RayWiki, the Rayman wiki - User contributions [en]

The Menhir Hills

2023-12-28T18:20:05Z

SimoGecko:

{{quote|text=This place is guarded by a [[walking shell]]. I heard that it may be possible to tame it.|sign=[[Murfy]] instructing [[Rayman]] on how to pass through the Menhir Hills|source=''[[Rayman 2]]''}}

'''The Menhir Hills''' is a location from ''[[Rayman 2]]'' and its remakes, although it is absent from [[Rayman 2 Forever|the Game Boy Color version]]. It is characterized by its focus on riding [[walking shell]]s, its short length (one of the shortest levels in all versions of ''[[Rayman 2]]''), being the only level other than [[the Fairy Glade]] and [[the Marshes of Awakening]] that [[Rayman]] must re-visit at least once to complete the game, and being the first level in the game to give [[Rayman]] a sidekick – in this case, [[Clark]] the Giant.

When [[Admiral Razorbeard]] seized [[Rayman]]'s world, the Menhir Hills was the construction site of two [[Robo-Pirate]] training facilities: the [[Military Academy]] and the [[Elite Troop Training Center]]. These facilities largely cut the hills into three segments.

==Original version==
{{R2PCLevel
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:Themenhirhillspc.JPG|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5.png|5]][[File:Icon0.png|0]]
| cages = [[File:Icon8.png|8]]
}}

===Phase 1===
When [[Rayman]] first arrives in the Menhir Hills, [[Murfy]] immediately appears right in [[Rayman]]'s face and warns him about the nearby academy's [[walking shell]]. [[Murfy]] hints that the shell may be tamable, and [[Rayman]] shortly does just that. By riding the [[walking shell]], [[Rayman]] is able to cross a patch of [[nettle]]s to reach the [[Military Academy]].

[[Rayman]] enters [[Military Academy|the Academy]] to find two [[Henchman 800|Henchmen 800]] asleep; though the sign outside hints at sneaking past them, the [[Robo-Pirate]]s are of the weak variety and are fairly easy to defeat (though particularly in all versions but ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'' this is the first time multiple [[Robo-Pirate]]s are encountered at the same time) (it should also be noted that there are more than two [[Robo-Pirate]]s in [[Military Academy|the Academy]] in ''[[Rayman Revolution|Revolution]]'', some of which being hidden). Whatever the player has [[Rayman]] do, the hero must continue on to leave [[Military Academy|the small Academy]].

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
R2TGE-PC-TheMenhirHills-HallOfDoors.jpg|The level's characteristic [[walking shell]] is used to represent it in [[the Hall of Doors]].
</gallery>

===Phase 2===
After taming another [[walking shell]], [[Rayman]] crosses a [[nettle]] patch and must dodge and weave through crates and the [[nettle]]s that protrude in the various tunnels he goes through. The end of the ride leaves [[Rayman]] at the entrance of the [[Elite Troop Training Center]]. As intimidating as the name is, [[Rayman]] soon finds there's nothing to worry about: [[Clark]] has already taken care of the students inside. The inside of the [[Elite Troop Training Center]] appears as a separate part in the Nintendo 64 and [[Rayman DS|Nintendo DS]] versions.

[[Clark]] is not feeling well; apparently, while fighting the [[Robo-Pirate]]s he accidentally swallowed a robot part. [[Clark]]'s future will not be bright unless [[Rayman]] can bring him the [[Elixir of Life]] from [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]].

This requirement forces the level to end immediately, unfinished. In all versions other than the PlayStation version, [[Rayman]] must backtrack to [[the Marshes of Awakening]] (in ''[[Rayman Revolution|Revolution]]'''s case, this may be the first visit) to locate [[Jano|the Guardian of the Cave of Bad Dreams]]. As [[Rayman]] does not know [[The Cave of Bad Dreams|the Cave]]'s name prior to his encounter with [[Clark]], [[The Cave of Bad Dreams|the Cave]] was not accessible prior to the encounter. In the PlayStation version, [[Rayman]] may go directly to [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]] from the Menhir Hills.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
Elite Training Academy.PNG|The [[Elite Troop Training Center]]
</gallery>

===Return===
In all versions other than ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', [[Rayman]] is again lectured by [[Murfy]] about the [[walking shell]]s when he returns to the Menhir Hills. [[Rayman]] must travel through the entire level once more until he reaches [[Clark]].

