Rayman 2 (cancelled prototype)

2023-01-30T07:22:12Z

TheMakz:

{{Game
| name = Rayman 2
| image = [[Image:R2 2D Prototype Cover.jpg|center|250px|''Rayman 2'' (cancelled prototype)]]
| published by = [[Ubisoft]]
| developed by = [[Ubisoft]]
| release date = Late Autumn 1996 (cancelled)
| genre = 2D platformer
| gameplay mode = Single player
| platforms = Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn
}}

*''This article is about the cancelled 2D prototype. For the 3D prototype, see [[Rayman 2 (early production)]].''

Early in its development, '''''[[Rayman 2]]''''' was intended to be a 2D game, which would have been very similar to [[Rayman 1|the original ''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 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 [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]] of [[Rayman 2|the final game]].

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’.<ref>Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) #10: "August 1996"</ref>

It was revealed in a GameFan interview with Rayman 2 producer, Pauline Jacquey. When the developers saw Naughty Dog's original ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crash_Bandicoot Crash Bandicoot]'' game at the 1996 Electronic Entertainment Expo, they became aware of the new gameplay possibilities offered by the 3D platforming genre. This led to their cancellation of the sidescrolling ''Rayman 2'' prototype in favour of [[Rayman 2|the final 3D game]].<ref>GameFan Volume 7 Issue 11, page 27</ref> Much of the modelling and rendering work was already done, however; this led to the production of a highly elusive animated short named ''[[Rayman's training]]''. The short was the missing link of the cancelled game and the final game.

==Plot==
The plot of the cancelled game was similar to that of [[Rayman 2|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 final version]]. It has been speculated that he was the game's villain, and was replaced by [[Admiral Razorbeard|Razorbeard]] in the final game. All of the characters would have been limbless. [[Betilla]], and possibly other characters from [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'']] would have returned, and new friends would also have appeared to aid [[Rayman]].

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
Rayman 2 prototype article 3.jpg|[[The Chief]] and an unnamed robotic dinosaur appear prominently in this preview image of the game.
R2 Proto Fairy.PNG|[[Betilla]] the Fairy, as she appeared in the cancelled game.
RAYMAN.png|A piece of artwork which appears in a similar style to the loading screens of [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'']].
</gallery>

==Gameplay==
[[File:R2 Proto Screenshot4.PNG|thumb|right|320px|class=sprite|An early screenshot showing [[Rayman]] on an unnamed robotic dinosaur.]]
[[Rayman]] would have started the game with all of the powers he received during [[Rayman 1|the original game]], with the exception of [[Running|the running ability]]. 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 [[Telescopic fist|punch]] through certain surfaces to open up secret passageways. As in [[Rayman 2|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 [[Scared platform|'cowardly' platform]], which would shrink away from [[Rayman]] in fear should he approach it. [[Telescopic fist|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 [[Telescopic fist|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 [[Telescopic fist|fist]] to be bounced around between multiple floating hands.

[[Ting]]s would have appeared in the game; unlike the sparkling, blue [[Ting]]s of [[Rayman 1|the original game]], these [[Ting]]s 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.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px" class="sprite">
R2 2D 3.png|[[Rayman]] making a face in an unknown forest world with a robotic dinosaur, purple bombs and barrels with waste in them.
R2 2D 4.png|[[Rayman]] facing a bunch of purple bombs.
R2 2D 5.png|[[Rayman]] on an unknown platform with a [[scared platform]] very close by.
R2 2D 6.png|A robotic dinosaur about to breath fire at [[Rayman]].
R2 2D 8.png|[[Rayman]] in the background.
</gallery>

==Enemies==
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 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 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.

<gallery widths="240px" heights="160px">
GUARD.png|A [[guard]].
RobotsMarch.png|[[Guard]]s marching among the burning forest.
</gallery>

*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 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.

<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:DINOSAUR.png|thumb|left|An unnamed robotic dinosaur.]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R2 2D 9.png|thumb|left|class=sprite|An unnamed robotic dinosaur as seen in the game.]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R2 2D 7.png|thumb|left|class=sprite|[[Rayman]] riding on a robotic dinosaur.]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:RoboDino.png|thumb|left|A robot dinosaur seen in a cinematic.]] </li>
</ul></div>

*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]]''.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
PYROTECH.png|A Pyrotech enemy.
</gallery>

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

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
FLIPS.png|A Flips enemy.
FlipsPinkShoes.png|Flips in a cinematic with pink shoes.
</gallery>

*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.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
ROBOT1.png|An unnamed pink robot.
ROBOT2.png|Another artwork of the unnamed pink robot.
</gallery>

*CHAINSAW XR28 – A green, chainsaw-wielding, limbless robot, with a resemblance to the Guards mentioned above. This appears to have been a powerful enemy.

