Genre: Platformer |
CDs: 1 |
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Publisher: Ubi Soft |
Released: September 7, 1995 |
Developer: Ubi Soft |
UPC: 0 08888 31001 3 |
Sony ID: SLUS-00005 |
PSRM: 001110 |
Players: 1 Player |
Memory: 1 Block |
Accessories: None |
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ESRB: Kids to Adults – No Descriptors |
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Box Copy:
Rayman has pushed the technology envelope to the limit! This platform game is unlike anything you’ve seen or played before…
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Variants
Rayman was also released in the plastic ridged long box.
Released into the jewel case ranks.
Released to the Greatest Hits.
Rayman’s Greatest Hits last known release changed the back of the manual to advertise Rayman 2.
Misprints
- There are no known misprints.
Review
If there was one thing the Saturn and PlayStation could at least have something of a fair fight at, it was the 2D platform game. Thankfully, both systems got a great, if slightly dented game out of the original Rayman.
First and foremost, this game still has, and always will have, some of the most beautifully drawn 2D animations in a console game. If you have a Component ready PStwo, by all means, get this baby in there as soon as possible. Vibrant reds and oranges jump out at you as purples and lush green splash the landscape. Collected orbs sprinkle bits of sparkle as they’re snagged, and characters animate like they were in a cartoon.
The object in Rayman is to rescue these quite little things called Electoons and then stomp on the end boss, all while acquiring new powers along the way. The action involves punching, platform jumping and ledge hanging, minor puzzle elements involving giant plums, and the occasional ride on a friendly mosquito.
Don’t let the character designs fool you; Rayman isn’t a kid’s game. In fact, some levels can get downright frustrating. But these few areas give way to a more enjoyable, laid-back game. You’ll get your money’s worth in trying to collect all the Electoons without using up all your Continues.
In going back to review this game for the site, I find myself falling in love with the game again. It’s by no means a play-for-hours-on-end kind of game, but in increments here and there, it’s a very fun, and sometimes skill-testing ride.
The Good
- Still gorgeous, still inspiring
- Level design and variety
- Music is subtle but pleasing
The Bad
- Occasional insane difficulty spikes
- Very few times feels like the hit collision is off
Final Score: 8.5 – Great
An excellent 2D platformer at a time when certain Sony execs wanted nothing to do with 2D on the platform. Despite its difficulty spikes, Rayman 1 is a testament to the era and is worthy of owning.
Screenshots
- There are no screenshots for this game yet.
Videos
- There are currently no videos for this game.
Trivia
- Launched just before the system did, making it the first 2D side-scrolling game for the system.
- Rayman and his fellow characters have no linking body parts; they only have heads, chests, hands, and feet.
- The ‘Notes’ section in the back of the manual is lovingly referred to as the ‘Deep Dark Secrets’ section.
- There are quite a few hidden animations in the game, including ones that involve the collectible mascots you rescue. To find all of the cages, sometimes you need to go around an area once, and when you come back, it’ll appear.
- This version of Rayman is also available on Saturn and Atari Jaguar. There was also a portable version available for the Game Boy Color.
Secrets
Rayman can get brutally hard in sections, but thankfully there are ways to cope with that.
Programmer Cheats
- 10 Continues
When you are down to 3 Continues or less, at the continue screen quickly press Up, Down, Right, and Left, and then Start once you see the number 10 appear. Repeat as needed. - Infinite Screens
At any time during play, pause the game. While holding R2 press, Circle, Circle, Left, Circle, and Circle. A mirror effect will appear, with a smaller version of the current game in the window, but then there’s a window within that one. Repeat this code to make it stop. - Hidden Animation
At the UbiSoft logo screen press and hold L1+L2+R1+R2, and continue to hold until the brick wall appears. While still holding the shoulder buttons press START. You’ll see a hidden animation of Rayman assembling himself. - Clean Pause Screen
Pause the game, and then hold R1 + R2. - Full Power-Up with 99 Lives
Pause the game. Press and hold in the following order: L2, R1, L1, R2 and release in the order L1, L2, R2, R1. Then press and release Circle. Now press and hold in the following order: Left, Circle, Square, Triangle, and release in the order Left, Triangle, Square, Circle. Your available lives should increase to 99 and your health to full.
Passwords
- Open Up The Entire Map
?2MC9J!GTB as a password. The entire map will be available to you as a blank slate. - Password Area 1 – Dream Forest 100% Complete
XNB9FM!Z2? - Password Area 2 – Band Land 100% Complete
J5VLFP58VB - Password Area 3 – Blue Mountains 100% Complete
J5K!ZZC8MD - Password Area 4 – Picture City 100% Complete
SX2!ZP58MD - Password Area 5 – The Cave of Skops 100% Complete
SM!KV7WSXD - Password Area 6 – Candy Chateau 100% Complete
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