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Rayman 2 (cancelled prototype)

2017-05-21T10:08:13Z

Invisiblepulse:

{{Game
| name = Rayman 2
| image = [[Image:R2_2D_Prototype_Cover.jpg|center|250px]]
| published by = [[Ubisoft]]
| developed by = [[Ubisoft]]
| release date = Late Autumn 1996 (cancelled)
| genre = Sidescrolling 2D platform game
| gameplay mode = Single player
| platforms = Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn
}}
[[File:R2_Proto_Screenshot4.PNG|thumb|320px|class=sprite|An early screenshot showing [[Rayman]] on an unnamed robotic dinosaur.]]
[[File:Rayman_2_prototype_article_3.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The chief and an unnamed robotic dinosaur appear prominently in this preview image of the game]]
:''This article is about the cancelled 2D prototype. For the 3D prototype, see [[Rayman 2 (early production)]].''

Early in its development, '''''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape]]''''' was intended to be a 2D game, which would have been very similar to ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]'' in terms of graphics and gameplay. This 2D game would have been released for the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation.

The game would have had a much stronger similarity to [[Rayman 1|the original game]] than [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final version]] did. The art style would have remained very similar to that of the first game, as would the gameplay, with a few notable additions. The mechanical gameplay was to be more accessible and less difficult than that of [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]], but it was also to be more cerebral; puzzles would have taken on a larger role, as can be seen in the playable level which was included with the PlayStation version of [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final game]].

All of the characters would have been limbless. [[Betilla the Fairy]], and possibly other ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]'' characters, would have returned, and new friends would also have appeared to aid Rayman.

According to one magazine article, the game was due for release in the late Autumn of 1996.

It is unknown exactly how near the game was to completion, but it seems that its music had not yet been composed when the game was scrapped. However, the magazine's article on the game stated that ‘it's already in a fairly advanced state – expect to see a preview next month’.

When the developers saw Naughty Dog's original ''Crash Bandicoot'' game at the 1996 Electronic Entertainment Expo, they became aware of the new gameplay possibilities offered by the 3D platforming genre. This lead to their cancellation of the sidescrolling ''Rayman 2'' prototype in favour of [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final 3D game]].

==Gameplay mechanics==
[[Image:Rayman 2 prototype article.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A Saturn magazine's article on the game]]
[[Image:Rayman 2 prototype article 2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Another magazine's preview of the game (French)]]

[[Rayman]] would have started the game with all of the powers he received during [[Rayman 1|the original game]], and he would have gained additional powers as the player progressed. His [[telescopic fist]] would have been able to fly around more freely, and with greater momentum; punching and jumping in a certain way would even cause the [[telescopic fist|fist]] to circle [[Rayman]] completely due to the centrifugal force. Rayman would have been able to punch through certain surfaces to open up secret passageways. As in the final 3D game, Rayman would have learned to swim. Rayman would have met new friends, and some of these would have followed and helped him during gameplay.

Rayman would have started using mechanical tools and devices. These would have included a plunger vehicle (possible something similar to the plunger gun in ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids]]''), a hook, a laser pistol, and a ‘deviant’ – a device used to make Rayman's [[telescopic fist]] rebound. Rayman would also have been able to mount and ride certain vehicles and creatures, including a robot dinosaur (this idea was recycled in [[Rayman 4 (cancelled prototype)|the cancelled ''Rayman 4'']]).

One new platforming element was the addition of a 'cowardly' platform, which would shrink away from [[Rayman]] in fear should he approach it. Punching the platform would create a sparkling connection between it and [[Rayman]], which would prevent it from escaping while the connection endured. This new power was to be called the platform fist. Very similar-looking (though otherwise completely different) platforms were found in [[Rayman (Game Boy Color)|the Game Boy Color version of ''Rayman'']]. Perhaps the most significant alteration to the gameplay was that the levels were now two-layered; there was both a background and foreground. Enemies in the background could fire projectiles at [[Rayman]] while he was in the foreground, [[Rayman]] would be able to teleport himself between layers by activating a device that resembled a shower with a toilet-handle attached. This background–foreground system was quite similar to the one found in the games ''Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee'' and ''Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus''.

Another new addition to the game were floating, purple bombs. These explosives could be moved around the area by [[Rayman]]'s [[Telescopic fist|punches]], but would detonate upon contact with [[Rayman]] or each other.

Another new object was a small floating box with a hand protruding from it; some of these boxes floated stationary, but others moved horizontally or vertically. When [[Rayman]] [[telescopic fist|punched]] the hand, his fist would bounce off it; this would allow [[Rayman]]'s [[telescopic fist|fist]] to reach otherwise unaccessible spots, such as an out-of-the-way [[Life|life statue]], or let him his a floating bomb from another angle. It was even possible for the fist to be bounced around between multiple floating hands.

[[Ting]]s would have appeared in the game; unlike the sparkling, blue Tings of [[Rayman 1|the original game]], these Tings would have been silvery and metallic, and reflected their surroundings, like small convex mirrors. [[Life|Life statue]]s and [[exit sign]]s would also have returned. Red [[flying ring]]s would have returned, although, strangely, they functioned the same as purple ones, in that they did not sink when [[Rayman]] [[Grappling Fist|grappled]] them.

==Plot==
The plot of the cancelled game was similar to that of [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final ''Rayman 2'']]. In the prototype game, [[Mr Dark]] has been defeated and has vanished from [[the valley|Rayman's island]]. Then, evil robotic invaders from space arrive, and Rayman has to defeat these invaders while rescuing his friends from their imprisonment – one character who was imprisoned by these robots was [[Betilla the Fairy]]. The robots planned to convert [[the Glade of Dreams|the entire planet]] into a cold ball of metal. A character named The Chief, similar in design to [[the General]], would have been involved in the game's story, and probably would have played a much larger role than that of [[the General]] in [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final version]]. It has been speculated that he was the game's villain, and was replaced by [[Razorbeard]] in the final game.

[[File:R2_Proto_Fairy.PNG|thumb|200px|right|[[Betilla the Fairy]], as she appeared in the cancelled game]]

==Enemies==
[[File:R2_Proto_Guard.PNG|thumb|200px|right|The Guard]]
Several of the game's enemies have been revealed through the playable level and various magazine and promotional video previews. The antagonists of the game were robot invaders from space (similar to [[Robo-Pirate]]s in [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final version]]). They intended to imprison the inhabitants of [[the valley|Rayman's island]] and turn [[the Glade of Dreams|the planet]] into a cold ball of metal. Like the game's other characters, they would all have been limbless. The game would have featured a significantly higher number of enemies than [[Rayman 1|the original game]].

*Guard – The primary enemies of the game were what was ultimately replaced by the [[Henchman 800|Henchmen 800]] in [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final version]]. These were limbless, orange-coloured robotic soldiers, whose bodies were of a similar shape to that of [[the General]]. In their floating right hands, they held musket-like guns, which they could use to fire projectiles at [[Rayman]] (they could even fire at him from the background if he was in the foreground). The projectiles were similar to those fired by [[Space Mama]] from her rolling pin.

