So they ported the Nintendo Wii exclusive game Rayman Raving Rabbids to the Xbox 360, what’s the result? You be the judge.  After playing this game for about 10 hours, trying different modes and options, finishing the single player mode, I have deduced this review.

The Single player portion (where you get some decent achievements) takes about 6 hours to complete.  Not that much value in a game that has taken its time and decided not to add to much more from the Wii version.  The only thing new to the 360 version is the option to play certain mini games with the Xbox Live Vision Camera and new load screens.  Although we didn’t get a chance to try out the Vision Cam, we still had a good time with this game.

The Story is this, you’re Rayman.  You go on a picnic with some frogs (for some reason) and get captured by evil bunnies.  They then force you to compete in certain mini games for their entertaining pleasure.  While funny at some parts, this story seemed to just be a tacked on “gateway” for playing different mini games.  The only problem in this gateway system is the load times.

The load times in this game were so frequent, long and repetitive that it actually took away from enjoying the mini games.  At times, these mini games were so short that the amount of loading screens almost seemed equal to the amount of play time.  I am not joking.  These load screens are new to the 360 version and quite a nuisance.  Perhaps the fact of this game being in HD as opposed to SD on Wii played a factor.  But who knows, I’m not a developer and from what I hear I am glad not to be.

Another let down was the inconsistent frame rate.  It had more jitters then the Wii version, which made this game feel rushed, and cheaply ported.  It also seemed that the achievements were rushed as well.  And you can get them all if you buckle down for about 10 hours.  To me, games with smaller Gamerscore point increments and more achievements tend to be games of the blockbuster type.  For Example, Grand Theft Auto 4 has lots of little achievements where as a small budget game like Avatar, you can get 1000 in about 5 minutes.  Rayman follows this path. 

On the topic of a cheap port, no new controls were added for the 360 version, aside from the mini games.  In the arena (where you select your mini games) there is no support for right analog camera movement.  While you might not find this to be a problem, my point is derived from the fact that not much was changed during the port.  Another thing not changed is the mini games.  As I played through it I didn’t see one mini game that was new to the 360 version.  There might have been some that support the camera, but like I said, we didn’t try it. 

Some aspects changed are the obvious different control setup for the mini games.  Not some, but most mini games where a lot less tedious and stressful than the Wii version.  I don’t know if it is because the average video game player is used to the classic controller setup (i.e. Xbox, 360, PS3, PS2, etc) as opposed to the Wiimote and Nun chuck or that, if used incorrectly, the Wiimote can be the epitome of frustration.

Yes I did enjoy this game more on the 360 then on the Wii.  Some of the factors for this include achievements, high definition graphics, 5.1 surround sound and less, much less frustrating (controlling) mini games.  On part I particularly enjoyed was the unlockables played through in score mode. 
In score mode, you can unlock achievements, videos, concept art and more.  Ubisoft really has a great thing with the Rabbids.  The cute, psychotic and cuddly bunnies also have games on PS2, DS, 360 and Wii.  A second Rayman Raving Rabbids came out as a Wii exclusive, poorly made but fun none the less.  And a new Rayman game is on the horizon for Wii which has support for the Wii Balance Board.  It is truly becoming a trademarked franchise.

Aside from all of the discussed factors which make it a pain, the truth is this; the mini games are fun, the graphics are great and the comedic story elements are worth at least the rental.  If you don’t mind a little more aggravating controls, try it on Wii.  If you want some easy achievements try it on 360.  I really did enjoy this title.  I’m sure that these cute rabbits are just starting their journey in the video game world, bludgeoning and laughing along the way.