Good Game Design - Rayman Origins: When Art Meets Gameplay

Rayman Origins' (and Legends') art style is not only unique but plays an integral part in the gameplay itself. Let's talk about how the two worlds collide. What's another game you can think of that uses the art style for more than just pretty looks? Tell me in the comments below!
Huge thanks to SteveoHobo and DjaliGoat for assistance on this one.
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[@mikeb8289]

This game is a perfect example on how to make water levels that do not suck.

[@snomangaming]

Yo true that. I remember thinking that when playing, the water levels are pretty fun

[@2011supergamer]

The sequel combines stealth and water for basically the entirety of one world, and even that doesn't suck.

[@aRandomwacko]

But are rather beatiful to swim trough like tropical freeze's amiss abyss

[@Broockle]

ahem **GreatBay Temple is the best water stage ever** cough cough cough

[@crowravencorvenrow]

Those fucking mosquito levels, on the other hand...

[@MrSpookersMcGeeThe1st]

I love when this game gets the praise it deserves. It and its sequel are phenomenal games.

[@LNYCN]

Blue facts

[@CaptViewtiful98]

The sequel also has remastered Origins levels pretty much giving you 2 games in 1.

[@MrSpookersMcGeeThe1st]

That's the sort of thing that makes me realize that there are absolutely developers who give a shit about their audience. They didn't have to include the Origins levels. They had a full game already, a game that is actually pretty generously big. But they did it anyway. And that's awesome.

[@thechosenone5644]

That's not even to mention all the bonus race levels.

[@FiredUpPranks]

Wish they made a third one.

[@obviusthemaxim2509]

Miss this series, Rayman Origins and Legends truly imo is one of the best games Ubi has put out there, maybe even the best platformers I've ever played, and I've played a lot of them

[@tysonasaurus6392]

Yah. Rayman Origins and Legends are so great.

[@snomangaming]

Yeah I was sad when nothing was announced for the series this year but man just such amazing platformers

[@ethernet19]

Yeah they’re up their with Tropical Freeze for me

[@firebal6129]

Ever played the Fancy Pants adventures series? Now THERE is a good platformer! ( www.bornegames.com )

[@maurice7017]

@@firebal6129 no...

[@elFulberto]

That's weird that the newer Rayman, for all its awesomeness, seems to have been almost completely forgotten by the general public. It is beautiful, it's goofy, it's got a very distinct over-the-top aesthetic, it has wonderful gameplay and bizarre sense of humour. It's quick but manageable, challenging but not frustrating, it has an oitstanding soundtrack, and generally it looks, feels and plays great. So great, in fact, that it tricked me into believing I actually liked platformer games. (I later found out I didn't. I just liked Rayman). Why has it been forgotten then? Mario is a cultural phenomenon and the icon of platformers. So is Sonic, if only for having been so consistently bad for so many years. There have been indie darlings, like Shovel Knight, that were lauded as breakthroughs in the genre. But Rayman? It seemed to have flown completely under the radar. I mean, Origins created some buzz but Legends was forgotten by the end of the year it was released in. What went wrong with it?

[@krismover]

i don't know, but i really wish more people would talk about rayman because it's been a really consistent, great franchise. and the thing is when people do talk about him, it's always in good favor, especially when talking about origins and legends.

[@Pokomonsss]

3 years late. I believe the fact that Ubisoft published this game left a number of people avoiding this game entirely. The game director behind Rayman is the reason why Rayman is so good, not the publisher.

[@usernametaken017]

I think its the same thing with shovel night. Good games, but forgotten by the public

[@MrMajani]

Rayman sells millions of copies with each version and constantly gets rave reviews, what are you talking about going under the radar?

[@sapiense-science-cerveau]

It's quite simple to explain : Rayman never had the chance of becoming a "celebrity". The first game was a 2D plateformer released in 95, the worst time possible : - all the hype was on 3D - Mario and Sonic were already saturating this market (including merch and other derivatives), they true celebrities (often compared to Mickey Mouse or even Coca Cola as universally known brands) Plus, it was initially released on PC, PSX (and Jaguar). It may have been one the best 2D platformer available on those systems, but Crash Bandicoot was the quasi-official mascot of the PSX and PC have never been the best system to play platformers. Even with good sales and critics, it had no chance to become a famous brand/franchise of the genre. So basically even if Origins and Legends are IMHO leagues above the 2D "new super Mario" series, not having Mario as a playable character is enough to make it underrated by the mass market.

