Rayman is a tough item to review. I don't have the GBA version, but I do have the PC version which is EXACTLY the same.  First off, I recommend only people who have never played this game before to purchase it.
As far as the actual gameplay goes, Rayman is a mixed bag.  Rayman earns his moves Banjo-Kazooie style from a fairy and runs, jumps, and later, swings and glides, throughout MANY levels.  The variety apparent in the levels is sometimes great. You'll turn tiny to fit through gaps or, using your spinning hair as blades, cut ropes attached to giant stones and a huge stone slap while dodging obstacles to prevent yourself from drowning in the water below (one of the game's most intense scenarios). But alas, this is where the problem in the game lies.  This game is VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. It will take countless tries to get past certain levels.  This wouldn't normally be so bad. The catch is you have a limited number of continues to get through the game, resulting in only about a total of 50 tries.  This problem will not seem apparent in the first stages, but 75% of the game will frustrate even seasoned gamers, and INFURIATE anyone below a good skill level.
Thankfully, the rest of Rayman is a joy to play.  Aside from polygon powerhouses such as Iridon 3D and Tony Hawk 2, you won't be seeing better graphics on the GBA thus far.  The music is surprisingly good also.  And the huge, hulking bosses are a great diversion from the regular game, as are Mr. Hat's various minigames. If you feel the hunger for some platforming action, Castlevania is the way to go.  If you're not into that series, get this.  But be warned - if anger management classes aren't up your alley, or you're getting this for a kid as their first game - get Mario Bros. Advance instead.
Rayman is a tough item to review. I don't have the GBA version, but I do have the PC version which is EXACTLY the same. First off, I recommend only people who have never played this game before to purchase it. As far as the actual gameplay goes, Rayman is a mixed bag. Rayman earns his moves Banjo-Kazooie style from a fairy and runs, jumps, and later, swings and glides, throughout MANY levels. The variety apparent in the levels is sometimes great. You'll turn tiny to fit through gaps or, using your spinning hair as blades, cut ropes attached to giant stones and a huge stone slap while dodging obstacles to prevent yourself from drowning in the water below (one of the game's most intense scenarios). But alas, this is where the problem in the game lies. This game is VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. It will take countless tries to get past certain levels. This wouldn't normally be so bad. The catch is you have a limited number of continues to get through the game, resulting in only about a total of 50 tries. This problem will not seem apparent in the first stages, but 75% of the game will frustrate even seasoned gamers, and INFURIATE anyone below a good skill level. Thankfully, the rest of Rayman is a joy to play. Aside from polygon powerhouses such as Iridon 3D and Tony Hawk 2, you won't be seeing better graphics on the GBA thus far. The music is surprisingly good also. And the huge, hulking bosses are a great diversion from the regular game, as are Mr. Hat's various minigames. If you feel the hunger for some platforming action, Castlevania is the way to go. If you're not into that series, get this. But be warned - if anger management classes aren't up your alley, or you're getting this for a kid as their first game - get Mario Bros. Advance instead.