Rayman 3D

Rayman 3D
Published by	Ubisoft
Developed by	Ubisoft Casablanca/Bucharest
Directed by	{{{directed by}}}
Produced by	{{{produced by}}}
Designed by	{{{designed by}}}
Programmed by	{{{programmed by}}}
Art by	{{{art by}}}
Written by	{{{written by}}}
Soundtrack by	{{{soundtrack by}}}
Release date	22nd March 2011 25th March 2011
Genre	3D platformer
Gameplay mode	Single player
Languages	{{{languages}}}
Platforms	Nintendo 3DS
Ratings	7+ (PEGI), E (ESRB)
Distribution media	Cartridge
Game engine	{{{game engine}}}

Rayman 3D is a port of Rayman 2: The Great Escape, and a launch title for the Nintendo 3DS. It is almost identical to the Dreamcast version of the original game, but now takes advantage of the 3DS's stereoscopic 3D display.

Differences from Rayman 2: The Great Escape

• Rayman 3D is built off the Dreamcast version of Rayman 2, and shares the same Isle of Doors hub level, as well as most exclusive cheats and graphical enhancements.
• The Hint Stone, Purple Lum, and ledge leading to Globox Village in the Dreamcast version were removed in the 3DS game.

Technical issues

Like Rayman DS, the 3DS port contains several glitches exclusive to this revision.

• The game suffers from an unstable frame rate that frequently drops below the Dreamcast version's 60 frames per second. This is due to the original 3DS' technical constraints. The New Nintendo 3DS, a revision of the 3DS with superior hardware, is capable of playing the game without any frame drops- however, in order to take advantage of the additional power, the New 3DS must be hacked to gain the capability of running homebrew. Special game modification software called HANS can then "overclock" the CPU, allowing the game to run at a consistent frame rate.
• In the opening sequence, the pirate ship flies through the cliffs, instead of around them.
• The skybox in the Woods of Light is broken, scrolling improperly along with the camera, and appearing either zoomed too far in or out.
• The water in the Fairy Glade is transparent, unlike the original, exposing geometry underneath which was not always meant to be seen. In addition, in the first section where Rayman encounters a pipe spewing hazardous waste into the water, the waste's textures are not properly mapped and do not animate.
• Sound effects are too soft compared to the game's soundtrack, although this can be fixed by adjusting the sound mixing in the game's options.
• The 1000th Yellow Lum secret suffers from a myriad of glitches that make it difficult to obtain.

History

The existence of Rayman 3D was leaked several weeks in advance of its announcement by the Australian Classification Board, although they gave little information beyond the title; in the press release in which they officially announced the game, Ubisoft revealed that, like the iOS version of Rayman 2, Rayman 3D was to be based directly on the well-received Dreamcast version of Rayman 2. Four screenshots were also unveiled: they show that Rayman 3D will feature significantly reworked graphics. The improved lighting system is visible in the screenshots of the Prison Ship and the Bayou, and the new stereoscopic depth effect can be seen clearly in the screenshot of the Whale Bay. The screenshot of the Fairy Glade shows that the keg has been remodelled; presumably, other models in the game will receive the same treatment.

Press release

What follows is Ubisoft's official press release regarding the game:

‘Rayman 3D is an adaptation of Rayman 2 on Dreamcast, the greatest version of all Rayman's games.

‘Thanks to Rayman 3D, rediscover the incredible adventures of Rayman in a deeper and optimized universe. Progress in a 3D world full of surprises and magical creatures, and defeat unmerciful enemies throughout dangerous environments: Join Rayman in an even better platforming game!

‘Features:

• Adaptation of the greatest Rayman opus – Rayman 3D is the adaptation of Rayman 2 on Dreamcast which happened to be the best version of the trilogy (93% on Game Rankings).
• Significant improvements on gameplay – This version has beneficiated from a special treatment, offering improved graphics, 3D, and giving players the possibility to take advantage of the analog stick.
• The 3D version makes the game more accessible and brings more advantages: improved learning curve, immersive cameras, graphical enhancements. A great diversity of environments – Progress in 45 areas set across 13 regions of Rayman's world. Uncover the whole universe in 3D during +/−15 hours of fun.
• Unique Rayman moves – Run, climb, jump, swim, fly, loop-the-loop and even water-ski to escape from the threat! Rayman did not lose any of his famous abilities such as flying as an helicopter using his hair!
• Rediscover the richness of Rayman's cast – Get back to the good old quarrels between Rayman and his villainous enemies: Face the Admiral Razorbeard, the Henchman and every other creature that make Rayman's progression much harder! Hopefully, Rayman can count on his friends' support! The Globox, Ly, or Polokus are all ready to help.’

Screenshot gallery

The Prison Ship	Whale Bay	The Bayou
The Fairy Glade	Whale Bay	The Woods of Light

Box art

Rayman 3D's UK cover

Rayman 3D's German cover

Rayman 3D's North American cover

External links

• The 1000th Yellow Lum glitch at YouTube