Scared platform

Scared platforms are platforms which occasionally appear in minor games in the Rayman series.

Scared platforms retreating as Rayman approaches

Rayman captures a scared platform with his telescopic fist

The idea of the scared platforms was first explored in the cancelled 2D version of Rayman 2. This game was planned as a direct successor to the original Rayman, and had very similar gameplay and graphics. It was planned for release in the autumn of 1996, but when the developers became aware of the new possibilities introduced by 3D gaming, they cancelled the project, and created Rayman 2: The Great Escape instead. In the PlayStation version of the game, which was released in 1999, the player could unlock one playable level from the game's 2D incarnation. One of the gameplay innovations featured in this level were the scared platforms. These are shaggy brown platforms with root-like hooks; like almost all platforms in the original game, they have eyes. What makes the scared platforms unique is that they seem to have conscious minds, and react emotionally to Rayman's presence. Their 'faces' frown constantly. When the hero approaches a scared platform, it rapidly levitates away as if frightened by him. This makes it almost impossible to simply jump onto it. Instead, Rayman must retreat to a safe distance to lull the scared platform into a sense of security; he must then punch it. This creates a sparkling energy connection between Rayman and the platform, similar to the connection that forms between him and flying rings. This link remains until he punches again or walks far away. As long as this connection endures, it acts as a leash, preventing the scared platform from flying away. Rayman can jump onto a platform he has tamed in this way. In some cases, he must capture one scared platform, climb onto it, and use it to reach and capture another scared platform.

Rayman uses one scared platform to reach another

The scared platforms return to their original positions once Rayman has left them alone

A scared platform in the Game Boy Color Rayman

The scared platforms next appeared in 2000's Game Boy Color port of Rayman, a new game based on both the original game and its sequel. This game features platforms which are recognisably the same as the coward platforms from the Rayman 2 prototype. However, these platforms do not have the unique behaviour of those which appeared in the cancelled game; they are simply regular platforms which look the same as them.