Revived by the [[Elixir of Life]], [[Clark]] busts a wooden wall in the [[Elite Troop Training Academy]], allowing [[Rayman]] access to the empty school. [[Rayman]] must lead [[Clark]] to other wooden walls so that he may break through them as well. In the end [[Rayman]] leaves [[Clark]] and descends a staircase leading out of the academy.

===Phase 3===
In the final segment of the Menhir Hills, [[Rayman]] must once again tame a [[walking shell]]. After doing so, he must ride it up a steep slope and then through a tunnel full of rising [[menhir]]s. The tunnel leads to a ‘forest’ full of toppling [[menhir]]s [[Rayman]] must dodge; the bridge he crosses has a similar set of obstacles. Finally, after avoiding the many [[menhir]]s, [[Rayman]] and the [[walking shell]] leap off a cliff and into a [[Spiral Door]]. The level is now finished.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
Menhir Hills.PNG|The final segment
</gallery>

==Dreamcast version==
{{R2DCLevel
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:TheMenhirHillsDC.jpg|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5.png|5]][[File:Icon0.png|0]]
| cages = [[File:Icon8.png|8]]
}}

The level is the same as in the original version.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
The Menhir Hills.jpg|The [[Spiral Door]] in [[the Isle of Doors]] which leads to the Menhir Hills.
</gallery>

{{clear}}

==[[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]]==
{{R2PSLevel
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:Rayman 2 PS1 Loading Screen 7.png|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[Whale Bay]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| connected to = [[The Cave of Bad Dreams]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5PS.png|5]][[File:Icon5PS.png|5]]
| denys = [[File:Icon2PS.png|2]]
| ludivs = [[File:Icon3PS.png|3]]
| murphys = [[File:Icon0PS.png|0]]
}}

In the [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]], the level is shorter still, with the entire first phase being cut. Therefore, the player has not even completed a single level of the world when they head for [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]]. As [[Murfy]] does not serve as guide in this version, his segment is also cut (although it couldn't have been anyway, as the area in which it occurs was cut). A [[Stone of Thought|stone]] can be found near the entrance portal in which [[Ly]] explains that [[Rayman]] must tame the [[Walking shell|shell]]. Unlike [[Murfy]], she appears certain that the [[Walking shell|shell]] can be tamed, although still does not elaberate on how to do this. The first [[Walking shell|shell]] ride is slightly harder with another [[walking shell]] following the player, meaning the player will have to constantly swerve around in circles to avoid the enemy [[Walking shell|shell]]. A new cut scene has been added at the end of the aforementioned [[Walking shell|shell]] chase, in which [[Rayman]] ends the chase by leaping from his [[Walking shell|shell]] and flying through a large door, which promptly closes. The structure in which [[Clark]] is found is also named the [[Military Academy|Elite Troop Training Academy]], which was originally credited to another facility in the here-removed first stage. However, this structure may well have been part of the academy anyway.

Another difference is that the portal which [[Rayman]] uses is located within the room in which [[Clark]] is found, rather than just outside as with all other versions. Therefore, it appears in the cutscene. However, it is exclusive to the cutscene and cannot be seen or used outside of the scene.

In the first stage, originally second stage, there is a subtle difference in that the bridge [[Rayman]] crosses on the [[Walking shell|shell]] has had its crates removed. This is notable, however, as the loading screen for this level depicts the bridge with the crates, as seen originally.

Also, there is an additional cut scene when [[Rayman]] and [[Clark]] part, in which [[Clark]] expresses his intent to return home and rest. [[Rayman]] asks him if he will join him later, which [[Clark]] agrees to. Despite this, [[Clark]] has no extended role in this version and is only seen once more in the [[Tomb of the Ancients]], as per other versions.

{{clear}}

==[[Rayman Revolution|PlayStation 2 version]]==
{{R2PS2Level
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:RR-PS2-TheMenhirHills.jpg|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| hub = [[Globox's House]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5.png|5]][[File:Icon0.png|0]]
| familiarspirits = [[File:Icon5.png|7]]
}}

In ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', the [[Globox's House]] [[Teensie]] explains that [[Clark]] went to the Hills and [[Rayman]] must follow him, rather than simply stumbling across him as happens in the other versions.

