Rayman: Difference between revisions

| image = [[File:RaymanM+RSoH.png|center|350px|Rayman]]

| appears in = ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]'', ''[[Rayman Junior]]'', ''[[Rayman Designer]]'', ''[[English with Rayman]]'', ''[[Tonic Trouble]]'' (cameo), ''[[Rayman 2]]'', ''[[Rayman: The Animated Series]]'', ''[[Rayman M]]'', ''[[Rayman Garden]]'', ''[[Rayman Golf]]'', ''[[Rayman Bowling]]'', ''[[Rayman 3]]'', ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids]]'', ''[[Rayman Kart]]'', ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids 2]]'', ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party]]'', ''[[Rayman Origins]]'', ''[[Rayman Legends]]'', ''[[Rayman Adventures]]'', ''[[Rayman Mini]]'', ''[[Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope]]'', ''[[Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix]]'', ''[[Rayman: The Board Game]]''

| portrayed by = Steve Perkinson (''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]'', ''[[Rayman Junior]]'', ''[[English with Rayman]]'')<br />

[[David Gasman]] ([[Rayman 2 (PlayStation)|''Rayman 2'' on PlayStation]], ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', ''[[Rayman M]]'', ''[[Rayman 3]]'', ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids]]'', ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids 2]]'', ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party]]'', ''[[Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope]]'')<br />

[[Douglas Rand]] (''[[Rayman Origins]]'', ''[[Rayman Legends]]'', ''[[Rayman Adventures]]'')<br />

<br />Default (Adventure outfit, ''[[Rayman Adventures]]'')

<br />[[File:Icon1RO.png|15px|10]][[File:Icon0RO.png|15px|10]] [[File:Rayman Mini - Swag Coin Icon.png|25px]] (Adventure outfit, ''[[Rayman Mini]]'')

'''Rayman''' is the main protagonist of [[Rayman (series)|the video game series of the same name]]. Rayman was originally created in the early 1990s by French video game developer [[Michel Ancel]]. The character made his debut in [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]], published by [[Ubisoft]] in 1995. With his trademark lack of limbs and [[helicopter]] hair, Rayman has become a popular and recognizable video game character, and [[Rayman (series)|the series]] has continued to grow and develop across numerous platforms up to the present day.

Rayman was originally designed to simply be an athletic character with a full body, but because of complications rendering on game consoles, he was left without arms, legs and a neck – his hands, feet and head float around his body. The manual of ''[[Rayman Origins]]'' gives out a new explanation for Rayman's limblessness: the lack of [[Lum]]s had the consequence of preventing the creation of his limbs. He has a huge round nose, and strawberry-blonde hair which he divides into two fronds (three in [[Rayman 1|the original game]]). He has the ability to use his hair as a [[helicopter]], which lets him glide across large spaces and make soft landings. His eyes are dark blue in colour, though in most official artwork they are coloured black; two pictures in [[Rayman 1|the original game]] showed him with lighter blue eyes. While Rayman is unique in most of the games, other members of [[Rayman's species|his unknown species]] are seen in [[Rayman 1|the original game]], notably [[the Magician]], [[Tarayzan]], [[the Musician]] and the Musician's wife and child.

Rayman is almost always seen in white gloves and a purple torso with [[Rayman's symbol|a mysterious white ring on the chest]], through which he gains new powers from [[Betilla]] the Fairy. [[Rayman's symbol|The symbol]] can also absorb the [[Silver Lum]]s created by the [[Fairy|fairies]], and magically open the pillars containing the [[Four Masks of Polokus]] in ''[[Rayman 2]]''. Up until ''[[Rayman 3]]'', he wore a red neckerchief, which was then replaced with a red hood. He also wears shoes that are typically yellow and white, though the actual designs have changed throughout [[Rayman (series)|the series]]. ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids]]'' is where he is seen wearing different clothing that has raised a few questions about his ‘limblessness’, as he sometimes looks as if he has knees, such as the [[Skin#Rayman Raving Rabbids|disco costume]] with its trousers/pants. In ''[[Rayman Origins]]'', his ''[[Rayman 3]]'' attire was used, but his hood and shoes are a little different. In ''[[Rayman Adventures]]'', he wears a new attire. He wears a red bandanna around his hair, a sleeveless brown coat unbuttoned around the bottom alongside his red hood, revealing a white shirt, and has a brown belt around his waist with a gold buckle. His gloves are now brown and fingerless, and his shoes are the same kind [[Assassin Ray]] wears.

