Rayman Origins is 'a great platformer'

Rayman returns to Wii and 3DS next month in his first new platformer since Rayman: Hoodlum's Revenge was released for GBA in 2005. Of course he gave his name to Rayman Raving Rabbids but we all know that it was the barking bunnies who were the stars of the Wii minigame compilation. So, if you don't count the Rayman remakes, fans have been waiting six years for a game like Rayman Origins.

Speaking to ONM, Ubisoft's Gabrielle Shrager (senior scriptwriter for Rayman Origins) explains why Rayman has been away for so long, how Rayman Origins was inspired by New Super Mario Bros. and how this project became bigger than originally planned.

Joeshi asks: Rayman was obviously hugely successful in the 90s. With this new game, are you hoping to recreate that success?

Gabrielle Shrager: We're all really excited that Rayman's back in action, platforming with his best friends... And of course we hope Rayman fans and new players alike will be as crazy about the wacky universe as we are!

imbusydoctorwho asks: Did the success of games like New Super Mario Bros. inspire you to make this game?

GS: It's like there was something in the air. Just a couple of years ago when Michel began building our new engine and thinking about Rayman's return to classic 2D platforming and traditional hand-drawn art, Little Big Planet came out with four-player co-op, then 4-player Mario hit the Wii. Retro-gaming seemed to be the new 'old' canon. So we knew it was the right time for Rayman to make his come back!

142520452213 asks: As well as capturing long-term fans, what are you implementing to make this game attractive to current gamers who haven't played the series before?

GS: We hope the return to classic 2D arcade-style gameplay will bring a whole new group of platform lovers to the universe.

The beat 'em up smack-festival, simple controls and gorgeous visual storytelling makes Rayman Origins not only a great platformer, but an immersive platformer that we hope will keep players spellbound and laughing their socks off!

The 4-player co-op makes for an incredibly fun social gaming experience. You can jump in and jump out at any time without affecting progression and you'll discover lots of cool ways to not only collaborate, but compete with friends and family.

Also, you don't really die, you get bubblized! You blow up like a helium balloon that you control and can be revived, as long as one of your co-op buddies stays alive to pop you back... It's a great way for people of all skill sets to play the game together.

And of course, there's plenty of fodder for explorers and achievers: hidden worlds, secret passages, tricky treasures, collectibles...

Thomas Galloway asks: What made you give up your beloved mascot for so long? And what made you come back to him?

GS: Simply put, we were waiting until the time was right. Rayman Origins began two years ago with a garage-game attitude: a small team of artists and engineers supporting Michel Ancel's vision for the rebirth of a character that holds special meaning for both Michel and Ubisoft.