Rayman 2: The Great Escape

 Nintendo 64
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 122 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 107 out of 122
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 122
  3. Negative: 6 out of 122
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  1. GenuineOpinion
    Feb 29, 2012
    10
    BenjaminB. is a freaking loonatic. This game oozes with creativity, and unique gameplay DK64 failed to offer. Not that DK64 was a bad game, it's like comparing salt to sugar. They're two completely different things. All in all, wonderful game.
  2. MichaelMcKitt
    Apr 2, 2011
    9
    Well, Rayman 2: The Great Escape was certainly a great addition to my gaming collection as a young child. I honestly didn't expect to be hooked as much to Rayman 2, considering I found the first instalment to be particularly frustrating. However, I loved it. The controls were practically flawless, with a few minor hiccups, like when the camera angle suddenly spun around and you forgetWell, Rayman 2: The Great Escape was certainly a great addition to my gaming collection as a young child. I honestly didn't expect to be hooked as much to Rayman 2, considering I found the first instalment to be particularly frustrating. However, I loved it. The controls were practically flawless, with a few minor hiccups, like when the camera angle suddenly spun around and you forget which way you're supposed to be heading. Was it left, or right? The audio was absolutely amazing. Tension when tension was required, and excitement when excitement was required. The only part of this game I didn't particularly enjoy was the storyline. There was simply too many characters to understand what was going on when I was a child. However, I didn't let this bother me. Some levels were incredibly hard (The Sanctuary of Stone and Fire to name just one), however I had good fun giving them a go. I am awaiting the arrival of Rayman 3D on the Nintendo 3DS (which is this game, but on the 3DS). I hope it's just as good and too many things haven't changed, otherwise I may never get another chance to play this game...… Expand
  3. maxxy3000
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    Well, this was one of the first games i played as a kid, and I can honestly say, that it is still one of my favourites. It held beautiful art and graphics that just captivated you; puzzling challenges that can keep you thrilled; and a simple, yet adorable story, that leads through this mystical world...
  4. GameReviewer11
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    This game is one of the best games I've ever played. It has great visuals, great gameplay and the difficulty is perfect. The levels in the game are nicely varied as well. There's nothing bad I can really say about this game, however some of the later ports are known to have some issues and the Playstation version of this game (from what I've heard) is missing some levels.

    I'd recommend    This game is one of the best games I've ever played. It has great visuals, great gameplay and the difficulty is perfect. The levels in the game are nicely varied as well. There's nothing bad I can really say about this game, however some of the later ports are known to have some issues and the Playstation version of this game (from what I've heard) is missing some levels.

    I'd recommend playing this on PC or Dreamcast as well as the Nintendo 64.    … Expand
  5. MichelleP.
    Sep 8, 2003
    10
    Don't judge a book buy its cover. This may look cheesy, but it really isn't. I remember the first time I got to play it, it was with my cousin and man, it was fun. The settings and are beautiful and unique, as well as the character designs and the characters themselves. While the game may look like another Banjo Kazooie, it really isn't. It has a dark and exciting. It has a Don't judge a book buy its cover. This may look cheesy, but it really isn't. I remember the first time I got to play it, it was with my cousin and man, it was fun. The settings and are beautiful and unique, as well as the character designs and the characters themselves. While the game may look like another Banjo Kazooie, it really isn't. It has a dark and exciting. It has a dose of great humor in it as well. Oh yeah, and it's extremely fun to play as well as it is entertaining for those people around you to watch. Rayman himself is probably the coolest hero next to Link. Don't ignore this one!!… Expand
  6. EwanM
    Apr 11, 2009
    10
    Ah, I remember that day, in 1998, I was 12 years old. Walking through the game store, looking for something to spend my money on. Aha!, Banjo-Kazooie! My little sister asks me to by her a different game. Rayman 2. "plllf, looks mediocre" I say. I bought it to make her happy. I went home to spend the next few hours playing my game. Little did I know they would be some of the best hours of Ah, I remember that day, in 1998, I was 12 years old. Walking through the game store, looking for something to spend my money on. Aha!, Banjo-Kazooie! My little sister asks me to by her a different game. Rayman 2. "plllf, looks mediocre" I say. I bought it to make her happy. I went home to spend the next few hours playing my game. Little did I know they would be some of the best hours of my life. Stunning music and graphics, fluent controls, perfectly pitched platforming, a mammoth story, and a truly difficult adventure make it my favourite game on the N64.… Expand
  7. EremitaJ
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    When I see critics prasising platform games and they do not speak about Rayman my heart is a little bit hurt. I mean, for it's time Rayman had one of the best controls and enviroments I've ever seen. The characters were cartoony and memorable and even with a bad fighting system, the game was true to it's roots and the pursuit stages are so iconic that they should be right next to MarioWhen I see critics prasising platform games and they do not speak about Rayman my heart is a little bit hurt. I mean, for it's time Rayman had one of the best controls and enviroments I've ever seen. The characters were cartoony and memorable and even with a bad fighting system, the game was true to it's roots and the pursuit stages are so iconic that they should be right next to Mario Bros.' first stage and Green Hill. Rayman will always be our dark little gem.… Expand
  8. youlouz
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    This game is absolutely amazing!

