Rayman
Limbless platforming hero
Rayman introduced Ubisoft's mascot through gorgeous 2D animation and challenging platforming, evolving from solo adventure to cooperative chaos.
Overview
Rayman arrived as 3D gaming was ascendant, proving 2D could still captivate. Michel Ancel’s limbless hero navigated beautifully animated worlds with floating hands and feet. The original game’s difficulty became legendary. Later entries embraced multiplayer mayhem while the Legends and Origins revival reminded players why 2D platforming endures.
Fast facts
- Creator: Michel Ancel.
- Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier.
- Publisher: Ubisoft.
- Character design: Limbless for animation efficiency.
- Franchise sales: 26+ million units.
Character design
Limbless practicality:
- Easier to animate without connected limbs.
- Distinctive silhouette.
- Telescoping punches for gameplay.
- Helicopter hair for gliding.
Original game (1995)
Challenging 2D platformer:
- Six worlds, 70+ levels.
- Progressive ability unlocks.
- Notorious difficulty.
- Pre-rendered backgrounds.
- Hand-drawn character animation.
Abilities
| Power | Function |
|---|---|
| Telescopic fist | Ranged attack |
| Helicopter hair | Glide and slow descent |
| Grapple | Swing from rings |
| Super fist | Charged punch |
| Running | Speed through levels |
Series evolution
| Era | Games | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Rayman 1, 2, 3 | Solo platformer |
| 3D era | Rayman 2 (1999) | 3D adventure |
| Raving Rabbids | 2006-2009 | Party games, spin-off |
| Revival | Origins, Legends | 2D cooperative |
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
3D reinvention (1999):
- Critically acclaimed.
- Multiple platform ports.
- Cinematic presentation.
- Considered series peak by many.
Raving Rabbids diversion
2006 shift:
- Mini-game collections.
- Rabbids became their own franchise.
- Rayman sidelined.
- Commercial success, fan disappointment.
Origins and Legends revival
Return to 2D (2011, 2013):
- UbiArt Framework engine.
- Hand-drawn animation style.
- Four-player cooperative.
- Critical acclaim.
- Musical levels in Legends.
UbiArt Framework
Engine developed for Rayman:
- Hand-drawn asset support.
- Procedural animation.
- Used in Child of Light, Valiant Hearts.
- Enabled artistic vision.
Design philosophy
Rayman games emphasise:
- Visual creativity.
- Responsive controls.
- Challenging but fair difficulty.
- Whimsical tone.
- Cooperative chaos (later entries).
Michel Ancel’s departure
Creator left Ubisoft (2020):
- Also created Beyond Good and Evil.
- Franchise future uncertain.
- Legacy established regardless.
Cultural position
Rayman as Ubisoft mascot:
- Less prominent than Mario or Sonic.
- Respected by platformer enthusiasts.
- Rabbids overshadowed parent franchise.
- Origins/Legends considered modern classics.