Which Rayman Games Are Canon?

[Hunchman801]

It's what they called the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava in Revolution.

[Crash267]

Oh ok I'm starting to remember that level it involved lots of yelling between me and my sister the first time I played the level

[Moventur]

Maybe Rayman, Rayman 2, Rayman 3, but I think that each game exists in separate universes and we cannot say for sure which game is canon without counting the first Rayman.

[☭ CrazyKyoto ☭]

I think no one of them. Maybe 3D games from original trilogy is canon of all Rayman lore, but all that games are so different because which of them do not have common storylines. And from that I think then Rayman series is something alike Multiverse, where in each of the universes absolutely anything can happen here.

[Tribelle2026]

Do you see the GBA version of Rayman Raving Rabbids and Hoodlum's Revenge as canon sequels to Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc?

[Hunchman801]

I only really see Rayman 1, 2 and 3 as canon. I don't think the developers ever meant for a proper Rayman canon to exist, but if they did, I don't think they saw the mobile games as part of it.

[Tribelle2026]

I only really see Rayman 1, 2 and 3 as canon. I don't think the developers ever meant for a proper Rayman canon to exist, but if they did, I don't think they saw the mobile games as part of it.

Why don't you see Origins and Legends as canon?

[PluMGMK]

R3 = canon, except where the Raymanian-English translator made them say stupid stuff

I think we might have another one for my collection

Especially since there really are issues with the French-English translation that means some of the dialogue makes no sense…

[RayGamer99]

Do you see the GBA version of Rayman Raving Rabbids and Hoodlum's Revenge as canon sequels to Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc?

As a matter of fact, I actually see both of these as canon in my mind. In my personal headcanon, Hoodlums’ Revenge takes place not too long after Rayman 3, and GBA Rayman Raving Rabbids happens between that and the console RRR.

[Hunchman801]

Why don't you see Origins and Legends as canon?

Mostly because of all the inconsistencies introduced in those games and the fact that they felt more like something taking place in a (nonsensical) dream to me. But it matters little, as there is no real canon in the series.

[Game Ze 2]

Is Tonic Trouble a canon？

[RaypersonNikol]

Mostly because of all the inconsistencies introduced in those games and the fact that they felt more like something taking place in a (nonsensical) dream to me. But it matters little, as there is no real canon in the series.

There's no real canon? Then again that does explain (take this with a grain of salt btw, cuz idk when he said this) Michel Ancel saying how Rayman is a malleable concept, meant to fit different scenarios and ideas.

[Hunchman801]

Yes, this might have been the intention, but I don't think that most fans actually like it!

[RayGamer99]

There's no real canon? Then again that does explain (take this with a grain of salt btw, cuz idk when he said this) Michel Ancel saying how Rayman is a malleable concept, meant to fit different scenarios and ideas.

I remember reading in L'Histoire de Rayman that it's possible that all of the games are just dreams of Polokus. This could explain all of the inconsistencies if they're all meant to be standalone, very loosely-connected adventures in-universe. Like Hunchman said, however, I don't think most of the fans - myself included - will take too kindly to this explanation even if it makes enough sense.

Edit: Come to think of it, I could see every game or series of games taking place within their own literal and figurative bubble, each as dreams of the Bubble Dreamer. One bubble could house the original trilogy, another could exclusively feature the UbiArt games, another could only have the Rayman Raving Rabbids trilogy, and maybe there's even one that focuses on the Rabbids' standalone adventures! While I would prefer a more cohesive canon that at least combines all of the mainline games (the original trilogy + Origins and Legends) plus a few odds and ends (i.e. the first, second and GBA RRR games, Rayman in the Phantom Show, Hoodlums' Revenge) to form a "true" Glade of Dreams, I wouldn't be too upset if this idea is how everything works.

[RaypersonNikol]

Yeah this makes sense! Thanks for this, Ray o: