Xbox

Rayman Arena

While not for everyone, fans of the Rayman series will enjoy seeing their hero along with the rest of the characters, and I mean ‘characters’, in a different light. If you like the foot-race styled game genre, then this should fit nicely in your collection. Race and battle modes both offer good multi player party games!

Fans of the few other foot-racing games that have been released over the years, such as Mad Dash Racing, Running Wild, or Sonic R, will find that Rayman Arena fits in nicely with these games. But the game doesn't really do anything to differentiate itself from these older foot-racing games and doesn't bring anything new to the table. Anyone looking for an exciting mascot racing game won't find too much to like here once the thrill of four-player multiplayer has worn off.

Rayman Arena is Ubisoft’s latest installment using the Rayman franchise, and while I am sure the designers had some good ideas and intentions going into this project something went horribly wrong between the design pitch and the retail release of this game.

Milking it. That’s what Ubi Soft is doing to the Rayman name. So many successful games spawn offshoots that are, in most cases, horrid. There are always the rare exceptions (i.e. Crash Team Racing), but for every one good game, there are countless drink coaster games, Rayman Arena included. This game is the antithesis of fun. The only ones who might enjoy this game are people who enjoy pain, though I worry even for them. A shallow and unbalanced game at best. Let's hope Ubi Soft redeems itself with the upcoming Hoodlum Havoc. Play at own risk.