Since Super Mario 64 was released back in 1997, the precedent it set for the 3D-platform genre has seldom been achieved.
One title that came awfully close however was Rayman 2, maybe not in terms of depth but definitely with regard to the game's atmosphere, its imaginative level design and the wealth of innovative gameplay features found within.
It is for this reason that we should have been waiting for this sequel with much anticipation.
And rightly so.
Following faithfully in the footsteps of its predecessor, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc plunges the bizarre, limbless hero once again into a great adventure, in which he must traverse and explore an array of beautiful, fantastical environments.
This time around, the story focuses on Rayman's best mate Globox, who, for some reason or another, has managed to accidentally swallow the Lord of the Dark Lums - crikey!
Angered by this act of gross misconduct, the bungling-yet-deadly army of Hoodlums gets on the case, hellbent on recovering their leader. Our hero is subsequently left no option but to find a cure for the manic Globox, scour the land for unearthly new powers, and win the allegiance of a fierce warrior tribe known as the Knaaren.
Throughout the adventure, over 20 different enemies stand between Rayman and his goals, each sporting what Ubi Soft refer to as advanced AI and specific strengths and combat strategies.
But have no fear because, as always, a host of super powers and abilities can be unearthed throughout the duration, such as Shock Rockets, Lockjaw, Vortex, Mini-Shoe car and other supercool stuff.
A great feature in the GameCube version is its Game Boy Advance link-up facility.
With the two machines connected, a multiplayer game for between two and four players allows the GameCube gamers to test their skills in a frantic racing game, which takes place on roads built in real-time by the GBA players.
Also, you can download 10 special maps from the handheld, as well as a special final challenge.
Rayman 3 is a remarkably accomplished title, offering a hefty amount of play, a wealth of well designed and involving environments, and some great visuals.
It should come as an extremely welcome addition to any GameCube owner's DVD collection - especially those somewhat dispirited by the disappointing Mario Sunshine.