Rayman Origins
Rayman Origins is a 2D sidescroller platform game, and the fourth major title in the Rayman series. It was announced by Ubisoft at E3 2010, and is the first major Rayman game since the creation of the Raving Rabbids series. It also marks the return of Rayman creator Michel Ancel to the series; he had not worked on a Rayman title since Rayman 2 in 1999.
| Rayman Origins | ||
|---|---|---|
| Published by | Ubisoft | |
| Developed by | Ubisoft Montpellier | |
| Release date | 15th November 2011 (NA) | |
| Genre | 2D platformer | |
| Gameplay mode | Single player and co-operative; up to four players | |
| Platforms | Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 | |
Description
Although it was originally announced that Rayman Origins would receive an episodic release, this approach was eventually scrapped: the game will instead be given a retail release in late 2011, in order that it might be a 'real sequel', in the words of Ancel. The game will feature four-player co-operative play, with the players controlling Rayman, Globox and two Teensies; however, it will still be possible to play through the game in single-player mode. As in Rayman M, all playable characters will share the same abilities. Chronologically, Origins is a prequel to the original Rayman game, and will explore how ‘...this uncontrollable individual (Rayman) and his grotesque companion (Globox) become the heroes that we know...’ The game's trailer finally reveals Rayman's origins, which were hinted at in the Knowledge of the World in Rayman 2 eleven years before: ‘Conjured from the magnificent moonbeams of the second summer solstice, woven together by [the] nymphs, destined to preserve the equilibrium of the sacred universe: the one we call... Rayman!’ The ‘nymph’ who creates Rayman may be a younger version of Betilla the Fairy. The game will return to the original's health and damage style: instead of a single health bar, Rayman's life energy will once more be divided into bubbles (in-game footage shows Rayman starting a level with five yellow health bubbles and three red damage ones). Origins will be a relatively easy game, as many players were unable to complete the original due to its extreme difficulty. The level design is intended to suit various gameplay styles: players who like collecting and players who like speedruns should both be satisfied. Lums will return, and, as in Rayman Revolution, they will act as currency: the player can use them to purchase power-ups, health upgrades and 'I Dare You' challenges (complex acrobatic minigames in which the player can make wagers).
Levels
While featuring numerous original environments, Rayman Origins will also be the first game in the series to revisit locations explored in previous games. Note that the following list is incomplete, and each of the following environments is not necessarily an entire level.
- A jungle level – Rayman is born in the Primordial Forest, indicating that this jungle is in fact the Dream Forest from the original game. It seems that this level's boss is a gigantic living statue.
- Band Land – a location composed entirely of music and musical instruments. It has not been seen since the original game.
- A mountain level – screenshots depict a mountain location surrounded by floating landmasses which recall the floating earth platforms of the original game. The mountain is dotted with small buildings. Its peak is hidden by clouds, but the tentacles of another boss – a gigantic pink monster resembling a squid – can be seen descending from its heights. This mountain location may be the Blue Mountains from the original game.
- A castle level – the trailer and a piece of concept art depict a colourful and ornate castle with many domes, built over a river which runs through a valley surrounded by jungle.
- The Land of the Dead – a level with a strong resemblance to the Cave of Bad Dreams and Tomb of the Ancients from Rayman 2: The Great Escape. Its name is very similar to that of the Land of the Livid Dead, a Rayman 3 level. The Land of the Dead has a golden palette, and features giant skulls, bones and cobwebs. Concept art depicts graveyards, insects, zombies, a strange hotdog-like character who appears to be selling hotdogs, and numerous tentacled monsters.
- Moody Clouds – a steampunk level in which Rayman rides on the back of Moskito, who shoots enemies down with the energy projectiles from his proboscis.
- A cave level – the trailer shows Rayman sliding through a slippery, dark, mushroom-filled cavern while fighting off enemy insects.
- An underwater level – a screenshot shows Rayman and Globox swimming near the sea floor, surrounded by marine life.
- A food level – several screenshots show the protagonists making their way through a surreal environment made of food and cooking materials. This location's aesthetic is inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. This land is home to Baby Dragon Chefs – small, red, reptilian enemies who attack the heroes with their forks.
