History VideoGame / Rayman2TheGreatEscape

''Rayman 2'' is also particularly infamous for having been [[CapcomSequelStagnation re-released]] on [[PortOverdosed countless platforms]]: the game was originally released on the Platform/{{Nintendo 64}}, and since then has seen versions on PC[[note]]''Two'' PC versions even, because TechnologyMarchesOn -- the original 1999 release doesn't work very well or flat out doesn't work on 64-bit [=OSes=]; an issue that is the main fixing point of the 2011 digital rerelease by Good Old Games[[/note]], Platform/{{PlayStation}}[[note]]Which is a ReformulatedGame developed by Ubisoft Shanghai[[/note]], Platform/GameBoyColor, [[Platform/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]], Platform/{{PlayStation 2}}[[note]]Retitled to ''Rayman Revolution'', known as ''Rayman 2 Revolution'' in North America[[/note]], Platform/NintendoDS, [[UsefulNotes/IOSGames Apple iOS]] and Platform/Nintendo3DS, each version bringing at least some new features with them. Out of all these ports, the most comprehensive is the [=PS2=] version, retitled ''Rayman Revolution'' (''Rayman 2: Revolution'' in North America) and featuring a whole new [[HubLevel hub-world]] to explore, along with a graphical update and a slew of new minigames.

''Rayman 2'' is also particularly infamous for having been [[CapcomSequelStagnation re-released]] on [[PortOverdosed countless platforms]]: the game was originally released on the Platform/{{Nintendo 64}}, and since then has seen versions on PC[[note]]''Two'' PC versions even, because TechnologyMarchesOn -- the original 1999 release doesn't work very well or flat out doesn't work on 64-bit [=OSes=]; an issue that is the main fixing point of the 2011 digital rerelease by Good Old Games[[/note]], Platform/{{PlayStation}}[[note]]Which is a ReformulatedGame developed by Ubisoft Shanghai[[/note]], Platform/GameBoyColor, [[Platform/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]], Platform/{{PlayStation 2}}, Platform/NintendoDS, [[UsefulNotes/IOSGames Apple iOS]] and Platform/Nintendo3DS, each version bringing at least some new features with them. Out of all these ports, the most comprehensive is the [=PS2=] version, retitled ''Rayman Revolution'' (''Rayman 2: Revolution'' in North America) and featuring a whole new [[HubLevel hub-world]] to explore, along with a graphical update and a slew of new minigames.

''Rayman 2'' is also particularly infamous for having been [[CapcomSequelStagnation re-released]] on [[PortOverdosed countless platforms]]: the game was originally released on the Platform/{{Nintendo 64}}, and since then has seen versions on PC[[note]]''Two'' PC versions even, because TechnologyMarchesOn -- the original 1999 release doesn't work very well or flat out doesn't work on 64-bit [=OSes=]; an issue that is the main fixing point of the 2011 digital rerelease by Good Old Games[[/note]], Platform/{{PlayStation}}, Platform/GameBoyColor, [[Platform/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]], Platform/{{PlayStation 2}}, Platform/NintendoDS, [[UsefulNotes/IOSGames Apple iOS]] and Platform/Nintendo3DS, each version bringing at least some new features with them. Out of all these ports, the most comprehensive is the [=PS2=] version, retitled ''Rayman Revolution'' (''Rayman 2: Revolution'' in North America) and featuring a whole new [[HubLevel hub-world]] to explore, along with a graphical update and a slew of new minigames.

* ReformulatedGame: The [=PS1=] version was developed from scratch by Ubisoft Shanghai, due to the system being weaker than the other platforms Rayman 2 was released for. As a result, it had levels that were either cut or merged into other levels, as well as simplified level geometry. Rayman controlling differently was also the result of a different developer. On top of that, changes to the presentation were made, including full voice acting replacing the Raymanese gibberish, Ludivs, Greenbottles and Minisaurus replacing the Lums in the cages, Ly replacing Murfy as the game's tutorial character, and even scrapped elements from the N64 original like the Antitoons appear here.

''Rayman 2'' is also particularly infamous for having been [[CapcomSequelStagnation re-released]] on [[PortOverdosed countless platforms]]: the game was originally released on the UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}}, and since then has seen versions on PC[[note]]''Two'' PC versions even, because TechnologyMarchesOn -- the original 1999 release doesn't work very well or flat out doesn't work on 64-bit [=OSes=]; an issue that is the main fixing point of the 2011 digital rerelease by Good Old Games[[/note]], UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation}}, UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor, [[UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]], UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 2}}, UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, [[UsefulNotes/IOSGames Apple iOS]] and UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS, each version bringing at least some new features with them. Out of all these ports, the most comprehensive is the [=PS2=] version, retitled ''Rayman Revolution'' (''Rayman 2: Revolution'' in North America) and featuring a whole new [[HubLevel hub-world]] to explore, along with a graphical update and a slew of new minigames.