*Unnamed robotic dinosaur – Another enemy would have been a tall robotic dinosaur, which patrolled back and forth, breathing fire at [[Rayman]] if he came to close to it. [[Rayman]] could jump on the dinosaur's back if it was facing away from him, then flatten its metal head with his fists. The head could then be used as platform – that is, until the dinosaur recovered several seconds later. The [[Robot Dinosaur]] which [[Rayman]] encountered in [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final version]] may have been inspired by this enemy.

*Unnamed flying robotic dinosaur – This game would also have featured winged, flying versions of the unnamed robotic dinosaurs; their 3D model was shown in a promotional video, and sketches of them appeared in a magazine article. Very little is known about them.

*Pyrotech – These were limbless enemies, which seem to have been robots, wearing deranged smiles, with several large, red grenades strapped to their bodies. They were covered in soot from the explosions they caused, and had what looked like a [[sparadrap]] on their shoulder. The idea for these enemies seems to have been recycled somewhat by the [[Hoodboom]]s in ''[[Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc|Rayman 3]]''.

*Flips– This was a green, limbless, grasshopper-like enemy; it may have been just another part of the robot invasion, but it also could also have been the [[moth]]s from [[Rayman 1|the first ''Rayman'' game]] returning.

*Unnamed pink robot – A pink, yellow-eyed, limbless robot, with a resemblance to both the unnamed robotic dinosaur and the Guards. Nearly nothing is known about this enemy.

[[File:R2_Proto_Chainsaw.PNG|thumb|200px|right|The green, chainsaw-wielding robot]]
*CHAINSAW XR28 – A green, chainsaw-wielding, limbless robot, with a resemblance to the Guards mentioned above. This appears to have been a powerful enemy, and may have even been a boss.
*The Chief – This character bares much resemblance to that of [[the General]] from [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the final game]]'. His appearance in a promotional video for the 2D ''Rayman 2'', implies that he may have originally been intended as an evil character for the game, possibly even the main villain. One piece of artwork shows him standing on a wrecking ball, apparently shouting orders to other enemies while Rayman stealthily approaches.
*The Hunter – This pale, grinning, evil-looking robot is shown in one image wearing a monocle on one eye and clutching a [[cage]] between two fingers. His role in the game is unknown.

[[Image:Rayman 2 prototype images.jpg|700px|thumb|none|right|The five images on the top row are screenshots from the same level which is playable in the final PlayStation version of the 3D game. The images on the bottom row include, form left to right: [[Rayman]] sneaking up on the Chief and other enemies; the Hunter clutching a [[cage]] and a gun; and CHAINSAW XR28 stopping to look at a flower.]]

[[File:R2_Proto_Chief.PNG|thumb|200px|right|The Chief, as seen in a promotional video]]
[[File:R2_Proto_Hunter1.PNG|thumb|200px|right|The Hunter, as seen in a promotional video]]

==Playable PlayStation level==

In the final 3D Sony PlayStation version of ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|Rayman 2]]'', the player can unlock a single level from the canceled 2D version of ''Rayman 2''. This is done by collecting at least 90% of the [[Yellow Lums]], then completing [[the Crow's Nest]] level. Since the PlayStation version of ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|Rayman 2]]'' has only 800 Yellow Lums to collect, the player only needs to collect 720 of them in order to access the level. The level takes place in a grassy environment with strange rock formations in the background, in addition to a cloudy, purple sky. Music from [[the Walk of Life]] level plays in the background.

An inspection of the files on the disc of the PlayStation version of ''Rayman 2'' reveals a file called RAY.INF, which contains only the following French text:

///RayMan 2 PlayStation/version:01.12d/date:31 mai 1996/gravure:Vincent Greco/demande:equipe RM2 Sony/destinataire:equipe RM2 Sony/usage perso/derniere version/

Its exact meaning is unknown; however, Vincent Greco was the lead programmer on [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]], and went on to work on ''[[Rayman M]]'' and ''[[Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc]]''. Judging by the appearance of his name in its files, it would seem that he was also involved in the production of this prototype.

{|
| [[Image:Rayman 2 2D prototype loading screen.png|thumb|none|320px|The loading screen from the playable PlayStation level depicts a fusion of ''[[Rayman 1]]'' and ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|Rayman 2]]'' scenarios]]
| [[File:SilverTings.png|frame|320px|none|class=sprite|[[Ting]]s as seen in the 2D prototype]]
| [[File:Scared platforms 2.png|thumb|320px|none|class=sprite|[[Rayman]] captures a [[scared platform]] with his [[telescopic fist]]]]
|}

=Promotional=
In the October 1999 issue of MausKlick magazine, there is a poster of "[[Rayman]] sneaking up on [[the General]] and his Robo-Pirate servants." It is unknown why a poster promoting the original ''[[Rayman 2]]'' is present. However this could mean the prototype was in further development then previously thought.
[[Image:Rayman 2 Prototype Poster.jpg|320px|thumb|none|[[Rayman]] sneaking]]

{{clear}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
R2 2D 1.png
R2 2D 2.png
DINOSAUR.png
FLIPS.png
GUARD.png
HUNTER1.png
HUNTER2.png
HUNTER3.png
R2 2D 3.png
NAGAGOLO.png
PYROTECH.png
RAYMAN.png
ROBOT1.png
ROBOT2.png
R2 2D 4.png
R2 2D 5.png
R2 2D 6.png
R2 2D 7.png
R2 2D 8.png
R2 2D 9.png
</gallery>

==External links==

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QmbIFNv4HE Playable PlayStation level walkthrough at YouTube]

{{Rayman series}}
{{Cancelled Rayman games}}

[[fr:Rayman 2 (prototype annulé)]]
[[pl:Rayman 2 (Anulowany Prototyp 2D)]]

[[Category:2D platform games]]
[[Category:Prototype games]]
[[Category:Rayman games]]
[[Category:Scrapped content]]

Rayman 2

2012-08-04T01:08:01Z

Invisiblepulse:

{{Game
| name = Rayman 2: The Great Escape
| image = [[Image:Rayman2cover.jpg|center|320px]]
| published by = [[Ubisoft|Ubi Soft Entertainment]]
| developed by = Ubi Soft Montpellier
| produced by = Pauline Jacquey
| designed by = [[Michel Ancel]], Jean-Christophe Guyot, Serge Hascoët, Frédéric Houde, Michaël Janod, Christophe Thibaut
| art by = Michel Ancel (artistic director) Jean-Christophe Alessandri, Florent Sacre, Celine Tellier, Paul Tumelaire (graphics) Alexandra Ancel, Hubert Chevillard (graphic research)
| programmed by = Yann Le Tensorer, Olivier Didelot (engine programming)
| written by = David Neiss (scenarios and dialogue) Michel Ancel (story) David Gassman (English-language translation)
| soundtrack by = Éric Chevalier (original music) Daniel Masson (N64 MIDI adaptation)
| release date =
'''Nintendo 64:''' 
[[File:European Union.png|16px]] 29th October, 1999 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 31st October, 1999 
'''Windows:''' 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 31st October, 1999 
[[File:European Union.png|16px]] 14th December, 2001 
'''Dreamcast:''' 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 29th February, 2000 
[[File:European Union.png|16px]] 2000 
[[File:Japan.png|16px]] 23rd March, 2000 
'''PlayStation:''' 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 15th September, 2000 
[[File:European Union.png|16px]] 8th September, 2000 
[[File:Australia.png|16px]] 2000 
'''PS3, PSP (PlayStation Network):''' 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 18th December, 2008 
'''iOS:''' 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 1st March, 2010 
'''[[Rayman DS|Nintendo DS]]:''' 
[[File:United_States_of_America(USA).png|16px]] 24th March, 2005 
| genre = 3D platformer
| gameplay mode = Single player
| platforms = Nintendo 64, PC, Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation, [[Rayman 2 Forever|Game Boy Color]], [[Rayman Revolution|Sony PlayStation 2]], [[Rayman DS|Nintendo DS]], Sony Playstation 3 (PSN), Sony Playstation Portable (PSN), Apple iPhone, Apple iPod Touch, [[Rayman 3D|Nintendo 3DS]]
| ratings = 7+ (PEGI), E (ESRB)
| distribution media = Cartridge, CD-ROM, GD-ROM, DVD, digital download
| system requirements =
}}

''‘Rayman 2’ redirects here. For other uses, see [[Rayman 2 (disambiguation)]].''

