Reviewed
04.02.2000
Publisher
Ubi
Soft
Developer
Ubi
Soft
Format
GD
Origin
Domestic
Available
Mar.
22, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Action
Players
1-4
Options
Backup
2+2
Rumble
VGA
Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
INTRO:
> Back in the days when 2D action platform games were quite popular, Ubi
Soft came up with their own unique mascot named Rayman. As it were,
the first Rayman was available on the Jaguar first -- later it was released
for the Saturn, as well as other consoles. I was excited when I heard
that Ubi Soft would grace the Dreamcast with the sequel as the first game
really shined. Rayman 2 makes the move to full 3D environments and
characters, much the same as Sonic Adventure. The object is to collect
various energy orbs, shoot enemies, free your pals, reach the end of each
multi faceted level, and complete side quests.
GRAPHICS:
> As expected, Rayman 2 is a visual tour de force. The 3D locales
are huge and include ice, swamp, cavernous, and pond themes (to name a
few). In a word, "excellent" perfectly describes the sight distance,
as there's no appreciable draw in. Naturally, special effects abound
including sun beams, reflections, transparency, and fiery explosions.
> Most of Rayman 2's characters will not blow you away with an amazing
polygon count or model intricacy. However, the characters get the
job done, especially the bosses. Once you consider that the frame
rate is a rock solid 60 fps, you'll quickly come to appreciate Ubi Soft's
3D engine.
> The main view is above and behind Rayman -- very much like Sonic Adventure.
You can also select a first person view to see all the surroundings.
This is especially helpful in finding the path you need to take, the many
power orbs, and your friends in need.
CONTROL:
> Absolutely mint. Great response and intuitive controls make for
a happy gamer. You spend most of your time running, jumping, avoiding
obstacles, shooting, and collecting orbs. Other activities include
water skiing, floating, throwing bombs, and riding a two legged shell.
From start to finish, Rayman 2 screams tight, satisfying control.
Naturally, Ubi Soft had to throw in some "ice" areas where your control
response suffers.
SOUND:
> I really enjoyed Rayman 2's music and so will you. It has a combination
of mellow and rockin' tunes which set the tone for the current level.
Definitely above average in sea of average tunes to be heard in games these
days.
> The sound effects are great as well. Your interaction with various
on screen objects always yields a new convincing effect. Rayman and
his friends even do some speaking, albeit in Rayman-ish. It's a good
thing there are subtitles!
FUN:
> Rayman 2 has a ton of levels (21) filled with mild puzzles and various
foes. One really cool feature is that if you die mid stream, the
orbs you've collected remain with you. It's important to collect
everything in order to open up bonus areas (note: the Dreamcast version
has exclusive bonus levels). Some levels have to be visited more
than once in order to fulfill this requirement. All I can say is
that Rayman 2 is fresh and full of enjoyable gameplay. Add in internet
downloads and a multi player mini game and you get one heck of a value
for the dollar spent.
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