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[[File:R1-beta-inside-tree.jpg|thumb|320px|right|An early version of ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]'' for the Atari Jaguar showing a [[small livingstone]] mounting a [[Spider (The Caves of Skops)|spider]] in an unknown environment]]
*''This article is about the early production of the of the game. For the SNES prototype, see [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)]].''
[[File:R1-beta-inside-tree.jpg|thumb|250px|right|An early version of ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]'' for the Atari Jaguar showing a [[little Livingstone]] mounting a [[Spider (Rayman 1)|spider]] along with a [[hunter]] and [[Rayman]] in an unknown environment.]]
Over the years, a considerable amount of information regarding the early development of [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]] has  been unveiled, mainly through beta versions leaked to the public and [[Rayman Designer hacking|''Rayman Designer'' hacking]]. An interview also revealed that [[Rayman]] had had his limbs removed due to technical limitations.
Over the years, a considerable amount of information regarding the early development of [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]] has  been unveiled, mainly through beta versions leaked to the public and [[Rayman Designer hacking|''Rayman Designer'' hacking]]. An interview also revealed that [[Rayman]] had had his limbs removed due to technical limitations.
__TOC__


{{clear}}
[[File:Rayman 1 - Japanese back cover 2.jpg|240px|thumb|left|An early version of [[Candy Château]] can be seen in the Japanese PC back cover.]]


==Super Nintendo Entertainment System version==
__NOTOC__
[[Image:Rayman-snes.jpg|thumb|500px|right|An extract from Pix’N Love's article about the cancelled SNES version of ''[[Rayman 1]]'', featuring three screenshots]]
On 4th July 2010, French retro-gaming magazine Pix’N Love revealed that, at the very beginning of its development, [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]] was intended to be released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The magazine also contained an interview with [[Rayman]] creator [[Michel Ancel]] on the subject. This version of the game featured a two-player co-operative mode, in which one player controlled Rayman and the other player controlled what appears to be a female version of Rayman, not dissimilar from the [[Rayman's girlfriend|girlfriend]] character once planned to appear in ''[[Rayman 4 (cancelled prototype)|Rayman 4]]''. Rayman's body is red rather than the purple used in the final game, and the girl's body is blue. Both characters look considerably bulkier than Rayman's final appearance. Three screenshots of the prototype (visible to the right) are currently available, and they show early versions of [[the Dream Forest]] and [[the Caves of Skops]]. One image shows the heroes battling against an early version of [[Mr Skops]]. There are glimpses of what appear to be early versions of [[Antitoon]]s, [[plum]]s, [[flying ring]]s, [[Ting]]s, mushrooms, [[Big Power]]s and the [[telescopic fist]].


One of the screenshots shows a heads-up display which is completely different from the one used in the final game or either of the Atari Jaguar prototypes. This display shows both characters' heads, each with their own ‘Shield’ and ‘Power’ status indicated by bars. Rayman's section of the display shows a picture of a pink crystal with the name ‘[[Mr Skops|Skops]]’ above it, and the girl's section of the display shows a question mark where the crystal can be displayed. The ‘Shield’ bar appears to indicate the characters' health, but the function of the ‘Power’ bar and the crystals remains unknown.
{{clear}}


With the advent of more powerful, optical disc-based games systems, the SNES version of ''Rayman'', though nearing completion, was cancelled. The game was reworked for the newer platforms, and became the ''[[Rayman 1]]'' which is known today.
==Atari Jaguar==
===Plot===
[[File:Jimmy.jpg|thumb|320px|right|An advertisement poster for [[Rayman (Atari Jaguar)|the Atari Jaguar version]] describing the earliest known plot from [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)|the cancelled SNES version]] about Jimmy becoming [[Rayman]].]]
According to an advertisement poster, a similar plot from [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)|the cancelled SNES version]] was supposed to be used in [[Rayman (Atari Jaguar)|the Atari Jaguar version]]. The original plot followed a boy named Jimmy who created a world on his computer called Hereitscool. When Hereitscool became infected with a virus, Jimmy entered his virtual world and took on the persona of [[Rayman]] in order to defeat the virus. Reasons for this plot being scrapped are unknown.


