Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

The real sequel to Rayman 2: The Great Escape finally graces the PlayStation 2 and it seems like it's taken an eternity.

Rayman Revolution was a rather disappointing release, being a re-badged port, and the multiplayer based Rayman M didn't really whet our appetites either.

But the immersive atmosphere, innovative gameplay and imaginative level design that defined The Great Escape have returned from the crazy French minds at Ubi Soft in this third chapter of the popular Rayman series, Hoodlum Havoc.

Following faithfully in the footsteps of its predecessor, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc plunges the bizarre, limbless hero once again into a great adventure, in which he must traverse and explore an array of beautiful, fantastical environments. This time around, the story focuses on Rayman's best mate Globox, who, for some reason or another, has managed to accidentally swallow the Lord of the Dark Lums. Angered by this act of gross misconduct, the bungling-yet-deadly army of Hoodlums gets on the case, hell-bent on recovering their leader. Our hero is subsequently left with no option but to find a cure for the manic Globox, scour the land for unearthly new powers, and win the allegiance of a fierce warrior tribe known as the Knaaren.

Throughout the adventure, over 20 different enemies stand between Rayman and his goals, each sporting what Ubi Soft refer to as advanced AI and specific strengths and combat strategies. But have no fear because, as always, a selection of super powers and abilities can be unearthed, such as Shock Rockets, Lockjaw, Vortex, Mini-Shoe car and other supercool stuff.

Although fairly predictable in its offerings, Hoodlum Havoc is a great little platformer that will in no way disappoint fans of the genre.

It offers a hefty amount of play, a wealth of well designed and involving environments, and some great visuals.