Rayman 2

Published by Ubi Soft Entertainment

**Developed by** Ubi Soft MontpellierUbisoft Shanghai (PlayStation)

**Produced by**Pauline Jacquey

**Designed by** Michel Ancel, Jean-Christophe Guyot, Serge Hascoët, Frédéric Houde, Michaël Janod, Christophe Thibaut

**Programmed by** Yann Le Tensorer, Olivier Didelot (engine programming)

**Art by** Michel Ancel (artistic director)Jean-Christophe Alessandri, Florent Sacre, Celine Tellier, Paul Tumelaire (graphics)Alexandra Ancel, Hubert Chevillard (graphic research)

**Written by** David Neiss (scenarios and dialogue)Michel Ancel (story)David Gasman (English-language translation)

**Soundtrack by** Éric Chevalier (original music)Daniel Masson (N64 MIDI adaptation)

**Release date** **Nintendo 64:** EU 22nd October, 1999USA 31st October, 1999

**Windows:** EU 29th October, 1999USA 31st October, 1999China 2000

**Dreamcast:** USA 29th February, 2000EU 23rd March, 2000Japan 23rd March, 2000

**PlayStation:** EU 7th September, 2000USA 15th September, 2000Australia 2000

**PlayStation 2:** EU 14th December, 2000USA 30th January, 2001

**Game Boy Color:** USA 14th December, 2001EU 13th February, 2002

**Nintendo DS:** EU 11th March, 2005USA 24th March, 2005

**PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita:** USA 18th December, 2008EU 28th July, 2010

**iOS:** Worldwide 1st March, 2010

**Nintendo 3DS:** EU 25th March, 2011USA 25th March, 2011

**Genre** 3D platformer**Gameplay mode** Single player

 **Platforms** Nintendo 64, PC, Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation, Sony PlayStation 2, Game Boy Color, Nintendo DS, Apple iOS, Sony PlayStation Portable (PlayStation Network), Sony PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network), Sony PlayStation Vita (PlayStation Network), Nintendo 3DS

**Ratings** 7+ (PEGI), E (ESRB)

**Distribution media** Cartridge, CD-ROM, GD-ROM, DVD, digital download

**Game engine** OpenSpace

### Story

In Rayman 2: The Great Escape, the player takes on the role of Rayman, a whimsical and limbless hero from the Glade of Dreams. The game begins with an invasion of Rayman's world by the nefarious Robo-Pirates, led by the sinister Admiral Razorbeard. These robotic pirates have enslaved the peaceful inhabitants of the Glade and imprisoned Rayman's friends, the Teensies.

### Four Masks

Desperate to free his friends and save his world, Rayman embarks on an epic adventure to gather the four legendary masks, each possessing unique powers capable of thwarting Razorbeard's malevolent plans. These masks are the key to awakening Polokus, the ancient god who can restore balance and harmony to the Glade of Dreams.
Fourth
Rayman doesn't gain the powers of the masks himself. Instead, he collects the four masks to awaken Polokus, an ancient spirit with unique powers linked to each mask. Once Polokus is awakened, he helps Rayman by granting him abilities and providing assistance in his quest to save the Glade of Dreams from the Robo-Pirates.

The masks are crucial to awakening Polokus, who then uses his immense power to aid Rayman in his journey. The powers of the masks are separate from Rayman, and he must rely on Polokus to access and use them to defeat the evil forces threatening his world. This adds depth to the story and gameplay as Rayman's quest becomes a collaborative effort with the ancient guardian of the Glade of Dreams.

### Ending

In a climactic showdown, Rayman faces Razorbeard with the combined power of the masks at his disposal. With determination and courage, he emerges victorious, freeing his friends and liberating the Glade of Dreams from the Robo-Pirates' tyranny. The awakening of Polokus brings about a glorious era of peace and harmony to the once embattled world.

### Gameplay

Rayman 2: The Great Escape's gameplay is a seamless blend of 3D platforming, exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat elements. Players control Rayman through diverse environments, collecting magical Lums and freeing trapped Teensies. As Rayman acquires the masks, the gameplay evolves, offering new abilities and mechanics that enhance the experience.

With its captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and imaginative world design, Rayman 2: The Great Escape remains a beloved classic cherished by platformer enthusiasts worldwide. Players are immersed in a unique and unforgettable adventure as they help Rayman become the hero his world desperately needs.

### OST

The game's OST was composed by a talented musician named Eric Chevalier, who is also known by his pseudonym, "Tigran," in the gaming community. Chevalier's composition style for "Rayman 2: The Great Escape" perfectly captures the whimsical, adventurous, and mystical atmosphere of the game. The OST is a blend of various musical genres, including orchestral, ambient, and electronic elements, which work harmoniously to enhance the gameplay and the storytelling.

One of the most iconic tracks from the OST is the main theme, titled "The Great Escape." This theme sets the tone for the game with its uplifting melody and orchestral arrangement, reflecting Rayman's journey to save the world from the evil pirate, Admiral Razorbeard. The melody is both catchy and evocative, making it instantly recognizable to fans of the game.

The soundtrack also includes a wide range of tracks that accompany players through different environments and levels within the game. For instance, the "Globox's House" track features a warm and comforting melody that plays in Globox's home, providing a contrast to the dangers Rayman faces in other parts of the game. "The Marshes of Awakening" showcases a mysterious and atmospheric ambiance, enhancing the eerie feel of the swamp environment.

Another memorable piece is "The Canopy," which plays in the peaceful and lush canopy region. This track captures the tranquility of the environment with its soothing instrumentation and gentle melodies. On the other hand, tracks like "The Iron Mountains" and "The Sanctuary of Water and Ice" incorporate more intense orchestration, adding to the excitement of the gameplay as Rayman confronts challenges and enemies.

One of the defining aspects of the OST is its ability to adapt to the gameplay's dynamics. The music seamlessly transitions between exploration, action sequences, and emotional moments, enhancing players' engagement with the game's world. The dynamic nature of the soundtrack helps players feel immersed in the various settings and situations they encounter.