===Backtracking===
After [[Rayman]] has completed [[the Canopy]], he is able to light torches. An alcove under the entrance of the [[Elite Troop Training Academy]] holds one of the Menhir Hills' [[cage]]s, but to reach it [[Rayman]] must first light a nearby torch and ride a [[keg]] over a large gap. There are also several [[Yellow Lum]]s behind a [[laser]] covered door near the exit of the first phase, but it requires the [[Rain Mask]] to open the door.

{{clear}}

==Trivia==
* The meeting with [[Clark]] inside the [[Elite Troop Training Center]] is technically still in phase 2, but once inside, the door closes, and [[Rayman]] cannot go back to the first part of phase 2. There is a different exit to a small outside area which contains a [[Spiral Door]]. It is the only level in the game that has a portal back to the hub that is not at the very beginning. It exists to allow [[Rayman]] to exit, if he revisits the level before obtaining the [[Elixir of Life]] for [[Clark]].

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngNo4J9skRM The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (PC version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwjxxeuQuSc The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (PC version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYOz1HhJ3Ss The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sega Dreamcast version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv5_H__f0ao The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sega Dreamcast version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oslz7zq-4-Q The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrBFqDOKv8Y The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG77CyOu-B4 The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation 2 version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqVZ_EH4X3I The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation 2 version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdaYasSriRA The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube, 2nd visit]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLKjrhTs4Lw The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation 2 version) (Last Lums and Familiar Spirits)]

{{Rayman2worlds}}

[[fr:Les Collines aux Menhirs]]
[[de:Die Menhir-Hügel]]
[[pl:Cierniowe wzgórza]]
[[es:La Colina de los Menhires]]
[[ru:Холмы Менгиров]]

[[Category:Places from Rayman 2|Menhir Hills, The]]

The Menhir Hills

2023-12-28T18:19:04Z

SimoGecko:

{{quote|text=This place is guarded by a [[walking shell]]. I heard that it may be possible to tame it.|sign=[[Murfy]] instructing [[Rayman]] on how to pass through the Menhir Hills|source=''[[Rayman 2]]''}}

'''The Menhir Hills''' is a location from ''[[Rayman 2]]'' and its remakes, although it is absent from [[Rayman 2 Forever|the Game Boy Color version]]. It is characterized by its focus on riding [[walking shell]]s, its short length (one of the shortest levels in all versions of ''[[Rayman 2]]''), being the only level other than [[the Fairy Glade]] and [[the Marshes of Awakening]] that [[Rayman]] must re-visit at least once to complete the game, and being the first level in the game to give [[Rayman]] a sidekick – in this case, [[Clark]] the Giant.

When [[Admiral Razorbeard]] seized [[Rayman]]'s world, the Menhir Hills was the construction site of two [[Robo-Pirate]] training facilities: the [[Military Academy]] and the [[Elite Troop Training Center]]. These facilities largely cut the hills into three segments.

==Original version==
{{R2PCLevel
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:Themenhirhillspc.JPG|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5.png|5]][[File:Icon0.png|0]]
| cages = [[File:Icon7.png|7]]
}}

===Phase 1===
When [[Rayman]] first arrives in the Menhir Hills, [[Murfy]] immediately appears right in [[Rayman]]'s face and warns him about the nearby academy's [[walking shell]]. [[Murfy]] hints that the shell may be tamable, and [[Rayman]] shortly does just that. By riding the [[walking shell]], [[Rayman]] is able to cross a patch of [[nettle]]s to reach the [[Military Academy]].

[[Rayman]] enters [[Military Academy|the Academy]] to find two [[Henchman 800|Henchmen 800]] asleep; though the sign outside hints at sneaking past them, the [[Robo-Pirate]]s are of the weak variety and are fairly easy to defeat (though particularly in all versions but ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'' this is the first time multiple [[Robo-Pirate]]s are encountered at the same time) (it should also be noted that there are more than two [[Robo-Pirate]]s in [[Military Academy|the Academy]] in ''[[Rayman Revolution|Revolution]]'', some of which being hidden). Whatever the player has [[Rayman]] do, the hero must continue on to leave [[Military Academy|the small Academy]].