Because of his limbless nature, Rayman has the ability, known as the [[telescopic fist]], to shoot his fists as a projectile. The power and range of his punches can be increased by charging them. Rayman can also do this with his feet and throw his torso downwards with the [[bodyshot]]. His body parts appear to be sentient, since his fists can move and think on their own, as shown in the endings of ''[[Rayman 2]]'', where his shoe gravitates towards him, and ''[[Rayman 3]]'', where his hands wander off to scare a [[red Lum]].

One of his most iconic powers is his [[Helicopter|helicopter hair]] which allows him to glide short distances. Although he cannot fly on his own, Rayman can ascend upwards if he glides on an air current. A temporary upgrade called the [[Super Helicopter]] allows Rayman to fly indefinitely for an entire level.

Rayman begins as a very poor [[Swimming|swimmer]]; in [[Rayman 1|the original game]], he loses a [[life]] the instant he falls into any body of liquid. By the time of ''[[Rayman 2]]'', he has developed this new skill – although all he can do in this game is a simple dog-paddle. In ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', he is taught to swim by [[Murfy]] and a [[baby Globox]] at the beginning of the game. In ''[[Rayman 3]]'', he is a far more capable [[Swimming|swimmer]]; he can now use his [[helicopter]] hair to propel himself through the water, he can perform athletic underwater backflips, and he no longer seems to require any [[Blue Lum]]s or [[air bubble]]s to breathe beneath the surface. In both ''[[Rayman Origins]]'' and ''[[Rayman Legends]]'', he can [[Swimming|swim]] without needing any air like in ''[[Rayman 2]]'', and without use of his [[helicopter]] hair like in ''[[Rayman 3]]''.

In ''[[Rayman in the Phantom Show]]'', the third DLC of ''[[Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope]]'', Rayman is equipped with the [[Blaster]] and [[Plunger Guard]] weapons, and possesses the [[dash]] ability.

Rayman's true personality is not explored deeply in [[Rayman (series)|the series]], though most of the time he is a cheerful character with a good sense of humour. He is also very helpful, and is willing to take on whatever challenges face him for the sake of the safety and harmony of his world. Sometimes he can be a little childish, especially in [[Rayman 1|the original game]], as he often pulls [[grimace]]s as a form of defence. According to the now defunct '''Rayman's World''' website, he is brave, funny and also highly close to nature. In one interview, developer Natalie Paccard discusses the development of Rayman's personality between the two games: '[[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'']] was a platform game, ''[[Rayman 2]]'' is an action game. The universe has also evolved a lot, and so has the character. ''[[Rayman 2]]'' is a bit older, able to do more things, and loves a good fight. He is less childish. The game itself includes more action and more tricks.’ In later games, Rayman becomes somewhat self-absorbed, especially in ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids]]'', as the [[Rabbid]]s start to treat him like a celebrity during his captivity, though he is seen remembering and worrying about the [[baby Globox]]es that he left behind. That however seems to be put behind him as the [[Rabbid]]s continue to harass him in ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party]]''. It is revealed through interviews with [[Michel Ancel]] that Rayman was meant to be a bit of a show-off who does not take himself too seriously. This aspect of the character was supposedly overlooked during ''[[Rayman 2]]'' because of [[Ubisoft]]'s focus on the environments of the game. It was in ''[[Rayman 3]]'' that [[Ubisoft]] tried to show Rayman's true personality, giving him an updated look to match his newfound attitude and charisma. A ''[[Rayman 3]]'' press release stated that ‘Like his core gaming audience, Rayman as a character has matured and now has a wilder edge, only hinted at in the earlier games.’

However, in ''[[Rayman Origins]]'', Rayman seems to have recovered part of his childish personality; he bears a more joyful, careless and impulsive attitude, though he keeps the heroic spirit that characterized him in previous games. Rayman appears to enjoy a good joke, as the description of [[Raybox]] states he painted his skin with the help of Voodoo Mama to prank [[Globox]]. While the trailers and other commercial media described him as a "New Crazy", [[Michel Ancel]] explains Rayman and [[Globox]]'s personality: 'They're the kind of characters who look... stupid, really, but they're not stupid, just simple. And all they really want to do is just focus on doing their job, no matter what.' When ''[[Rayman Origins]]'' was still developed as a prequel, the newborn Rayman was intended to bear a more immature, confused and unintelligent personality, blowing [[Betilla]]'s skirt with his [[propeller]] hair and annoying the magic people; the game was initially focused on Rayman and [[Globox]]'s personalities and how they evolved over time to become the heroes of [[the Glade of Dreams]]; the concept was changed when the game became a sequel.

