Rayman DS (2005). Play online

Summary

When Rayman DS hit the DS launch line‑up, it introduced the arm‑ and leg‑less hero to a handheld audience. I liked how the game tossed me into vivid locations – wandering waterfalls, diving into sea caves and sneaking through pirate hideouts while mastering Rayman’s trademark moves.
The bottom screen turned out to be surprisingly handy, constantly tracking my Lums, health and level progress. Though the touchpad could be used for control, the handling felt a bit sloppy and the camera often struggled, which most reviewers called a pain point. Critics gave it middling scores – around 58‑60 on Metacritic and around 6/10 from IGN, GameSpot and Nintendo World Report – citing graphical glitches that sometimes blocked gameplay. Overall, it feels like a faithful port of the N64 classic, offering that quirky Rayman charm while showing the growing pains of early DS titles.

Storyline

In Rayman DS, the Glade of Dreams is invaded by robotic pirates commanded by Admiral Razorbeard. Rayman and his jittery friend Globox join the resistance, battling metal hordes. Globox summons rain to rust the robots while Rayman fires energy spheres. Ly the Fairy warns that the pirates have shattered the Primordial Core, draining the world’s energy and stripping Rayman of his powers.

Captured on the pirate ship Buccaneer, Rayman receives a Silver Lum from Globox, restoring his abilities. He escapes through a pipe, lands in the Woods of Light, and learns Ly has been captured. Ly tasks him with finding four magical masks to awaken Polokus, the world spirit.

The masks are hidden in the Sanctuaries of Water and Ice, Stone and Fire, and Rock and Lava. Rayman defeats guardians Axel, Umber and Foutch, cures the warrior Clark with the Elixir of Life, and frees Globox’s children, one of whom holds the final mask.

With all masks united, Polokus awakens and shatters the pirates’ land forts. On the Buccaneer, Razorbeard pilots the giant mecha Grolgoth; Rayman frees the prisoners, battles Razorbeard in the crow’s nest, and hurls the Grolgoth into lava. The ship explodes, but Rayman survives, emerging on a crutch.