Rayman: Hoodlums' Revenge

Sometimes engaging, sometimes annoying, the game adds nothing new to the series except an isometric perspective that may throw off those familiar with the side-scroller.

In the saga's latest installment, nefarious Hoodlums have captured Rayman's sidekick Globox. Using his arsenal of tricks, Rayman must brave a perilous journey from magical realms to Hoodlum headquarters in search of his buddy. The music and sound effects are well done, complementing Rayman's upbeat attitude, but moodier, slower tracks might have worked better in areas like the Dungeon of Murk.

Rayman's movements have the easy fluidity that characterizes the series, but the decision to update from a side-scroller to a 3-D environment may have been unwise. The GBA's digital control pad handles diagonal motion clumsily, and distances and heights are difficult to judge in the new isometric perspective. Navigation problems coupled with linear, repetitive gameplay led on several occasions to frustration.

While replaying completed levels to raise scores and collect more lums will unlock secret areas, the core simplicity of the gameplay may not tempt many players to romp again where they have romped before.

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