In 2010, the beloved character Rayman seemed to have faded into obscurity. Following two successful minigame collections alongside his co-stars, the mischievous Rabbids, Rayman was dethroned from his position as Ubisoft’s mascot. Instead, he found himself making cameo appearances in games like “Academy of Champions: Soccer.” This period marked a decline in Rayman’s prominence within the gaming world, leaving fans yearning for more of his adventures.
Similarly, the iconic character Sam Fisher has experienced a comparable fate in recent years, as his appearances have become increasingly infrequent, leaving fans eager for his return to the spotlight.
Then, a miraculous turn of events occurred – Ubisoft released “Rayman Origins,” a visually stunning 2D platformer boasting exceptional gameplay, breathtaking music, and an abundance of charm. This game managed to rekindle players’ affection for the limbless protagonist, effectively erasing memories of his overshadowing by the Rabbids.
“Origins” represented an incredible fresh start for Rayman, but it was merely the beginning of his resurgence. Two years later, Ubisoft Montpellier repeated their success with “Rayman Legends.”This sequel did not just improve upon the first game; it went above and beyond to become one of the greatest 2D platformers ever made.With these exceptional titles, it seemed that the future was destined to be even brighter for Rayman.
Regrettably, despite the overwhelming critical acclaim garnered by his recent games, Rayman once again slipped into obscurity, with only a handful of minor mobile releases to keep his legacy alive. However, after a prolonged decade of silence, fans of the limbless hero finally have reason to celebrate. Ubisoft Milan has taken the helm and brought Rayman back to the forefront of gaming, albeit in an ironic twist, as he stars in a game alongside the very creatures, the Rabbids, who initially displaced him from the spotlight.
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“I began contemplating the DLC as soon as I noticed that the development of ‘Sparks of Hope’ was progressing in the right direction,” reveals Davide Solani, the creative director behind the game. “I was excited about the idea of finishing this amazing adventure in ‘Sparks of Hope’ with Rayman, especially since the Rabbids first appeared in a Rayman game. It felt like the right decision to bring Rayman back into the fold.”
Rayman’s appearance in “Rayman in the Phantom Show” marks his triumphant return to the gaming world after a considerable absence. This presented Ubisoft Milan with a unique opportunity to redesign the character for his reintroduction, making it the first time he’s been rendered in 3D since his model as a Super Smash Bros. Trophy in 2014.
Davide Solani shares that the design process for Rayman’s new look in the game was extensive. The objective was to create something “fresh, contemporary, and in harmony with our universe.” The team invested significant effort into refining Rayman’s facial expressions, body, and footwear. They also decided to take a bold step by introducing pockets and a larger hood, aiming to provide the limbless protagonist with added comfort and a unique sense of identity beyond his adventures. This redesign represents a thoughtful and updated take on the iconic character.
Ofcourse, one of the most iconic aspects of Rayman’s design is his hair. In addition to his distinctive limbless appearance, his hair plays a crucial role in defining his character. Rayman’s hair serves a dual purpose – it enables him to fly and contributes to his overall stylish appearance. It’s a fundamental and recognizable component of his iconic look.
Davide Solani explains that Rayman’s hair is one of the most representative aspects of the character. The design team aimed to strike a balance between maintaining a distinct and recognizable appearance while avoiding excessive details. They focused on creating a fully animatable tuft of hair that would emphasize the character’s charisma and ability to convey emotions effectively. This approach allows Rayman’s hair to contribute to his identity without overwhelming the overall design.
Sparks of Hope doesn’t just introduce a new design for Rayman; it also pays homage to his rich history. The Phantom Show is packed with references to Rayman’s past adventures, including reimagined versions of his combat attire from Hoodlum Havoc, nods to Globox and plum juice from the same game, a cardboard recreation of the first level from his original adventure, and even references to the pirates from Rayman 2.
Another notable Easter Egg pointed out by Davide Solani is Rayman’s weapon in the game, which resembles the plunger gun he used in Raving Rabbids. Despite the chaotic events that transpired in that game, Rayman is proudly wielding a brand-new version of this weapon in the Phantom Show.
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In addition to Rayman’s return, The Phantom Show DLC also brings back David Gasman, the voice actor who portrayed Rayman in most of the games in the series before Douglas Rand took over the role for Origins, Legends, and the mobile spin-offs.
Davide Solani expressed his delight at David Gasman’s return to voice Rayman, saying, “Like many players, David Gasman is Rayman’s voice to me. We also used David as Rabbid Mario in Sparks of Hope, and it was a lot of fun working with him. The idea of having him go crazy voicing both Rayman and Rabbid Mario was too good to pass up.”
The DLC not only marks a reunion between Rayman and the players but also between Rayman and the Rabbids. While Rayman hasn’t shared much screen time with the Rabbids since “TV Party,” this DLC provides an opportunity for them to interact once again.
The DLC storyline acknowledges the time gap by having Rayman initially hold a grudge against the Rabbids. However, as the story progresses, they begin to work together, and Rayman sets aside his grudges to be a hero once again.
Davide Solani said that they do not know what the future holds for Rayman, but that working on the character was an honor for everyone involved. While the future of the Rayman franchise is uncertain, it is clear that Ubisoft Milan holds the character in high regard and enjoyed bringing him back for this DLC. Fans will have to wait and see what lies ahead for Rayman in future games or projects.
