Rayman 2: The Great Escape (2000). Play online

Summary

On the PlayStation, Rayman 2: The Great Escape received a noticeable reshuffle of its worlds. Several levels were merged or removed, and the coveted tally of Yellow Lums dropped from 1,000 to 800, prompting a tighter hunt for the shards. New sub‑areas slipped into a handful of stages, while others lost hidden sections. A unique bonus level unlocks a glimpse of the original 2D prototype, letting players run a classic corridor. Instead of the usual caged lums, the PS version swaps in quirky creatures called Ludivs, Greenbottles and the tiny Minisaurus.

This is also the first Rayman installment to feature full voice acting, giving Admiral Razorbeard and his pirate fleet actual lines. Graphically, the Hall of Doors received a fresh redesign, and several cutscenes were re‑edited to match the altered maps. Developed by Ubi Soft Shanghai, the North American launch hit on 16 September 2000 after a slightly earlier European debut.

The console was praised, earning scores like 9.2/10 from IGN, 8.2/10 from GameSpot, and a perfect 5/5 from Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.

Storyline

The Glade of Dreams is overrun by Admiral Razorbeard’s robotic pirates, forcing Rayman and his nervous buddy Globox to join a rag‑tag resistance. After a disastrous clash the pirates smash the Primordial Core, strip Rayman of his powers and haul him aboard the pirate ship *Buccaneer*. A Silver Lum sent by Ly the Fairy restores his abilities, and he escapes, only to be separated from Globox and learn that Ly has been captured.

Ly tells Rayman that the world spirit Polokus will fully revive him if he gathers four magical masks. He battles guardians in the Sanctuaries of Water‑Ice, Stone‑Fire, Rock‑Lava and the Menhir Hills, rescuing allies like Clark, Ssssam the Swamp Snake and Globox’s children along the way. Each mask awakens Polokus, who shatters the pirates’ land forts.

Back on the *Buccaneer*, Razorbeard pilots the giant mecha Grolgoth for a final showdown. Rayman frees the prisoners, knocks the Grolgoth into a lava furnace and watches the ship explode as Razorbeard flees in a tiny craft.

The crew believes Rayman dead when only his boot is found, but he staggers out on a crutch, alive and victorious.