Rayman Fiesta Run for Windows

Endless running fun in Mexico with the platform game hero

Rayman Fiesta Run is an endless-running/platform game crossover starring the popular console game character, Rayman.

Running and jumping has never been more fun!

If you enjoyed the previous game, Rayman Jungle Run, then you'll love this follow-up, which delivers more of the same slick running and jumping gameplay. 

The idea of Rayman Fiesta Run is to dash through a series of weird and wonderful levels set across different worlds. As you run, slide and jump through the auto-scrolling levels, you need to collect little yellow bee-like creatures called 'Lums' which are dotted across the levels. Lums not only act as the game's currency but collect more of them helps you progress along the world map and open up new worlds with more levels.

If you collect all the Lums on a level (which is not easy!) then you unlock a special reimagined version of that stage where the layout and positioning of bad guys is different. 

Rayman Fiesta Run introduces the concept of bosses, which you need to defeat when they pop up at various points of your journey through the game. This adds an extra dimension to the gameplay and injects even more fun. I especially liked the giant piranhas that chase you through the level in a not-so subtle parody of Temple Run. 

There are plenty of unlockables in Rayman Fiesta Run, including different characters, and helpful boosts, such as hearts that protect you from damage, and a racing line, which shows you the best route to take through a level. These boosts and new characters are paid for in Lums which, of course, you can purchase for real money, as well as winning them in the game. In-app purchases are not a necessity in Rayman Fiesta Run because replaying levels to gain more Lums isn't a chore, such is the fun nature of the gameplay. 

There are plenty of achievements to unlock and online leaderboards in Rayman Fiesta Run, as well as the ubiquitous option to connect to Facebook.

Jump for joy

The controls in Rayman Fiesta Run aren't difficult to grasp. After hitting 'Go' at the start of a level, Rayman (or whatever character you're playing as) will automatically start running. You job is to tap at the right moment to make him jump over the obstacles and scale walls and other objects. Rayman Fiesta Run includes an attack button for bashing enemies out of the way.

While the controls themselves are easy to master, Rayman Fiesta Run becomes awkward to play at times due to the 'endless running' nature of the gameplay. At times you'll find yourself trapped under an object as the screen scrolls across, leaving you with nowhere to go. Alternatively, you might take a wrong route and lament not being able to turn around in the game.

Sometimes you'll long for Rayman Fiesta Run to be a straight platform game, though on the flip-side the endless runner aspect adds a lively challenge, so it's difficult to imagine it would be better without it.

Latin flavors

Rayman Fiesta Run looks and sounds great, with graphics on a par to Rayman Jungle Run (not surprising as it uses the same game engine). Developer Ubisoft has really embraced the Mexican theme, reflected in levels that are strewn with chillies and sombreros and a mariachi soundtrack to die for. The overall experience is so impressive that you'll actually feel like you're at a party. In fact, playing Rayman Fiesta Run is better than many parties I've been to lately.

Party on...

Rayman Fiesta Run is a slick and addictive game that oozes fun. If you don't enjoy playing this then you have no soul!