Rayman Origins brings Rayman back where he belongs: the world of 2D platforming. When I saw the game for the first time at this year's E3, I knew it was going to be something special, but I also knew it was going to be hard to find an audience during the release-packed month of November.

The game is beautiful, and since that beauty comes from the animation and art style, it's going to look good a week from now, and just as good five years from now. 2D animation in video games relies on artists to look good, not just on visual effects that date a game to a particular generation.

The story thus far

Rayman Origins xbox*, wii, ps3 Release Date: now

now MSRP: $59.99 Official site * = platform reviewed

The game begins when Rayman and his friends anger those in the underworld by doing the unthinkable: being too loud while relaxing. (I think this is the first game I've played where the central conflict comes from the protagonist chilling in a way that's too hardcore.) But soon Rayman is stuck fighting the powers of the underworld and collecting the game's version of coins: the colorful electoons. It doesn't really matter, as the game is delightfully silly and surreal, so the less you pay attention to the already-light story, the more fun the game becomes.

The act of running and jumping through the levels may make Rayman Origins sound like a standard platformer, and the play itself is refreshingly old school, but the game shines graphically. In fact, that's something of a understatement; you'll want to stop and enjoy the gorgeously rendered world every few minutes. Everything in Rayman Origins has been designed and animated with love. This is a game you'll want to play just to see what new setting or enemy the game has to show you.

The game also allows up to three other people to drop in and play at any time. It's fun to use your friends as platforms to get to higher places, or simply slap each other around and explore the levels. It's goofy, much like New Super Mario Bros., and it's a great way to add value to the game. The ability to call in backup when the going gets tough is great, and even better when the backup is one of your kids. This is a great title to play with your family, and the animations and level design often reminded me of Studio Ghibli films, although the fairies in the game are oddly busty. (I'm not complaining, it's just my job to point these things out. Those fairies have it going on.)

Rayman Origins has a good time referencing other games and playing with the sidescrolling format; you'll find some wonderful surprises in the game if you stick with it. You learn a new skill in each world, and you're asked to master that skill through the levels before the game opens up and requires the use of all your abilities. The game isn't always easy, and in fact can be frustrating at times, but the visuals and goofy humor always give you a reason to press on.

You can pause the game at nearly any point and see what looks like a carefully arranged picture, and the entirety of the experience looks like a painting come to life. The game made me happy every time I played, and that's more than enough reason to recommend it. This may not have the marketing budget of other, more popular games, but it would be a shame if it was overlooked this season.

Verdict: Buy