Rayman Origins

Game review by Mark Raby, Common Sense Media
Rayman Origins Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Great multiplayer platforming romp with slapstick violence.

Nintendo Wii 2011
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 11 reviews

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  • Rayman Origins Game: Screenshot #1
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Rayman Origins is a "platformer" game, which means players will go through a series of levels, each with the goal of getting from point A to point B. In addition to figuring out which way to turn through a series of winding paths and platforms, players need to avoid obstacles and defeat myriad enemies along the way. Most enemies are defeated with one hit and disappear in an explosion; however, there are also several boss battles that put players in more of a one-on-one combat situation. Much of the violence is meant to be slapstick in nature. As is common with the Rayman series, this game also contains bathroom humor. There are also human-like female fairy creatures that wear sexy outfits. What sets this game apart from most other platformers is it supports cooperative play for up to four players, which means players can work together as a team to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

Community Reviews

Twixthekitty
Twixthekitty Adult
May 7, 2013
age 8+

Awesome!!

This game is ridiculously cute. I adore the art style - visually, the game is stunning - and the soundtrack is the cutest thing ever. I played the original Rayman as a kid, and this really does it justice. It's way more forgiving than the first one too - each level is divided into small chunks, so if you die, you're never set back too far. The co-op play is great for friends or siblings. Just play it. Ugh, so good!
Lewis Woodhall
Lewis Woodhall Adult
September 15, 2012
age 8+

AGE RESTRICTIONS!

Language - Extremely very mild references. Hardly noticeable!! Sex - Mild female clevage nudity! Violence - Mild! Not bloody or graphic. Other - Nothing much. Hope this helps!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 4 parent reviews

What’s It About?

In RAYMAN ORIGINS, as with most other platformers, the central focus of the game is not the story. There is a background tale to tie the game together and tells players about an evil force that has overtaken an otherwise peaceful landscape. However, the experience is really just about going through each level and defeating enemies that appear along the way. This game has a massive amount of levels -- several dozen of them -- spread throughout a variety of different \"worlds,\" each with unique art styles and scenery. The game also allows players to team up with up to three others, sharing the same screen, to go on a joint quest. The accompanying players are allowed to \"jump in\" and \"drop out\" of the game at any time.

Is It Any Good?

Rayman Origins is perhaps one of the most fun and well-crafted games in the 16-year Rayman series. After being dominated by innumerable "Rabbids" titles, it is incredibly refreshing to see the franchise make a return to Rayman's roots, where addicting gameplay, challenging platform levels, captivating scenery, and epic boss battles rule the day. The most exciting feature in this game is the ability for four players to get together and play through the game on the same screen. The process of adding players is seamless, so if you have a friend over and want to play together, the friend can join in right in the middle of your game; when he leaves, you just continue on by yourself again with no interruption to the fluidity of the game experience.

The fantastical and mythical art style that has come to be associated with Rayman is here in full force, along with the addicting and rewarding nature of the game that allows players to gain new skills and gadgets as they progress. There are dozens of characters, many of whom have been reprised from previous Rayman titles for the first time, and an exhaustive number of levels to keep players occupied and fully entertained long enough to make this game well worth it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the slapstick violence in this game. Why is the violence in this game not very impactful?

  • In what situations is it better to work with others?

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo Wii
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: UbiSoft
  • Release date: November 15, 2011
  • Genre: Action/Adventure
  • ESRB rating: E10+ for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Suggestive Themes
  • Last updated: August 29, 2016

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