ReviewsReview: Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition

Review: Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition

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Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is a wonderful reminder that dated games can compete with modern titles. This amazing collection of games has been lovingly put together in one easy-to-manage package. Furthermore, there is a brilliant early prototype game that has been lost to the ages. Consequently, this will appeal to lovers of the franchise and gamers who wish to enjoy a step into the past.

This platform adventure was developed by Digital Eclipse and published by UBISOFT. It is a single-player game that is agonisingly brutal, addictive, and tough to put down. Furthermore, the blend of 5 unique platforms and games across an evolving gaming era makes this an appealing collection. 

I’m not discussing the plots of Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition.

I think it would be a waste of time to explain well-known plot from each of the games on offer. Instead, I’m going to praise Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition for remaining faithful to each experience. Moreover, it is an amazing insight into era trends and how each platform developed the visuals, handling, and other key elements.

It is the inclusion of new levels, commentary, and other moments that make this a special experience. An insight into the creator’s mindset and what they hoped to achieve is a fan’s dream. Furthermore, the inclusion of the long-lost SNES prototype filled me with joy. I’ve played many of these games when they were first released. Therefore, it was fascinating to witness and play something that I never knew existed.

New levels and new features.

Adding over 120 levels to the core game is no mean feat. Yet, this is what you get if you invest in Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition. Each of these levels is designed to make you shout, laugh, and cry. They focus on many of the core beliefs and ideas and develop the game past its original limitations. This may upset true hardcore fans, but most gamers will enjoy the fresh ideas and the ability to test themselves.

Talking of tests, I’ve never sworn so much in my life. I have forgotten how cruel and frustrating this game can be. Even though the developer has included a rewind button, unlimited lives, and other life improvements, I couldn’t help but die, fail, and wish that I were better at the game. Others may not feel this way, but I can’t remember being this terrible at the game when I was a kid.

Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is hard to play on a large screen.

I use a 50″ monitor, and this wasn’t ideal. Sadly, the pixelated visuals were challenging to look at on a larger screen. Everything was blown out, making the writing and details harder to read. Luckily, when I changed monitors, the problems were reduced. The characters, levels, and blown-out graphics looked much better. Furthermore, it was a dated experience that rarely got old.

The audio is as loud, vibrant, and fun as you’d expect. However, the overhaul of the soundtrack will upset lovers of the original. Despite its familiar feel, this new soundtrack dishonours the original game’s memory and nature. I love the fact that the developer wants to reimagine the experience, but letting people pick the music should have been the least they could do.

As good to play now as always.

The control system is fantastic. It is easy to understand, quick to master, and great for players of all ages and skills. Despite the challenging action, you can cut your teeth on this fantastic platform adventure. It will bite you in the arse, but you’ll be a better gamer for tackling every tough moment.

There are so many levels that I struggled to keep up. If you add in the prototype and the lost history, Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition offers lots of value and longevity. If you want a modern experience, this won’t be for you. Yet, if you are happy to sacrifice graphics and some polish, this will teach you about gaming heritage.

Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is brilliant.

I’ve loved Rayman for as long as I can remember. Therefore, Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition was always going to be a winner. Although I wasn’t best pleased about the soundtrack, the rest of the action was fantastic. It is fun, tough, and colourful. Additionally, it is great to play. Accordingly, I love it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you take on your challenge and retrieve the Great Protoon? Explore every level, overcome your foes, and bring harmony to your world.

SUMMARY

Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is a great walk down memory lane. I love the gameplay, the dated visuals, and the incredible number of levels. However, the audio overhaul was not necessary.


+ Dated but memorable visuals.
+ High energy audio.
+ A fantastic control system.
+ Loads of levels.

- Tough to look at on a bigger screen.
- They didn't need to mess with the audio.

(Rating: PEGI 3 Release date: 13/02/2026 Price: £17.99)


(Reviewed on Xbox Series X. Also available on PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5)


(Full disclosure! This review is based on a copy of the game being provided by the publisher/developer.)


Daniel Waite
Daniel Waite
My gaming career started on an Amiga and spans many consoles! Currently, I game using an MSI laptop and Xbox Series X. A fan of every genre, I love to give anything a go. Former editor and reviewer for http://www.bonusstage.co.uk, I'm loving my new home here at Movies Games and Tech. I can be contacted for gaming reviews on the following email: Daniel@moviesgamesandtech.com

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