Rabbids 3D
|
3DS
| Rabbids 3D

The Rabbids are a rather odd bunch, shedding words like there's no tomorrow. The little critters originally played second fiddle to classic platforming wizard Rayman, but eventually they dropped him in favour of going it alone.

Now these bunny-like creatures aren't even Raving any more, opting to debut on the Nintendo 3DS quite simply as Rabbids 3D. Not only that, but they're going up against their original rival Rayman in 3DS launch title Rayman 3D.

They've also dropped the mini-games from the Raving Rabbids series, opting for all-out platforming instead.

While the Rabbids' 3DS debut is technically sound, the level design is awfully basic and, ultimately, dull. A handful of extras, bonus levels, and collectibles don't do enough to make this a worthwhile experience.

No longer Raving

You take control of a Rabbid as he's flung through the ages in a time-travelling washing machine. Each time period presents a new series of obstacles to run, leap, and swing over, along with a variety of enemy Rabbids to bash.

Rabbids come in all shapes and sizes, and can be thwacked off the screen by hammering the X button. The variety is welcome, but it would have been nice if there was at least a little tactical play needed to remove opponents, rather than using the same method for every one.

There are plenty of levels and worlds to play through. Unfortunately, the level design is completely uninspired.

You'll spend most of your time jumping over pits, smashing through blocks, and knocking bad guys out of the way. Nothing much changes throughout the game, and after a few hours it's impossible not to notice that you're performing the same actions over and over again.

It does eventually start to get a little more interesting. Some levels have a slight Sonic and Knuckles feel to them, with your Rabbid springing around and crashing through walls, often at lively speeds.

There are also occasional variations in the gameplay, including a Canabalt-style endless running level, and some bonus 'grab all the coins' action.

Even so, the dullness coursing through the rest of the levels is barely quelled by these moments of enjoyment.

This is a 3D platform

Rabbids 3D has the honour of being the first platformer on the 3DS, giving an indication of how this genre will pan out in stereoscopic 3D.

There are some really interesting effects on display, with layered backgrounds providing great depth to the 2D plane. Palm trees lean into the action, as if bursting from a gorgeous oasis somewhere behind the action.

However, the game never pushes the boat out or does anything very clever with the effect. Hopefully when the first Mario platformer lands we'll see Nintendo showing how it's really supposed to be done.

The Rabbids attempt to hold your attention through collectibles, and to an extent this works. You can grab coins and rubber ducks in exchange for bonus levels and dioramas. The dioramas are fairly pointless, but they at least give a sense of progression.

You'll also unlock clothes for your Rabbid throughout play. You can cycle through these and select them to give your critter some personality. There are plenty to choose from, and a good few are genuinely hilarious.

Unfortunately, these bonuses aren't enough to keep you entertained. Rabbids 3D is a mediocre platformer that shows signs of wanting to break from the norm every now and again, but never quite manages it.

Rabbids 3D

Rabbids 3D provides bog-standard platforming action that never really gets exciting
Score
Mike Rose
Mike Rose
An expert in the indie games scene, Mike comes to Pocket Gamer as our handheld gaming correspondent. He is the author of 250 Indie Games You Must Play.