'''''Rayman 2: The Great Escape''''' is the second major game in the [[Rayman (series)|''Rayman'' series]]. It is the first sequel to [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]], and the series's first 3D game. ''Rayman 2'' introduced many brand-new major characters, though it featured almost none from its predecessor. ''Rayman 2'' was first released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 and was followed by ports for the Sega Dreamcast, PC, and Sony PlayStation, with each version being different in its own way due to the specifications of each console.

''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'' is often abbreviated as '''''Rayman 2''''' or (to avoid confusion with the similarly named ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'') '''''R2'''''. The Sony PlayStation version of ''Rayman 2'' was later released as a PSOne Classic on the North American PlayStation Network, on December 18, 2008. On March 1, 2010 and March 25, 2011, two versions based on the Dreamcast incarnation of the game were released for the Apple iPhone (and the Apple iPod Touch). A similar version was released for the Nintendo 3DS, under the title ''[[Rayman 3D]]''. The PC version joined ''[[Rayman Forever]]'' on the digital distribution service [http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/rayman_2_the_great_escape Good Old Games] on the 27th of May, 2011.

==Story==
===The beginning===
[[File:The Great Forest.jpg|thumb|left|320px|The ''[[Buccaneer]]'', the [[Robo-Pirate]]s' prison-ship]]
''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'' takes place in various locations throughout [[the Glade of Dreams]], in contrast to [[Rayman 1|the original game]], which took place in a single surreal location known as [[the valley]]. ''Rayman 2''’s manual contain's the game's backstory: an army of [[Robo-Pirate]]s from the depths of space have arrived in the Glade of Dreams. Led by the infamous [[Admiral Razorbeard]], the Robo-Pirates have already destroyed more than one hundred peaceful planets, and intend to enslave the inhabitants of the Glade. A resistance movement is formed to combat the pirates; the rebels include the heroic [[Rayman]], his [[toad]]-like friend [[Globox]], and a number of their allies. This period is covered in [[Report N° 20Z]], a series of six brief stories initially posted on the game's official site. After fighting the pirates for an unknown time, Rayman and Globox head to [[the Great Forest]], where the pirates have gathered, and launch an attack. In the middle of the battle, Rayman suddenly loses his powers. He is telepathically contacted by an ally, [[Ly the Fairy]], who tells him that the pirates have just destroyed [[the Heart of the World]], the mystical orb of energy which kept the world's balance intact. It has been shattered into a thousand fragments known as [[Yellow Lum]]s, which are now scattered across the Glade. As a result of this unnatural upheaval, Rayman has lost the powers granted to him by [[Betilla the Fairy]] (with the exception of his [[helicopter|helicopter hair]]), rendering him helpless and leaving him to the mercy of the pirates. At Rayman's encouragement, Globox flees to find Ly. Rayman is captured by the pirates, and brought face-to-face with the Admiral Razorbeard, who tells Rayman that he will soon be his most obedient slave. Rayman vows revenge.

[[File:GloboxIntro.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[Rayman]] and [[Globox]] are reunited in their prison cell]]
[[File:Grand Minimus Woods of Light.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Rayman]] meets the [[Grand Minimus]] for the first time]]

At the opening of the game, we see numerous [[Robo-Pirate]] [[Warship]]s flying above the seas off the coast of the Glade of Dreams. The narrator informs us that they are searching for innocent prey, and that the Glade has been reduced to a planet of anguish and pain. The destruction of [[the Heart of the World]] has disrupted the natural order – as a result, evil creatures such as [[caterpillar]]s, [[spider]]s, [[piranha]]s and [[Zombie Chicken]]s have begun to proliferate. [[Rayman]] has been captured by the pirates and is currently being held in the ''[[Buccaneer]]'', the colossal, flying prison-ship where they keep their tens of thousands of slaves. Inside the ''Buccaneer'', we see that [[Globox]] has just been captured; he is being dragged to his cell by a pair of basic [[Henchman 800|Henchmen 800]]. Once inside, he is reunited with Rayman, who is overjoyed to see his friend but despairs of their current situation. Globox offers a ray of hope: he reaches into his mouth and pulls out a [[Silver Lum]], a glowing ball of energy which can grant Rayman a new power. [[Ly the Fairy]] created it and gave it to Globox, instructing him to allow himself to be captured so that he could smuggle it to Rayman. The hero absorbs the Silver Lum through [[Rayman's symbol|the round symbol on his chest]], and finds that his [[magic fist]] power – the ability to throw energy spheres – has been restored. Rayman uses it to break into a ventilation duct, and the two friends slide out of the ship and fall into the forest below.

[[File:R2TGE-PC-TheFairyGlade-HallOfDoors.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[The Hall of Doors]], the game's level selection hub]]
[[File:Forcefield.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Rayman]] comes to rescue [[Ly the Fairy]]]]

[[Rayman]] lands in [[the Woods of Light]], but [[Globox]] is nowhere to be seen. He meets a [[greenbottle]] who introduces himself as [[Murfy]]; he will act as Rayman's guide throughout the game, and will return to play a similar role in ''[[Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc]]''. Rayman comes across a [[cage]] with the [[Robo-Pirate]] insignia; upon breaking it, he finds the first of the [[Yellow Lum]]s, the thousand fragments of [[the Heart of the World]] which are scattered across [[the Glade of Dreams]]. As he collects more, Rayman will be allowed to access new areas, as well as gaining [[the Knowledge of the World]]. Rayman encounters three of the [[baby Globox]]es – the 650 children of Globox and his wife, [[Uglette]]. The babies are delighted to see Rayman, but begin to cry when he tells them that he does not know where their father is. Rayman asks them if they have seen [[Ly the Fairy|Ly]], and they inform him that the pirates have dragged her away. Soon Rayman comes across another pirate cage; when he breaks it, he finds an old friend and ally from ''[[Rayman Origins]]'': the [[Grand Minimus]], King of the [[Teensie]]s. Unfortunately the Grand Minimus has been locked in the cage with three of his brethren for so long that they can no longer remember which of them is the real king, leading them to spend a great deal of time squabbling over this. When they come to their senses, they inform Rayman that Ly was kidnapped by the Robo-Pirates and imprisoned in [[the Fairy Glade]]. In order to help him, they will transport him to [[the Hall of Doors]], a secret place which can be used to travel instantly to many locations. In order to open the way to the Hall, the Teensies require five Yellow Lums which Rayman can find scattered throughout the level. Once he brings them, the Teensies use their energy to open a magic, swirling portal known as a [[Spiral Door]]. Rayman jumps in and finds himself in the Hall of Doors, a forested cosmic void containing many Spiral Doors which lead to many places. Most of these levels must be completed in a set linear order.

