Already making a huge splash on the DC, N64, PC and getting much momentum for the upcoming PS version, Rayman 2 seems to be the talk of the town these days. The Nintendo version was the first one released and out of all the current versions is the weakest in every category. The PC version followed shortly and is considered to be the second to best. The Dreamcast version is without a doubt the best one. We have one in the office and I have spent a lot of time playing the DC game. It is quite a remarkable game, the graphics are already pushing the DC and I think it will take a very long time before I see another or play another console platformer like Rayman 2. The main point of the game is to find your lost friend Globox, I won't reveal any more info in the intro. If you want to know more you have to read.

      Visually UbiSoft promises sharper, smoother, and more enhanced visuals. The PS2 will be using its technological advantages over Sega to make the best of Rayman 2. Take a look at the first screens of Rayman 2: Revolution, notice how the graphics look much more sharper than its DC counterpart. Not only that, but the lighting in all of the stages is set more realistically. The improvement in detail is much smoother than the PC version or the DC version. Having played both of them that is an easy bet to place. Rayman has never looked so good, Ubisoft's promise seems to be very true. More on the visuals as more screens and possibly videos are released.

      Ubisoft has said that instead of the linear gameplay which is in all of the current Rayman 2 games, the PS2 version will let gamers roam around more. What I loved about the DC version of Rayman 2 was the awesome control, I felt as if the game was made to be played on the DC pad. The layout of the buttons was ideal for my hand. The A and B buttons were the main action buttons, while X and Y rotated the camera. Then we have the shoulder buttons, the left one locks Rayman on to an enemy and the right one brings up his status. The first thing that will be noticed is the level change that the PS2 version of Rayman 2 will receive. Ubisoft says that the PS2 levels in Rayman 2 will be re-designed, but not to the point that they are completely different from the DC or PC counterpart. On a final note, Rayman2: Revolution has also been reported to be the hardest version out of the three current ones and the upcoming PS version. My one question is whether or not the PS2 version will feature voice acting like its Playstation brother.

      Rayman 2: Revolution should be released before the year's end on PS2. I am currently eagerly waiting for the PS version and now I can add the PS2 version to the list as well. It seems as if Ubi Soft is trying to make each Rayman games as distinct as possible from one another. My advice is that if you are an owner (or will own) the DC, PS2, or PS, I suggest picking up all three versions of Rayman 2 (don't buy all three, I am just making a point here). Their distinct qualities make them all feel like new adventures, especially the PS version. Ubi Soft will be implementing voice acting as well as new stages for the original PS gamers.

06/12/00  SolidSnake

Playstation 2

Scheduled release date:
TBA

Publisher:
Ubi Soft

Developer:
Ubi Soft

Genre:
Platform

Number of Players:
1