    PROS
    -Story
    -Gameplay
    -Combat

    Cons
    -Bugs .
  9. Juangonchy2015
    May 7, 2016
    10
    Well If i wouldn't play this game when i was a child i think i will never be interest about videogames and i wouldn´t be here. This game is so awesome, the bosses, the stoy, the characters, the levels, and much more!!!
  10. BazZzilio
    Aug 23, 2016
    10
    Rayman 2 is the one of the best 3D platform game of all time and platforms, All of the mechanics are fun to play, visuals is stunning - don't skip this game
  11. JPK
    Aug 29, 2018
    9
    Insanely Good Sequel
    It's That Rare Sequel That Is Just As Good If Not Better Than The First.
  12. SonicSpeedo92
    Jun 21, 2018
    9
    Rayman 2 is, in my opinion, the most underrated 3D platformer ever. The gameplay is unique and fun, the platforming is exquisite, and the tone is just, great. It also has very tight controls that Super Mario 64 didn't give us.
  13. mr123
    May 21, 2018
    9
    Now this game is in my opinion near perfect, and does everything correctly. WHERE DO I START??? he controls are tight, the levels are flowing and all 19 levels are GREAT. And the difficulty is great for new gamers but not hardcore. Because this game is super easy. However the game does have bugs and on the ps2 version TERRIBLE frame rate problems so the game is not perfect so I give thisNow this game is in my opinion near perfect, and does everything correctly. WHERE DO I START??? he controls are tight, the levels are flowing and all 19 levels are GREAT. And the difficulty is great for new gamers but not hardcore. Because this game is super easy. However the game does have bugs and on the ps2 version TERRIBLE frame rate problems so the game is not perfect so I give this game a 9.5/10… Expand
  14. PacMax
    Mar 2, 2019
    8
    Easily the best version. With great music, nice graphics and good gameplay, this is easily best suited for the N64 and should have been the only version.
  15. nintendo-sekta
    Dec 23, 2018
    10
    Игра хорошая. Это отличный платформер в который интересно играть на ровне с Марио, Кирби, Соником.
  16. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    Along with rayman legends, the best rayman ever created. Game that wastes creativity and imagination. Unforgettable and super addictive soundtrack. To put a snag, this version of Nintendo 64 needed a controller pack (memory card) to save the game and that was not included in the game box. For the rest, essential to play.
  17. MoonwalkDave
    May 25, 2020
    10
    This game is amazing I really loved it, I've played other versions of the game but the n64 version is for me the best one.
  18. HannesMann
    Jul 21, 2020
    10
    An epic journey for Rayman! I love everything about this game. The graphics, the music, the gameplay. It's the best game ever made.
  19. BenjaminB.
    Apr 2, 2007
    8
    when this game came out, I had the choice between this one and Donkey Kong 64. I'm really glad I chose DK64. one year later I played this game (low budget) on the PC with a gamepad. there's nothing bad in this game, but there isn't anything in it which makes it special. I even forgot I've ever played it, so further years later I played it again. you don't do when this game came out, I had the choice between this one and Donkey Kong 64. I'm really glad I chose DK64. one year later I played this game (low budget) on the PC with a gamepad. there's nothing bad in this game, but there isn't anything in it which makes it special. I even forgot I've ever played it, so further years later I played it again. you don't do anything wrong with this game, but don't expect a gameplay-revolution.… Expand
  20. Toasty87
    Jul 11, 2020
    5
    Its good but not brilliant really should have released the 2D version and this as the 3rd one.
  21. TheLinkgirl
    Dec 12, 2022
    1
    What happened? Rayman 1 is, in my opinion, perhaps the most finely crafted 2D platformer ever. From the outstandingly creative worlds that feel so much larger than just the levels in the game, to the beautiful soundtrack and stunning visuals, to the brilliantly right and responsive controls that make controlling Rayman around the levels a joy, Rayman 1 had it all. It was difficult butWhat happened? Rayman 1 is, in my opinion, perhaps the most finely crafted 2D platformer ever. From the outstandingly creative worlds that feel so much larger than just the levels in the game, to the beautiful soundtrack and stunning visuals, to the brilliantly right and responsive controls that make controlling Rayman around the levels a joy, Rayman 1 had it all. It was difficult but fair, and took an entirely unique approach to platformer games I don't think has been matched before or since.

    You've got the perfect framework, adding just enough to a platformer to make it truly unique. All the stars were aligned, so what do you do? **** it all up. Behold, Rayman 2.

    Creative level designs are gone, and all the inventive and magical world themes have been stripped away for dull generic garbage. Controlling Rayman now feels awkward and tiresome, with no sharpness to his movement. The music is grey and lifeless, and the game is pathetically easy. Everything here feels like it was a decision made not out of a desire to improve, but out of a want to follow whatever is trendy. Even the story goes from Rayman 1s perfect mix of basic cartoon plot but with an intimidating villain to hold it up, to an absurdly dark plot that has a villain who is about as threatening as a wet sock.

