20 More Cult Classics Trapped On Old Consoles

With the first Rayman game deservedly getting a re-release on modern hardware, and with the announcement of the upcoming remake of Rayman Legends, the time is right to shout out the second game in the series. 

While not held to quite the same standard as that excellent first instalment, Rayman 2: The Great Escape has a strong following thanks to its darker tone and successful move to 3D, with many fans longing for a return to this style following the more recent 2D adventures. While many know the revamped PS2 version, Rayman Revolution, fewer played the original version of the game released in 1999. The story focuses on the titular Rayman, attempting to save his home, The Glade of Dreams, from a robotic pirate invasion. It is an ambitious step up from its predecessor, containing new elements that have all stood the test of time. 

Its jump to 3D for example, results in presentation and platforming sections that feel sophisticated for 1999. It also has a much darker tone, with a heightened focus on cinematic storytelling. Combat also holds up, and the cast of characters such as fan-favourite Globox, and the Teensie kings, are all memorable. The result is a sequel that does a lot of things right without excelling at only one thing, but the end product is a game that still feels decent to play today. It is this well-realised ambition that gives it its staying power, and it is also the reason that the game would do well if presented to a more modern audience. Perhaps the increased attention that the series is getting will make Ubisoft consider dusting off this trapped sequel too.