Thirty years after his debut, Rayman’s original adventure returns in Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition, a comprehensive collection offering a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a fascinating glimpse into gaming history for newcomers. Released on February 13, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, this edition isn’t simply a remaster; it’s a preservation project, offering five distinct versions of the 1995 platformer alongside a wealth of historical content. While the package delivers on its promise of a complete Rayman experience, some omissions and technical quirks prevent it from being a perfect celebration of the limbless wonder.
Ubisoft’s Rayman was a pivotal title for the company, achieving commercial success and paving the way for its public offering in 1996, according to Ubisoft’s official announcement. The game, initially envisioned for the unreleased Super Nintendo CD-ROM, ultimately launched as a PlayStation title, captivating players with its vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic and fluid animation. Players take on the role of Rayman, tasked with restoring balance to the Glade of Dreams by rescuing the Electoons from the clutches of the nefarious Mr. Dark.
The core of the collection lies in its diverse selection of Rayman versions. Included are the original PlayStation release, a port to the Atari Jaguar, versions for the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, and the MS-DOS PC edition. Notably absent is the Sega Saturn version. The PlayStation and Jaguar versions are largely similar, though the Jaguar version lacks full-motion video (FMV), suffers from diminished audio and physics, but includes an Arkanoid-style minigame. The MS-DOS release, however, is the standout, boasting 24 expert-designed stages, 40 fan-created levels, and another 60 stages crafted by Ubisoft, offering a substantial challenge for seasoned players. A fascinating, albeit brief, 1992 prototype of the original Super Nintendo build is too included, offering a glimpse into the game’s earliest stages of development.
Playing through the various iterations highlights the evolution of the game and the constraints of the hardware. While the original Rayman still holds up visually, its platforming mechanics can sense slightly unforgiving by modern standards, requiring precise timing and a willingness to accept some leaps of faith. The Game Boy Color version, surprisingly, remains a compelling experience despite its shorter stages, while the Game Boy Advance version, though visually cleaner due to fewer animation frames, unfortunately suffers from noticeable frame-rate issues.
A Deep Dive into Development History
Digital Eclipse, known for their meticulous preservation work, has outdone themselves with the “History” section. This interactive documentary, exceeding an hour in length, features brand-new interviews with the original developers, offering invaluable insights into the game’s creation. Rare concept art, early sketches, and design documents are presented, providing a comprehensive appear at the evolution of Rayman and the challenges faced by the development team. This section alone makes the collection a worthwhile purchase for gaming historians and enthusiasts.
The package is further enhanced by modern conveniences such as screen filters, cheats for each game, save states, and a rewind function, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences. These features are particularly useful for tackling the more challenging stages or simply revisiting nostalgic moments without frustration.
Missing Pieces and Audio Concerns
Despite its strengths, Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition isn’t without its shortcomings. The most glaring omission is the lack of the original soundtracks. The music has been remixed or replaced with new compositions by Christophe Héral, the composer of Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends. While Héral’s work is commendable, the absence of the iconic original tunes is a significant loss for many fans, reportedly due to Ubisoft not fully owning the rights to the original audio.
while the collection offers a wealth of content for fans of the original game, the exclusion of later entries in the series, such as Rayman 2: The Great Escape, feels like a missed opportunity. Considering the breadth of the Rayman franchise, including its sequels and spin-offs, including at least one additional title would have significantly enhanced the value of the package.
If you’re a dedicated fan of the original Rayman and desire every available version, this collection is a must-have. However, those hoping for a more comprehensive retrospective of the entire series may find it somewhat lacking. The Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is a loving tribute to a gaming icon, but its limitations prevent it from being the definitive Rayman experience many were hoping for.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if Ubisoft addresses the soundtrack issue or considers releasing further collections encompassing the later Rayman titles. The success of this anniversary edition could pave the way for similar preservation efforts for other classic Ubisoft franchises.
What are your favorite memories of the original Rayman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!