Rayman Origins was, in our eyes, one of the best games of 2011.  Michel Ancel and his team made a platformer that all players could easily get into, while including a local multiplayer factor that turned it into the ultimate party experience.  Now, in 2012, the game will be thriving on the portable front, with a release slated for the PlayStation Vita around launch.  There's a version in the works for 3DS as well, though there's a catch at this point regarding it...

Ubisoft has officially announced that Rayman Origins will be coming out for the 3DS -- in Europe -- on March 16th.  There are some minor changes between this game and the console game, as it likely won't include any sort of multiplayer factor, save for local Wi-Fi hook-up with friends.  However, the real change is one that's bound to be the most stunning -- the addition of 3D.  The game looked beautiful enough as it is on the consoles, but adding depth to it -- so it seems like it comes even more to life -- should be something that's well worth seeing.

There may also be implimentation of the touch screen within Origins, particularly when it comes to character selection or making choices.  Mini-games are also a possibility, though we have yet to see the game in action.  It seems like a sound idea.

But still, we're a little concerned with the fact that Ubisoft hasn't given a firm release date here in North America.  They've only given a first quarter window, indicating that it could very well be on the way, but we have a slight worry that Ubisoft is holding the game's sales against future releases.

Case in point.  Since it came out in America back in November, Rayman Origins hasn't exactly been selling gangbusters.  Only 50,000 or so units have gone out the door, a disappointing number compared to Ubisoft's more hardcore titles, such as Assassin's Creed Revelations.  To retaliate (and perhaps introduce a better audience to it), the price has been slashed across the board for the game, selling for $29.99 in most shops.  Hell, Toys R' Us has it on sale this week for $19.99 -- a definite steal, if you ask us.

But we implore Ubisoft to give it another chance, just as it is on the PlayStation Vita.  The 3DS might be a better suited audience for the game's sheer beauty and silliness, especially if it implements the 3D effect as good as we're imagining it will.  What's more, with the 3DS reaching out to young and old audiences alike, Rayman would be the perfect title to get through the breezy spring season.  C'mon, Ubisoft, give it some consideration.  Maybe even price it at $29.99 ($10 lower than the usual standard) to get it moving.

And if you guys haven't played Rayman Origins yet, we highly recommend you do.  It's superb fun, whether you're a platforming vet or not, and nothing beats slapping your friends around during a wild session of Lum collecting.  Trust us -- it's fantastic.

About the Author

Robert Workman

Senior Writer/Editor

Robert has years of experience in the video game industry, writing for such sites as AOL GameDaily, PlanetXbox360 and Comic Book Resources.  He can also outdrink you any day of the week.  And twice on Sunday.  Follow him at www.twitter.com/thedcd.