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
R2TGE-PC-TheMenhirHills-HallOfDoors.jpg|The level's characteristic [[walking shell]] is used to represent it in [[the Hall of Doors]].
</gallery>

===Phase 2===
After taming another [[walking shell]], [[Rayman]] crosses a [[nettle]] patch and must dodge and weave through crates and the [[nettle]]s that protrude in the various tunnels he goes through. The end of the ride leaves [[Rayman]] at the entrance of the [[Elite Troop Training Center]]. As intimidating as the name is, [[Rayman]] soon finds there's nothing to worry about: [[Clark]] has already taken care of the students inside. The inside of the [[Elite Troop Training Center]] appears as a separate part in the Nintendo 64 and [[Rayman DS|Nintendo DS]] versions.

[[Clark]] is not feeling well; apparently, while fighting the [[Robo-Pirate]]s he accidentally swallowed a robot part. [[Clark]]'s future will not be bright unless [[Rayman]] can bring him the [[Elixir of Life]] from [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]].

This requirement forces the level to end immediately, unfinished. In all versions other than the PlayStation version, [[Rayman]] must backtrack to [[the Marshes of Awakening]] (in ''[[Rayman Revolution|Revolution]]'''s case, this may be the first visit) to locate [[Jano|the Guardian of the Cave of Bad Dreams]]. As [[Rayman]] does not know [[The Cave of Bad Dreams|the Cave]]'s name prior to his encounter with [[Clark]], [[The Cave of Bad Dreams|the Cave]] was not accessible prior to the encounter. In the PlayStation version, [[Rayman]] may go directly to [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]] from the Menhir Hills.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
Elite Training Academy.PNG|The [[Elite Troop Training Center]]
</gallery>

===Return===
In all versions other than ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', [[Rayman]] is again lectured by [[Murfy]] about the [[walking shell]]s when he returns to the Menhir Hills. [[Rayman]] must travel through the entire level once more until he reaches [[Clark]].

Revived by the [[Elixir of Life]], [[Clark]] busts a wooden wall in the [[Elite Troop Training Academy]], allowing [[Rayman]] access to the empty school. [[Rayman]] must lead [[Clark]] to other wooden walls so that he may break through them as well. In the end [[Rayman]] leaves [[Clark]] and descends a staircase leading out of the academy.

===Phase 3===
In the final segment of the Menhir Hills, [[Rayman]] must once again tame a [[walking shell]]. After doing so, he must ride it up a steep slope and then through a tunnel full of rising [[menhir]]s. The tunnel leads to a ‘forest’ full of toppling [[menhir]]s [[Rayman]] must dodge; the bridge he crosses has a similar set of obstacles. Finally, after avoiding the many [[menhir]]s, [[Rayman]] and the [[walking shell]] leap off a cliff and into a [[Spiral Door]]. The level is now finished.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
Menhir Hills.PNG|The final segment
</gallery>

==Dreamcast version==
{{R2DCLevel
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:TheMenhirHillsDC.jpg|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5.png|5]][[File:Icon0.png|0]]
| cages = [[File:Icon8.png|8]]
}}

The level is the same as in the original version.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
The Menhir Hills.jpg|The [[Spiral Door]] in [[the Isle of Doors]] which leads to the Menhir Hills.
</gallery>

{{clear}}

==[[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]]==
{{R2PSLevel
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:Rayman 2 PS1 Loading Screen 7.png|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[Whale Bay]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| connected to = [[The Cave of Bad Dreams]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5PS.png|5]][[File:Icon5PS.png|5]]
| denys = [[File:Icon2PS.png|2]]
| ludivs = [[File:Icon3PS.png|3]]
| murphys = [[File:Icon0PS.png|0]]
}}