    Rayman 2 doesn't know how to have fun or be fun. It knows only how to be unnecessarily dreary and dull, writhing in its own pathetic pool of bad ideas and even worse gameplay.    … Expand
  22. AValis
    Feb 14, 2022
    2
    This is the only negative review of Rayman 2 in the world. I somehow played an extended chore. It's a case of a game that looks quite good but doesn't play the same, besides a few neat rudimentary mechanics (ball throwing and ear spinning). The first half had my hopes up, but imagine the last half of the game is hidden to many - it's relatively poorly designed.
  23. Zoomeister
    Feb 1, 2006
    10
    Wacky, twisted three dimensional cartoon. What truly makes the game are it's bold, richly detailed worlds, fuild controls and balls out epic structure, with the wicked twist of Alice in Wonderland style surreal splashes of colour and life.
  24. Untitled94
    Mar 16, 2022
    6
    The game is pretty fun with good platforming, good level design, decent music and overall is just a good game...on PS1. On N64 (and almost every other version), the levels definitely overstay their welcome. It might be different if the parts that were cut out of the PS1 version were there as bonus levels or something, but because they're connected to the regular levels, it causes the gameThe game is pretty fun with good platforming, good level design, decent music and overall is just a good game...on PS1. On N64 (and almost every other version), the levels definitely overstay their welcome. It might be different if the parts that were cut out of the PS1 version were there as bonus levels or something, but because they're connected to the regular levels, it causes the game to feel like a major drag. If a remake ever comes out; they really, really need make those parts not drag out. Also the mini game in the N64 version kind of sucks.… Expand
  25. CustardPuff
    Mar 23, 2023
    10
    It is honestly fascinating how Ubisoft managed to pull off one of the most polished and well-crafted 3D platformers of all time on just their 2nd attempt, after the insanity that was Tonic Trouble a year or two prior.
    This game has some of the best visuals ever seen on the Nintendo 64, a consistently great soundtrack that really gets you into the world you're platforming through, the    It is honestly fascinating how Ubisoft managed to pull off one of the most polished and well-crafted 3D platformers of all time on just their 2nd attempt, after the insanity that was Tonic Trouble a year or two prior.
    This game has some of the best visuals ever seen on the Nintendo 64, a consistently great soundtrack that really gets you into the world you're platforming through, the surprisingly fair difficulty progression throughout the game, the tight and responsive controls, the oozing charm throughout, everything about this game is rock solid. Dare I say that Rayman 2 might be the best platformer ever made that was not released by Nintendo.    … Expand
  26. GameDudeGuy
    Jan 25, 2021
    8
    NOW BEFORE YOU DISLIKE ME HARD IM GONNA SAY this rayman 2 is a good game i just left it close the 7 because i find rayman 3 to be better this game is fun in gameplay and plot and i think its one of the best 90's 3d game its a fun game but i think rayman 3 is better
  27. ElRagnarLocro
    Mar 31, 2022
    7
    Valoro este porque la versión de PSX no aparece, que es la que jugué. Rayman 2 lleva al protagonista a las tres dimensiones en un momento donde no era fácil hacerlo, y aprobó muy bien. Un juego bastante bien logrado, muy sólido, aunque sin llegar a estar a la altura de los mejores de la época.
    Nota final: 7.2
  28. SonicEnthusiast
    May 1, 2022
    10
    One of the most seemless transitions from 2d to 3d in video games. It looks quite good for the time too. Great platforming quality gameplay with good controls. Its an easy game with a surprisingly deep story. Absolutely anyone remotely into platformers will love this game. Arguably the best rayman game.
  29. Yojimbo2015
    Jan 17, 2023
    7
    I'm not a fan of the Rayman games or of 3D platformers in general, but this is certainly one of the better ones on the 64. The transition to the third dimension works quite well and it manages to side-step most of the issues that plagued this type of game in the early days. Not bad at all.
  30. Cakiws
    Apr 30, 2023
    6
    I like rayman but, this game is something off, is like gives me headache each time i play it, probably the fact that you have to collect, or the voices sound effect just mind blown my mind, is an old 64 game i know, but this kinda be personal.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best N64 Game of 1999
6
#6 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1999
4
#4 Most Shared N64 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Nintendorks
    90
    Quite simply, it's a game you have to play if you like playing games. Its combination of old and new school elements make Rayman 2 a breath of fresh air in the flood of titles released this holiday season. Don't miss it.
    Read full review
  2. Electric Playground
    95
    To say that Rayman 2 impressed me would be a tremendous understatement. About the only blemish the game has is its lack of any multiplayer contests.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendojo
    94
    This game plays as good as it looks. Rayman himself responds perfectly to the analogue stick and it doesn’t take very long before controlling him becomes second nature, leaving you to focus your attention on the aweinspiring graphics and infinitely interesting environments. In fact, I can say with a clear conscious that Rayman 2 is absolutely THE BEST FORCED PATH 3D PLATFORMER ON ANY SYSTEM TO DATE. PERIOD.
    Read full review
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