As easy as it is to think of Assassin's Creed or Rainbow Six among Ubisoft's best IPs, you can't count out Rayman. The eponymous limbless hero has had many exciting adventures throughout the 2D and 3D platformer genres. He’s also due soon for a new take with the upcoming Rayman Legends Retold.
A remake of his most recent mainline game is an interesting choice. It made me consider that the franchise hasn’t had too many misses and that got me thinking about what I feel are his actual greatest hits. If you’re also curious, then follow along for my ranking of the best Rayman games to check out before Rayman Legends Retold.
5. Rayman
It's not difficult to see how this franchise immediately became so beloved. The original Rayman is an audio and visual delight of a 2D platformer that continues to feel wholly unique today.
Is it an obscenely difficult game that once led to me using cheat codes to experience the second half? Yes. However, even now, I'm still enamored by how charming it all looks and sounds. The frustration is worth the admission.
4. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
The second 3D platformer in the mainline series is a game that's always had my heart. It doesn't have the mystical atmosphere and great pacing of its predecessor, but it does set the tone for every game after with wacky humor and action platforming.
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc's best trait is keeping you engaged. Even when the action feels padded out by the end, power-ups that change Rayman's color palette help mix things up. The serviceable story is also uplifted by wonderfully written humor and terrific voice acting.
3. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
After just one entry in the franchise, Rayman 2: The Great Escape made a sharp pivot from a 2D platformer into a 3D platformer. Amazingly enough, it's the best 3D platformer in the series and one of the best period.
Part of that praise is because it actually controls well for a late 90's 3D platformer. A slightly serious story with a contrast of charming characters also gives it a unique identity in the genre. Don't let the darker atmosphere fool you though - the game still has some incredible usage of colors.
2. Rayman Origins
After 10 years of 3D platformers (and briefly being sidelined by the Rabbids), this limbless hero returned to 2D platforming in Rayman Origins. While it isn't nearly as difficult as the first game, every other aspect has been updated and modernized.
The most striking part of Rayman Origins is the beautiful art style. Between that and the fantastic soundtrack, wonderful level design, and four-player multiplayer, this is basically the perfect Rayman game. The only thing better would be a sequel that managed to improve upon everything in this title...
1. Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is an amazing sequel to Rayman Origins and easily the best game featuring the helicopter hair-spinning hero. Better lighting and detail help the visuals stand out further, but it's more than a facelift.
Controls feel snappier and the addition of more puzzle segments and gimmicks (including a handful of music-based levels) provides some nice variety. Numerous unlockables, ranging from different character skins to 40 remade levels from Rayman Origins, make this the gift that keeps on giving.
The best thing about this list is that all of these games are playable on modern hardware. Rayman Legends Retold will even include Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition with it. You’re in for a fist-flying fun time no matter what Rayman game you play.
