Joe Jasko

Rayman has always been one of gaming's true platforming greats, and not only has he managed to help define the genre of running and jumping in its early console days, but he's also been able to perfectly adapt to every change of the times along the way. Last year's wonderful Rayman Jungle Run was a brilliant adaptation of a platform-runner on mobile, and is easily one of my personal favorite handheld games even to this day. I think many others would also agree: which is why it's so amazing to find that its incredible sequel, Rayman Fiesta Run, is pretty much better in every single way.For one thing, the graphics in Rayman Fiesta Run are a huge step up from the last game, if you can even believe that, since Rayman Jungle Run already looked so good to begin with. The influence of the recently released Rayman Legends on home consoles is immediately apparent, and every character design and environment has a gorgeous painted feel to it. The namesake Fiesta theme is in full force here as well, with many levels alternating between spicy fire and chilly ice environments, and a smorgasbord of food-based elements for Rayman and friends to interact with. Prepare to be bouncing off of lime wedges and plump little sausages, swinging along vines made up of countless chili peppers, and running through a level that's made entirely of cheese. The fiery soundtrack is just as lively as ever, and serves as the perfect background for you to dance with your disembodied feet."The different level designs in Rayman Fiesta Run are absolutely top-notch, and the variety between them will always keep you platforming in exciting new ways. Most levels will have you running to the right and jumping over gaps as per the usual, but then other ones will throw a monkey wrench into the mix by making you run left the entire time, shrinking you down in size and pitting you against a vastly enlarged and grotesque obstacle course, and even fleeing from a boss monster that's constantly nipping at your heels. While things start out simply enough (Rayman will always run forward automatically, and a simple tap on the screen will cause him to jump), it won't be long before you begin to unlock new move sets that should be familiar to fans of Rayman Jungle Run, including Rayman's punch attack, air gliding, and the ability to run up walls.