Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Rayman 3's most awesome attribute, as incredible as the movies, dialogue, and gameplay are, is a level of visual splendor that defies everything I've come to know about lighting effects in a video game. [Mar 2003, p.47]
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  2. Gamer's Pulse
    90
    Faithfully extends the Rayman universe with a solid action-platform experience brimming with style.
  3. PSX Nation
    90
    Worth replaying a thousand times over just to experience the balance of eye-candy, time-tested gameplay and soothing-without-grating music/sound effects.
  5. IGN
    89
    It's more of an action-platformer than an adventure game, and the action is easier and slightly more repetitive than before. It's still damn good, but not the best Rayman in the series.
  6. TotalGames.net
    88
    Colourful, cute and unoriginal then, just like Rayman has always been.
  7. GameZone
    85
    The only drawback for this the fact that it will take only ten hours or less to beat, not including the bonus quests that are won through out the game.
  8. Game Informer
    85
    You're playing it to marvel at the gorgeously rendered environments, giggle at Globox's antics, and enjoy some good old-fashioned platforming done with a fresh twist. [Mar 2003, p.82]
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  9. Gamezilla!
    83
    Fans of Rayman will love this latest release in the series; all others should rent it or hold on to your money for "Jax2."
  10. Armchair Empire
    82
    Feels like a new game when you compare it to previous Rayman games.
  11. Gamers' Temple
    81
    A nice platformer with good style and funny moments. Unfortunately, the camera and lock-on problems are no laughing matter.
  12. PSM Magazine
    80
    Though it might not be as classic as its predecessors, Rayman 3 remains a thoroughly enjoyable experience. [Apr 2003, p.36]
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  13. GameSpot
    79
    What Rayman 3 does is re-create much of the same lighthearted whimsy that made Rayman 2 so incredibly enjoyable, while differentiating the action enough for the game to stand up on its own.
  14. Game Chronicles
    78
    If I hadn’t found the voices so annoying and the music so lacking, or if I was able to have the sound off when I was playing it, I might be more inclined towards a more favorable score.
  15. Game Revolution
    75
    May not have as much punch as its predecessors, but it still keeps the Rayman fun alive while adding some new tricks to the mix. A few fixes here and there and the Rayman series can easily get back on track.
  16. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    The game can be beaten in a handful of sessions, and although it offers some replay value with its unique points system..., I doubt most of you will be motivated to bother. I know I wasn't. [Apr 2003, p.92]
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  17. GamePro
    70
    Less polished in the play department and less coherent as a whole, Rayman 3 will likely disappoint the starving cult of "Rayman 2" fans.
  18. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    68
    A solid, sometimes engaging action-platformer, but nothing more. [Apr 2003, p.116]
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  19. GameSpy
    66
    I hesitate to call it a nice try, because in some ways they didn't even really do that.
  20. GameNow
    58
    It's just kinda...there. [Apr 2003, p.52]
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  21. GMR Magazine
    50
    Snide voice acting turns cutesy bit players Globox and Murfy into electronic annoyances, and Hoodlum Havoc revels in its lame humor. [Apr 2003, p.68]
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  22. Edge Magazine
    50
    There's a certain amount of wit and flair evident throughout Hoodlum Havoc's cut-scenes, and there are certainly some very slick production values. The problem is that, in terms of raw enjoyment, the game is somehow underwhelming. [May 2003, p.104]
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PS2 Game of 2003
70
#70 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 94 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 94
  3. Negative: 3 out of 94
  1. Harry210
    Sep 19, 2010
    9
    Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is a neat platformer. Despite being a sequel to Rayman 2, most of the characters from that game don't return likeRayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is a neat platformer. Despite being a sequel to Rayman 2, most of the characters from that game don't return like Razorbeard or Ly. The game play is also different to Rayman 2: Rayman attacks with his fists rather than shooting at his enemies, he can gain some really cool abilities from Laser washing powder (!) containers which can help him overcome obstacles throughout the levels and he can also ride on a skateboard which make for some very eye pleasing and heart pumping stages in the game. The visuals (especially in the Skateboard stages) are nice and colourful and once again in a Rayman game, the music is just awesome. The main baddie in the game is Andre, a black lum which transforms the other red lums into black lums as well. The black lums then use animal clothing to create costumes for themselves which turn them into Hoodlums, the main enemies in the game. The dialog in the game is great although Globox's personality can be annoying sometimes but the teensies are funny. The laser washing powder grants you powers (for a limited time) like turning your fist into a guided rocket launcher or allowing you to fly. I do wish the game was more open like the PlayStation 2 remake of Rayman 2, Rayman Revolution; the game is quite linear. Unlike Rayman 2, the game has a scoring system and at the end of the level, you have a total points score. You get points by smashing piggy banks, defeating enemies and finding objects dotted around the level. This element adds a bit of replay value and like Rayman 2, there are teensie cages hidden in the levels which when you free 5, 10 etc, your heath bar will increase. The boss battles are also interesting to fight. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is a worthy successor to Rayman 2. Different but great!… Full Review »
  2. sussekind
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    Rayman 3: The Hoodlum Havoc It's the best game on the Rayman series. The gameplay is awesome, the game is better than Rayman 2 and the HDRayman 3: The Hoodlum Havoc It's the best game on the Rayman series. The gameplay is awesome, the game is better than Rayman 2 and the HD version for PS3 is also good.… Full Review »
  3. AidenO.
    Apr 26, 2003
    9
    The game is great it has loads of levels,bonuses and very action packed.it speaks for itself.
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