[[File:Four Masks of Polokus.jpg|frame|right|The [[four Masks of Polokus]] which [[Rayman]] must collect]]

[[Rayman]]'s first stop is [[the Fairy Glade]], where the [[Robo-Pirate]]s are holding [[Ly the Fairy]] captive. This is the first level in the game where Rayman can actually fight and defeat Robo-Pirates. Eventually he finds Ly, who is imprisoned inside a spherical forcefield. He uses [[keg]]s to destroy the pirate machine which is powering the forcefield, thus freeing Ly. She tells him that their only hope for victory over the pirates is the god [[Polokus]], who was previously encountered in ''[[Rayman Origins]]'' under the guise of the Bubble Dreamer. Polokus is the creator of [[the Glade of Dreams]]. His power is such that his slighest dream or desire becomes reality, but he has been sleeping for many years, so he currently connot help combat the pirates. However, there is a legend which states that he can be reawakened by collecting the [[Four Masks of Polokus]], which he hid in four Sanctuaries around the Glade of Dreams long ago in case his people should ever need to wake him. Ly tells Rayman that he must find these Masks. Before leaving, she gives him a [[Silver Lum]] which grants him the power to swing through the air on [[Purple Lum]]s and cover large distances without touching the ground. At the end of the level, Rayman breaks a [[cage]] and frees a [[Teensie]], who opens a [[Spiral Door]] which can take Rayman back to [[the Hall of Doors]]. This scenario occurs at the end of almost every following level in the game.

===The first mask===
[[File:Sssssam-RR.JPG|thumb|left|320px|[[Rayman]] frees [[Sssssam|Sssssam the Watersnake]]]]
[[Rayman]]'s next stop is [[the Marshes of Awakening]], a murky swamp. At the beginning of the level, the player can find a side-path leading to a hidden area where Rayman meets a monster named [[Jano]]. If Rayman approaches Jano, the monster shoos him away, telling him that he can only enter his domain if he knows its name. Back on the main path, Rayman finds a [[cage]] floating in the swamp water. When he breaks it, his friend [[Sssssam|Sssssam the Watersnake]] emerges. Rayman asks Sssssam if he knows where he can find the [[Four Masks of Polokus]], but the snake has no idea. Sssssam invites Rayman to grab his neckerchief with his [[magic fist]] and hang on tight so that the snake can ferry him across the marshes to the end of the level.

[[File:Axel.png|thumb|right|320px|[[Axel]], the Guardian of [[the Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]]]

The next level is [[the Bayou]], a similar swampy location that [[Rayman]] must traverse on foot. [[Admiral Razorbeard]] is concerned by Rayman's progress, and despatches several [[Warship]]s to destroy him. Razorbeard eats a [[Yellow Lum]], reducing the number of extant Yellow Lums from 1000 to 999. At the beginning of the level is a side-path where Rayman can find a hologram of [[Ly the Fairy]]. If he has enough Yellow Lums, she will teleport him to a side-level called [[the Walk of Life]]. Although the Bayou is beset with Robo-Pirate Warships and dangerous obstacles such as [[helicopter bomb]]s, Rayman makes it through the area unscathed.

[[The Walk of Life]] is one of two optional bonus levels in the game, the other being the extremely similar [[the Walk of Power|Walk of Power]]. It must be unlocked by going to [[the Bayou]] and approaching the holoram of [[Ly the Fairy]] after collecting a certain number of [[Yellow Lum]]s. Once it has been unlocked, it can be accessed directly from [[the Hall of Doors]]. In the level, Rayman must run with Ly and reach the finish line within a set amount of time. There are many Yellow Lums which can easily be collected. If the level is completed within the time limit, Ly grants Rayman full health.

[[File:PolokusPillarSymbolReaction-RR-TSOWAI.jpg|thumb|left|320px|The stone column containing the first [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask]]]]
[[File:Rayman meets Polokus.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Rayman]] brings the first [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask]] to [[Polokus]]]]

The next main level after [[the Bayou]] is [[the Sanctuary of Water and Ice]], where [[Rayman]] will find the first of the [[Four Masks of Polokus]]. This is the first of the game's Sanctuaries, and like the ones which follow, Rayman must collect a certain number of [[Yellow Lum]]s in order to enter. The Grand Minimus Teensies facilitate his journey from [[the Chamber of the Teensies|their council chamber]]; they have agreed to settle the matter of their identity by taking turns wearing the [[crown]] every few seconds. The level starts on a beach, and soon ventures into a more cosmic and surreal territory when Rayman opens the Sanctuary door. The interior is composed mainly of blue stone, but it resembles [[the Hall of Doors]] in that it seems to exist in a starry void. Deep inside, Rayman encounters [[Axel]], the Guardian of the Sanctuary of Water and Ice. This blue floating being deems Rayman an intruder and immediately attacks him, as he was instructed to do by his creator, [[Polokus]]. With the telepathic advice of [[Ly the Fairy]], Rayman uses his [[magic fist]] to hit an icicle, causing it to fall onto Axel's head and defeat him. Rayman moves on to the final chamber of the Sanctuary, where he finds a raised platform on which rests a large stone container. As Rayman approaches the stone, [[Rayman's symbol|the symbol on his chest]] lights up, as does the identical symbol on the front of the stone. An energy connection forms between the two, and the stone slides open. Out of it rises the first Mask of Polokus. Rayman takes hold of it and is teleported to a strange, mystical promontory, where he meets Polokus, the god who dreamed [[the Glade of Dreams]] into existence. Polokus is sitting atop a stone identical to the one in which Rayman found the Mask. He congratulates Rayman on his progress, then takes the Mask and attaches it to one of the four sides of his stone. Polokus then creates a [[Spiral Door]] which takes Rayman back to the Hall of Doors.

===The second mask===
[[File:Rayman meets Clark.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[Rayman]] meets the sick [[Clark]] in [[the Menhir Hills]]]]

The next level [[Rayman]] must visit is [[the Menhir Hills]], a rough area filled with large green stones known as [[menhir]]s. He finds his first [[walking shell]] – a two-legged mechanical missile created by the [[Robo-Pirate]]s. With [[Murfy]]'s help, Rayman learns to tame and ride these missiles; he must do this several times in this level in order to cross [[nettle]] patches which cannot be traversed on foot. Rayman passes through the [[Elite Troop Training Centre]], where [[Henchman 800|Henchmen 800]] doze rather than train. Eventually Rayman comes to another Robo-Pirate installation, where he finds his friend, [[Clark|Clark the Giant]]. Clark has just defeated twenty pirates, but in the heat of battle, he accidentally swallowed a rusty pirate part and took ill. In order to recover, he needs the [[Elixir of Life]], which can only be found in a place known as [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]]. Rayman finds a [[Spiral Door]] nearby and leaves, promising that he will return with the Elixir.

