Rayman Series Creator Comments on Potential Remake

The creator of the Rayman series, Michel Ancel, has just dropped a bombshell, hinting that a remake of the original game may be coming sooner than many expected. Rayman debuted in 1995 on the Atari Jaguar, followed by releases on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. The title followed a lovable floating torso, accompanied by his floating head and limbs, which could be thrown to attack enemies or used to free all the captured Electoons from their cages. The game was an instant hit, resulting in various ports and re-releases, among many future acclaimed entries in the 2D and 3D worlds alike. Whether it’s Rayman 2: The Great Escape, Rayman Origins, or the latest mainline title from 2013, Rayman Legends, the series has always managed to innovate thanks to the strong foundation laid in 1995.

To the dismay of many fans, it seems the series has hit a brick wall as of late. With the latest mainline game releasing over a decade ago, and spin-off titles that haven’t captured the same magic being the only source of recent entertainment, there has been reason for discourse in the Rayman community. When paired with the fact that the Prince of Persia remake and 5 other games were recently canceled by Ubisoft, fans of the platforming icon had their hopes of any new titles brought even lower. With the 30th anniversary of Rayman having just passed, it may seem as though Ubisoft has forgotten about one of its most beloved franchises, although series creator Michel Ancel has something else to say on the matter.

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Rayman Series Creator Says a “Kind of Remake” is Planned

Gameplay footage of Rayman 1 on PS1 - Pic 2

During an interview for the latest issue of Retro Gamer, the Rayman series creator stated, “Even though it’s complex, I think there’s a kind of remake planned,” when talking about the 1995 classic. This certainly lines up with an alleged 30th anniversary edition of Rayman leaking online, although with the fact that Rayman‘s 30th anniversary has passed and Ubisoft’s recent cancellations, it’s unclear if this is still the case. When talking about Rayman‘s debut game, the series creator also commented on how its “pixel-precise gameplay” left it not always easy, but the constraints of the past leave it feeling original today. He also added that the proposed remake would be in HD, with a few extra checkpoints added to lower the frustration modern audiences may face.

It’s clear that, despite the lack of attention and content it has received in recent memory, the Rayman series is still beloved by fans and the series creator himself. Even though this proposed remake wouldn’t seem to add much besides HD and difficulty options, making it sound more like a remaster, any new content would likely go down a treat in the Rayman community. This remake would also provide an opportunity for many fans of the series, likely introduced through the modern titles, to go back and play the game that started it all. With the Rayman Twitter account posting for the first time in four years just a few months ago, and the rumors that have been surfacing around the web of a new entry in the series, it seems more likely now than ever before that Rayman may be getting some content.

Rayman facing Mr. Dark in a promotional still.

Whether Michel Ancel’s information on the alleged Rayman remake was from before Ubisoft canceled many of their upcoming titles might make a difference. Of the seven titles that were scrapped, one was the aforementioned Prince of Persia remake, three were unannounced new IPs, and another was a mobile game, leaving one game unidentified. The chances that this final game was a Rayman remake are thankfully low, especially given the fact that rumors of an anniversary edition being released have still been lingering after the cancellations. It’s clear that so many want more Rayman to play, and with Nintendo Switch Online recently adding Rayman 2: The Great Escape to the N64 lineup, maybe the series will obtain some new fans for this alleged remake. Hopefully, Rayman can finally get the resurgence he has so desperately needed and deserved in recent years, and what better way than through a remake of the game that started it all.