* BootstrappedTheme: Rayman's theme in this game would end up being synonymous with the series for quite some time. Come ''Rayman 3'' this would dwindle down, but it stuck around for nearly ''four'' of the handheld adaptations (the two UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor games, ''Rayman 3'' on the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance, and ''Rayman: The Hoodlums' Revenge''). Downplayed since all of the main series games haven't kept this as the theme (and even ''VideoGame/RaymanM'' didn't keep it), but it still deserves mention when nearly all the handheld spinoffs released after treated it as the main theme.

* CapcomSequelStagnation: Ubisoft seem to be intent on releasing Rayman 2 on every new platform that comes out. It's saying quite a bit that Rayman 2 came out for the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64, yet was a launch title for both the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS ''and'' its successor system, the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS.

* ColorCodedSpeech: For the non UsefulNotes/PlayStation versions, Rayman's subtitles are colored blue while the [=NPC=] subtitles are colored yellow. Averted with the UsefulNotes/PlayStation version, where all the subtitles are blue. Regardless of which version, certain nouns are highlighted red.

* OriginStory: The game's backstory provides [[MultipleChoicePast one of several]] for Rayman himself; noting that he was found on a beach by fishermen on the Sea Of Lums, snoozing beneath a tree. Many wondered if he was even alive, but once he woke up, Rayman soon settled in and [[NiceGuy made many friends through his energy and good humor]], and [[VideoGame/Rayman1 upon defeating Mr. Dark]], proved himself worthy of being the hero of the Glade Of Dreams.

* SuperTitle64Advance: ''[[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS Rayman DS]]'' and ''[[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS Rayman 3D]]''.

* ThirdIs3D: ''Rayman 3D'' (the [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]] version) is the third iteration of this game on a Creator/{{Nintendo}} handheld, first one being on the UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor (as a 2D platformer called ''Rayman 2: Forever''), and the second one for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS (as ''Rayman DS'').

* UpdatedRerelease: Apart from the PC, UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 and DS versions, no two versions of this game are the same.

%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.

* FlameSpewingObstacle: There are several of these, mainly in the Sanctuary of Stone and Fire and in the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava. Some of them have intervals in which the player can pass by when not active, others spew continuous flames at which the player has to move over the flames. Some of these even rotate in position at certain parts of the levels.

''Rayman 2: The Great Escape'', originally released in 1999, is the first 3D title in the ''VideoGame/{{Rayman}}'' franchise, bringing with it a fully 3D world, a wide variety of skills that the player character could utilize, and a much more fleshed-out and consistent backstory, to the point of (until the ArcWelding sequel ''VideoGame/RaymanOrigins'' 12 years later) essentially being set in an AlternateContinuity from the [[VideoGame/Rayman1 first game]] altogether and setting the stage for the rest of the series to build upon.

''Rayman 2'' is also particularly infamous for having been [[CapcomSequelStagnation re-released to countless platforms]]: the game was originally released on the UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}}, and since then has seen versions on PC[[note]]''Two'' PC versions even, because TechnologyMarchesOn -- the original 1999 release doesn't work very well or flat out doesn't work on 64-bit [=OSes=]; an issue that is the main fixing point of the 2011 digital rerelease by Good Old Games[[/note]], UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation}}, UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor, [[UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]], UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 2}}, UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, [[UsefulNotes/IOSGames Apple iOS]] and UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS, each version bringing at least some new features with them. Out of all these ports, the most comprehensive is the [=PS2=] version, retitled ''Rayman Revolution'' (''Rayman 2: Revolution'' in North America) and featuring a whole new [[HubLevel hub-world]] to explore, along with a graphical update and a slew of new minigames.

''Rayman 2'' is also particularly infamous for having been ported to countless platforms following its release: the game was originally released on the UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}}, and since then has seen versions on PC[[note]]''Two'' PC versions even, because TechnologyMarchesOn -- the original 1999 release doesn't work very well or flat out doesn't work on 64-bit [=OSes=]; an issue that is the main fixing point of the 2011 digital rerelease by Good Old Games[[/note]], UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation}}, UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor, [[UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]], UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 2}}, UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, [[UsefulNotes/IOSGames Apple iOS]] and UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS, each version bringing at least some new features with them. Out of all these ports, the most comprehensive is the [=PS2=] version, retitled ''Rayman Revolution'' (''Rayman 2: Revolution'' in North America) and featuring a whole new [[HubLevel hub-world]] to explore, along with a graphical update and a slew of new minigames.

