Rayman M

Last updated

Rayman M
Rayman M Coverart.png
European box art
Developer(s) Ubi Pictures
Ubisoft Milan
Publisher(s) Ubisoft
Director(s) Arnaud Carrette
Riccardo Lenzi
Producer(s) Sylvain Constantin
Designer(s) Philippe Blanchet
Benoit Macon
Davide Soliani
Programmer(s) François Mahieu
Artist(s) Jean-Marc Geffroy
Composer(s) Claude Samard
Series Rayman
Engine RenderWare
Platform(s) PlayStation 2
Windows
Xbox
GameCube
Release
  • EU: 30 November 2001
  • NA: 24 September 2002
Genre(s) Party, racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Rayman M, known in North America as Rayman Arena, is a party video game developed and published by Ubisoft. A spin-off of the Rayman series, it features two modes in which players control one of eighteen characters.

Contents

Rayman M was released in Europe for the PlayStation 2 and Windows and in North America for the GameCube and Xbox. A remake known as Rayman Rush was released for the PlayStation in 2002. Rayman M received mixed reviews from critics, commenting on the game's lack of originality, with Nintendo World Report stating that some have labeled it as a Mario Party-style game. Its remake was criticised for not meeting the original game's quality.

Gameplay

Globox and Rayman in racing mode Rayman M gameplay.webp
Globox and Rayman in racing mode

Rayman M contains two modes: racing and battle. Both incorporate platformer elements. [1] In racing mode, the player races a computer player for three laps while avoiding twelve different obstacles. [1] [2] Battle mode features two playstyles: Freeze Fight, where four players have to collect as many "lums" within three minutes by shooting their opponents, and Total Fight, where players can use an unlimited number of ice bullets to freeze opponents while collecting lums. [3] [4]

Players can jump, glide, strafe, fire, and flip. There are twenty-nine tracks and eighteen playable characters, including Rayman, Razorbeard, Globox, Henchman 800, Teensies, Tily, New Henchman and Razorbeard Wife. [5] In the battle mode, players focused on using ice shots to freeze their opponents, and they start off facing four opponents. [6]

Development and release

Rayman M was originally separated into two projects: Rayman Tribe and Rayman Shooting Fish, which would turn into the game's modes. [7] Rayman M was announced in April 2001 for the PlayStation 2. [8] Ubisoft launched an official website for the game, containing a description of the game's characters, modes, and environments, along with galleries of screenshots from each of the game's version. [9] Danny Ruiz, the band manager of Ubisoft Entertainment, said that the game "[promised] to provide gamers a new multiplayer experience while maintaining the production value associated with the Rayman franchise." [10] In 2002, the game's producer Sylvain Constantin said that he wanted to do something serious after the game's development which Constantin was asked to lead the driving team and come up with a new idea because he was a driving game enthusiast. [11]

Rayman Rush

Rayman Rush
Developer(s) Ubisoft Shanghai
Publisher(s) Ubisoft
Designer(s) Michel Ancel
Series Rayman
Platform(s) PlayStation
Release
  • EU: 8 March 2002
  • NA: 26 March 2002
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Rayman Rush is a racing game developed by Ubisoft Shanghai and published by Ubisoft. It is a demake of Rayman M for the PlayStation that only features the racing mode. The game had three modes: training mode, where the player can race through levels without opponents or objectives; championship mode, where they race against an opponent; and time attack mode, where they have to finish a level within a set amount of time. [12] Due to the PlayStation's hardware limitations, the game can only support up to two players. [13]

Reception

Rayman M received "mixed or average" reviews, according to the review aggregator website Metacritic. [22] Eurogamer writer Tom Bramwell wrote that he best described the game as "a cross country steeplechase dodgeball simulation" and also wrote that the game seems like "a manic, amazingly enterprising adventure game against the clock", describing it as a racing game that would not make sense. [5] Nintendo World Report writer Michael Cole indicates that most video game series seems to be getting a multiplayer spin-off title which omit Rayman M and some have labeled it as a Mario Party-style game in the past however, the writer thought it isn't the solution. [23] Mike Orlando of Nintendo World Report praised the modes for being fun to play with but criticised that the game was not worthy of purchasing. He compared the racing mode to Mad Dash Racing and Running Wild . [24]

