Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc review · 10:27pm Dec 7th, 2014
This was the first Rayman game I really noticed. I didn't follow it, but I saw a commercial or two. Even tried the demo but I had no idea how to use the GameCube controller(never played one before). Thanks to porting, I was able to download the game on the PS3. so lets if it's worth it?
Story
Black lums are spreading and are transforming themselves into hoodlums. Led by Andre, the lums plan to destroy the !!HEART OF THE WORLD!! As Rayman fights his way through the hoodlums, the evil fly gets swallowed by Globox. In order to end the black lums, Rayman must take Globox to ... the doctor's office! and that's why I like the plot. Yes, it's a bit silly, but I think story suits the series. like that part in Rayman 2 where you to find medicine in the pits of Hell. yes, it gets a bit more serious near the end but it's still silly. 'Longest Shortcut' anyone?
As for characters: Rayman's the same but talks less, Murphy breaks the fourth wall and Globox is Patrick Star before he became a jerk. I actually really like Globox in this. while he be annoying to some, I found his antics and dialog very enjoyable. As for Andre, I thought he could've been the best villain in the series if it wasn't for one thing I'll mention later.
Gameplay
Gameplay is mostly the same from the last game: Jump on platforms, fight enemies, break cages. Combat has improved slightly by having you punches being able to hit behind cover or enemies who are blocking. It also feels a lot better as enemies don't have temporary invincibility, which enemies go down quicker and flows better.
A first for the series is that Rayman has all his powers, though you do regain one later in the game. However you do find cans that contains outfits that have special powers that are use for fighting and getting through the many obstacles, like a green one that shoots tonados, a red super punch or my favorite: the blue grappling claws. There's also a scoring system that can be used to open bonus levels, which I hardly play but I do enjoy the shooting one.
I should also mention about the Funky Highway sections. These area levels where you are constantly going forward and have to jump on narrow platforms that can appear out of nowhere or fall apart. While this should be annoying, it's actually pretty fun because there's no real penalty for falling as you just go back near the fall.
Presentation
Like the other Rayman games, it looks beautiful. The areas you go to all have a distinct feel to them, like the beautiful night time in the 'Fairy Council' to the hostile 'Desert of the Knareen'. The character models also look good such as our heroes, the Hoodlums and the Teensies. This doesn't apply to the cinematics as most of them look bad. They look like they are going to fast ad when lip-syncing is involved, it's atrocious.
The music is once again great. While not that meorable, it does have a great feeling of ambiance to the level. If I would pick a favorite, I'll be the 'Land of the Livid Dead. The fighting music is also good with each enemy having their own theme. Now for voices. I like most of them. none of them really annoyed with one real exception. Andre. This is the problem with miscasting. You got someone who is rude, violent and never shuts up, an annoying voice could've worked if he didn't sound so forced.
Verdict
This is my second favorite Rayman game. It's a shame that this was the last 3D one.
9/10
I loved how crazy the characters were in this game. It was fun, tough and even got me a little bit sad in the ending.