Running, jumping, running, jumping... surely there must be more to life than that? Not if you're a little chap called Rayman there isn't - he loves it.
Ben Morris

Platform games have never really been big on the PC, preferring instead to flock to the multitude of consoles. You might be mistaken for thinking that platformers don't really suit the PC, but Ubi Soft are aiming to prove that wrong with the release of Rayman 2.

The plot sees Rayman and his menagerie of friends being captured by a horde of robotic pirates. As you escape, you must rescue any of the local inhabitants you meet and free them from a life of slavery. As special events happen, Half-Life-esque cut scenes keep you abreast of new information and provide new goals and abilities.

The action follows the same rules of platform games that were etched in stone at the beginning of time. These same rules state that there must be running, jumping and collecting of coins/rings/insert object here. The objects in Rayman's case are Lums. Coming in a variety of colours, they provide the different power-ups and energy boosts that are needed during the game.

Although seemingly consisting of only a collection of floating extremities, Rayman is nonetheless very nimble. As well as the standard running and jumping, he can also climb some surfaces and even fly to some extent. Enemies can be shot and the usual selection of switches and puzzles provide more challenges.