During a live stream of ''[[Rayman Legends]]'', through which Michel Ancel replied to a question concerning the SNES version of ''[[Rayman 1]]''. He stated that he was only in a team of two at the time the Super Nintendo version was being made, and that he was 'super excited', it being the first platform he'd ever worked on directly. It was painful and extensive procedure to build the game onto the cartridge though, and since he eventually got the full team together, the Super Nintendo couldn't do it justice.
===Engine test===
On 25th August 2008, a YouTube video showing an early prototype of [[Rayman (Atari Jaguar)|the Atari Jaguar version]] was uploaded. Two months later, this was leaked to the public along with 19 prototypes or other Jaguar titles. Along with this leaked prototype, there is also a beta version, which displays even more differences between the final version.


==Atari Jaguar – Engine Test==
This version begins with [[Rayman]] dropping down in what appears to be a [[the Dream Forest|Dream Forest]] level, and feeling grumpy the second he hits the ground. Some elements in the game do not seem to be detected by [[Rayman]], even the enemies such as the [[hunter]]s and a [[mosquito]], indicating poor collision detection. Interestingly, [[Rayman]] can also perform handstands and attack with his feet, and his [[Telescopic fist|fist]] can be charged up to be more powerful, which is displayed with an icon at the bottom left corner and the word ‘Nova’ next to it.
On 25th August 2008, a YouTube video showing an early prototype of the Jaguar version was uploaded. Two months later, this was leaked to the public along with 19 prototypes or other Jaguar titles. Along with this newly leaked prototype, there is also a beta version, which displays even more differences between the final version.


This version begins with [[Rayman]] dropping down in what appears to be a [[the Dream Forest|Dream Forest]] level, and feeling grumpy the second he hits the ground. Some elements in the game do not seem to be detected by [[Rayman]], even the enemies such as the [[Hunter]]s and [[Moskito]], indicating poor collision detection. Interestingly, [[Rayman]] can also perform handstands and attack with his feet, and his fist can be charged up to be more powerful, which is displayed with an icon at the bottom left corner and the word ‘Nova’ next to it.
There is also a very early looking heads-up display which is centered rather than to the left and right, there are more hit points than normal and the word ‘POW’ is between that and the [[Life|lives]] counter. An icon of an [[Antitoon]] is displayed instead of the [[Ting]]s icon, and apparently it counts and represents how many enemies have been defeated. Only the [[Life|lives]] counter and five of the hit points made it into the final game.
 
There is also a very early looking heads-up display which is centered rather than to the left and right, there are more hit points than normal and the word ‘POW’ is between that and the lives counter. An icon of an [[Antitoon]] is displayed instead of the [[Ting]]s icon, and apparently it counts and represents how many enemies have been defeated. Only the [[life|lives]] counter and five of the hit points made it into the final game.


The game crashes when [[Rayman]] falls into a body of water.
The game crashes when [[Rayman]] falls into a body of water.


{|
<gallery widths="320px" heights="224px" class="sprite">
|-valign="top"
RaymanJaguarMosquito.png|A [[mosquito]] standing still in the air.
|[[File:RaymanJaguarMosquito.png|frame|A [[mosquito]] standing still in the air]]
RaymanJaguarDemo.png|Many elements in this demo were scrapped completely from the final version.
|[[File:RaymanJaguarDemo.png|frame|Many elements in this demo were scrapped completely from the final version]]
RaymanJaguarNova.png|A glowing arrow indicates when [[Rayman]]'s [[telescopic fist]] is fully charged.
|[[File:RaymanJaguarNova.png|frame|A glowing arrow indicates when [[Rayman]]'s [[telescopic fist]] is fully charged]]
</gallery>
|}