In ''[[Rayman Legends]]'', he is seen with a mostly unchanged personality from ''[[Rayman Origins]]'', although it is presented in a more serious tone.

Rayman also appears to like several sports, such as basketball. In ''[[Rayman 2]]'' he will sometimes take his body off and play with it like a basketball whenever he is left idle. Also, in [[Rayman 3 (Game Boy Advance)|the Game Boy Advance version of ''Rayman 3'']], if the player decides to continue at the "Game Over" screen, Rayman will throw his body through a basketball net and catch it. In ''[[Rayman 3]]'', he seems to also show interest in football, as when he is left idle, he kicks his body around and can also kick [[turtle]]s and [[plum]]s. Other sports that Rayman appears to like are golf, bowling and karting, as ''[[Rayman Golf]]'', ''[[Rayman Bowling]]'' and ''[[Rayman Kart]]'' suggest. One of Rayman's hobbies is painting, which was revealed at a later point in [[Rayman 1|the original game]] and in ''[[Rayman Junior]]''.

===History===

A number of interviews with [[Ubisoft]] developers were posted on official websites in the period leading up to the release of ''[[Rayman 2]]''. In one interview, Rayman creator [[Michel Ancel]] revealed the inspirations behind the character. He states ''[[Rayman 2]]'' was inspired by Russian, Chinese and Celtic stories that he read as a child. These elements form the ‘fantastic background’ which comprises [[the Glade of Dreams]], but ‘a more contemporary and cartoonish touch’ has been added.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/07/07/behind-rayman-2 ''Behind Rayman 2'', IGN]</ref> [[Michel Ancel|Ancel]] goes on to say that the concept of the game's world is similar to that of ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal The Dark Crystal]'', which shares ‘its magic and its Celtic universe’. The cartoonish aspects were inspired by the works of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex_Avery Tex Avery]. [[Michel Ancel|Ancel]] states that ‘Rayman is a true high-performance hero who keeps a good sense of humour like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Jones Indiana Jones]. Rayman is a rebel, fighting against mighty bad guys like in ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars Star Wars]'' or ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood Robin Hood]''’. This suggests that the villains of [[Michel Ancel|Ancel's]] [[Rayman (series)|Rayman games]] – [[Mr Dark]] and [[Admiral Razorbeard]] – may have been inspired by the likes of Darth Vader and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The character of Indiana Jones is also referenced by Rayman's co-creator [[Frédéric Houde]] and [[Rayman 1|the original game]] co-designer Serge Hascoët. According to a 2011 interview with the director of the [[Pix'n Love]] magazine (which has published numerous [[Rayman (series)|''Rayman'']]-related articles), [[Michel Ancel|Ancel]] took the name ‘Rayman’ from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_tracing_%28graphics%29 ray-tracing] software which [[Ubisoft]] happened to be using during the development of [[Rayman 1|the original game]].

Several conflicting accounts have been given for Rayman's origins. During the development of [[Rayman 1|the original game]], the developers considered a story in which a ten-year-old boy named Jimmy created a world called Hereitscool inside his computer, and became Rayman once he was sucked into it. This idea was quickly abandoned. When [[Rayman 1|the original game]] was released in 1995, Rayman's backstory was left ambiguous, although he already appears to be an established hero within his world by the beginning of the game. The manual states that he is "the guardian of [[The Glade of Dreams|this world]]". The manual of ''[[Rayman 2]]'' does however contain a different account of Rayman's origins. It tells of Rayman's first appearance in [[the Glade of Dreams]], sometime before the events of [[Rayman 1|the original game]]. In this version of the story, he is discovered by fishermen, who for some reason does not seem to have encountered [[Rayman's species|his species]] before.

{{quote|text=Rayman is a unique character of unknown origin.

No wise man or magician can say by what twist of fate or whim of the gods Rayman came to appear at [[the Glade of Dreams]].

