Rayman

Game review

Rayman, released in 1995, is a classic 2D platformer that has become a cornerstone in the genre, thanks to its innovative gameplay and artistic design. The game introduces the title character, Rayman, a charming and whimsical hero notable for his ability to launch his fists as projectiles and glide using his hair. Set against a backdrop of fantastical and diverse environments, Rayman embarks on a noble quest to rescue the caged Electoons and thwart the nefarious plans of the villainous Mr. Dark.

In the game you have to go through 5 worlds (Dream Forest, Band Lands, Blue Mountains, Picture City and The Caves of Skops) and free the imprisoned Electoons. A total of 70 levels full of dangerous obstacles (water or holes) await you. Over 50 bizarre creatures will also make your way unpleasant, which you can either shake off with your fist or, in the case of bosses, with some tactics.

The goal of all levels is to reach the end, which is marked by a sign with an exclamation point. But on the way you have to, as already mentioned, break cages with Electoons. After successfully completing the levels, you will sometimes visit Bettila, who will give you new abilities such as a hair propeller, running or grabbing things. In some levels you will sometimes encounter time challenges in which you have to collect all the crystals within the time limit. When you accomplish this, you have a life. Crystals are plentiful even in normal levels, where you get a life for 10 crystals.

The game is rendered in 2D graphics that include 65,000 colors and four independent scrolling backgrounds.

In 1998, the game was re-released as Rayman Forever, which was a collection of the original game, a standalone Rayman Designer expansion containing 24 new levels plus their editor, and 40 of the best fan-made levels.