Davide Soliani, the creative director behind the pair of Mario + Rabbids game on the Nintendo Switch, rekindled hopes for a Rayman revival in an exclusive interview with Nintendo Everything.
Reflecting on his prior involvement with the Game Boy Color version of Rayman in 2000, Soliani showcased an evident passion for the franchise. “Rayman is the type of game that has no realistic element,” he stated, emphasizing the sheer unbridled creativity it presents to developers. From crafting inventive enemies to painting surreal landscapes, Rayman offers an expansive canvas for imagination. Every facet, from inanimate objects to living adversaries, is conceived as an art form. The liberation from realism allows game designers to manifest their wildest fantasies into the game world. He summed up his sentiments by confessing he would be “crazy” not to leap at the chance to craft a new Rayman chapter.
Given Soliani’s rich history with Ubisoft, having worked on the original Rayman in 1995 and his recent collaboration in “Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope,” the Rayman universe’s possibilities are endless.
The recent DLC, Rayman in the Phantom Show, saw the limbless hero transported into a cinematic realm. This return to the limelight, albeit through a crossover, has only intensified the clamor for Rayman’s solo return.
It’s undeniable that other more “popular” brands have overshadowed Rayman over the past decade or two. Specifically, the advent and immense popularity of the Rabbid characters resulted in Rayman fading into the background. However, fans, nostalgic gamers, and critics still long for a new entry for the legendary platformer. The previous outings such as Rayman Origins, Rayman 2, and Rayman Legends have been emblematic testimonies to the series’ prowess, receiving critical acclaim and amassing a dedicated fanbase.
The glory days of the first two Rayman days are long over, but a remake could easily revive interest in the franchise all the while capitalizing on the ongoing trend in the gaming industry. Their modern counterparts, Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends, showcased that 2D Rayman could seamlessly merge with Ubisoft’s innovative art styles, creating an enthralling experience. A mish-mash of both old and new in a remake of the more memorable titles.
However, it isn’t just about nostalgia. The call for a new Rayman entry, or perhaps a return to its 3D roots, is also rooted in the sheer quality and innovation the series offers.
While Rayman might not match the omnipresence of Mario or Sonic as a brand, its dedication to providing an engaging gameplay experience, coupled with a visually stunning universe, has left an indelible mark.
Soliani’s potential involvement brings a multitude of possibilities. His admiration for Rayman, paired with his experience in the gaming industry, makes him a promising figurehead to usher in a new era for Rayman. His recent musings, where he pondered on the idea of Rayman gracing titles like Super Smash Bros. or even Mario Kart spin-offs, suggest that the creative juices are already flowing.
Whether it’s a journey back to the platforming roots, a foray into 3D gaming, or even a comprehensive reimagining, the potential return of Rayman, under the creative prowess of a visionary like Soliani, promises a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Speaking of Ubisoft, the French publisher was one of the first to “leak” details about the next Nintendo console when it revealed that Nintendo warned them about releasing two Mario + Rabbids games in quick succession. It’s unclear if the third Mario + Rabbids game is in development for the Nintendo Switch 2. But, if it is, we’re hoping that another Rayman crossover or DLC is on the cards.