[@Thirteen13551355]

Oh hey, Rayman gets recognition!

[@ariamohebi1]

haha so true

[@RayNheartZ.]

Thirteen 1355 I want a new game though...

[@hazzesanimations8212]

Now say it about suler meat boy.

[@DrShaym]

The character designs in _Team Fortress 2_. Each class is designed to be visually distinct from the rest so that you can quickly determine what your team mates are doing, which is important in a team-based game. It's the same thing in the _Doom_ reboot. Each enemy has a different shape, color scheme, and way of moving that makes them easy to identify at a glance so you know what weapons and strategies to use, which is important in a fast-paced shooter where you can be engaging several dozen enemies at one time. This is also done well in _Left 4 Dead_.

[@ErebosSpiral]

that isn't an artistic design as much as it is a rule of gaming in general

[@justinhaugan1124]

And overwatch, a great example

[@magnusm4]

By today it's not a rule as much as a challenge for them. They seem to fail at everything regarding a good game nowadays, especially the triple A games

[@johndaniel8283]

what did you mean by this pescavelho

[@omegabet3912]

I did not realize how important that is until I read your comment. Like, in some FPS games, I cannot distinguish a scout and a medic. But in Team Fortress, there was never a problem.

[@jarerarebear1765]

Rayman Origins, Rayman Legends, DKC Returns and DKC Tropical Freeze have got to be the best side scrollers of the last decade. Mario is still the Godfather of the genre, but there's no denying the impact the new DKC games and the new Rayman games have had on me.

[@snomangaming]

I am right there with you, seriously just phenomenal platformers all of them

[@jarerarebear1765]

I also find it interesting how hardly any platformers are 3D anymore. This Renaissance of 2D platformers has produced some truly amazing games. I hope someday that 3D platformers will have a similar resurgence.

[@williancruz9657]

Deadcore and Cloud City are good 3D platformers

[@ChikoWhat]

uses art as an inherant part of the gameplay? Okami, you LITERALLY DRAW WHAT YOU WANT. Need a bomb? Draw a Q! Need to cut something? Slash it with a line! Need wind? Draw a loop de loop! Need to sprout trees? Draw seed dots on the ground.

[@snomangaming]

Yeah I really need to play Okami...

[@Cheezmonka]

snomaN Gaming Okami was my favorite game for the last six years or so. Breath of the Wild may take its spot, but so far I would still say I enjoyed Okami more.

[@danielevans7439]

The way the background becomes more beautiful as you interact with it is also a great example of art with gameplay.

[@throatychunk]

yes, yes, but then mobile app designers ripped it off and made "draw a stickman" now one word: sequel Okami is the better one!

[@africancouscous]

Scribbles is also pretty good

[@nateclips4790]

I loved the tom and jerry part :)

[@waves5651]

What a specific user for a specific video, lol.

[@nateclips4790]

yep XD

[@alvareo92]

as a kid I always looked for those elements as soon as I figured that out

[@reidysmeidy5772]

"I just wanted to let you know you're beautiful" awwwwwwwwwwwww

[@Avecit_]

he says that to everybody. sorryyy!

[@reidysmeidy5772]

+Edmo Freitas well I still feel special cause it still feels genuine every time! :)

[@rogerfvb]

Tumblr leaking into KZbin

[@BlaketheBlock]

Rayman is literally my childhood. This game has an extremely special place in my heart.

[@trumpeterjen]

If I were a game developer and you made a video like this about a game I made, I'd probably cry. I'm not a game developer, of course, but it's heartwarming to see a video this well-put-together so successfully articulating what makes a game great, especially when it's a factor you can tell the developers put so much love and effort into. They'd probably feel really validated to see this.

[@Skinkemann]

You express really well the reasons I love these games so much! Both Origins and Legends are pretty much perfect platformers. Gorgeous & beautifully exuberant games with a real sense of joie de vivre! I get really psyched just thinking about 'em :D

[@mistere.m.p.1573]

Skinkemann The only negative of the new Rayman? HADES' HAND! (Legend's final boss)

[@MrDarkmario777]

Yeah, they could have done the "Cloud of Darkness" boss in a better way than they did. However, every other boss (and mini-boss for that matter) is perfect, especially the two giant wrestlers in the Fiesta de los Muertos world, which are both just fun to fight and full of character.

