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. 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
  2. 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.

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.
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  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.
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  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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