Rayman 2: The Great Escape

Lore & Background

The Glade of Dreams is invaded by robotic pirates, led by Admiral Razorbeard, with the intent to conquer and enslave. The crisis prompts volunteers, including Rayman and his friend Globox, to form resistance groups. Rayman and Globox confront an army of robots. Rayman battles valiantly with energy spheres, while Globox, despite his fear, aids by creating rain to rust the robots. However, a telepathic message from Ly the Fairy reveals devastating news: the pirates have destroyed the Primordial Core, scattering the world's energy, and have captured most of the warriors. This loss strips Rayman of his powers, leading to his capture. As Admiral Razorbeard gloats, Rayman urges Globox to escape and find Ly, defiantly vowing to resist. Imprisoned aboard the pirate ship Buccaneer, Rayman despairs over his lost powers until Globox delivers a Silver Lum from Ly, restoring his abilities. Rayman escapes through a pipe, but a collision with Globox sends them plummeting. Landing in the Woods of Light and separated from Globox, Rayman learns from Globox’s children that Ly has been captured. The four Teensie Kings inform him that Ly is held in the Fairy Glade's robotic pirate fortress. Rayman rescues Ly, who reveals that Polokus, the world's spirit, can restore his full powers if Rayman collects four magical masks. After Ly transfers her remaining power to him and vanishes, Rayman frees Ssssam the Swamp Snake, who reveals Globox's recapture. Rayman's quest for the masks begins at the Sanctuary of Water and Ice, where he defeats the guardian Axel to claim the first mask. In Polokus's realm, the spirit promises to awaken and aid Rayman once all masks are gathered. In the Menhir Hills, Rayman finds the warrior Clark, weakened from swallowing a robotic pirate. To heal him, Rayman enters the Cave of Bad Dreams, surviving pursuit by the guardian Jano. Rejecting a treasure of gold, Rayman chooses the Elixir of Life, curing Clark. In the Canopy, Rayman frees Globox, who provides another Silver Lum. Carmen the whale guides Rayman through Whale Bay to the Sanctuary of Stone and Fire, where the guardian Umber helps him secure the second mask. Rayman defeats the guardian Foutch in the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava for the third mask. In the Iron Mountains, Globox's wife Uglette reveals Globox's re-imprisonment on the Buccaneer and their children's enslavement in the mines. Rayman rescues

In Their Own Story

The wind howls through the twisted branches of the Dark Forest as Rayman lands softly on a floating platform. Below, the shadows of the Gluons writhe like smoke, dragging screaming Teensies into their gloom. Globox puffs out his chest, trying to look brave despite the trembling in his voice. 'Stay close, Rayman,' he whispers, clutching his lute. The air smells of ozone and fear. With a deep breath, Rayman stretches his floating fists, ready to punch through the darkness and reclaim the light.

Reader's Guide

Rayman 2: The Great Escape is a 3D platformer which is played from a third-person perspective and allows the player control over the camera, though in some situations this control is limited to only certain angles. At several points in the game the player loses control during cutscenes, which typically show dialogue between characters. By collecting lums (small bodies, or shards of magical energy), the player unlocks more information about the game world and its back story, which can be read by standing still and pressing a specific button for some time. Some back story is also obtained through (optional) instructions from Murfy, a 'flying encyclopaedia' who provides explanations on all kinds of gameplay elements. In contrast to its predecessor, which was a 2D platformer, Rayman 2 is a 3D platformer. The player navigates through a mostly linear sequence of levels, fighting robotic pirate enemies, solving puzzles and collecting lums. Collecting enough lums gains the player access to new parts of the world. Part of the lums are hidden in small cages, in which other freedom fighters or Teensies are imprisoned, and can be obtained by breaking the cages. Rayman starts the game with minimal abilities, and he can gain more abilities as the game progresses. The main weapon available in the game is Rayman's fist, with which energy orbs can be shot. Eventually, the orbs can be charged before shooting them, making them more powerful. Rayman can also enter a strafing stance which allows him to easily aim orbs whilst avoiding enemy attacks. Rayman later gains the ability to swing over large gaps using Purple Lums. Rayman is also able to use his helicopter hair to slow his descent while jumping, with some segments later in the game allowing him to fly with his hair. There are also various items Rayman can use throughout the game, such as explosive barrels he can throw, giant plums he can ride on to carry him across dangerous surfaces, and rockets he must ride on to access new areas. In addition to the main, story-based level sequence, there are also several levels in which the player can gain bonuses in a time trial. Additionally, by collecting all lums and breaking all cages in a level, the player unlocks a bonus level in which one of Globox's children races against a robot pirate. When the player controlling the child wins the race, Rayman gains health or a powerup.

Did You Know?

• The game was originally conceptualised as a sidescrolling 2D platformer, like the first game, with development on the prototype beginning in early 1996.
• The art design was inspired by the works of animators Hayao Miyazaki and Tex Avery, as well as Art Nouveau artists such as Alphonse Mucha.
• The Nintendo 64 version is compatible with the Expansion Pak, which allows the game to be played in a higher resolution.
• The Dreamcast version uses the original high-quality textures, while the Nintendo 64 version had to reduce texture quality due to switching lead platforms mid-development.