Several sound file descriptions are leftover for this enemy:
*T-Man coupe un arbre
*T-Man tronconneuse au repos
*T-Man chute d'un arbre
*T-Man baffe sur le robot
*T-Man collision robot
*T-Man mort

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
R2 Proto Chainsaw.PNG|The CHAINSAW XR28.
R2 2D 2.png|English information on the CHAINSAW XR28.
R2 2D 1.png|French information of the CHAINSAW XR28.
</gallery>

*[[The Chief]] – This character bares much resemblance to that of [[the General]] from [[Rayman 2|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.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
R2 Proto Chief.PNG|[[The Chief]], as seen in a promotional video.
</gallery>

*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, as the only animated appearance he's made is in a GamesMaster reel from 1997.

<gallery widths="240px" heights="160px">
HUNTER1.png|Artwork of the Hunter.
HUNTER2.png|Artwork of the Hunter.
HUNTER3.png|Artwork of the Hunter.
GamesMasterHunter.jpg|The Hunter's only animated appearance.
</gallery>

*Nagagolo - An unknown character seen holding a [[flower]].

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
NAGAGOLO.png|Nagagolo.
</gallery>

*Unnamed orange robot - A character seen in a cinematic carrying a nuke. It's possibly assumed to be a prototype version of the [[Spyglass Pirate]].

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
RobotUnknown1.png|Unnamed orange robot.
</gallery>

<gallery widths="640px" heights="224px">
Rayman 2 prototype images.jpg|The five images on the top row are screenshots from the same level which is playable in the final [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]] of [[Rayman 2|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.
</gallery>

==Playable PlayStation level==
In the final [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|3D Sony PlayStation version]] of ''[[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 Lum]]s, then completing [[the Crow's Nest]] level. Since the [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|PlayStation version]] of ''[[Rayman 2]]'' has only 800 [[Yellow Lum]]s 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 [[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|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]]''. Judging by the appearance of his name in its files, it would seem that he was also involved in the production of this prototype.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px" class="sprite">
Rayman 2 2D prototype loading screen.png|The loading screen from the playable PlayStation level depicts a fusion of [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'']] and ''[[Rayman 2]]'' scenarios.
SilverTings.png|[[Ting]]s as seen in the 2D prototype.
Scared platforms 2.png|[[Rayman]] captures a [[scared platform]] with his [[telescopic fist]].
R2ProtoFistPlatform.png|An unused platform which could be created by throwing the [[telescopic fist]] and pressing circle
</gallery>

=== Unused assets ===
<gallery class="sprite">
Unused R2 Proto Anim - Fist Platform.gif
Unused R2 Proto Anim - Wall Climb 1.gif
Unused R2 Proto Anim - Wall Climb 2.gif
Unused R2 Proto Anim - Wall Climb 3.gif
</gallery>

=== Maps ===
The two closest layers are the playable maps.

<gallery widths="800px">
Rayman2PS1Demo - Jungle 00.png
Rayman2PS1Demo - Jungle 01.png
</gallery>

=== Backgrounds ===
The two furthest layers are the background layers. Although these are actual layers where objects can be, there is no collision and the only object present is the waterfall.

<gallery>
Rayman2PS1Demo - Jungle 02.png
Rayman2PS1Demo - Jungle 03.png
</gallery>

==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. During the summer of 1996, more magazines also promoted the game.

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
Rayman 2 Prototype Poster.jpg|October 1999 issue of MausKlick magazine.
Rayman 2 prototype article.jpg|Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) #10: "August 1996".
Rayman 2 prototype article 2.jpg|Sega Megaforce n°52 été 1996, Pg. 28.
A7VfGlP.png|GamePro August 1996 # 95.
</gallery>

<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px">
ZbE4qU.png|Next Generation June 1996, pg. 102.
GO25kFK.jpg|Joystick N°72 June 1996.
DxsTst8.png|The Ultimate Gaming Magazine Issue 89 June 1996.
</gallery>

===''Rayman's training''===
''Main article: [[Rayman's training]]''

After the 2D game was cancelled, a CGI short film for ''[[Rayman 2]]'' titled ''[[Rayman's training]]'' was produced in 1997 for Imagina 1998. Following a trailer for ''[[Tonic Trouble]]'', it premiered in February 1st, 1998. ''[[Rayman's training]]'' stars [[Rayman]] battling a punching bag for practice. Demonstrating [[Rayman]]'s creative flexibility in 3D and [[Ubisoft|Ubi Soft]]'s ability to create arresting animation, it was the "missing link" between the two games.

For many years, the short was elusive, and would not be seen by the public in its entirety until 24 years later, on March 12 2022, when a version with no sound was uploaded on YouTube.

<gallery widths="244px" heights="200px">
Rayman training.jpg|A screenshot of ''[[Rayman's training]]''.
</gallery>

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QmbIFNv4HE Playable PlayStation level walkthrough at YouTube]
*[https://youtu.be/wQIhBTFgYbw Development footage]

==References==
<references />

{{Rayman 2|collapsed=Y}}
{{Rayman series}}
{{Cancelled Rayman games}}

[[fr:Rayman 2 (prototype annulé)]]
[[pl:Rayman 2 (anulowany prototyp)]]
[[ru:Rayman 2 (отменённый прототип)]]

[[Category:2D platform games]]
[[Category:Prototype games]]
[[Category:Rayman games]]
[[Category:Scrapped content from Rayman 2]]
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Rayman 2 (cancelled prototype)