Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rayman: Hoodlum’s Revenge builds on the series’ platforming roots by introducing a fixed 2.5D isometric camera perspective, marking a fresh take on level exploration. Each stage presents a mix of straightforward jumps, timed platforms, and environmental hazards that test your reflexes and spatial awareness. The slightly pixelated 3-D models lend a nostalgic charm, while the isometric viewpoint encourages careful planning of each move.

One of the game’s standout mechanics is the ability to switch between Rayman and Globox on the fly. Certain puzzles and obstacles require Globox’s bulkiness to hold down switches or squeeze through pressure plates, whereas Rayman’s agility and floating hair allow him to traverse narrow ledges or glide over gaps. This character-swapping adds a satisfying layer of strategy, as you’ll often need to think ahead and coordinate both heroes to advance.

Combat remains accessible yet engaging, with Rayman’s signature punch and ability to hover providing the bulk of enemy encounters, while Globox uses his belly-flop attack to stun foes. The variety of Hoodlum adversaries keeps skirmishes fresh, from nimble foot soldiers to lumbering brutes. Scattered collectibles and optional side tasks extend replayability, inviting completionists to scour every corner for hidden treasures.

Graphics

The visual style of Hoodlum’s Revenge embraces a slightly pixelated, low-poly aesthetic that evokes the era of late ’90s and early ’00s adventure games. Despite the modest hardware ambitions, environments burst with color: lush forests, mechanical factories, and eerie shadow realms all feel distinct and carefully crafted. The isometric camera offers a pseudo-3D depth, making exploration feel more immersive than traditional side-scrollers.

Character models retain the whimsical design that fans love, with Rayman’s floating fists and Globox’s rotund silhouette animated smoothly throughout. Enemies feature exaggerated features—bulky helmets, oversized blunderbusses—so they read clearly even when rendered with minimal polygons. Particle effects for explosions, magical bursts, and environmental interactions (like splashing water) are punchy and clear, lending a tactile feel to each action.

The fixed viewpoint can occasionally obscure distant platforms or hazards, but clever level design ensures that critical paths remain visible. Textures, while simple, use bold contrasts and saturated tones to help players distinguish interactive elements from background scenery. Overall, the graphical presentation holds up as a charming throwback, prioritizing readability and stylistic flair over cutting-edge detail.

Story

Picking up directly after the events of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, Hoodlum’s Revenge casts the Hoodlum army in a desperate bid for payback. After Rayman triumphs over their leader André, the vengeful troops swipe his loyal buddy Globox, setting the stage for a classic rescue mission. The kidnapping injects immediate urgency into the plot, motivating our hero to venture through new territories brimming with enemy reinforcements.

Partway through the adventure, Rayman frees Globox, turning the solo rescue into a cooperative hunt for the Hoodlums’ nefarious cloning operation. Rumors swirl of a plot to replicate the mystical substance Reflux, hinting at dangers that could unbalance the Glade of Dreams forever. This twist gives the narrative extra weight, as both characters realize they must thwart a threat far bigger than a simple vendetta.

While the story isn’t heavy on cinematic cutscenes, its playful dialogue and expressive animation keep the tone lighthearted. Rayman and Globox’s camaraderie shines through in brief exchanges, and the Hoodlums’ bumbling antics provide a steady stream of humor. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuity nods, while newcomers can enjoy a straightforward tale of heroism without needing extensive background knowledge.

Overall Experience

Rayman: Hoodlum’s Revenge delivers a concise but satisfying platforming romp. With roughly 8–10 hours of main-story content and a smattering of hidden collectibles, it offers a solid weekend’s worth of gameplay without overstaying its welcome. Difficulty ramps up gradually, making it accessible to younger players, yet the puzzle-platform challenges still pose a rewarding test for seasoned fans.

The game’s greatest strength lies in its character-switching mechanic and isometric level design, which inject fresh creativity into familiar platforming tropes. Although some camera angles can hide secrets, most stages are thoughtfully laid out, balancing straightforward runs with multi-step puzzles that require coordination between Rayman and Globox. This interplay keeps the pacing lively and encourages players to rethink typical platform strategies.

For those seeking a nostalgic dive into Rayman’s world or a taste of inventive 2.5D action, Hoodlum’s Revenge stands as a noteworthy spin-off. Its blend of humor, varied environments, and cooperative puzzle elements make it a memorable entry that honors the series’ roots while carving out its own identity. Potential buyers looking for a charming platformer with a twist should find this adventure well worth their time.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10