[[File:Rayman meets Jano.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Rayman]] meets [[Jano]] in [[the Marshes of Awakening]], at the entrance to [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]]]]

Back in [[the Hall of Doors]], the player must return to [[the Marshes of Awakening]] and take the side-path at the beginning of the level. In a hidden area, he finds the monster [[Jano]], who would not let [[Rayman]] enter his domain earlier. Now that Rayman knows this place is called [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]], Jano allows him to enter. First he tells Rayman that he has hidden a great treasure inside the cave, and that whoever reaches it may claim it. He also tells Rayman that he will chase and kill him, but says that he will give him a head start. Jano then hypnotises Rayman with the eyes of his skull-topped staff and teleports Rayman to the Cave of Bad Dreams. This cave has a bluish glow and is infested with [[caterpillar]]s and [[mini Jano]]s. It is where the evil creatures spawned by [[Polokus]]'s nightmares are imprisoned. Rayman makes his way towards the heart of the cave, and is chased down a slimy and slippery tunnel by Jano, who attempts to eat him. Then the two battle, with Jano constantly retreating and eventually fleeing. Rayman then finds the final chamber, a cavern filled with gold and jewels. Jano tells Rayman that he has defeated him, and that he may take what he wants. Rayman can either take the treasure for himself or take the Elixir for his friend; the player is allowed to choose which one. If the player selects the treasure, an obese Rayman is transported to a desert island with his gold, the words ‘Game Over’ appear on the screen, and the player is asked the question again. If the player selects the Elixir, Jano informs Rayman that he has chosen wisely and teleports them both back to the Marshes of Awakening. It is revealed that the skull atop Jano's staff actually contains the Elixir; Jano gives it to Rayman and the two part on good terms. The Cave of Bad Dreams can now be accessed directly from the Hall of Doors.

[[File:Thecanopyps1.JPG|thumb|left|320px|[[Rayman]] and [[Globox]] make their way through [[the Canopy]]]]

Back in [[the Hall of Doors]], the player must move forward to [[the Menhir Hills]] once again, and repeat the early parts of the level. This time, when [[Rayman]] encounters the ill [[Clark]], he gives him the [[Elixir of Life]], which instantly restores him to perfect health. Clark smashes several walls, allowing Rayman to pass on to the next area of the Menhir Hills. (Clark leaves to find more pirates to fight – the consequences of this become apparent when Rayman reaches the [[Tomb of the Ancients]] later in the game.) Rayman rides a [[walking shell]] through tunnels filled with [[menhir]]s which emerge rapidly from the ground. Eventually he reaches a [[Spiral Door]] and completes the level.

[[File:Carmen laser prison PS1.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Carmen]] is imprisoned in the [[Whale Bay]]]]

[[Rayman]]'s next stop is [[the Canopy]], a level set high in the upper levels of a yellow forest. Here he finds that his friend, [[Globox]] (whom the [[Robo-Pirate]]s consider their ‘Public Enemy #2’), has been imprisoned again. Rayman flicks a [[switch]] with his [[magic fist]], causing the laser cage which holds Globox to be deactivated. The two friends make their way through the Canopy. Globox uses his [[Rain Dance]] ability to short-circuit laser fences and make plants grow, but he becomes frightened and flees every time they encounter any Robo-Pirates. Rayman assures him that there is nothing wrong with being scared. Globox reaches into his mouth and produces another [[Silver Lum]] from [[Ly the Fairy]]. This one allows Rayman to charge his magic fist, making for more power energy balls which explode like grenades upon contact. After defeating a [[Warship]], the two friends continue and eventually find a Robo-Pirate installation; with the help of Globox's Rain Dance, Rayman hides inside a large newly-grown shrub and uses it to infiltrate the installation, where he finds a [[Spiral Door]]. Globox regretfully says that he cannot accompany Rayman, as he must go to find his wife [[Uglette]].

[[File:Umber speaks.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[Umber]], the Guardian of [[the Sanctuary of Stone and Fire]]]]

The next level is [[Whale Bay]], a watery location infested by [[Robo-Pirate]]s and [[piranha]]s. The benevolent whale, [[Carmen]], has been imprisoned in a laser cage by the pirates, who plan to use her blubber to oil the engines of the ''[[Buccaneer]]''. Rayman frees her, and she releases [[air bubble]]s which allow him to accompany her underwater. Unfortunately the local piranhas want to steal the bubbles to ease their heartburn, so Rayman must frighten them off with his [[magic fist]] so that he can continue to breathe. Eventually Rayman completes his underwater passage and comes to the end of the level.

The next level is [[the Sanctuary of Stone and Fire]], the second of the game's Sanctuaries. This is a long and labyrinthine level, filled with secret passages, wrong turns and optional areas, including an entire temple which has no discernible purpose. Rayman spends a great deal of time on [[plum]]s, which can be used to cross the many lakes of lava. Eventually Rayman comes to a chamber containing a large blocky stone statue: this is [[Umber]], the Guardian of the Sanctuary of Stone and Fire. Unlike [[Axel]], Umber is pacifistic; he allows Rayman to stand on his head while he walks across a pool of lava, taking Rayman to the final chamber. It is shaped much the same as the chamber in which Rayman found the first [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask]], with a raised platform on which sits a stone container. [[Rayman's symbol]] once again connects to the stone; it slides open, and the second Mask emerges. Rayman takes it and once again is transported to [[Polokus]]'s domain. The god congratulates Rayman, takes the Mask, affixes it to his stone, and sends Rayman back to [[the Hall of Doors]].

===The third mask===
[[File:TheTopoftheWorldPC.jpg|thumb|left|320px|The rollercoaster in [[the Top of the World]]]]
[[Rayman]]'s next stop is [[the Echoing Caves]]. At the beginning of the level, he finds himself in a non-linear area which he must explore to find four [[switch]]es. These open a door which leads into a [[Robo-Pirate]] stronghold. Inside, Rayman must set [[keg]]s on fire and use them as rockets to fly himself over underground lakes of poisonous green water. At one point, a secret passage can be found, leading Rayman to a secret location in [[the Fairy Glade]] where an otherwise unreachable [[cage]] can be found. Completing this area returns Rayman to the Echoing Caves. At the end of the level, a [[Robo-Pirate]] [[Warship]] can be seen sailing ominously through the distant sky.

The next level is [[the Precipice]]. [[Admiral Razorbeard]] is growing increasingly concerned with [[Rayman]]'s progress, and sends several [[Warship]]s to destroy him. The Precipice is a high, mountainous region. Rayman must cross huge gulfs on rickety wooden [[Robo-Pirate]] bridges which collapse within seconds of setting foot on them, while simultaneously avoiding the aggressive and untameable [[red walking shell]]s and the cannonballs from the pursuing Warships. One memorable moment occurs when Rayman must [[helicopter]] into a vast abyss while collecting a trail of [[Yellow Lum]]s and fighting off a nearby Warship's [[helicopter bomb]]s. Near the end of the level, Rayman must battle a powerful [[Ninja Pirate]] before gaining access to the final [[cage]] and its imprisoned [[Teensie]], who then creates a [[Spiral Door]] which will take Rayman back to [[the Hall of Doors]].