==Atari Jaguar – Early Beta Version==
===Early beta version===
[[Image:BetaEnemies.jpg|frame|right|These unidentified enemies in the early Jaguar version of the game are holdovers from the game's cancelled SNES version]]
[[Image:BetaEnemies.jpg|frame|right|class=sprite|These unidentified enemies in the early Atari Jaguar version of the game are holdovers from [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)|the game's cancelled SNES version]].]]
[[Image:R1ProtoMap.png|frame|right|[[the valley|The world map]], as seen in the early Atari Jaguar prototype]]
[[Image:R1ProtoMap.png|frame|right|class=sprite|[[the valley|The world map]], as seen in the early Atari Jaguar prototype.]]
This version has no specific prototype number, and it is unknown how much younger it is than the Jaguar's prototype, or whether or not this is the same beta that was used to advertise the game in magazines.
This version has no specific prototype number, and it is unknown how much younger it is than the Atari Jaguar's prototype, or whether or not this is the same beta that was used to advertise the game in magazines.


Several differences between this prototype and the final version are present, as well as glitches which may render the game unplayable, especially while running in a Jaguar emulator.   
Several differences between this prototype and [[Rayman (Atari Jaguar)|the final version]] are present, as well as glitches which may render the game unplayable, especially while running in a Jaguar emulator.   


* The game begins with no title screen, but straight to the world map which has been shrunk to fit the whole screen. Instead of [[Rayman]], an [[electoon]] pinpoints his position.
* The game begins with no title screen, but straight to the world map which has been shrunk to fit the whole screen. Instead of [[Rayman]], an [[Electoon]] pinpoints his position.
* There appears to be less levels available to choose from as they are unlocked, and the medallions look different.
* There appear to be fewer levels available to choose from as they are unlocked, and the level icons look different.
* There is no text at all in the game other than ‘ACTION’ and ‘GAME OVER’.
* There is no text at all in the game other than ‘ACTION’ and ‘GAME OVER’.
* The game uses a completely different walk cycle for [[Rayman]], making him look as if he is jogging.
* The game uses a completely different walk cycle for [[Rayman]], making him look as if he is jogging.
* When he is hit by an enemy, the throwback is a lot longer than normal, and he squeaks.
* When [[Rayman]] is hit by an enemy, the throwback is a lot longer than normal, and he squeaks.
* When [[Rayman]] runs up to an exit sign, he does not pose, but rather the game fades to the next stage or the map.
* When [[Rayman]] runs up to an [[Exit sign|exit sign]], he does not pose, but rather the game fades to the next stage or the map.
* The lives counter displays a single digit.
* The [[Life|lives]] counter displays a single digit.
* Some enemies appear to float across the screen.
* Some enemies appear to float across the screen.
* The bullets shot by the [[hunter]]s do not withdraw a hammer.
* The [[bullet]]s shot by the [[hunter]]s do not withdraw a hammer.
* Select maps are featured in the game. For example, when the [[Pink Plant Woods]] are passed, the player goes straight to [[the Swamps of Forgetfulness]].
* Select maps are featured in the game. For example, when the [[Pink Plant Woods]] are passed, the player goes straight to [[the Swamps of Forgetfulness]].
* [[Rayman]]'s body moves differently when he receives a power from [[Betilla the Fairy]].
* [[Rayman]]'s body moves differently when he receives a power from [[Betilla]] the Fairy.
* [[The Magician]] can be found and is paid with [[Ting]]s as normal, but instead of normal bonus level, he takes the player to the breakout game.
* [[The Magician]] can be found and is paid with [[Ting]]s as normal, but instead of a normal [[Bonus level (Rayman 1)|bonus level]], he takes the player to [[Ray Breakout|the ''Breakout'' game]].


