The Therapist Gamer

I played Rayman: Origins on PS Vita but it's also on PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. It's a platformer like Mario, meaning the gameplay in on a 2D plane where you can jump around. 

I thought the graphics were very fun. I especially like the character models - all of them seem so full of life and personality. I had heard prior to playing this game that Rayman was better than Mario; since I grew up playing Mario games this seemed like an absurd statement. However, after a little bit of time with Rayman Origins it's clear that this is a high-quality platforming game.

You can play as a variety of different characters, but they all function the same. As the game progresses you unlock different moves and abilities, ranging from being able to punch to being able to run up some walls. You progress through different worlds complete with their own theme and their own boss. The gist of the story is not that you are rescuing a princess, but that you are saving creatures known as Electoons.

There are a few different tasks in each level. The most basic is just to get through the level, but there are also usually 2 hidden electoons to find in each level as well. Additionally, you rescue another electoon if you collect enough Lums in each level (kind of like collecting coins in Mario). After you complete a level, you unlock a time trial mode and are tasks with racing through the level as fast as possible. I thought this was a great format because you can progress through the game at a casual pace, but more serious players can take on additional challenges.

There are also levels where you have to chase a sentient treasure chest to claim it's contents. These levels will test your platforming abilities to the max, and one false move usually resulting in failure. I thought they were very fun.

All in all, I really enjoyed Rayman Origins and it sits in the "Hall of Fame" section of my game collection. I know it might sound crazy, but I'd agree that it's probably better than Mario.