Rayman M has also heavily received criticism. GameSpot 's Jeff Gerstmann criticising the Windows version of the game's default controls which the player can configure the keyboard and mouse for race and battle games however, the player can also use a gamepad which he described as "the most convenient way to play the game" and the most difficult ways to configure. [6] In addition, he praised the GameCube version that the game fits in nicely with games such as Mad Dash Racing, Running Wild, and Sonic R however, the game doesn't differentiate itself from the other games and create anything new. [2] Brady Fiechter of Play criticise that the game should be call "Rayman Racing" and it was "a multiplayer game with nothing but characters from the Rayman universe running through obstacle courses." [21] IGN writer Kaiser Hwang acknowledged that it doesn't live up to its predecessor's legacy, criticised it similar to Mad Dash Racing due to the racing and platforming mix however, it sense of speed is being called out as "slow" and the level design can be "flat-out horrible." [25] Nebojsa Radakovic for GameRevolution also criticise that it does little to stimulate the kart racing/action game genres and it tracks play like any kart racing game however, she wrote that it might not be a "bad" game for a young child. [20]

Rayman Rush

Rayman Rush received "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. [16] Game Rant's Mark Sammut disappreciated how the game only contains the racing mode along with the game looking far worse and was less responsive than it original game. [26] GameSpot 's Ryan Davis was certain that it's doesn't maintain the same level of quality as the main games such as unlike the previous games which have top-notch sound design, the music and sound effects in the game feel rushed however, it can prove to be a decent diversion for a short period of time. [12] Martyn Clayden of Games Domain praised the game's vibrantly colourful 3D graphics and the music as cheerful and manages of not becoming too irritating during a long gameplay session. [13]

Related Research Articles

<i>Quake III Arena</i> 1999 video game

Quake III Arena is a 1999 multiplayer-focused first-person shooter developed by id Software. The third installment of the Quake series, Arena differs from previous games by excluding a story-based single-player mode and focusing primarily on multiplayer gameplay. The single-player mode is played against computer-controlled bots. It features music composed by Sonic Mayhem and Front Line Assembly founder Bill Leeb.

<i>Beyond Good & Evil</i> (video game) 2003 action-adventure video game by Ubisoft

Beyond Good & Evil is a 2003 action-adventure game developed and published by Ubisoft for PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox and GameCube. The story follows the adventures of Jade, an investigative reporter, martial artist, and spy hitwoman working with a resistance movement to reveal a sinister alien conspiracy. Players control Jade and other allies, solving puzzles, fighting enemies, obtaining photographic evidence and, later in the game, travelling to space.

<i>Tony Hawks Pro Skater 4</i> 2002 video game

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 is a 2002 skateboarding game developed by Neversoft and published by Activision under their Activision O2 label. The game was ported by different developers to various systems. It is the fourth installment in the Tony Hawk's series. The game was released in 2002 for the GameCube, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Game Boy Advance. In 2003, it was published for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. In 2004, a Tapwave Zodiac version was released.

<i>San Francisco Rush 2049</i> 1999 video game

San Francisco Rush 2049 is a racing video game developed and manufactured by Atari Games for arcades. It was ported to the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast by Midway Games West. The arcade machine was released in 1999; home versions followed in 2000 on September 7 for North America and November 17 for Europe. It is the third game in the Rush series and the sequel to San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing and Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA. It is the last game in the Rush series to be set in the city of San Francisco and the last released on a Nintendo console. It also serves as the final game for the Atari Games label, which was retired shortly after the arcade release. The Dreamcast version was later re-released as part of Midway Arcade Treasures 3 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube and later for Microsoft Windows as part of Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition.

<i>Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc</i> 2003 video game

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is a 2003 platform game developed and published by Ubisoft, and the third major installment in the Rayman series. It follows Rayman in his quest to stop André from taking over the world with his army of hoodlum soldiers. It was released for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Microsoft Windows, and on OS X by Feral Interactive in 2004. It was also released for the Game Boy Advance, N-Gage and mobile phones as a 2D platformer.