{{clear}}
{{clear}}


== PlayStation ==
An early [[List of Rayman demos|Japanese demo]] on PlayStation from December 9, 1994 has some major differences from the final release. There are only 2 levels available, one from [[the Dream Forest]] and the other from the [[Blue Mountains]]. Both levels feature unique level design not seen in the final game.
* The world map is the same as from the Atari Jaguar beta version with an [[Electoon]] moving on the map. There is also a point on the giant, floating present, although it can't be accessed.
* In the files, [[Band Land]] is referred to as Chromatic Skies and [[Picture City]] as Image City—almost literal translations of the original French names ''Le Ciel Chromatique'' and ''La Cité des Images''.
* Early loading screen images are used.
* Early sequenced music is used.
* When falling from high places [[Rayman]] will appear stunned.
* The [[Life|lives]] counter displays a single digit.
* Rather than getting [[Electoon]] markers on a [[medallion]] upon breaking a [[cage]] the player now has to collect the [[Electoon]]s from it with a separate counter being available for that, replacing the [[ting]]s.
* The [[Big Power]]s use an incorrect palette for parts of their animation.
<gallery class="sprite">
R1 JP Demo - Dream Forest Splash Screen.png|The loading screen used for [[the Dream Forest]].
R1 JP Demo - Blue Mountain Splash Screen.png|The loading screen used for the [[Blue Mountains]].
R1Demo - BigLavaBall.png|The same as unused giant [[lava rock]] as has been found in ''[[Rayman Designer]]'' was found in higher quality in the files.
R1Demo - OldSign.png|An unused sign.
R1Demo - Scroll.png|An unused scroll.
</gallery>


==''Rayman Designer'' hacking==
==''Rayman Designer'' hacking==
''Main article: [[Rayman Designer hacking]]''
''Main article: [[Rayman Designer hacking]]''


[[Rayman Designer hacking|''Rayman Designer'' hacking]] allowed players to find unused textures and events which were probably meant to be in the final version but soon removed. Such sprites include a giant [[lava ball]], [[cloud]]s with a face and a strange portal.
[[Rayman Designer hacking|''Rayman Designer'' hacking]] allowed players to find unused textures and events which were probably meant to be in the final version but soon removed. Such sprites include a giant [[lava rock]], [[cloud]]s with a face and a strange portal.


{|
<gallery widths="316px" heights="200px" class="sprite">
|-valign="top"
GiantLavaBall.png|A giant [[lava rock]].
[[File:Ink-covered erasers Blue Color Unknown Block.png|thumb|Ink-covered erasers Blue Color Unknown Block]]
BetaClouds.png|[[Cloud]]s with a face.
[[File:Ink-covered erasers White Color Unknown Block.png|thumb|Ink-covered erasers White Color Unknown Block]]
SmallLivingstonePlum.png|A [[little Livingstone]] on a [[plum]].
|[[Image:GiantLavaBall.png|frame|A giant [[lava ball]]]]
</gallery>
|[[Image:BetaClouds.png|frame|[[Cloud]]s with a face]]
|[[Image:SmallLivingstonePlum.png|frame|A [[small Livingstone]] on a [[plum]]]]


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn4CBG8lhw4 Official gameplay video of Beta ''Rayman'' (Atari Jaguar) at Youtube]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rko_wRBGus Official gameplay video of Engine Test (Atari Jaguar) at YouTube]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thBxC05BeYw Official gameplay video of early Beta version (Atari Jaguar) at YouTube]
*[https://youtu.be/FaIPoi3PTHM Gameplay video of an early PlayStation demo at YouTube]


{{Cancelled Rayman games}}
{{Rayman series}}
{{Early production}}


[[fr:Rayman (développement)‎]]
[[pl:Rayman (wczesna produkcja)]]
[[pl:Rayman (wczesna produkcja)]]


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[[Category:Prototype games]]
[[Category:Prototype games]]
[[Category:Rayman games]]
[[Category:Rayman games]]
[[Category:Early production]]

Revision as of 12:04, 29 September 2019

An early version of Rayman for the Atari Jaguar showing a little Livingstone mounting a spider along with a hunter and Rayman in an unknown environment.

Over the years, a considerable amount of information regarding the early development of the original Rayman game has been unveiled, mainly through beta versions leaked to the public and Rayman Designer hacking. An interview also revealed that Rayman had had his limbs removed due to technical limitations.

An early version of Candy Château can be seen in the Japanese PC back cover.



Atari Jaguar

Plot

An advertisement poster for the Atari Jaguar version describing the earliest known plot from the cancelled SNES version about Jimmy becoming Rayman.

