Rayman is a character that you control in this game. He has no arms, legs or neck and uses its hair as a helicopter to fly around. Like many other platform games, the same formula applies : get from point A to point B, collecting treasures and attacking cute monsters along the way.
However, what makes Rayman 2 : The Great Escape fun to play even for a jaded gamer like me is that each level offers something new to the player. Not only will you jump from one platform to another, you'll also slide, water-ski and fly. The graphics are also beautiful to look at, and like watching a cartoon, the cut-scenes are funny and interesting to watch. At certain levels, you'll also come face-to-face with end-level bosses with a different weakness.
The only little problem with this game is that it can be sometimes be very difficult to pass a level. Though you can only permanatly save your progress only after the completion of every level, there are also save-points throughout the levels (except for the final level, which is unacceptable). And since kids will most likely buy this game and play it, they may give up halfway. On the other hand, adults may think that this game can only be enjoyed by kids.
In short, try this game. It is the best 3rd person platform game I've played so far and if you enjoyed it very much, there is also a sequel already out (Rayman 3 : Hoodlum Havoc).
Pros : Great graphics, absorbing gameplay, funny characters and storyline
Cons : Might be too difficult for some.
Other Recommendations :
Heart of Darkness
- This is another platform game worth playing. Though it's in 2D, it has a 3D effect to it.
Very good soundtrack as well.