Next is [[the Top of the World]], a location high in the mountains of [[the Glade of Dreams]]. [[Rayman]] rides a [[Rollercoaster Challenge|rollercoaster]] through forests, [[Robo-Pirate]] installations and other obstacles, eventually finding himself in a pirate fortress. After fighting his way through the pirates inside (including numerous powerful [[Barrel Pirate]]s), Rayman comes to the end of the level. He must free a [[Teensie]] from a hidden side-passage in order to open the [[Spiral Door]].

[[Rayman]]'s next stop is [[the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]], the third of the game's Sanctuaries. Rayman begins in a swamp; if he follows a side-path, he finds a hologram of [[Ly the Fairy]], who will teleport him to [[the Walk of Power]] if he has enough [[Yellow Lum]]s. If he follows the main path, Rayman soon finds himself in a series of lava-filled passageways. The level's name is misleading; unlike the previous Sanctuaries, there are no bosses to be fought here.

[[The Walk of Power]] is the second of the game's two optional bonus levels, and is extremely similar to [[the Walk of Life]]. [[Rayman]] must first access this level by talking to the holographic [[Ly the Fairy]] in [[the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]], but once it has been visited, it can be accessed directly from [[the Hall of Doors]]. In this level, Rayman races against Ly while collecting [[Yellow Lum]]s. The level must be finished within a set time limit; once the level is completed, Ly gives Rayman three [[Power Fist]]s.

[[File:Foutch Dreamcast blue aura.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Foutch]], the Guardian of [[the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]]]]

The next level is [[Beneath the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]], a complex network of underground tunnels filled with [[nettle]]s and lava. At the beginning of the level, [[Ly the Fairy]] appears, and gives Rayman the [[Super Helicopter]] ability so that he can fly through the tunnels (though it requires great precision to accomplish this unharmed). At the end of the level, Rayman is attacked by [[Foutch]], the Guardian of [[the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]]. Foutch looks very similar to [[Axel]], except for his colour; where Axel was blue, Foutch is yellow. He is also much more aggressive and powerful than the other Guardians. He sneaks up behind Rayman and punches him, causing him to lose his Super Helicopter ability. Foutch then chases Rayman around his arena while hurling columns of flame at him. Rayman uses his [[magic fist]] to shoot the stalactites under which the pursuing Foutch regularly passes; after being hit on the head by three stalactites, Foutch is defeated. He releases a [[Purple Lum]]; Rayman uses it to swing to a high bridge leading to the centre of the arena, where he drops down and finds himself facing the chamber containing the third [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask]]. As before, [[Rayman's symbol]] opens the stone container, and the Mask transports him to [[Polokus]]'s domain, where the god attaches it to his own stone column and tells Rayman that his quest is almost complete. Polokus creates a [[Spiral Door]] to take Rayman back to [[the Hall of Doors]].

===The fourth mask===
[[File:Spyglass Pirate controlling Clark.jpg|thumb|left|320px|The [[Spyglass Pirate]] forces [[Clark]] to attack [[Rayman]]]]
The next level is the [[Tomb of the Ancients]], an eerie graveyard-themed location. This area is under the rule of the [[Robo-Pirate]]s, who have several important installations here and seem to be burying their dead in the area. At the beginning of the level, [[Rayman]] finds a sign saying that the pirates have captured his friend [[Clark]] here and taken him to the [[Technical Check-up]]. This level also contains a notable secret passage in which Rayman can find the [[1000th Yellow Lum]] – the one which [[Admiral Razorbeard]] ate earlier in the game – though it is unclear how it came to be there. Another secret area, nicknamed the [[Tomb of the Ancients secret]], shows a strange celebration taking place and allows the player to unlock several cheat codes. At the end of the level, Rayman comes to the Technical Check-up, where he finds Clark. The giant is at first delighted to see his friend, but he soon begins acting strangely. Rayman discovers that he has a mechanical device implanted in his back; he is being controlled by the [[Spyglass Pirate]], a servant of [[Admiral Razorbeard]]. Rayman is forced to fight his friend, and eventually manages to destroy the remote-control device, freeing him from the Spyglass Pirate. Clark helps Rayman reach a [[Teensie]] [[cage]] and complete the level.

[[File:Polokus awakens.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Polokus]] awakens when [[Rayman]] brings him all [[Four Masks of Polokus|four Masks]]]]

Next is [[the Iron Mountains]], a strange and eclectic level. First [[Rayman]] finds himself in a rainy swamp. Then he passes into a [[Robo-Pirate]] installation, goes through a high-tech electrical barrier with many moving parts, and emerges in a mountainous area where he must fight another [[Ninja Pirate]] – the second of only two in the entire game. He then [[helicopter]]s down into a [[hot air balloon]], which takes him to a misty, [[menhir]]-filled peak called [[the Gloomy Island]]. He makes his way past the gigantic [[Robot Dinosaur]] and enters the [[Reformatory for Disturbing Children]], where some of the [[baby Globox]]es are imprisoned. Eventually Rayman manages to free them, and rides a [[walking shell]] past the Robot Dinosaur and into a passage which leads to the next area – [[the Pirate Mines]]. Here Rayman meets a distraught [[Uglette]], who informs him that the pirates have kidnapped her and [[Globox]]'s babies and put them to forced labour in the mines. She says that Globox tried to stop them, but the pirates captured him too, and took him to the ''[[Buccaneer]]''. Rayman commandeers an unmanned nearby [[Warship]] and uses it to fly around to the four mines – north, south, east and west – collecting hundreds of baby Globoxes. He brings them back to Uglette, who is overjoyed. One of the baby Globoxes reaches into him mouth and takes out a mask, which he says he found in the mines. Rayman sees it and realises that it is the fourth and final [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask of Polokus]]; saying goodbye to Uglette and the babies, he takes the Mask and is transported to [[Polokus]]'s domain. Polokus congratulates Rayman, takes the Mask and attaches it to the remaining side of his four-sides stone column. The stone begins to spin rapidly, blurring until it is transfigured into a transparent, glowing portal. Polokus tells Rayman that, now that he has been awakened, he can destroy all of the Robo-Pirates in [[the Glade of Dreams]], but says that he has no power in the air – Rayman himself must confront [[Admiral Razorbeard]] onboard the flying ''[[Buccaneer]]''. Rayman steps into Polokus's portal; his health is increased to maximum, and he is transported to [[the Hall of Doors]].

===The ending===
[[File:TheCrowsNestPC.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[Rayman]] confronts [[Admiral Razorbeard]] and the [[Grolgoth]] atop [[the Crow's Nest]] of the ''[[Buccaneer]]'']]
The next level is [[the Prison Ship]], also known as the ''[[Buccaneer]]''. About the same time [[Rayman]] enters this level, [[Admiral Razorbeard]] receives a very special guest: [[the General]] from ''[[Tonic Trouble]]'', another [[Ubisoft]] game. The General is a salesman, and persuades Razorbeard to purchase the [[Grolgoth]], a powerful robot with which Razorbeard could finally defeat Rayman. The Prison Ship itself is colossal, and Rayman must slide across its floors and tunnels while avoiding obstacles and trying not to fall. Later he gains a [[flying shell]], which he uses to fly through complex and labyrinthine passageways. Eventually Rayman finds the room where the prisoners are located; he smashes all of the cages, and the newly-freed [[Teensie]]s create [[Spiral Door]]s which can take everyone – Teensies, [[bird]]s, [[Ludiv]]s and [[baby Globox]]es – to freedom.

