Ubisoft has officially begun development on an HD remake of the original Rayman, one of the most beloved platformers from the 1990s.
The original Rayman made its debut on PlayStation and SEGA Saturn in 1995 and has amassed a dedicated global fanbase over the decades.
This news follows the recent rating of 'Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition' by the Australian classification board, further underpinning the franchise’s continued relevance and popularity. Rayman’s legendary creator, Michel Ancel, recently spoke to Retro Gamer about the upcoming project.
Although Ancel stepped away from Ubisoft in 2020, he remains closely connected to the Rayman brand and was able to confirm the publisher’s plans for the HD remake, sharing his perspectives on the challenge and charm of Rayman's original outing. In his interview, Ancel explained that Rayman’s first adventure, known for its distinctive character design and precise, sometimes demanding gameplay, is getting a modern refresh.
He praised the timeless quality of the original, stating that the old-school challenges and unique pacing contribute to its lasting appeal.
Ancel noted that the remake will address certain points of player frustration, especially for those less experienced with platformers, by introducing additional checkpoints and rebalancing sections that were previously considered difficult.
These enhancements aim to make the game more accessible, without compromising the classic Rayman experience that fans cherish. "Rayman’s enduring popularity is undeniable, and revisiting his debut adventure in a new HD format demonstrates the significance of his legacy," remarked Ancel in the interview.
Referring to the development, he encouraged both longtime fans and newcomers to look forward to an experience that preserves what made the original stand out, while integrating quality-of-life improvements for a broader audience. The original Rayman’s reputation was built on its vibrant 2D art, inventive level design, and memorable soundtrack, setting a standard for platformers of the era.
Over the years, Ubisoft has kept the franchise alive with sequels and spin-offs, most notably the critically acclaimed Rayman Legends and Rayman Origins, both of which found success on modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch and eShop. A release date for the Rayman HD remake has not yet been announced, but its presence in international rating boards and comments from the franchise’s creator signal that fans can expect concrete details soon.
As Ubisoft marks the 30th anniversary of Rayman, the return of the iconic hero in HD marks an important moment for both nostalgic gamers and a new generation of players eager to experience the classic on updated hardware.
The original Rayman made its debut on PlayStation and SEGA Saturn in 1995 and has amassed a dedicated global fanbase over the decades.
This news follows the recent rating of 'Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition' by the Australian classification board, further underpinning the franchise’s continued relevance and popularity. Rayman’s legendary creator, Michel Ancel, recently spoke to Retro Gamer about the upcoming project.
Although Ancel stepped away from Ubisoft in 2020, he remains closely connected to the Rayman brand and was able to confirm the publisher’s plans for the HD remake, sharing his perspectives on the challenge and charm of Rayman's original outing. In his interview, Ancel explained that Rayman’s first adventure, known for its distinctive character design and precise, sometimes demanding gameplay, is getting a modern refresh.
He praised the timeless quality of the original, stating that the old-school challenges and unique pacing contribute to its lasting appeal.
Ancel noted that the remake will address certain points of player frustration, especially for those less experienced with platformers, by introducing additional checkpoints and rebalancing sections that were previously considered difficult.
These enhancements aim to make the game more accessible, without compromising the classic Rayman experience that fans cherish. "Rayman’s enduring popularity is undeniable, and revisiting his debut adventure in a new HD format demonstrates the significance of his legacy," remarked Ancel in the interview.
Referring to the development, he encouraged both longtime fans and newcomers to look forward to an experience that preserves what made the original stand out, while integrating quality-of-life improvements for a broader audience. The original Rayman’s reputation was built on its vibrant 2D art, inventive level design, and memorable soundtrack, setting a standard for platformers of the era.
Over the years, Ubisoft has kept the franchise alive with sequels and spin-offs, most notably the critically acclaimed Rayman Legends and Rayman Origins, both of which found success on modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch and eShop. A release date for the Rayman HD remake has not yet been announced, but its presence in international rating boards and comments from the franchise’s creator signal that fans can expect concrete details soon.
As Ubisoft marks the 30th anniversary of Rayman, the return of the iconic hero in HD marks an important moment for both nostalgic gamers and a new generation of players eager to experience the classic on updated hardware.
