"Yahoo! Alright ladies and gents, let's roll!"
Article by: Polo
Pictured from: Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Created by: Ubisoft
First appearance: 1995
Bio
How does one born without arms, legs, or even a neck keep his head and extremities close together? The world may never know, but this enigma doesn't seem the least bit odd to Rayman, who stars in a series of platformers where physics-defying phenomena are commonplace. His distinct anatomy, heroic antics, and personality all help him shine as Ubisoft's official mascot.
A typical Rayman adventure involves the limbless one rescuing his friends and reclaiming his world from whatever swarm of invaders descends upon it. Villains like the cloaked Mr. Dark, the pirate Admiral Razorbeard, and the Rabbids all have their own methods of stirring up trouble, from stealing a world-balancing essence to imprisoning the natives. Among the good guys, there's Lums (magical bugs), Teensies (stout advisors), and Fairies like Betilla and Ly, who grant Rayman some of his powers to fight their would-be conquerors.
Punching is Rayman's primary mode of attack — he winds up and throws his fists not only to pummel enemies, but also to move obstacles from his path. His range increases in the second game when he can shoot energy spheres from his mitts. There's a power-up in the third game called Laser Washing Powder which, when picked up, dresses Rayman in one of several combat fatigues that come equipped with unique abilities, such as lowering platforms, shooting guided missiles, and electrocuting enemies. Even his quaffs of hair have a use: they can spin like a helicopter propeller and allow him to fly or glide through the air.
Whatever the price Rayman must pay for his own freedom and others', at least it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Selected game appearances
Jaguar
- Rayman (1995)
Nintendo 64
- Rayman 2: The Great Escape (1999)
GameCube
- Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc (2003)
Wii
- Rayman Raving Rabbids (2006)
References
- Wikipedia - "Rayman (character)"
- Rayman instruction manual
- Rayman 2: The Great Escape instruction manual
- Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc instruction manual
- Rayman Wiki - "Rayman"