<i>Rayman: Hoodlums Revenge</i> 2005 video game

Rayman: Hoodlums' Revenge, is a platform game developed by Backbone Entertainment and published by Ubisoft for the Game Boy Advance in 2005. It was the first Rayman game to be a isometric platformer and was set after Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc.

<i>Fighters Destiny</i> 1998 video game

Fighters Destiny, known in Japan as Fighting Cup is a 1998 video game developed by Genki and Opus Corp for the Nintendo 64. It closely models the 3D fighting game standard set by Sega's Virtua Fighter, but integrates a unique point scoring system. The game's generic characters and unoriginal presentation have been panned by critics, but reviewers praise its point system and consider it to be one of the best fighting games on the Nintendo 64. It was followed by a 2000 sequel Fighter Destiny 2.

<i>Rayman Raving Rabbids</i> 2006 party video game

Rayman Raving Rabbids is a 2006 party video game developed and published by Ubisoft. It's a spinoff for the Rayman series and the debut title for the Rabbids franchise. The story follows Rayman as he was interrupted by an earthquake, in which he was also kidnapped and forced to play minigames with the Rabbids. The game received generally positive reviews from critics, with some criticizing the minigames either being broken or unenjoyable.

<i>WCW Backstage Assault</i> 2000 video game

WCW Backstage Assault is a professional wrestling video game developed by Kodiak Interactive and published by Electronic Arts. It was released for the PlayStation in November 2000, and for the Nintendo 64 in December. It was the final World Championship Wrestling (WCW) game released before the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) purchased the company's assets three months later. Backstage Assault features commentary by Tony Schiavone and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Gameplay takes place outside of a wrestling ring, an approach that was poorly received and resulted in the title selling 200,000 copies.

<i>Tony Hawks Downhill Jam</i> 2006 video game

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam is a skateboarding video game in the Tony Hawk's series. The game, named after the level "Downhill Jam" from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, was published by Activision in 2006 as a timed Nintendo exclusive for the Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and Wii. In 2007, it was published for the PlayStation 2. It is a spin-off in which accompanies the release of Tony Hawk's Project 8, which is conversely available on non-Nintendo systems.

<i>Freaky Flyers</i> 2003 video game

Freaky Flyers is an air racing video game developed internally by Midway San Diego for the Xbox and PlayStation 2, while the version for the GameCube was developed by Point of View, Inc. and published by Midway.

<i>Rayman Raving Rabbids</i> (handheld game) 2006 video game

Rayman Raving Rabbids is a 2006 platform game developed and published by Ubisoft for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. It was the handheld version of the 2006 party game Rayman Raving Rabbids.

<i>Uno</i> (video game) Video game adaptation of the card game

Uno is a video game based on the card game of the same name. It has been released for a number of platforms. The Xbox 360 version by Carbonated Games and Microsoft Game Studios was released on May 9, 2006, as a digital download via Xbox Live Arcade. A version for iPhone OS and iPod devices was released in 2008 by Gameloft. Gameloft released the PlayStation 3 version on October 1, 2009, and also released a version for WiiWare, Nintendo DSi via DSiWare, and PlayStation Portable. An updated version developed by Ubisoft Chengdu and published by Ubisoft was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in August 2016, Microsoft Windows in December 2016 and for the Nintendo Switch in November 2017.

<i>Cartoon Network Racing</i> 2006 racing video game that uses Cartoon Network cartoon characters

Cartoon Network Racing is a racing video game developed by Eutechnyx for PlayStation 2 and Firebrand Games for Nintendo DS, published by Danish video game developer The Game Factory, and released on December 4, 2006, in North America, and on February 9, 2007, in Europe. The gameplay is similar to Nintendo's 2003 game Mario Kart: Double Dash, but the characters and racetracks are all from six of Cartoon Network's original animated television series: Courage the Cowardly Dog, Cow and Chicken, Dexter's Laboratory, I Am Weasel, Johnny Bravo, and The Powerpuff Girls.

