Rayman Activity Centre: History
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Rayman is a franchise of platform video games, published by Ubisoft. Since the release of the original Rayman, conceived by Michel Ancel in 1995, the series has produced a total of 45 games across multiple platforms. The series is set in a fantastical, magical world which features a wide range of environments that are very often based on certain themes, such as "the Eraser Plains", a landscape made entirely of stationery. The core games of the series are platformers, but there are several spin-off titles in other genres. The protagonist is the eponymous Rayman, a magical being renowned for his courage and determination who, with the help of his friends, must save his world from various villains.

  • rayman
  • fantastical
  • platform

1. Games

1.1. Main Series

Title Details
Rayman

Original release dates:
  • EU: 1 September 1995
  • NA: 9 September 1995
 Release years by system:
1995 - Atari Jaguar, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, MS-DOS
2000 - Game Boy Color
2001 - Game Boy Advance
2009 - Nintendo DSi
2016 - iOS, Android
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier.
  • A PC version of Rayman titled Rayman Gold was released with additional features including levels, online features, and level creator Rayman Designer.
  • The Game Boy Color version of Rayman was re-released for 3DS Virtual Console in 2012.
  • A version of Rayman was released on the Game Boy Advance titled Rayman Advance.
  • Rayman Advance was re-released for Wii U Virtual Console in 2017.
  • Part of the lineup of the 20 games that come pre-loaded on the PlayStation Classic.

 
Rayman 2: The Great Escape

Original release dates:
  • EU: 29 October 1999
  • NA: 6 November 1999
 Release years by system:
1999 - Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows
2000 - Dreamcast, PlayStation, PlayStation 2
2001 - Game Boy Color
2005 - Nintendo DS
2010 - iOS
2011 - Nintendo 3DS
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier.
  • The first 3D Rayman game.
  • A version of Rayman 2 was released for the Game Boy Color, titled Rayman 2 Forever.
  • An updated remake of Rayman 2 was released for the PlayStation 2, titled Rayman Revolution. This version added upgraded graphics, the inclusion of new areas, bosses, and mini-games.
  • A port of the Nintendo 64 version of Rayman 2 was released for the Nintendo DS, titled Rayman DS.
  • A port of the Dreamcast version of Rayman 2 was released for the Nintendo 3DS, titled Rayman 3D.

 
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

Original release dates:
  • NA: 21 February 2003
  • EU: 4 March 2003
 Release years by system:
2003 - GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Game Boy Advance, N-Gage
2012 - PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier.
  • The sequel to Rayman 2.
  • Rayman 3 was re-released in HD for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in 2012, titled Rayman 3 HD.
  • The Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3 was re-released for Wii U Virtual Console in 2017.
  • The GBA version of Rayman 3 focuses on Razorbeard, the main antagonist from Rayman 2, instead of the Hoodlums.

 
Rayman Origins

Original release dates:
  • NA: 15 November 2011
  • AU: 24 November 2011
  • EU: 25 November 2011
 Release years by system:
2011 - PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
2012 - Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS , PlayStation Vita
2013 - OS X
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, Ubisoft Paris, and Ubisoft Casablanca.
  • The first original 2D Rayman game since the first Rayman.

 
Rayman Legends

Original release dates:
  • AU: 29 August 2013
  • EU: 30 August 2013
  • NA: 3 September 2013
 Release years by system:
2013 - Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita
2014 - PlayStation 4, Xbox One
2017 - Nintendo Switch
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier.
  • The direct sequel to Rayman Origins.
  • An updated version of Rayman Legends, titled Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition, was released for Nintendo Switch in 2017.

 

1.2. Spin-Offs

Raving Rabbids

Title Details
Rayman Raving Rabbids

Original release dates:
  • NA: 19 November 2006
  • AU: 7 December 2006
  • EU: 8 December 2006
 Release years by system:
2006 - Wii, PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Game Boy Advance
2007 - Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Sofia.
  • The console versions are minigame-based party games, with the Wii version taking advantage of the motion control capabilities of the Wii Remote.
  • The Game Boy Advance version is notably different from the console versions, being that it is a 2D platformer developed using the same engine as the Game Boy Advance port of Rayman 3. This version includes characters from previous Rayman games that do not appear in the console versions.
  • The DS version is also notably different as it combines parts of platforming and party game elements. This version uses the same engine as Rayman DS.
  • Both the Game Boy Advance and DS version are based off a canceled Raving Rabbids prototype known as Rayman 4.
  • The Wii version of Rayman Raving Rabbids was re-released on the Wii U eShop in 2017.

 
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2

Original release dates:
  • NA: 13 November 2007
  • AU: 15 November 2007
  • EU: 16 November 2007
 Release years by system:
2007 - Wii, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Windows
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Paris (Wii) and Ubisoft Casablanca (DS).
  • The sequel to Rayman Raving Rabbids.
  • Unlike the DS version of Rayman Raving Rabbids, the DS version of Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is primarily a party game like the Wii version.

