true to its original. After Ubisoft gave Rayman a 3-D sequel, they decided that the coupe de grace of side-scrolling platformers (it's been re-released for 15 years now) had earned itself a second go:
[img width=145 height=145]http://i53.tinypic.com/idhjdv.jpg[/img][img width=160 height=144]http://i53.tinypic.com/9k70a0.jpg[/img]
What we have here is a revamp of one of the most iconic platformers of all time. Rayman mocks the concept of its predecessor while giving players all new ground to cover. After beating the game, I can safely say that this Game Boy Color exclusive is just as brilliant, challenging, and fun as its brethren. You might as well call this a sequel to the 2-D masterpiece, since it takes a lot from the original, but gives brand new levels. Once again, Ubisoft has taken everything great about platforming, added some of their own spices, and created quite a tasty quadrito(1).
:::HOME TO POCKET:::
[img width=320 height=240]http://i54.tinypic.com/15i7t5f.jpg[/img] ---> [img width=160 height=144]http://i56.tinypic.com/msm1om.jpg[/img]
Now that's definitely a visual masterpiece. I don't remember a 2-D anything on the PS1 looking that good (even some of the newer 2-D games can't compete.) Rayman on the GBC is more lush in color than most games on the console, giving it that same sense of visual dominance. They both have perfect controls, which are simple and easy to use. Add complex level designs, and you've got yourself a fine gem. Less is more.
HOME TO POCKET Verdict: It's the same game, but with different levels, 8-bits, and no boss fights. Wait... NO BOSS FIGHTS!?!?!
Well, there technically is one kickass final boss, but all that does is make you wonder why Ubisoft cut such a huge corner. The original had loads of boss fights, and they were all awesome!! But why not here? Was Ubisoft in a hurry?
But that was not a hindrance to my experience. The challenging gameplay is more than enough to keep you busy. After you beat the game, you have the option of going back and rescuing all the Toons for 100% completion. Then you unlock a new set of levels, along with a Time Trial Mode. Time Trial mode? That's as much replayability as a racing game!!
Here's a couple quick examples of how variety-tastic this game can be:
(Not my videos.)
If there's one thing that needs credit all, then it's the brilliantly clever level designs. That giant grape can be used to bounce down a spiky hill, or get stuck on an enemies head and be used as a moving platform. If there was an item or a type of obstacle, it was milked for every possible situation that could have ever been thought of, without copying the same situation twice or harming the exotic variety. True genius.
Final Thoughts:
I'm impressed that they were able to keep track of all your data with a 10 character password system, because there was a lot of game to be offered. I may have beaten it, but I still plan on taking it off the shelf sometime, and beat me some Time Trial records.
Don't let the lack of bosses turn you away. If you're a fan of platformers at all, then I highly recommend Rayman. Its not commonly played, but its very affordable. I scored my copy for only 2$ plus shipping. You owe it to yourself to sacrifice a Starbucks beverage for hours of colorful platforming.
VOCAB:
(1) Quadrito: Take one burrito, wrap a burrito around it, place both inside of a third burrito, and finish it off with an all encompassing fourth burrito.
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This is scarper's Blog.
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I really love Game Boys, but more so the simplicity of owning a Game Boy Color. Although its not immediately noticeable, the GB/GBC has a LOT of fantastic portable versions of just about every franchise at the time it was commercially available. And most of the time, they had different content than their home console predecessors. Dare I mention the amazing exclusive games. The general experience of owning a Game Boy has yet to be re-created by anyone, including Nintendo.
The goal of this blog is to give those forgotten yet fantastic Game Boy games the credit they truly deserve, and to show people how amazing and genuinely fun it is to own an original Game Boy. Colors included.
I am an avid retro gamer, and used to collect for a lot of systems, but now that I plan on attending college and whatnot, money and time have become an importantish thing. So now I collect nothing but Game Boy games. I'm a film maker, and also show considerable interest in broadcast journalism (My YouTube channel reviewing GB games will happen shortly.) I am a senior high school, and plan on studying film in college. Although Game Boy Advance reviews are not contained in this blog, I do love the GBA to death. It was my childhood console, and a treasured one at that.
Here's mah Backloggery page:
http://backloggery.com/games.php?user=scarper&console=GBC |
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