Rayman 1

Published by Ubi Soft Entertainment

**Developed by** Ubi Soft Montpellier

**Designed by** Michel Ancel and Serge Hascoët with Bruno Bouvret, Sacha Gentilhomme, Michael Guez, Christophe Thibaut**Programmed by** Vincent Greco, Yann Le Tensorer, Daniel Palix

**Art by** Alexandra Ancel (characters)Eric Pelatan, Sylvaine Jenny (backgrounds) **Soundtrack by** Nathalie Drouet, Rémi Gazel, Frédéric Louvre, Frédéric Prados and Olaf Zalcman

**Release date**
**PlayStation:** USA 1st September, 1995, Japan 22nd September, 1995, EU 29th September, 1995

**Jaguar:** USA 9th September, 1995

**Saturn:** EU 30th October, 1995, Japan 17th November, 1995

**PC/MS-DOS:** EU December, 1995, USA 30th April, 1996, China 1996

**Game Boy Advance:**  USA 10th June, 2001, EU 22nd June, 2001

**PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita:**  EU 29th May, 2008, USA 17th July, 2008

**Nintendo DSi:**  USA 7th December, 2009, EU 25th December, 2009

**iOS:**  Worldwide 18th February, 2016

**Android:**  Worldwide 17th March, 2016

**PlayStation Classic:**  Worldwide 3rd December, 2018

**Genre** 2D platformer**Gameplay mode** Single player

**Platforms** Sony PlayStation, Atari Jaguar, Sega Saturn, PC/MS-DOS, Game Boy Advance, Sony PlayStation Portable (PlayStation Network), Sony PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network), Sony PlayStation Vita (PlayStation Network), Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo eShop), Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, Nokia 9210, iOS, Android, PlayStation Classic

**Ratings** 3+ (PEGI), E (ESRB)

**Distribution media** CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, cartridge, digital download

### Story

In the whimsical world of Rayman 1, chaos ensues as the peaceful land is thrown into disarray by the sinister Mr. Dark, who steals the Great Protoon, a powerful and mystical artifact that maintains the balance of the world. With the Great Protoon gone, the Electoons who once thrived are now trapped, and the dreamlike world itself begins to deteriorate.

As Rayman, a limbless and carefree hero, players embark on a journey to save the Electoons and restore harmony to the Dream Forest. Armed with his unique ability to throw his fists and glide using his hair, Rayman must overcome challenging obstacles, confront bizarre creatures, and ultimately face Mr. Dark to bring an end to the chaos and restore peace.

### The Dream Forest

The Dream Forest is the enchanting starting point of Rayman's adventure. This vibrant and lush realm is teeming with giant mushrooms, floating platforms, and peculiar creatures. Trees have eyes, and flowers exude mischievous giggles. The forest holds secrets within its dense foliage, and the whimsical atmosphere provides a perfect introduction to the magical world that awaits.

### Band Land

As Rayman progresses, he enters the musical realm of Band Land. Here, everything pulsates to the beat of a rhythmic melody. Giant saxophones and drums serve as platforms, and mischievous saxophone enemies try to thwart Rayman's progress. The landscape is a symphony of vibrant colors and funky tunes, giving players a visual and auditory treat.

### Blue Mountains

Next on Rayman's adventure is the serene yet treacherous Blue Mountains. Players traverse through icy slopes, dodging falling boulders and leaping across chasms. The crystalline caverns and frozen waterfalls create a serene yet perilous environment. The challenge here lies not only in the platforming but also in the unpredictability of the icy terrain.

### Picture City

Picture City offers a surreal experience as Rayman ventures into a realm where art comes to life. This world is a fusion of reality and imagination, where platforms are created from paint strokes, and enemies are drawn into existence. The backdrop shifts between abstract and realistic art styles, creating a visually dynamic and puzzling adventure.

### The Caves of Skops

The Caves of Skops provide an eerie twist to Rayman's journey. In this dimly lit labyrinth, players navigate through intricate mazes, avoid deadly traps, and confront creepy enemies. The phosphorescent flora casts an otherworldly glow, guiding Rayman through the darkness. The sense of exploration and tension is heightened in this atmospheric world.

### Candy Château

Candy Château is the whimsical yet challenging finale of Rayman's quest. Set within a candy-coated castle, the environment is a sugary blend of sweets and dangers. Liquorice bridges sway, giant cupcakes crumble, and edible platforms prove both helpful and hazardous. This world tests the player's platforming skills to the fullest as they inch closer to the ultimate confrontation with Mr. Dark.

### Gameplay

Rayman 1's gameplay is a unique blend of platforming, action, and exploration. Unlike other platformers, Rayman lacks limbs, using his fist-throwing ability as a primary means of attack and puzzle-solving. His hair acts as a helicopter-like glider, allowing for precise jumps and controlled descents. The diverse worlds demand adaptive strategies, be it timing jumps in Band Land or navigating hazards in the Caves of Skops.

With its whimsical art style, captivating music, and innovative mechanics, Rayman 1 remains an iconic and unforgettable adventure that stands as a testament to the creativity and uniqueness of the gaming world.

### OST

The original soundtrack (OST) of the game "Rayman 1" is a notable aspect that greatly contributes to the game's unique atmosphere and gameplay experience. Composed by Rémi Gazel, the soundtrack captures the whimsical and fantastical nature of the game's world, enhancing the player's immersion into the vibrant and imaginative universe of Rayman.

The OST features a diverse range of musical styles, each tailored to the different environments and levels within the game. From the soothing and mysterious melodies of the Dream Forest to the upbeat and energetic rhythms of the Band Land, the music creates an emotional connection between the player and the game world. The soundtrack seamlessly adapts to the changing atmospheres, enhancing the sense of progression and discovery as players explore the various stages.

One of the standout tracks from the "Rayman 1" OST is the Main Theme, which sets the whimsical and adventurous tone of the game right from the start. This theme is instantly recognizable and remains an iconic piece of video game music to this day. Another memorable track is the music accompanying the first level, the Dream Forest. With its enchanting and almost ethereal quality, this music helps establish the game's fantastical setting.