The DS version of Rayman's fourth adventure comes out this Friday, and is set to involve some, but not all, of the same wacky off beat mini-gameplay as its Wii counterpart. Although it's returning to its former roots as a platformer, the DS instalment will feature both stylus based, and the more conventional, control systems, allowing for a similar, if watered down, experience to its Wii big brother. Using the DS' unique features, players will be able to use the stylus to destroy objects, freeze ice etc., the mike input also allow you to 'blow' on Rayman (ahem) to make him run faster. It remains to be seen if these features are implemented in a fun and interesting way or merely gimmicks, poorly imitating the Wii version'ss gameplay.

Drawing on the same plot line of the Wii version, psychotic rabbits have taken over Rayman's home world and he must break free from the invasion to restore peace and, at least some level of, sanity to his vivid and colourful world. On hand to help are the four elemental Guardians, deities added to the game to presumably lend some generic platforming support.

Fans of the earlier games will find a return to the more conventional platform formulas reminiscence of the N64 days: gamers who have played Rayman 2: The Great Escape or Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc will find very similar mechanics at work here. Rayman will jump, punch and swing his way through levels attempting to rid his world of the titular rabbits in what will hopefully do the Wii version justice. The question does arise whether this is more of a step backwards for the series though. The Rayman franchise has succeeded at transferring gracefully to the Wii, whilst the reversal in gameplay and lack of mini-games may find the DS version feeling out of place and, more tragically, out of date.

The Rayman world has always been a colourful and humorous one but it remains to be seen whether these aesthetic values will be enough to pull Rayman above the average DS platformer ranking, of disappointment and bargain baskets. Raving Rabbids is set for release tomorrow and is shaping up to be an interesting, if somewhat predictable, platformer.