 
Rayman Raving Rabbids: TV Party

Original release dates:
  • EU: 13 November 2008
  • AU: 14 November 2008
  • NA: 18 November 2008
 Release years by system:
2008 - Wii, Nintendo DS
Notes:
  • Developed by Ubisoft Paris.
  • The third game in the Raving Rabbids series.
  • The final Rabbids game to feature Rayman.

 

Other

Title Details
Rayman Junior: English

Original release dates:
  • EU: 10 November 2000
 Release years by system:
2000 - PlayStation

 
Rayman Junior: Level 1

Original release dates:
  • EU: 15 December 2000
 Release years by system:
2000 - PlayStation

 
Rayman Junior: Level 2

Original release dates:
  • EU: 15 December 2000
 Release years by system:
2000 - PlayStation

 
Rayman Junior: Level 3

Original release dates:
  • EU: 12 January 2001
 Release years by system:
2001 - PlayStation

 
Rayman Brain Games

Original release dates:
  • NA: 11 August 2001
 Release years by system:
2001 - PlayStation

 
Rayman M

Original release dates:
  • EU: 30 November 2001
  • NA: 24 September 2002
 Release years by system:
2001 - PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows
2002 - GameCube, Xbox
Notes:
  • Titled as Rayman Arena in North America

 
Rayman Rush

Original release dates:
  • EU: 8 March 2002
  • NA: 26 March 2002
 Release years by system:
2002 - PlayStation

 
Rayman Golf

Original release dates:
  • EU: 1 June 2002
  • NA: 2 July 2003
 Release years by system:
2002 - Mobile

 
Rayman Bowling

Original release dates:
  • NA: 16 July 2003
 Release years by system:
2003 - Mobile

 
Rayman Garden

Original release date:
  • NA: 2001
 Release years by system:
2001 - Mobile

 
Rayman: Hoodlums' Revenge

Original release dates:
  • NA: 15 March 2005
  • EU: 18 March 2005
 Release years by system:
2005 - Game Boy Advance

 
Rayman Kart

Original release dates:
  • NA: 12 March 2009
 Release years by system:
2009 - BlackBerry

 
Rayman Jungle Run

Original release dates:
  • NA: 20 September 2012
 Release years by system:
2012 - iOS, Android
2013 - Microsoft Windows, Windows Mobile

 
Rayman Fiesta Run

Original release dates:
  • NA: 7 November 2013
 Release years by system:
2013 - iOS, Android
2014 - Windows Mobile, Microsoft Windows

 
Rayman Adventures

Original release dates:
  • NA: 5 December 2015
 Release years by system:
2015 - iOS, Android

 
Rayman Mini

Original release date:
  • NA: 19 September 2019
 Release years by system:
2019 - iOS
Notes:
  • Nominated for the A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game at the New York Game Awards[1]
  • Nominated for "Best Mobile Game" at the Pégases Awards 2020[2]

 

2. Characters

  • Rayman is the main protagonist of the series. He has no arms, legs or neck, though he has hands, feet, and a head that are able to move independent of his body. Due to his lack of arms, Rayman is able to throw his fists in long-range punches at his enemies, and in some games is even able to project balls of energy from his hands. He is able to glide by spinning his hair like a helicopter blade. He is typically found wearing white gloves, a red neckerchief on a purple body and a white ring on the chest (the neckerchief was replaced with a hood in the later entries), and yellow trainers (again, slightly modified in the later games). He is voiced by David Gasman, Steve Perkinson and Douglas Rand in the video games and by Billy West in the animated series. He was awarded the Best New Character award of 1995 by Electronic Gaming Monthly.[3]
  • Globox is Rayman's dimwitted best friend and sidekick. Although easily frightened, he has often demonstrated his courage. He and his wife Uglette have over 650 children. In Rayman 3, he is voiced by John Leguizamo.[4]
  • Barbara is a spunky, red-haired princess warrior and barbarian who first appeared in Rayman Legends, becoming the first human being to be playable in the main series, simultaneously with another sister and eight other cousins who can be rescued throughout Legends. She is armed with a flail battle axe, whose head can be launched forward from the shaft to strike foes from a distance, and uses a magical winged helmet to float through the air, mimicking Rayman's helicopter hair ability. Barbara also returns in Rayman Adventures, having cut her long hair to neck level and exchanged her axe with a shovel.
  • Betilla the Fairy is a benevolent fairy. After failing to stop Mister Dark steal the Great Protoon, Betilla assists Rayman in his quest by granting him various new abilities as the game progresses. Betilla reappears in a similar role and with a new curvaceous design in Rayman Origins, where it is revealed she was the one who created Rayman. She also has 5 sisters.
  • Ly the Fairy is a benevolent fairy who assists Rayman through the course of the second game. She is voiced by Kim Michelle Broderick.
  • Murfy serves as a guide to Rayman. He has a hasty nature, unable to deal with failure. He appears bored with his job and cannot be bothered with trivial details. His race is depicted as mischievous and described as "cultivated hedonist". He is voiced by Billy West.
  • The Teensies are a magical race of ancient, diminutive and wise creatures created by Polukus.
  • Polokus, known as "Bubble Dreamer" in Rayman Origins and Legends, is a divine being and, according to Rayman 2, is the creator of Rayman's world. During the plot of Rayman 2, Polokus is sleeping and can only be awoken with four masks that Rayman is tasked with collecting.
  • The Magician is a magical being that helps Rayman on his journey in both the original Rayman and Rayman Origins. At the end of Rayman Origins, The Magician, now a Teensie, is revealed to be the villain of the game, having been inspired by Mr. Dark, the villain from the first game, and replacing him. In Rayman Legends, he reappears and clones himself to create five separate Dark Teensies for Rayman and his friends to battle.