[[File:Buccaneer explosion PS1.jpg|thumb|right|320px|[[Admiral Razorbeard|Razorbeard]] detonates the ''[[Buccaneer]]'']]

The final level of the game is [[the Crow's Nest]]. The player is taken directly to this level when they complete [[the Prison Ship]], but it is possible to return to [[the Hall of Doors]] via the pause menu (a feature unique to this level); this enables the player to save their game and access the Crow's Nest directly from the Hall of Doors, without having to play through the Prison Ship each time they wish to access it. At the beginning of the level, the [[Spyglass Pirate]] infroms [[Admiral Razorbeard]] that [[Rayman]] has collected the [[four Masks of Polokus]] and that he is currently onboard the ''[[Buccaneer]]''. Razorbeard is furious and tells the Spyglass Pirate that he will swim in molten lava for his failure, but orders him to prepare the [[Grolgoth]] in the meantime; Razorbeard wishes to deal with Rayman personally. In order to lure Rayman to the Crow's Nest – he ties up [[Globox]] there and prepares to kill him. Rayman arrives, and the Grolgoth (piloted by Razorbeard) attacks; Globox is knocked off the side of the ship, and Rayman is forced to fight the Grolgoth. After using his [[magic fist]] to reflect several of the Grolgoth's [[helicopter bomb]]s back at it, the Grolgoth jumps at Rayman, accidentally breaking through the mesh floor. Rayman and the Grolgoth tumble down the hollow mast of the ship towards the boiling lava below; [[Ly the Fairy]] uses her magic to save Rayman and give him a [[flying shell]] with which he can fight the Grolgoth. In order to attack, Rayman must collect glowing orbs which temporarily give him the ability to shoot at the Grolgoth. After a long battle, the Grolgoth is defeated, and Razorbeard flees in an escape pod after activating the Grolgoth's self-destruct mechanism. The ''Buccaneer'' is blown to pieces with Rayman still inside.

We then see [[Rayman]]'s friends – [[Ly the Fairy]], [[Clark]], [[Murfy]], the [[Grand Minimus]], [[Globox]], [[Polokus]], [[Uglette]] and three [[baby Globox]]es, all gathered on Polokus's dreamlike promontory for a memorial service. They could only recover Rayman's [[Crazy Shoe|left shoe]], and they believe that Rayman died in the explosion of the ''[[Buccaneer]]''. Suddenly a limping, one-footed Rayman emerges from the woods nearby, much to the joy of everyone present. His shoe rejoins his body and he looks up at all his friends, last of all Ly, while hugging the baby Globoxes. Fireworks are launched in celebration, and a message is displayed congratulating Rayman on his feats. The harmony of [[the Glade of Dreams]] has been restored and [[the Heart of the World]] has been pieced back together. The game ends with the message, ‘Now rest, you may have to fight again. Who knows what tomorrow will bring...’, referencing the next game, ''[[Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc]]''. The end credits sequence shows [[Admiral Razorbeard]]'s escape pod fleeing through the depths of space.

==Early production==
''Main article: [[Rayman 2 (2D prototype)]]''

''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'' was first developed to be a 2D sidescrolling platform game similar to [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'']], and was planned to be released on the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn.<ref>Unseen64.com, ''Rayman 2 [2D version - Unreleased]'', http://www.unseen64.net/2008/04/11/rayman2-2d-cancelled</ref> Screenshots, videos and interviews indicate that the game would still involve an invasion of robots from space. The game featured enemies similar to the [[Robo-Pirate]]s, and it also featured background platforming - using a device similar to a shower head and a toilet flush, Rayman could teleport from the foreground to the background (and vice-versa). One video in particular also featured [[Betilla the Fairy]], and showed her imprisoned in a cell.

This 2D game was cancelled in favour of the 3D version it became, though a playable prototype (version 01.12d) featuring one level is included in the PlayStation version of ''Rayman 2'', and is unlocked if the player collects at least 720 Yellow Lums out of the version's total 800. It was recently discovered that this prototype was last worked on at May 31st 1996 and was sent to the ''Playstation RayMan 2 team'' so that they could incorporate one of its levels into their version of the game.

[[File:R2Ref1.jpg|thumb|right|320px|A collage of ''Rayman 2'' artwork and screenshots used as a reference for the artistic design of ''[[Rayman Origins]]'']]
[[File:R2Ref2.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Another representative ''Rayman 2'' collage used as a reference for ''[[Rayman Origins]]'']]

==Gameplay==
The gameplay in ''Rayman 2'' is somewhat similar to that of ''Rayman'', though this time Rayman starts with a few powers to defend himself, one of which is given to him by [[Globox]] who is introduced at the very beginning. The aim of the game is to rescue all of the [[Yellow Lum]]s that have been scattered following the explosion of the [[The Heart of the World|Primordial Core]], and the creatures that have been imprisoned in [[cage]]s, while defeating any [[Robo-Pirate]]s that stand in Rayman's way.

==Main characters==
===The good guys===
*[[Rayman]] – The hero and protagonist of the game
*[[Globox]] – Rayman's best friend; husband of [[Uglette]] and father of the [[Baby Globox|baby Globoxes]]
*[[Ly the Fairy]] – Rayman's friend and powerful ally
*[[Murfy]] – Serves as an ‘instructor’-type character
*[[Teensie|The Teensies]] – Keepers of [[the Hall of Doors]]
*[[Clark]] the Giant – A friend of Rayman's
*[[Sssssam]] – a snake who helps Rayman cross [[the Marshes of Awakening]]

===The bad guys===
*[[Admiral Razorbeard]] – The main villain of the game
*[[Robo-Pirate army]] – Razorbeard's army
*[[Jano]] – The Guardian of the Cave of Bad Dreams
*[[Caterpillar]]s, [[Spider (Rayman 2)|spider]]s, [[piranha]]s, [[Zombie Chicken]]s – Twisted creatures that began to proliferate as a result of the Robo-Pirates' disruption of the natural balance

==Environment==
Unlike ''[[Rayman 1]]'', ''Rayman 2'' is not divided into certain themed worlds, but rather a trail of 20 different locations, none of which are as surreal as its predecessor's, but are still dissimilar to the real world. The levels are played in a linear fashion in a World Map known as [[the Hall of Doors]] ([[The Isle of Doors|Isle of Doors]] in the Dreamcast version), with most levels following a single path (though [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]], [[The Walk of Life|Walk of Life]], and [[The Walk of Power|Walk of Power]] are on side-paths). The player is able to backtrack to past levels if he or she wishes, and can move on to the final stage without breaking all of the cages.

==Levels==
===PC, N64 and Dreamcast version===
* [[The Woods of Light]]
* [[The Fairy Glade]]
* [[The Marshes of Awakening]]
* [[The Bayou]]
* [[The Walk of Life]] (sublevel)
* [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
* [[The Menhir Hills]]
* [[The Cave of Bad Dreams]] (sublevel)
* [[The Canopy]]
* [[Whale Bay]]
* [[The Sanctuary of Stone and Fire]]
* [[The Echoing Caves]]
* [[The Precipice]]
* [[The Top of the World]]
* [[The Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]]
* [[The Walk of Power]] (sublevel)
* [[Beneath the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava]]
* [[Tomb of the Ancients]]
* [[The Iron Mountains]]
* [[The Prison Ship]]
* [[The Crow's Nest]]

==Promotion==
[[Ubisoft]] promoted ''Rayman 2'' with many toys and even a cartoon. There were YoYos, cell phone covers, a PlayStation 2 remote, a version of the game with a figure, and Happy Meal toys.

