Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party Review - Wii

Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party Review -

In this third installment of the Rayman Raving Rabbids series, we must face the inevitable question, “Have screaming bunny creatures gotten old yet?” Nope. In TV Party, they’ve taken over the television airwaves and players must complete mini-games to provide some “quality” programming.

Rabbids might be some of the best new characters in recent memory and you’ll notice the titular character Rayman only appears in a couple cut scenes. Great, we were never quite sure what he had to do with the series anyway, asides from providing catchy alliteration. Viva la Rabbids!

We're gonna have a T.V. party tonight! Alright!

Single player mode presents you with a days worth of programming slots to fill from morning till night with each block corresponding to a selection of mini-games. As soon as you beat one, that block is filled and you move onto the next. Fill enough and you’ll open up another day of programming until you fill up the week. Finally, there is something good on TV for once.

There are several types of games that get progressively harder as you get further into game. The screaming rabbids take part in racing games where you compete Mario Kart-style against your opponents or propel yourself forward with frantic (and a bit tiring) Wii Remote shaking. There are also the shooter games, which combine cult movie themes like zombies and gangsters with Rabbids clad in dinosaur or chicken costumes. The downhill slalom challenges give you the option of planting your butt on the Wii Balance Board and coasting downhill. And then there are some bizarre games that ask you to turn your Rabbid into a fashion icon or pose for the paparazzi.
    
But the highlight might be the rhythm games, now split into a very simple Rock Band-esque exercise and full on dancing using the Wii remote and nunchuk or balance board to match the moves on-screen. You’ll recognize a majority of the track list, from Britney Spears’ “Toxic” to WHAM’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”. Who needs master tracks when they’re delightfully voiced by hyperactive hares? The rhythm exercises are some of the best mini-games. Be prepared to look completely ridiculous in front of friends or family or coworkers when you give this a whirl. Of course, if you didn’t like ridiculous things you wouldn’t be playing this game in the first place.

Party mode plays similarly to single player but with 2-8 people and the option to sabotage the other players at inopportune times. Or, if you’re in the room with them you could just push them over or something. In single player, these little moments are in the form of advertisements and take a quick WarioWare-esque movement with Wiimote to earn a bonus in your mini-game. If you’re short a few Wii remotes, don’t worry. You can trade off the controllers with your buddies, letting more people enjoy the insanity.

Bunnies Like the Balance Board….Sometimes.

TV Party makes use of the Wii Balance Board as well as the remote and nunchuk controllers. Before some of the mini-games you’ll have the option to choose board or Wiimote controls, and you’ll quickly notice that some of them are significantly easier depending on your choice. For slaloming down a mountain on a cow or dodging broken road on your motorcycle? Park your butt on the board. For hoverboarding around space you’ll find the Wii remote elicits less frustration. The dancing game work well no matter what you choose, although how coordinated you are is a factor. While the Wii controls feel a little more precise than they have in previous Rabbids games, there are still some occasional difficult or confusing challenges…and several that are going to make your arms hurt.

Bunnies have fun with the Internets

Despite the usual limitations of Wii online play, TV Party includes a few online features. When you complete single player challenges, you can upload your high score to the world rankings and see where you place. However, since there’s no equivalent to the gamertag or PlayStation ID on the Wii, you won’t really have an idea of who’s beating you. In our case, it was someone named Fluffy.

There are also the accessories and outfits you unlock by attaining high scores and finding hidden packages in the levels. This Rabbid haute couture can then be used to “Pimp My Rabbid”. In the World Contest mode, this option allows you to dress up your Rabbid and submit it in weekly contests. The winner can be voted on and earns a spot on the wall of fame (or shame?) at the TV Party website.

Bunnies make a pretty good game

While TV Party doesn’t have the most amazing or original selection of mini-games, the inherent charm of the Rabbids make it unique and hilarious. The humor, as we’ve come to expect, is charming to all ages. And as Ubisoft is quick to point out, it’s the only game you play with your butt, if that’s what you’ve been waiting for. If you’re looking for a good Wii party game or a way to get the non-gamers in your life to play something other than Wii Sports, it’s a great choice for anyone tired of just sitting around on their butt.

Article by: Abbie Heppe