3. Reception

Aggregate review scores
Game Metacritic
Rayman (JAG) 85%[5][6]
(SAT) 85%[6][7]
(GBA) 84/100[8]
(PC) 77%[6][9]
(PS1) 75%[6][10]
(DSi) 66%[6][11]
(iOS) 60%[6][12]
Rayman 2 (DC) 93%[6][13]
(PC) 91%[6][14]
(N64) 90/100[15]
(PS2) 90/100[16]
(PS1) 87%[6][17]
(3DS) 61/100[18]
(NDS) 58/100[19]
(iOS) 53/100[20]
Rayman 3 (GBA) 83/100[21]
(GC) 77/100[22]
(PS2) 76/100[23]
(Xbox) 75/100[24]
(PC) 74/100[25]
(PS3) 72/100[26]
(X360) 69/100[27]
Rayman Origins (Wii) 92/100[28]
(Vita) 88/100[29]
(X360) 87/100[30]
(PS3) 87/100[31]
(PC) 86/100[32]
(3DS) 71/100[33]
Rayman Legends (WIIU) 92/100[34]
(XONE) 91/100[35]
(PS3) 91/100[36]
(PS4) 90/100[37]
(X360) 90/100[38]
(PC) 89/100[39]
(Vita) 87/100[40]
(NS) 84/100[41]

Since his debut in 1995 on the Atari Jaguar, Rayman has become a popular video game character, along with his trademark helicopter power and lack of limbs.

4. Other Media

In 1999, Rayman: The Animated Series was produced to cash in the success of the video games at the time. Only four episodes were made.

In 2019, another TV series was announced to be in works at Ubisoft Motion Pictures.[42]

The content is sourced from: https://handwiki.org/wiki/Software:Rayman_Activity_Centre

References

  1. Sheehan, Gavin (January 2, 2020). "The New York Game Awards Announces 2020 Nominees". https://www.bleedingcool.com/2020/01/02/the-new-york-game-awards-announces-2020-nominees/. Retrieved January 4, 2020. 
  2. "All the categories (2020)". February 7, 2020. https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public. Retrieved March 5, 2020. 
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide. 1996. 
  4. "Video Game Characters That Are Blue ⋆ Gamer Problems" (in en-GB). https://gamerproblems.net/video-game-characters-blue/. 
  5. "Rayman Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/jaguar/586903-rayman/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  6. GameRankings score
  7. "Rayman Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/574547-rayman/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  8. "Rayman Advance Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/rayman-advance. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  9. "Rayman Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198418-rayman/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  10. "Rayman Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/915755-rayman/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  11. "Rayman (DSiWare) Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/978366-rayman-dsiware/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  12. "Rayman Classic Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/186774-rayman-classic/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  13. "Rayman 2: The Great Escape Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/250615-rayman-2-the-great-escape/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  14. "Rayman 2: The Great Escape Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198422-rayman-2-the-great-escape/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  15. "Rayman 2: The Great Escape Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/nintendo-64/rayman-2-the-great-escape. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  16. "Rayman 2 Revolution Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/rayman-2-revolution. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  17. "Rayman 2: The Great Escape Reviews". GameRankings. https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198421-rayman-2-the-great-escape/index.html. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  18. "Rayman 3D Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/rayman-3d. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  19. "Rayman DS Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/rayman-ds. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  20. "Rayman 2: The Great Escape Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/rayman-2-the-great-escape. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  21. "Rayman 3 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/rayman-3. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  22. "Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/rayman-3-hoodlum-havoc. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  23. "Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/rayman-3-hoodlum-havoc. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  24. "Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/rayman-3-hoodlum-havoc. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  25. "Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/rayman-3-hoodlum-havoc. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  26. "Rayman 3 HD Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/rayman-3-hd. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  27. "Rayman 3 HD Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/rayman-3-hd. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  28. "Rayman Origins Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/rayman-origins. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  29. "Rayman Origins Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/rayman-origins. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  30. "Rayman Origins Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/rayman-origins. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  31. "Rayman Origins Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/rayman-origins. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  32. "Rayman Origins Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/rayman-origins. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  33. "Rayman Origins Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/rayman-origins. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  34. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  35. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  36. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  37. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  38. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  39. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  40. "Rayman Legends Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/rayman-legends. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  41. "Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/rayman-legends-definitive-edition. Retrieved 29 January 2012. 
  42. Stanley, Patrick (October 10, 2019). "Ubisoft Planning Animated TV Adaptations of Popular Game Franchises (Exclusive)". https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ubisoft-planning-animated-tv-adaptations-popular-game-franchises-1246162. 
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