Rayman "origins"

To Game Stop we go.

Marmalade is really into gaming, in fact he is a five year old who may need to discuss this with a group of like minded gamers in dire need of recognizing a bit of a self destructive pattern. However, as a five year old, it is hard to reason with his wants. So after months of playing Little Big Planet, he suddenly changed course and grabbed Rayman! I was somewhat extactic in my allergy induced daze but elated that he wasn't screaming or running around the store such as our previous errand at Burlington Coat Factory. OMG.

Now for the game itself, I know it has old school appeal for adults but while watching I am trying to find the appeal from Marmee's point of view. The format doesn't seem to change but the gratification of points accumulated is probably the right amount of extrinsic motivation to keep him at it for at least two days. In a way it is a step up from angry birds and the graphics are stellar. Not to mention the character's are unique. They remind me of the artwork for the book RUMO. The only complaint I have as a parent in the background is the soundbites as well as the repetition of theme music.

Learning Qualities:

The graphics give a visual component to sound.

Moral Qualities:

Rayman has unique characters and has little violence. However the young ladies trapped in cages may bother me however the boys are more likely to enjoy the gaming aspect of this scenario and  not real life. This game focuses on more hand eye coordination than anything else.

Imagination: 

I like to look at how the games allow the child to manipulate and think critically as well as creatively. Overall, the visual appeal allows for the child to respond to different cultural's which are not fully represented but are present. The settle hints of music and how instruments are used is probably more valuable than one may think, especially in a day and age in which playing an instrument or having a music class is a generalized practice.

Overall, I  dig this game and don't mind if the boys veg out to the monotony of Rayman. They work together to get through levels and are exposed to amazing graphics.