Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc Publisher: Ubi Soft Developer: Ubi Soft Genre: Action Adventure Expected Release: Fall 2002

Rayman 2: The Great Escape was quite possibly one of the best on the N64 (not saying TOO much, but bear with me). Oh, by the way, it was also on the Dreamcast and PlayStation. It had a unique style of gameplay, interesting characters and great graphics. It was hard, easy, long, short, funny and serious all at the same time, so go buy that game and then buy the sequel, because there are high hopes for this one, too. The graphics look sharp, the plot seems more interesting and the variety..... Well, let's just say it's as varied as a guy with no arms, legs or a neck in a strange world being overrun by Hoodlums can be.

If you take a gander at the screen shots available, you'll see that the characters are as realistic as a cartoon can be. Though blocky and a little blurred at times, the graphics really are colorful (and in the end, isn't color all Rayman is?), sharp and detailed for what they're worth. Reflections, odd facial expressions, lighting and smoke effects will all be in Rayman 3. There are also those little details, like snowflakes, sand, and the sun's glare. Sure, it ain't perfect, but Rayman doesn't rely on perfect graphics to be a good game.

The plot in the game is as follows: Your friend, Globox (Globox rOxOrz in Rayman 2) has accidentally eaten a Dark Loom (a little fairy, much resemblance to Zelda fairies) and the Loom has taken over Globox's mind. Poor Globox, because the Looms were creating a gang of Hoodlums to destroy Rayman, and now Globox is stuck in the middle. So, the Hoodlums attack Rayman and he (Rayman) has to save Globox. Knowing the Rayman series, this entire opening will prove both comical and fun for the whole family. Hey, the game's rated E for Everyone for a reason.

With a variety of interesting and new enemies, Rayman 3 will most likely have to perform a bunch of new moves and master new techniques besides just your charge-up ball shot (Rayman attacks by charging up a ball of energy in his hand - much like DragonBall Z - then he shoots it at enemies). Classic moves will be available, such as the swinging rope he can create to swing through the air, helicopter ears, rocket riding, and super power gloves to power-shoot your balls of energy. Aside form all these classic moves from Rayman 2, you can get a helicopter backpack (better than your ears), whirlwind gloves (like the power-up gloves, except wind shoots out opposed to stronger energy balls) and a metal suit for going all out whoop-ass on enemies. More will become available, but Ubi Soft doesn't want to ruin the entire game for us. Good for them.

Rayman 3 looks like an amazing title for all next gen systems, and a rental at least for everyone. With comedy, style, originality and Globox, there's nothing that seems to be lacking with the sequel to the already-fantastic title, Rayman 2: The Great Escape. Hoodlum Havoc seems like fun for everyone, so buy it in November (official date not yet available).

~King Dedede

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