Rayman’s Game Boy Classic Returns for 30th Anniversary
▼ Summary
– Ubisoft confirmed a new mainline Rayman game is in development but indicated it is still far from release.
– Ubisoft has partnered with ModRetro to release a new physical Game Boy Color cartridge of the original Rayman game.
– The new Rayman cartridge is part of the ModRetro Chromatic Classics Collection and is fully compatible with original Game Boy Color hardware and other devices like the Analogue Pocket.
– This ModRetro edition of Rayman includes a new soundtrack, updated purple cartridge color, and comes with a themed charm, but the gameplay remains largely the same as the original GBC version.
– The Game Boy Color version of Rayman is a distinct game with over 30 levels and is considered one of the better platformers for the system.
Marking three decades since its debut, the beloved Rayman platforming franchise is celebrating its milestone anniversary. While Ubisoft has confirmed a new mainline game is in development, the wait will be substantial. For fans eager for a nostalgic fix, a surprising and authentic alternative has arrived: a brand-new physical cartridge of the Game Boy Color version of Rayman. This release comes from a partnership between Ubisoft and retro specialist ModRetro, bringing the classic adventure back to life in a tangible, collectible form.
This new edition of Rayman joins the ModRetro Chromatic Classics Collection. For those unfamiliar, ModRetro is a company dedicated to reviving retro gaming experiences. Their flagship product, the Chromatic, is a meticulously crafted modern replica of the Game Boy Color. It’s worth noting that the Chromatic now has different pricing tiers, but the core experience remains. The important detail for collectors is that while these new cartridges bear Chromatic branding, they are fully compatible with the original Game Boy Color hardware and other modern FPGA-based handhelds like the Analogue Pocket. Testing confirms the game runs flawlessly across all these systems.
The Chromatic edition of Rayman is fundamentally the same great game, but it features a brand-new soundtrack as a notable enhancement. Aesthetically, it differs from the original clear cartridge, now sporting a vibrant purple that matches the hero’s iconic shirt. The packaging is a loving homage, with box art that replicates the North American release. Inside the glossy cardboard box, a plastic tray securely holds the cartridge and an instruction booklet, mirroring the unboxing experience of the past. A delightful surprise awaits when the cart is removed: a small, exclusive Rayman-themed charm, a signature touch included with every game in the ModRetro Classics Collection.
As a game, Rayman on the Game Boy Color stands out as one of the system’s superior platformers. It’s not a simple port; it’s essentially a unique game built around the original’s premise. While the overarching story is familiar, the levels are entirely different and many characters from the 1995 console original are absent. This is no stripped-down experience, offering over 30 levels across seven distinct worlds plus challenging endgame content. The colorful sprite work and imaginative environments have aged remarkably well, making it a title still very much worth playing today.
It’s easy to confuse this title with the more famous console versions or even the later Game Boy Advance port, Rayman Advance, which was a visual showcase for its time. This Game Boy Color iteration, however, holds its own as a fantastic and distinct adventure. Within ModRetro’s growing Classics Collection, which includes titles like Toki Tori and Sabrina: Zapped, the release of Rayman is a significant addition, arguably the most high-profile game in the lineup to date. For anyone with a compatible device, this rerelease represents an ideal way to experience a classic.
(Source: Gamespot)
