We recently got an exclusive video look at five of the minigames in Rayman Raving Rabbids, the upcoming action game for Nintendo's Wii from famed Ubisoft designer Michel Ancel and his creative team. While past Rayman games were firmly grounded in the 3D platforming tradition, this one breaks ranks as a pure collection of 70 wild, disparate minigames that make what looks like innovative use of the Wii's motion-sensitive control scheme. Anyone who has experienced the surreal environs and odd humor of the past Rayman games--and anyone who has been keeping up with the crazy marketing campaign for Raving Rabbids--will understand the potential for oddity in this new game's many challenges.
Senior coordinator Loic Gounon is again here to show off five more of the minigames in Raving Rabbids. His commentary on the games showcased in the new video (linked above) is found below.
Bunnies Can't Jump
Inspiration: Basically we looked at things that challenged the player, like rubbing your belly and tapping your head whilst whistling. This led us to making the player do two actions based on rhythm and timing.
Description: Jump in time to earn points. If you jump at the very last moment, you win extra points.
Controls: Move the Wii remote like a skipping rope. Flick the nunchuk up to jump.
Bunnies Rarely Leave Their Burrows
Inspiration: We really liked the idea of smacking those little bunnies on the head. So as they were plotting their invasion from below the earth's surface, we decided to let the player hit them back to where they came from.
Description: Stop the bunnies from leaving their holes for as long as possible.
Controls: Aim with the Wii remote and smack them on the head with the nunchuk. Don't worry, most of them are wearing protective head gear!
Bunnies Don't Give Gifts
Inspiration: The running aspect of the controls reminded us a bit of Track and Field, so we wanted something energetic that the running movement gives you. We wanted the player to sweat a little as well, so we added the pressure of an exploding present.
Description: Deliver the package before it explodes.
Controls: Quickly move the Wii remote and the nunchuk up and down one after the other to run as fast as possible and get to the end before you get a real surprise.
Bunnies Don't Like Being Disturbed on Holiday
Inspiration: We wanted to parody other first-person shooter games, such as Far Cry, so we created an environment that added a bit of humor to these recognizable worlds!
Description: Save the baby Globox at the end of the level and destroy the evil Rabbids that are in your way!
Controls: Aim with the Wii remote, fire with the B button. A quick flick of the nunchuk reloads.
Special Feature: The grappling hand. Press the Z button to catch a bunny with your hand. Press the Z button again to throw it.
Bunnies Never Close Doors
Inspiration: Someone on the team never closed the doors when he was on the toilet, so we thought this game would help him remember!
Description: Block the rabbids in the toilet for X seconds.
Controls: Aim at the rabbit with the Wii remote and shake the nunchuk to close the door.