Rayman Advance

Rayman Advance is the handheld version of the classic platform game Rayman, which was originally released on the PlayStation and the Atari Jaguar in 1995. The game was technically adapted for the Game Boy Advance in 2001 and offers one of the best 2D platformer experiences on the console. With its unique graphic style, imaginative worlds and precise gameplay, Rayman Advance is one of the highlights of the genre.

In the role of the eponymous hero Rayman, a brave and limbless adventurer, you embark on a journey through a colorful but dangerous world to restore peace in Rayman Advance. The evil Mr. Dark has disturbed the balance of the world and stolen the peaceful Elektroon vessels - now it's up to you to free them all and defeat the sinister villain.

Rayman Advance offers classic 2D jump'n'run gameplay with a high degree of precision and challenge. In Rayman Advance, you run, jump, glide and fight your way through a variety of levels, which are divided into five large themed worlds - including jungles, musical landscapes, caves and ice worlds. As you progress through the game, you unlock new abilities, such as the helicopter hover, which you can use to cover longer distances, or the magic fist punch, which you can use to defeat enemies and destroy obstacles.

The graphics of Rayman Advance are superbly realized for the Game Boy Advance: Colorful, smoothly animated and lovingly detailed. The unique Rayman style has been transferred well to the small screen without losing the charm of the original. The soundtrack of Rayman Advance is also atmospheric and fits perfectly with the imaginative worlds.

Rayman Advance offers a great mix of skill, timing and exploration. The levels contain hidden areas and secret cages that you have to find in order to complete the game - which challenges even experienced players. The controls of Rayman Advance are precise and responsive, which is particularly important in the often challenging passages.

Rayman Advance for Game Boy Advance is a first-class 2D platform game that successfully brings the spirit of the original to the handheld. With its charming graphic style, creative level design and challenging gameplay, Rayman Advance is an absolute must for fans of classic platformers - and a real milestone for Nintendo's handheld console.