It didn't take Rayman long to convince the people of [[the Glade of Dreams]] of his good intentions. His energy and good humour, his fantastical powers and love of life and nature won over even the most distrustful of creatures. And when he triumphed over the evil [[Mr Dark|Mister Dark]], the truth was undeniable: Rayman was the bravest of them all, the ideal hero, the man for whom friendship and laughter are more important than anything else, for whom the greatest victory is measured by the extent of the celebrations that follow it.|sign=Manual|source=''[[Rayman 2]]''}}

{{quote|text=Long ago, [[Pink Plant Woods|the Primordial Forest]], deep and mysterious, witnessed the birth of a man... a vegetable... no, no, no: a thingamajig. Conjured from the magnificent [[Moons|moonbeams]] of the second summer solstice, woven together by us, the [[nymph]]s, destined to preserve the equilibrium of the sacred universe, the one we call: Rayman!|sign=E3 2010 trailer|source=''[[Rayman Origins]]''}}

{{quote|text=When [[Polokus|the Creator]] had his very [[First Bad Dream|first bad dream]], the [[nymph]]s gathered to invoke a being of light capable of saving [[The Glade of Dreams|our world]]: a creature both agile and carefree, as tenacious as he is hilarious, destined to crack up the Creator with his heroic antics and stop [[Jano|the nightmare]]!

Unfortunately, although not surprisingly, our bedazzling and bodacious [[nymph]]s were distracted by some [[zombie chicken]]s on their way to [[Polokus|Bubble Dreamer]]'s sacred snoring grounds, and they lost a sack of [[Lum (UbiArt games)|lum]]s chasing the crazy creatures over a cliff. Thus, they arrived late and with a lot less illumination.

Additionally, this story contradicts that of the origins of the same [[Zombie Chicken]]s which, according to the manual of ''[[Rayman 2]]'' and their in-game description in ''[[Rayman 3]]'', were created because of the damages the [[Robo-Pirate]]s have caused when invading [[the Glade of Dreams]], and therefore would not have existed yet at the time of Rayman's birth.

Rayman makes his first appearance in [[Rayman 1|the original game]] where he at the start can be seen sleeping in a hammock. He answers [[the Magician]], who asks him to rescue the [[Electoon]]s, with a simple "No problem". He can then directly afterwards be seen in [[the Dream Forest]] on the map, through the eyes of [[Mr Dark]] who is watching him as he makes his way closer to his hideout in [[Candy Château]]. In the manual he is referred to as "the guardian of [[The Glade of Dreams|this world]]". Throughout the game he will come across several other characters of [[Rayman's species|his species]], such as [[Tarayzan]] and [[the Musician]]. Each time after having defeated a boss he will perform a victory dance. The only exception is after having defeated [[Bzzit]], where he comes up and befriends him instead once he sees him crying.

===In ''[[English with Rayman]]''===

[[File:Engray-story2.PNG|thumb|320px|right|class=sprite|Rayman, as seen in the intro of ''[[English with Rayman]]''.]]

Rayman appears as the main character in the educational spin-off ''[[English with Rayman]]'' where he is called up by [[the Magician]] to learn the English language, so that he can help him read his letter he received from his cousin [[Andrew]]. Throughout the course of the game, Rayman will be set with several questions to help improve his English skills.

In the end he makes it to [[the Prison Ship]] where he defeats the [[Robo-Pirate|pirate]] leader [[Admiral Razorbeard]] in a battle. However, before escaping, [[Admiral Razorbeard|Razorbeard]] sets his robot the [[Grolgoth]] on auto-destruct, causing the entire ship to blow up. Rayman's friends presume that he didn't make it out in time as they only found one of his shoes, but shortly after he can be seen coming on a crutch, showing that he survived the blast.

{{quote|text=Rayman no longer needs an introduction. He’s already been top of the bill in the 2 previous episodes. Nowadays, he’s a big star, even if he doesn’t exactly behave like one. He’s always taking naps and larking around with his pals – a fine example for the youth of today!|sign=Manual|source=''[[Rayman 3]]''}}

{{quote|text=The limbless hero of our story was just in the mood for a little R&R. But the malicious [[Hoodlum]] masses never stay down for long, so it's up to our good friend Rayman to once again save the day, rescue the [[Teensie]]s, and remind his best buddy [[Globox]] that "Boulders aren't for eating!".|sign=Manual|source=''[[Rayman: Hoodlums' Revenge]]''}}

{{quote|text=Rayman was taken by surprise by this invasion from within. What do the [[Rabbid]]s intend to do? It's hard to say. But now they're everywhere and their atypical psyches make them formidable and unpredictable oppenents.|sign=Manual|source=''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids]]''}}

===In ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party]]''===

In ''[[Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party]]'', Rayman can be seen in a house while the [[Rabbid]]s mess with his TV.