===Cartoon===
''Main article: [[Rayman: The Animated Series]]''

===McDonald's===
''Main article: [[Figures]]''

Between the 17th of May and 13th of June 2000, [[Ubisoft]] joined with McDonald's to make a Happy Meal with [[Rayman]] toys. These toys were a Rayman riding a [[walking shell]], Rayman on a [[plum]] with spinning [[Helicopter|helicopter hair]], a light-up [[cage]], a sound-making [[Henchman 800]], a wobbling [[Globox]] and [[Ly the Fairy]]. The toys were only available in France.

===''[[Tonic Trouble]]''===
Characters from each game made cameo appearances in the other game. In ''[[Tonic Trouble]]'', Rayman would be seen during the game's end credits. In ''Rayman 2'', [[General|a salesman]] who previously appeared in the intro sequence of the PC version of [[Tonic Trouble]] sells the [[Grolgoth]] to [[Razorbeard]] late in the game. [[Tonic Trouble]] was worked on (though not designed) by [[Michel Ancel]], used the ''Rayman 2'' engine, originally appeared on the same platforms as ''Rayman 2'', and was also released by [[Ubisoft]], giving reason for the crossovers, though ''[[Tonic Trouble]]'' had not fared well critically or commercially, whereas ''Rayman 2'' became successful in both areas.

==Rayman Mobile==
''[[Rayman Bowling]]'', ''[[Rayman Golf]]'', and ''[[Rayman Garden]]'' are spin-offs of ''Rayman 2'' and its remakes. These games were ported by [[Gameloft]] to the N-Gage and other Samsung and Nokia phones. 
In May 2010 Rayman 2 was released on the IPhone platform.

==Reception==
''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'' was released to critical acclaim. On Metacritic, the N64 version of the game received a score of 90%, signifying universal acclaim.<ref>Metacritic.com, ''Rayman 2: The Great Escape for Nintendo 64 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic'', http://www.metacritic.com/game/nintendo-64/rayman-2-the-great-escape</ref> On GameRankings, the Dreamcast, Windows, N64 and PlayStation versions of the game were assigned scores of 92.71%, 91.27%, 88.83% and 87.23% respectively.<ref>GameRankings.com, ''Reviews and News Articles'', http://www.gamerankings.com/browse.html?search=rayman&numrev=3&site=</ref>

The game has been included on several lists of the greatest games of all time. IGN rated it as the 67th-greatest game.

{{quote|text=Platform gaming has long been known for jumping, bopping enemies, and collecting items. ''Rayman 2'' broke no new grounds in these areas, but instead perfected them as no other game had before. Starring a character with no arms, legs or neck, ''Rayman 2'' is a demonstration of what the modern platform game could be – smart, fast and challenging.|sign=IGN staff|source=IGN<ref>IGN.com ''IGN's Top 100 Games'', http://ie.top100.ign.com/2005/061-070.html</ref>}}

GameSpot staff member Ryan Davis wrote an article on the game for the site's 'Greatest Games of All Time' series.

{{quote|text=The gameplay was great, but, truly, it was the presentation of ''Rayman 2'' that brought the whole package together. This was a game created by artists, not technicians, and its use of crisp, clear, beautifully crafted textures over relatively simple 3D objects is a testament to that. This isn't to say that ''Rayman 2'' wasn't technically impressive at the time, because its massive 3D environments proved it certainly was that, but the creators of ''Rayman 2'' wanted to awe you with the surreal, vivid world they had created, instead of showing you some nifty technical tricks. The lush, slightly off-kilter musical score certainly helped perpetuate this dreamy reality, as did the nonsense languages that the inhabitants of ''The Great Escape'' spoke.

''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'' is more than the sum of its parts, though its parts are admittedly a bit impressive on their own. Its European roots show through – as do Rayman creator/designer [[Michel Ancel]]'s interests in Nordic and Celtic mysticism – and lend the affair a flavour that has not been replicated since. Simply put, you will not have another video game experience quite like ''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'', which is why we chose it as one of the greatest games of all time.

For my money, 3D platforming reached its absolute apex in ''Rayman 2: The Great Escape''. I played through ''The Great Escape'' on the PC. Then I played through ''[[Rayman Revolution|Rayman 2: Revolution]]'' on the PlayStation 2. And each time my experience with ''Rayman 2'' had been simply sublime. It's an amazingly well-crafted platformer, providing a variety of play that most modern platformers can't match. But what stays with me the most, over time, is [[the Glade of Dreams|the beautiful, surreal world]] that ''Rayman 2'' takes place in. I've not had a 3D platforming experience that good, before or since.|sign=Ryan Gage|source=GameSpot<ref>GameSpot.com, ''The Greatest Games of All Time'', http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-24.html</ref>}}

==Remakes==
*''[[Rayman Revolution|Rayman Revolution]]'' – PlayStation 2 remake with numerous added, rearranged and mixed levels, new enemies, and a new free-roaming hub area which replaces [[the Hall of Doors]].
*''[[Rayman DS]]'' – DS remake identical to the original N64 version, though it is affected by many glitches and bugs that were not present in the original.
*''Rayman 2'' was also ported to the Apple iPhone and the Apple iPod Touch by [[Gameloft]]. The Sega Dreamcast version was used as the basis for these ports. The graphics are more impressive than those of ''Rayman DS'' due to the increased capabilities of these platforms.
*''[[Rayman 3D]]'' – A port to the Nintendo 3DS console that features 3D depth and graphical improvements. Based on the Dreamcast version.

==Trivia==
* In the German gaming magazine ''PC Player'' (issue 01/2000), ''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'' was named as "Best Platformer in 1999".
* The Sony PlayStation European release of ''Rayman 2'' originally came with a digital watch. In the American release it originally came with a beach ball.
* In the Japanese localisation of the game, some characters with purple in them were changed. Rayman's body was made blue, [[Sssssam|Sssssam the watersnake]] turned into a kind of green, and [[Jano]]'s hat was turned red. But the most bizarre change was made to [[Ly]], whose body was changed from yellow/purple to white/pink.
* The names of a few characters changed during design of the game: the original name of [[Globox]] was [[Globber]], the original name of [[Admiral Razorbeard|Razorbeard]] was Razorface, the original name of [[Polokus]] was Pollochus the Magician, the [[Teensie]]s were originally named the Smalbeings, and [[Robo-Pirate Army|the Robo-Pirates]] (called Red Rum before) were originally employed by a ‘mysterious guild’, which had decided to create an intergalactic zoo or circus featuring creatures from Rayman's world; remnants of this storyline can be found in ''[[Rayman: The Animated Series]]''.
* It is the most ported game from Rayman's quadrilogy, being released for nine different platforms including ''[[Rayman 2 Forever]]'' and ''[[Rayman 3D]]''.

==See also==
* [[Miscellanea#Rayman 2 resolution hack|Resolution hack]]
* ''[[Rayman 2 Forever]]''
* ''[[Rayman Revolution]]''
* ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape: The Official Guide]]''

==References==
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