Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Rayman Funpack lies in its timeless platforming adventure, Rayman. You’ll guide the limbless hero through vividly realized worlds, navigating perilous ledges, stomping on enemies, and collecting Lums. The tight controls and varied level designs—from lush forests to dark caverns—keep each moment fresh. Precision jumps and occasional puzzle elements ensure you’re always engaged, whether you’re a newcomer or returning fan.

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Rayman Designer adds another layer of creativity, turning you into the game’s architect. With an intuitive level editor, you can place platforms, traps, enemies, and decorative elements to craft entirely new challenges. It’s a simple drag-and-drop interface, but the depth comes from experimenting with timing, difficulty spikes, and hidden paths. Sharing custom creations may be more nostalgic than instantaneous online, but the freedom to build your own Rayman gauntlets remains a highlight.

Beyond pure platforming, the compilation includes “Englisch Lernen mit Rayman für Anfänger,” a charming German edutainment title. Here, Rayman helps you learn basic English vocabulary through interactive minigames, matching exercises, and quizzes. It’s light on action but heavy on educational value, making it ideal for younger players or language learners who appreciate reward mechanics—collecting Lums for correct answers or unlocking bonus content for high scores.

Graphics

Rayman’s original 2D hand-drawn art is the star of the show. Each level bursts with color, from the swaying flora of the Glade of Dreams to the moody gloom of the Dream Forest. The character sprites are fluidly animated, with Rayman’s signature free-floating hands and feet gliding smoothly across the screen. Even decades later, these visuals retain a storybook charm that outshines many pixel-art throwbacks.

Rayman Designer faithfully preserves this aesthetic, ensuring that any user-created level feels like it belongs in the original world. While some custom stages may reveal jagged edges or repetitive patterns, the underlying art assets maintain their crispness. The palette remains consistent, and community screens often showcase inventive uses of background tiles and enemy shapes.

The edutainment game and documentary segments shift focus from gameplay graphics to simple instructional layouts and real-world footage. “Englisch Lernen mit Rayman” uses basic icons and straightforward text displays, prioritizing clarity over flair. The Rayman 2 Making-of offers behind-the-scenes video, concept art, and developer interviews—grainy by modern standards but fascinating for fans. Complementing all this is a giant DIN A1 poster and a glossy sticker that capture the series’ vibrant look in physical form.

Story

At its heart, the original Rayman story is a fairy-tale rescue mission: evil Mr. Dark has stolen the Great Protoon, plunging the world into chaos. Your quest to restore balance is light on dialogue but rich in atmosphere. Each world introduces quirky characters—detached hands that grant new abilities, the mischievous Electoons you must free—and ties these encounters into a simple yet effective narrative progression.

Rayman Designer offers no formal storyline, instead inviting you to craft your own mini-epics through level sequences. The satisfaction comes from sharing these bite-sized tales with friends—whether you build a perilous gauntlet through bird-shaped platforms or a serene skywalk with floating balloons, you shape the narrative through design.

The edutainment segment weaves a loose plot around Rayman guiding a classroom of animal students. Each lesson is framed as a challenge or quest—collect all the words for “apple” or navigate a map of London landmarks. Though rudimentary, it adds just enough context to motivate progress. Meanwhile, the Rayman 2 Making-of and the Rayman Guide delve into the series’ lore and development journey, offering insider anecdotes that deepen your appreciation for the worlds you explore.

Overall Experience

Rayman Funpack is a treasure trove for both nostalgic fans and curious newcomers. The core platformer remains as tight and charming as ever, with the add-on CD delivering 40 new levels that range from clever puzzles to outright fiendish jumps. Rayman Designer turns you into a creator, extending replay value for months if you dive into user-made content. Throw in the edutainment game for language learners, and you have a multifaceted collection that caters to diverse interests.

The package is rounded out by physical goodies that make it feel like a collector’s edition: a large DIN A1 poster showcasing concept art, a glossy Rayman sticker, and an in-depth guide packed with developer interviews, art sketches, and design notes. These extras elevate the Funpack beyond a simple compilation, celebrating Rayman’s legacy and providing tangible keepsakes for fans.

Whether you’re revisiting the Glade of Dreams, constructing your own levels, brushing up on English vocabulary with Rayman, or diving into the story behind Rayman 2’s development, this compilation offers remarkable breadth. It’s a one-stop homage to a beloved franchise, blending platforming thrills, creative tools, educational fun, and behind-the-scenes insight into a single, engaging package.

Retro Replay Score

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