<i>Rayman Raving Rabbids 2</i> 2007 video game

Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is a party video game developed and published by Ubisoft. The sequel to Rayman Raving Rabbids and the second installment of the Raving Rabbids spin-off franchise, it was released for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms worldwide in 2007. It follows the Rabbids' attempt to invade Earth, with their headquarters set up near a local shopping mall. Players have the option to play as a Rabbid or as Rayman, who has disguised himself as a Rabbid to infiltrate their plans. This is the first Rayman game to have an E10+ rating by the ESRB, a greater emphasis on simultaneous multiplayer gameplay compared to the original game, and online leaderboards. It was followed by Rayman Raving Rabbids: TV Party in 2008.

<i>Just Dance</i> (video game) 2009 video game

Just Dance is a 2009 music rhythm game developed by Ubisoft Paris and published by Ubisoft as the first main installment of the Just Dance series. The game was released exclusively for the Wii on November 17, 2009, in North America, November 26, 2009, in Australia, and November 27, 2009, in Europe.

<i>Academy of Champions: Soccer</i> 2009 video game

Academy of Champions: Soccer is a soccer video game developed by Ubisoft Vancouver and published by Ubisoft for the Wii.

<i>Rayman 2: The Great Escape</i> 1999 platform game developed by Ubisoft

Rayman 2: The Great Escape is a 1999 platform game developed by Ubi Pictures and published by Ubi Soft for the Nintendo 64, Windows, Dreamcast and PlayStation. The game centers on the titular character Rayman, who was tasked with saving his friend Globox and the fantastical land of the Fairy Glade from an army of robotic pirates led by Admiral Razorbeard.

<i>Rayman Legends</i> 2013 video game

Rayman Legends is a platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014, with a Stadia version released in November 2021. A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mirabella III, Fran (5 November 2002). "Rayman Arena". IGN . Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  2. 1 2 Gerstmann, Jeff (10 October 2002). "Rayman Arena Review". GameSpot . Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  3. ↑ "Ubi Soft shows off Rayman Arena". GameSpot . 4 August 2001. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  4. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Rayman Arena". AllGame . Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  5. 1 2 Bramwell, Tom (19 September 2001). "Rayman M". Eurogamer . Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 Gerstmann, Jeff (10 October 2002). "Rayman Arena Review". GameSpot . Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  7. ↑ "RAYMAN M Play test Feedback - 2nd series". 10 August 2001. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  8. ↑ "First Screens: Rayman M". IGN . 24 April 2001. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  9. ↑ Walker, Trey (17 May 2006). "Rayman Arena site launched". GameSpot . Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  10. ↑ "Ubi Soft Ships Rayman Arena". IGN . 1 October 2002. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  11. ↑ Bell, Brendan (6 March 2022). "Ubisoft's forgotten attempt at making a 'gangster' Mario Kart". Inverse . Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  12. 1 2 3 Davis, Ryan (17 May 2006). "Rayman Rush Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on 1 February 2003. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  13. 1 2 Clayden, Martyn. "Rayman Rush". Games Domain. Archived from the original on 4 August 2002. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  14. ↑ "Rayman Arena". GameRankings . Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  15. ↑ "Rayman Arena for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 23 January 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  16. 1 2 "Rayman Rush". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  17. ↑ "Rayman Arena for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  18. ↑ "Rayman Arena for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  19. ↑ "Rayman Arena for PC Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  20. 1 2 Radakovic, Nebojsa (2 October 2002). "Rayman Arena Review". GameRevolution . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  21. 1 2 Fiechter, Brady (June 2002). Rayman Arena Review. Imagine Publishing. p. 63. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  22. ↑ "Rayman Arena". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  23. ↑ Cole, Michael (24 May 2002). "Rayman Arena Hands-on Preview - Hands-on Preview". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  24. ↑ Orlando, Mike (23 May 2002). "Rayman Arena Hands-on Preview - Hands-on Preview". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  25. ↑ Hwang, Kaiser (14 October 2002). "Rayman Arena Review". IGN . Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  26. ↑ Sammut, Mark (27 December 2019). "Rayman: 5 Best Games In The Series (& 5 Worst)". Game Rant. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.