The first Rayman Adventures update includes two new Incrediball families

Rayman Adventures launched on iOS and Android on December 3rd, and has been awarded a place in the App Store's 'Best of 2015' despite only being available for a short space of time.

It's a follow-up to the great mobile platformers, Jungle Run and Fiesta Run, but there's a far greater focus on exploration. That's thanks to a new mechanic which lets you swipe to change direction at any time.

Apart from that, you'll be autorunning through a bunch of beautiful UbiArt-designed levels, punching enemies, collecting Lums, and rescuing caged Teensies as before.

The story goes that the enchanted forest is in danger, as the ancient eggs which keep the sacred tree safe have been stolen. So it's up to Rayman and his Viking companion Barbara to set off on an adventure across a number of themed-worlds to get them back.

Rayman will need help if he's to succeed though, and thankfully he's got that in abundance. Inside those ancient eggs you'll collect are a valuable new companion called Incrediballs.

These strange-looking creatures come in three different forms: Seekers hunt for hidden items, Protectors prevent enemy attacks, and Inhalers draw in all nearby Lums like a magnet.

Each time you enter a level, you can bring up to three Incrediballs with you. Bring two or more of the same family and their abilities will increase in intensity.

For example, if you bring three Protectors, they'll protect you from three times the number of attacks that a single one would.

You'll have to figure out the best combination if Incrediballs to help you achieve the highest score in each level, as that's the best way to earn the most rewards.

Your main aim in Rayman Adventures is to collect the Incrediballs, as they help to grow your sacred tree - a fun minigame in itself, as you'll compete with your friends to see who can grow the largest tree.

Incrediballs come in four different levels of rarity: bronze, silver, gold, and crystal. The rarer the Incrediball, the more the tree grows when you unlock it.

You can check out your sacred tree at any time. This is where your Incrediballs live, so you can check out your collection, play with them, feed them, or use the Creatures Beatbox to make music with them.

At launch, there were around 20 Incrediball families available, with about three to seven Incrediballs to unlock in each of them. Well, get prepared for more, as Ubisoft has just released a content update which brings two whole new families to the game.

The Cutieflowers are the cutest of the two, and act as Seekers while the Furballs look quite mean. That's a good thing, as they're Protectors and are there to defend you in a scrap.

You'll also find two brand new Christmas costumes for Rayman and Barbara, as well as three new levels in the Nemo region.

Rayman Adventures is out right now in the App Store [download] and Google Play [download].

This article is sponsored as part of Steel Media Preferred Partners.