Rayman M
Rayman M (also known as Rayman Arena outside of Europe) is a multi-player spin-off video game based on the Rayman 2 universe. In Europe it was released only on the Sony Playstation 2 and PC on the 30th November 2001, while in the United States it was released on the Microsoft XBox and Nintendo Gamecube. It is a 3D game which combines racing, battling and traditional platform elements. Unlike the other Rayman games, this game does not have a notable plot, other than that the characters are in a sporting competition.
| Rayman M | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Published by | Ubisoft | |
| Developed by | Ubisoft | |
| Release date | 2001 | |
| Genre | Racing/Party | |
| Gameplay mode | Single player/Multi-player | |
| Platforms | Sony Playstation 2, PC, Nintendo Gamecube (US), Microsoft X-Box (US) | |
Gameplay
The gameplay in Rayman M is split into two main modes, Racing and Battle.
Racing Mode
In this mode, the players take part in a foot race and face a number of obstacles depending on which environment they are playing in. There are no power-ups in this mode, although throughout each course there are purple lums, speed ramps and small trampolines that are useful. This mode has four different types of racing game. Obstacles include boxes that the player has to shoot up to eight times in order to pass, bear traps and electric bars.
Training
This mode allows the player to explore the course and practice before playing in the other modes, as well as setting their own personal records. Only a single player can play in this mode.
Race
This mode involves up to four characters to race each other, the first one to the finish line wins. In single player mode, the other players are computer controlled and there are three laps to run, while in multi-player mode you can set how many laps to run before winning.
Popolopoï
This mode uses a time limit in which you must complete three laps in. Although the time starts at 20 seconds, you can increase your time by shooting small butterflies called Popolopoï, which come in different colours that represent how much time you would get. Only a single player can play in this mode.
Lums
In this mode, you have to complete three laps while collecting the number of Yellow Lums required in order to legally win, which can be used at later points of the game. Only a single player can play in this mode.
Battle Mode
Rather than an obstacle course, the Battle mode is made up of an arena in which you run around playing three different modes. Unlike the Race mode, this mode uses power-ups.
Lum Spring
In the mode, you have to collect as many Lums (which unusually look like crystals this time) as you can in order to reach the winning conditions - in a typical game, this is up to five Lums - or before the time runs out. To help you prevent the opponents from reaching them first, you are equipped with ice bullets to freeze them, thought you'll also have to avoid their shots.
Lum Fight
Each player starts with five hit points each, and you have to knock all of the opponents' hit points in order to score Lums. Each time a player dies, they respawn somewhere in the arena. A negative Lum is given to a player that loses to a self-infliction. Various power-ups called Generators are scattered around, and contain a different weapon to use against your opponents. Uses the same winning conditions as Lum Spring.
Capture the Fly
Game is a lot like tag - you have to find a Light Fly and keep hold of it as long as possible without getting hit by an opponent's shot. You are equipped with five bounce bullets which are only effective on the play in possession of the Fly. The player that reaches the winning conditions first wins.
Environment
The game is supposedly set in the Rayman 2 universe, and consist of four different worlds for each mode, each with three stages. The world you play in also determines the difficulty of the game, going from Beginner to Advanced. As the player progresses, the harder difficulties are unlocked.
Characters
At the start of the game, five characters are available, and as you progress through the game, you will unlock the remaining characters as well as skins for them. Each character has their own musical theme in the Racing mode, and have their own method of gliding, though they all shoot the same way Rayman does.
- Rayman: Does Rayman need another introduction? He's basically the star of this game.
- Globox: Globox is Rayman's best friend, who joined the competition to overcome his shyness.
- Teensies: You actually play as two of these who work together while they compete.
- Razorbeard: Razorbeard is back, and is even more irritable than ever.
- Henchman 800: One of the pirates you had to battle in Rayman 2 makes a comeback too.
- Tily+: A small orange canine-like fairy with cute fairy wings. Often speculated to have been a replacement for Ly the Fairy.
- Razorwife+: Razorbeard's wife, who dresses rather flamboyantly unlike her husband.
- Henchman 1000+: An older, bigger and much more powerful type of Henchman
+ = Characters that are unlockable.