Bets Version of Rayman 2?

[Robert Newbie]

I saw @KleinesSinchen's post about playing Rayman 2, and it got me thinking.

I've played the game on the PS2 and the PC. My understanding is that there's no definitive version because each release has different kinds of changes.

I found this post by AdmiralOctopus96 on Reddit:

Honestly, I don't think there's a single "definitive" version of Rayman 2. With the possible exception of later ports that are directly based on a previous version, every version of the game has something the others do not.

The N64 version has a different soundtrack to the others due to the system not being able to produce CD quality audio.

The PS1 version has some levels cut short, but other levels have unique segments (such as Sanctuary of Stone and Fire), the health upgrades from cages are handled differently, the cutscenes have spoken dialogue, there are more story cutscenes for the major bosses and the Teensies, and there's a secret level from the 2D prototype of Rayman 2.

The Dreamcast version has a different hub compared to the other versions of its time, and is the only version to have the Globox Village and the crystals you need to find for it.

The PS2 version has a DIFFERENT voice dub to the PS1 version, has fully explorable hub worlds instead of the Hall/Isle of Doors, and handles a lot of upgrades and side content very differently to the other versions, among various other changes.

Additionally, the Dreamcast version runs at 60fps. The 3DS version is known to have performance issues.

So, what's your favorite version of Rayman 2?

 

[koffieleut]

To be fair, the first time I've played Rayman 2 was on my DS. I don't know if it was the same as the PSX or N64 version, but I liked it a lot.

Later I've found Rayman 2 for the Dreamcast, and I'm still trying too 100% that game (without guides ofcourse). I still love that game. So Dreamcast it is.

 

[Fabax01]

DC is the clear winner. 60 fps widescreen.
They did not really think through making the hub world in the PS2 version, it quickly becomes an hassle more than a feature, as the game is still divided into levels - and the rpgesque mechanics clash with the pure platformer focus of Rayman 1&2.
The only thing that it objectively has over the DC version is the graphical upgrade, but well... gameplay should be prioritized over graphics.
Less we talk about PS1 the better: it's a cool tech demo though, the "port the game at all costs!" approach.
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I prefer the 3DS version for the 3D effect, it's a dreamcast port (be prepared: there's a lot of audio glitches, it was clearly rushed...)
I also have a soft spot for the sequenced ost in the N64 cart (I think it's also used in the DS port) and the N64 stick makes the controls shine in a way that the DC controller (or any other version for that matter) just can't.
Myself? I would gladly play N64 ver over DC, but I don't care for resolution or fps in games.
Also, the n64 thumbstick gets easily destroyed, so the "better controls" pro goes out of the window after a year of Mario Party abuse xD
Can't vouch for PC as I only play on console (no emulation.)

 

[vlababa]

Original PC version is the best, but hard to get running. DC is nearly identical, but does not have the cool overworld of the original version. It is very easy to get the DC version running however, so I'd recommend that.

Any version with (actual language) voice acting ruins the atmosphere to me. N64 lacks some of the soundtrack. There are ultimately not that many versions that I think are worth playing.

 

[Robert Newbie]

Original PC version is the best, but hard to get running. DC is nearly identical, but does not have the cool overworld of the original version. It is very easy to get the DC version running however, so I'd recommend that.

Any version with (actual language) voice acting ruins the atmosphere to me. N64 lacks some of the soundtrack. There are ultimately not that many versions that I think are worth playing.

I played through the PC (Windows) release using GOG's version. I don't recall issues getting the game running, but it's been a while. I may have forgotten any problems along the way. Still, it's fascinating how different each release is.

 

[vlababa]

I played through the PC (Windows) release using GOG's version. I don't recall issues getting the game running, but it's been a while. I may have forgotten any problems along the way. Still, it's fascinating how different each release is.

You could be right. I remember a GOG specific setup that required nglide and such, which is not necessarily difficult ..however I tried this on a Steam Deck for which I would not consider it easy to run additional executables within a specific game environment. And while I did get it working, there was occasional audio garbage, so I just gave up.

Certainly missed that atmospheric hub space of the original while playing through the DC version though. The Crash Bandicoot style on DC is not bad, but ultimately a net loss when you consider what was lost.

 

[Robert Newbie]

You could be right. I remember a GOG specific setup that required nglide and such, which is not necessarily difficult ..however I tried this on a Steam Deck for which I would not consider it easy to run additional executables within a specific game environment. And while I did get it working, there was occasional audio garbage, so I just gave up.

Certainly missed that atmospheric hub space of the original while playing through the DC version though. The Crash Bandicoot style on DC is not bad, but ultimately a net loss when you consider what was lost.

One of the reasons I haven't made a Linux-based game PC is because I'm not sure how games like these would work. You know, games with DRM/overlay/ant-cheat issues, Windows-centric compatibility fixes, etc.

At least there's the ProtonDB to take some of the guesswork out.

 

[vlababa]

Yes, ProtonDB is your friend. IMO Steam should just refer to protondb in stead of those 'verified' labels. But too technical for most users I suppose.

Installing Rayman was ultimately pretty easy with Lutris. They have these community installation scripts for a lot of non-steam games at lutris.net. The audio issues I was encountering I could maybe simply solve by changing proton versions. But hey, the DC version was right there.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Like I said in my status message, the PS1 version is shortened and too easy. It suffers from typical PS1 warping on walls. Not very convincing in the graphical department and certainly not the pinnacle of PS1 graphics. On the other hand it has proper voice acting instead of cheapish, childish pseudo-voices (which aren't even funny opposed to the ones in Banjo Kazooie).
The N64 version gets a pass on this since adding proper voice acting on N64 with limited cart space was difficult (not impossible as shown by Conker's Bad Fur Day). A Dreamcast GD on the other hand with 1 Gigabyte space... And that's not enough to work with!? Come on! Not even talking about the PC with practically unlimited storage. They were cheaping out by omitting real voice actors. I wonder what made them reconsider for PS1.
Beautiful graphics in the DC version. Same for the 3DS, including good stereoscopic effects. Sadly you can't really lose on the 3DS. Difficulty=zero.

Is there a best version?
Every version has pros and cons.