* FakeDifficulty: To give the game a "cinematic experience" you can expect abrupt mid-air changes of camera angles without warning. This alters the orientation of your controls, and thus, ''[[CameraScrew screws]]'' you over.

* AMoltenDateWithDeath: Admiral Razorbeard promises to punish a pirate who [[YouHaveFailedMe failed to dispose of Rayman]] by dumping him in molten lava. This also happens to Razorbeard himself in the FinalBoss battle while piloting the [[HumongousMecha Grolgoth]].

* ExpositionFairy: Murfy. [[StopHelpingMe How annoying he is]] tends to depend on whether he's speaking English or "Raymanese".

* BatmanGambit: It's not commented on, but Globox and Ly's plan to break Rayman out of the prison ship banked on two specific factors: Globox being thrown into Rayman's cell - rather than any of the thousands of other cells/cages present on the ship - and Rayman's cell having an easily accessible AirVentPassageway for him to break out of.

* ArtifactMook: The Cave of Bad Dreams has mini-versions of Jano hounding Rayman throughout the area before a showdown with Jano himself. This is all well and good in Jano's homeworld, but another Mini Jano (two in the [=PS1=] version) appears in The Sanctuary of Stone and Fire, despite Jano himself being nowhere near said location.

* BenevolentArchitecture: Floating rings and platforms that are uncannily useful, or objects/switches that coincidentally allow you to use them ''only'' with a specific power you happen to have acquired…

* UncertainDoom: Unlike the other versions, in the Playstation 1 and Playstation 2 versions Razorbeard is not seen escaping and surviving his ship's explosion during the end credits, making his final fate, whether he survived the explosion of his ship or not, unclear (he would have very unlikely survived in the other versions where he is seen surviving, since the countdown for the self-destruction of the Grologoth was shockingly short, only 5 seconds). In ''Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc''', however, there's an EasterEgg in which Razorbeard makes a brief cameo along with several of his Robo-Pirates. They can be found in the third part of the "Hoodlum Headquarters", in a secret chamber hidden within a gigantic boiler. What appear to be apparent statues of Razorbeard and his robots are seated at a large table, in a parody of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, ''The Last Supper'', with Razorbeard in the place of Jesus. The pirates are covered in cobwebs, and do not move or speak. It is unknown if these are simply statues, or if they are the Robo-Pirates themselves, having died or run out of energy and found by the Hoodlums.

* UncertainDoom: Unlike the other versions, in the Playstation 1 and Playstation 2 versions Razorbeard is not seeing escaping during the end credits, making his final fate, whether he survived the explosion of his ship or not, unclear (he would have very unlikely survived in the other versions where he is seen surviving, since the countdown for the self-destruction of the Grologoth was shockingly short, only 5 seconds). In ''Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc''', however, there's an EasterEgg in which Razorbeard makes a brief cameo along with several of his Robo-Pirates. They can be found in the third part of the "Hoodlum Headquarters", in a secret chamber hidden within a gigantic boiler. What appear to be apparent statues of Razorbeard and his robots are seated at a large table, in a parody of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, ''The Last Supper'', with Razorbeard in the place of Jesus. The pirates are covered in cobwebs, and do not move or speak. It is unknown if these are simply statues, or if they are the Robo-Pirates themselves, having died or run out of energy and found by the Hoodlums.

* UncertainDoom: Unlike the other versions, in the Playstation 2 and Playstation 1 versions Razorbeard is not seeing escaping during the end credits, making his final fate, whether he survived the explosion of his ship or not, unclear (he would have very unlikely survived in the other versions where he is seen surviving, since the countdown for the self-destruction of the Grologoth was shockingly short, only 5 seconds).

* UncertainDoom: Unlike the other versions, in the Playstation 2 and Playstation 1 versions Razorbeard is not seeing escaping during the end credits, making his final fate, whether he survived the explosion of his ship, unclear (he would have very unlikely survived in the other versions where he is seen surviving, since the countdown for the self-destruction of the Grologoth was shockingly short, only 5 seconds).

* OneTimeDungeon: In the ''Revolution'' port, the first two sections of the Woods of Light (Rayman's prison cell in the Buccaneer and the opening woods section) cannot be revisited once completed.