Rabbids Travel Through Time 3D -- I like it

[durkada]

Here are some quick props for the Rabbids. Their latest offering is amongst their best. This time not as a collection of mini games, but as a traditional platformer.

This game doesn't really break any boundaries within the genre, but it does most everything right.

Starting with the fundamentals, your little Rabbid behaves nimbly under your control -- jumping with precision, running at the proper speed, with enough of the screen in view at any time to ensure that you keep your bearings. Whether swinging from vines, whacking enemies, or landing on a precipice barely wide enough for your feet, the rabbid behaves fluidly with each press of a button or move of the stick. To me, it feels perfect.

The aesthetics are fairly awesome, on most fronts. Backgrounds of the historical time periods are littered with Rabbidisms, while everything on the screen remains crystal clear. Animation of the rabbids and various elements are marvelous -- attaining the true level of cartoon caricature. My only gripe is a niggle with the comedy. In the brilliant but painfully easy Rabbids Go Home, the Rabbids have wit and charm. Here, they are much more slapstick. I miss the wit.

I suppose there is a story. One that borrows heavily from the Wii offering, but its negligible in every sense. There isn't much in this game, and what is there doesn't get in the way.

Sounds are great, with the usual exaggerated madness of the rabbits grunting, screaming, and whatever else they do. Music is eclectic and decent, without anything driving you to purchase a soundtrack.

Level design is generally interesting, with a few semi-hidden areas and semi-hard to reach spots. There is a tendency to overuse a newly presented obstacle a few more times in sequence than necessary, but its hard to complain. And there are some ideas that I haven't seen in other games (at least as far as I can remember) but quite like; such as the rotating platforms that act almost like bicycle petals. Coupled with some bonus levels, some fun sliding jumps, giant dinosaur chases, it's consistently good if not ingenious.

I've not completed the game. I'm only a couple hours in, and would _guess_ I'm 30% done. I don't know how much mileage you want from your game, or even if that is accurate. But I will say that it keeps me engaged. While it isn't the most devilishly challenging game, you do need to pay attention. And it has grown consistently more frantic and demanding with each progressive level. Here, there are pools of poison and falling bricks which will kill you instantly, and a few challenging areas that will whittle away your life. Nonetheless, there are reasonable checkpoints in each level and its hard not to find extra lives at every corner (I think I'm up to 42).

So far, of the DS launch, this is my favorite game. If you hate Rabbids, you may still find something to love if you are fan of the platforming genre. If you love Rabbids, then you'll be glad to know they are back in good form. While I generally eschew story in games, I very much appreciate how the first Raving Rabbids and Rabbids Go Home progressed with each victory; here, that doesn't seem to be the case, although there are some nice 3D statues you can grab.

Oh yeah, the 3D. Works fine on this one. In fact, I very much enjoy it for all its gimmicky goodness, and generally leave it on with this title. There are some nice little jokes relating to the 3D prowess, such as the beetle in the Egyptian levels.

[DAAAAA!!]

I want a 3DS now lol

[sevin0seven]

now i know we have two Rabbits avatar members here...unless i'm missing one more.

[Rayban]

Yes I also have this game and I'm enjoying it. Anyone who considers themselves retro platformer fans should go out and buy this game.

[FerretGamer]

Wow, I was going to completely ignore this one. Thank you for your lengthy writeup since I'll make a purchase shortly.

[durkada]

Just a quick update. I still haven't finished the game, but it reveals more of its awesomeness the further you go. It does get challenging!

In short, I do not remember a platforming game I have enjoyed more!

[FerretGamer]

I just wanted to say thanks again for recommending this game.

I recently picked it up off half and I've been playing it quite a lot. Currently, I'm in Egypt and it's been a blast. I must say that the Rabbids are quite charming.

Plus, washing machine time machine... brilliant.

I haven't played a Rabbids game since the original Rayman Raving Rabbids from the Wii launch. To be honest, I like this departure from the norm of the series.