{{quote|text=Hey Rayman! Welcome back! Was I having a bad dream again? Still no limbs, eh?! Welll, the [[nymph]]s will get their act together eventually...! Less bones to break I say! At least they remembered the funny bone! Laugh till it hurts!|sign=[[Polokus|Bubble Dreamer]]|source=''[[Rayman Origins]]}}

Hi-Ho Moskito! 2.jpg|Rayman riding on a [[mosquito]].

{{quote|text=Our main character, both agile and carefree. This limbless hero from [[the Glade of Dreams]] is always raring for a fresh adventure to save the world!|sign=Unknown|source=''[[Rayman Legends]]''}}

{{quote|text=This limbless hero from [[the Glade of Dreams]] is always raring for a fresh adventure to save the world!|sign=In-game description|source=''[[Rayman Legends]]'', ''[[Rayman Adventures]]''}}

Candy Fun Run.jpg|Rayman in the [[Candy World]] in ''[[Rayman Fiesta Run]]''

{{quote|text=This outdoor adventurer is one with nature and likes to spend his time exploring [[the Glade of Dreams]] in search of [[Ancient Egg|eggs]], unless, of course, it starts raining.|sign=In-game description|source=''[[Rayman Adventures]]''}}

Rayman can be chosen at the start as the default playable character in ''[[Rayman Adventures]]'' where he wears his adventure outfit. His classic version can be purchased at the shop using [[Gem (Rayman Adventures)|gems]].

{{quote|text=Rayman is the glossy face of Eden's entire media system, from the Eden Report to the Eden Late Show, including any form of entertainment program.

Rayman is set to appear as a playable character in ''[[Rayman: The Board Game]]''. His figure uses a new model based on his appearance in the [[UbiArt]] games, albeit with added details, while his early figure model resembled his appearance in a fake leak for ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U''. To give off the illusion of limblessness, his torso, hands, and one of his feet are attached to a vine, while his other foot is atop a tree stump. His head is also connected to his torso. An alternate, Kickstarter-exclusive figure of him riding a [[mosquito]] will also be included with all pledges that have a copy of the base game. An additional figure of him playing a guitar was shown to be included in the set of 10 skins, but the figure was later redesigned and revealed as [[Raymesis]].

Rayman the Board Game Rayman and Mosquito figure.jpg|Rayman's alternate [[mosquito]] figure.

==Other appearances==

[[File:Rayman Tonic Trouble credits.png|thumb|320px|right|A character dressed as Rayman in ''[[Tonic Trouble]]''.]]

A character dressed as Rayman makes a cameo appearance in the credits of ''[[Tonic Trouble]]''. Rayman also makes a cameo in the [[Ubisoft]] title ''[[Academy of Champions]]'', in which he is part of the [[Ubisoft]] team which features characters from other [[Ubisoft]] franchises such as ''[[Beyond Good and Evil]]'', ''Splinter Cell'', ''Prince of Persia'' and ''Assassin's Creed''.<ref>http://academyofchampions.uk.ubi.com/the-game/players/ Rayman in Academy of Champions</ref> In this team, Rayman is the goalkeeper. A hat based on Rayman's head is also available from the game's item shop. In the [[Ubisoft]] game UNO, there is a ''Rayman''-themed DLC. Rayman also appears in the fighting game ''Brawlhalla'' as a fighter, in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' as a Neutral-Type Primary Spirit, and as playable character in ''[[Rayman's Incrediballs Dodge]]''. Additionally, Rayman, along with [[Globox]] and [[Barbara]], appears as a collectible trophy in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', with models supplied by [[Ubisoft]].

* Rayman can play the harmonica and the ukulele, as shown in ''[[Rayman Activity Centre]]'' and ''[[Rayman Jungle Run]]'' respectively.

** Rayman is also seen playing the ukulele in a ''Brawlhalla'' trailer.

* With the exception of [[Renversant!|the third volume]], Rayman makes a cameo appearance in all volumes of [[Thitaume]] and [[Pujol]]'s [[Rabbid]]s comic books.

* Despite not having a neck, Rayman is still able to eat and swallow. This is seen in the opening cutscene of ''[[Rayman Origins]]''.

* Rayman was about to have legs again during the development of ''[[Rayman 3]]'', but the idea was quickly put aside.<ref>''[[L'Histoire de Rayman]]'', Chapter 4 - Rayman 3 : Hoodlum Havoc, Rayman without Michel Ancel</ref>

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*[[Miscellanea]]