Rayman may have sold zillions on the PSone, but you'd be hard-pressed to find many experienced gamers willing to admit their allegiance. It seems big-eared, limbless cartoon characters don't quite have the kudos of, say, Sam Splinter Cell Fisher. But, while Rayman may have an image problem, his latest escapade helps redress the balance. This is a 3D platform adventure complete with mini-games, combat and, possibly, the kitchen sink.

There's even a plot - Rayman has to rescue his buddy Globox from a serious plum juice addiction. Luckily, he does this by bashing hoodlums rather than providing a regular supply of toilet paper. Using his handily upgradable fists as weapons, Rayman is certainly tougher than before. From powerful whirlwinds to the first-person sniper fist, there are plenty of ways to dispatch the bad guys. Combine the tried and trusted 'lock-on' system with strafing and you can take on multiple enemies fairly easily. The controls are tight enough to cope with the different styles, although the camera isn't always helpful.

The whole game is a bit of a looker. Sure, there are no real level surprises, but the graphical joie de vivre means you rarely get bored ogling the surroundings. Perhaps the developer is reflecting an older gaming demographic, but Rayman 3 is certainly darker than previous instalments. Gloomier locales, tougher-looking enemies and grown-up humour show that Rayman is reaching puberty. Sadly, the character animation is still basic, jarring badly with the sumptuous backdrops.

The production values are really top notch, with recognised voice actors (from the likes of Ice Age and Futurama) giving the action a welcome sheen. Other nice touches - like the Batman-style 'thwacks' displayed when you hit a hoodlum - all point to a big-budget production.

The days of platform games involving simple jumping are gone. Agile fingers and timing are still necessary, but Rayman sets numerous challenges, ranging from piloting to sneaking. This variety is welcome but there is still something missing. Maybe it's the feeling of déja vu, or perhaps the relatively linear levels. Or it could be ol' Rayman himself. It's hard to fully engage with the limbless one, even if the action looks this good. Despite this, younger gamers, and those who fancy a change from the Xbox norm, will enjoy. It may not be the French revolution we hoped for, but Rayman 3 is a polished and entertaining cartoon romp.

1. Gorgeous graphics
2. Mixed gameplay styles
3. Good voice acting

1. He tries hard, but Rayman ain't cool
2. Bit linear
3. Nothing new

Power
Dreamlike and trippy visuals make use of the Xbox, while the controls are spot-on.

Style
Derivative 3D platforming, but with its corking graphics and polished feel you won't mind.

Immersion
The plot's pretty simplistic but the variety of challenges drives you on.

Lifespan
The normal game will take 1045 hours to complete, longer if you search for all the hidden bits.

Summary
Not just for the kids, Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc is a 3D adventure that will appeal across the board.