According to an advertisement poster, a similar plot from the cancelled SNES version was supposed to be used in the Atari Jaguar version. The original plot followed a boy named Jimmy who created a world on his computer called Hereitscool. When Hereitscool became infected with a virus, Jimmy entered his virtual world and took on the persona of Rayman in order to defeat the virus. Reasons for this plot being scrapped are unknown.

Engine test

On 25th August 2008, a YouTube video showing an early prototype of the Atari Jaguar version was uploaded. Two months later, this was leaked to the public along with 19 prototypes or other Jaguar titles. Along with this leaked prototype, there is also a beta version, which displays even more differences between the final version.

This version begins with Rayman dropping down in what appears to be a Dream Forest level, and feeling grumpy the second he hits the ground. Some elements in the game do not seem to be detected by Rayman, even the enemies such as the hunters and a mosquito, indicating poor collision detection. Interestingly, Rayman can also perform handstands and attack with his feet, and his fist can be charged up to be more powerful, which is displayed with an icon at the bottom left corner and the word ‘Nova’ next to it.

There is also a very early looking heads-up display which is centered rather than to the left and right, there are more hit points than normal and the word ‘POW’ is between that and the lives counter. An icon of an Antitoon is displayed instead of the Tings icon, and apparently it counts and represents how many enemies have been defeated. Only the lives counter and five of the hit points made it into the final game.

The game crashes when Rayman falls into a body of water.

Early beta version

These unidentified enemies in the early Atari Jaguar version of the game are holdovers from the game's cancelled SNES version.
The world map, as seen in the early Atari Jaguar prototype.

This version has no specific prototype number, and it is unknown how much younger it is than the Atari Jaguar's prototype, or whether or not this is the same beta that was used to advertise the game in magazines.

Several differences between this prototype and the final version are present, as well as glitches which may render the game unplayable, especially while running in a Jaguar emulator.

  • The game begins with no title screen, but straight to the world map which has been shrunk to fit the whole screen. Instead of Rayman, an Electoon pinpoints his position.
  • There appear to be fewer levels available to choose from as they are unlocked, and the level icons look different.
  • There is no text at all in the game other than ‘ACTION’ and ‘GAME OVER’.
  • The game uses a completely different walk cycle for Rayman, making him look as if he is jogging.
  • When Rayman is hit by an enemy, the throwback is a lot longer than normal, and he squeaks.
  • When Rayman runs up to an exit sign, he does not pose, but rather the game fades to the next stage or the map.
  • The lives counter displays a single digit.
  • Some enemies appear to float across the screen.
  • The bullets shot by the hunters do not withdraw a hammer.
  • Select maps are featured in the game. For example, when the Pink Plant Woods are passed, the player goes straight to the Swamps of Forgetfulness.
  • Rayman's body moves differently when he receives a power from Betilla the Fairy.
  • The Magician can be found and is paid with Tings as normal, but instead of a normal bonus level, he takes the player to the Breakout game.


PlayStation

An early Japanese demo on PlayStation from December 9, 1994 has some major differences from the final release. There are only 2 levels available, one from the Dream Forest and the other from the Blue Mountains. Both levels feature unique level design not seen in the final game.

  • The world map is the same as from the Atari Jaguar beta version with an Electoon moving on the map. There is also a point on the giant, floating present, although it can't be accessed.
  • In the files, Band Land is referred to as Chromatic Skies and Picture City as Image City—almost literal translations of the original French names Le Ciel Chromatique and La Cité des Images.
  • Early loading screen images are used.
  • Early sequenced music is used.
  • When falling from high places Rayman will appear stunned.
  • The lives counter displays a single digit.
  • Rather than getting Electoon markers on a medallion upon breaking a cage the player now has to collect the Electoons from it with a separate counter being available for that, replacing the tings.
  • The Big Powers use an incorrect palette for parts of their animation.

Rayman Designer hacking

Main article: Rayman Designer hacking

Rayman Designer hacking allowed players to find unused textures and events which were probably meant to be in the final version but soon removed. Such sprites include a giant lava rock, clouds with a face and a strange portal.

External links