In the [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]], the level is shorter still, with the entire first phase being cut. Therefore, the player has not even completed a single level of the world when they head for [[the Cave of Bad Dreams]]. As [[Murfy]] does not serve as guide in this version, his segment is also cut (although it couldn't have been anyway, as the area in which it occurs was cut). A [[Stone of Thought|stone]] can be found near the entrance portal in which [[Ly]] explains that [[Rayman]] must tame the [[Walking shell|shell]]. Unlike [[Murfy]], she appears certain that the [[Walking shell|shell]] can be tamed, although still does not elaberate on how to do this. The first [[Walking shell|shell]] ride is slightly harder with another [[walking shell]] following the player, meaning the player will have to constantly swerve around in circles to avoid the enemy [[Walking shell|shell]]. A new cut scene has been added at the end of the aforementioned [[Walking shell|shell]] chase, in which [[Rayman]] ends the chase by leaping from his [[Walking shell|shell]] and flying through a large door, which promptly closes. The structure in which [[Clark]] is found is also named the [[Military Academy|Elite Troop Training Academy]], which was originally credited to another facility in the here-removed first stage. However, this structure may well have been part of the academy anyway.

Another difference is that the portal which [[Rayman]] uses is located within the room in which [[Clark]] is found, rather than just outside as with all other versions. Therefore, it appears in the cutscene. However, it is exclusive to the cutscene and cannot be seen or used outside of the scene.

In the first stage, originally second stage, there is a subtle difference in that the bridge [[Rayman]] crosses on the [[Walking shell|shell]] has had its crates removed. This is notable, however, as the loading screen for this level depicts the bridge with the crates, as seen originally.

Also, there is an additional cut scene when [[Rayman]] and [[Clark]] part, in which [[Clark]] expresses his intent to return home and rest. [[Rayman]] asks him if he will join him later, which [[Clark]] agrees to. Despite this, [[Clark]] has no extended role in this version and is only seen once more in the [[Tomb of the Ancients]], as per other versions.

{{clear}}

==[[Rayman Revolution|PlayStation 2 version]]==
{{R2PS2Level
| name = The Menhir Hills
| image = [[File:RR-PS2-TheMenhirHills.jpg|320px|The Menhir Hills]]
| preceded by = [[The Sanctuary of Water and Ice]]
| followed by = [[The Canopy]]
| hub = [[Globox's House]]
| lums = [[File:Icon5.png|5]][[File:Icon0.png|0]]
| familiarspirits = [[File:Icon5.png|7]]
}}

In ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', the [[Globox's House]] [[Teensie]] explains that [[Clark]] went to the Hills and [[Rayman]] must follow him, rather than simply stumbling across him as happens in the other versions.

===Backtracking===
After [[Rayman]] has completed [[the Canopy]], he is able to light torches. An alcove under the entrance of the [[Elite Troop Training Academy]] holds one of the Menhir Hills' [[cage]]s, but to reach it [[Rayman]] must first light a nearby torch and ride a [[keg]] over a large gap. There are also several [[Yellow Lum]]s behind a [[laser]] covered door near the exit of the first phase, but it requires the [[Rain Mask]] to open the door.

{{clear}}

==Trivia==
* The meeting with [[Clark]] inside the [[Elite Troop Training Center]] is technically still in phase 2, but once inside, the door closes, and [[Rayman]] cannot go back to the first part of phase 2. There is a different exit to a small outside area which contains a [[Spiral Door]]. It is the only level in the game that has a portal back to the hub that is not at the very beginning. It exists to allow [[Rayman]] to exit, if he revisits the level before obtaining the [[Elixir of Life]] for [[Clark]].

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngNo4J9skRM The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (PC version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwjxxeuQuSc The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (PC version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYOz1HhJ3Ss The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sega Dreamcast version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv5_H__f0ao The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sega Dreamcast version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oslz7zq-4-Q The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrBFqDOKv8Y The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG77CyOu-B4 The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation 2 version) (Part 1/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqVZ_EH4X3I The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation 2 version) (Part 2/2)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdaYasSriRA The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube, 2nd visit]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLKjrhTs4Lw The Menhir Hills playthrough at YouTube (Sony PlayStation 2 version) (Last Lums and Familiar Spirits)]

{{Rayman2worlds}}

[[fr:Les Collines aux Menhirs]]
[[de:Die Menhir-Hügel]]
[[pl:Cierniowe wzgórza]]
[[es:La Colina de los Menhires]]
[[ru:Холмы Менгиров]]

[[Category:Places from Rayman 2|Menhir Hills, The]]