[@o.g.6605]

MrDarkmario777 which would u say is better, because I beat both a while ago and am planning to replay one, I’m just indecisive on which I want to replay. What I do remember is the Legends is easier, but Origins’ is more rewarding when you complete the more difficult challenge, and as a bonus, I also do prefer Origins’ more cartoony art style, thoughts?

[@matheus5230]

@@o.g.6605 I think that Legends remastered many Origins' levels

[@Sagaan42]

Rayman origins is a better Sonic than Sonic.

[@aguchamp7766]

Majestic Scorpion Even the Sonic fan in me unanimously agrees.

[@jorgegutierrez8588]

D-NetSavior While alot of people want a new 3d rayman. I secretly hope that there is another 2d one, Legends is my favorite platformer of all time.

[@Sjono]

Majestic Scorpion Rayman plays nothing like Sonic

[@Sagaan42]

+Sjono Because sonic plays like shot.

[@Sagaan42]

+Sjono shit, excuse me.

[@BushBumperBaker]

I can think of two games that blend art and gameplay amazingly. Castle Crashers and Shovel Knight. :'D

[@stevencreighton102]

Oddworld abes oddysee and exoddus as well

[@karl3517]

Adventures of Lomax for the PS1 and Sega Genesis Ghost and Goblins Series was kinda artsy and difficult but still fun to play!

[@gokukakarot5246]

super mario 64 literally uses painting

[@guriyborodkin4299]

TF2 And the DOOM Reboot?

[@pankek5431]

Omg yes

[@simonag.8587]

I didn't see anyone talking about it but, Kirby Epic Yarn ?

[@AphidKirby]

YES! ABSOLUTELY!!! all level objects were so wonderfully crafted to be interact-able while fitting the aesthetic perfectly and enriching the world

[@sayumeyeam]

This is really helpful! Trying to catch up on all the youtube video's I've missed in the past few months. Always a pleasure seeing snowmaN on my sub list.

[@snomangaming]

Glad you enjoyed :) thanks!

[@oddnstrangegames8164]

Love the series, always happy to see more! Also you gave me terrifying flashbacks when you showed that final level... Sooo many hours lost to that level...

[@snomangaming]

Yeah it's nuts right?

[@WolfieboyMachi]

I'm a game designer and currently making a game with my friend, and one of our main inspirations are the two latest Rayman games. Particularly Legends. I absolutely ADORE these games. They are SO good. Hoping for a new one soon...

[@snomangaming]

SAME

[@haidergoraya3098]

I’ve had the same inspiration as you, except mine was mostly on Origins.

[@jackbauer9901]

How is your game coming along? Was it released yet?

[@WolfieboyMachi]

@@jackbauer9901 Hey, dude. Shortly after I wrote that, I was stricken with health issues that put the project on hold. Those issues have gotten better lately, and productions is starting up again bit by bit, but physical and mental health trauma takes a toll and progress is slower than it was back then. Hopefully things will pick up proper again soon.

[@sinceritynature202]

I feel like the game Limbo kind of this art melding into gameplay effect, though that's probably helped a lot by the fact that there's no detail to it, it's all in shadow. I can't think of a game that does this sort of thing as impressively as Rayman Origins. (Though the games Baten Kaitos and Baten Kaitos Origins do sort of come to mind. It's not quite in the same way, but a lot of the backgrounds and maps in those games look like paintings, with interactable and aesthetic set pieces blending together, making it feel a bit more like a cohesive world.)

[@hoodiesticks]

The difference is that Rayman Origins uses it's art to really quickly convey a bunch of information to the player about how each mechanic works. Limbo deliberately withholds that kind of information with its art, such as when you see a switch, and the art gives you no indication of what it will do, but you're forced to press it to progress. Rayman's art instills confidence; Limbo's art instills unease.

[@crossgamer2261]

How so? I don't doubt that statement, but I guess I never noticed it.

[@kennyalvarez7836]

Rayman games deserve more recognition, the most fun and entertainment i have ever had in my childhood and up to date come from it, and i get so happy when someone brings it up in a positive light!!

[@OhHelloSugar]

I always enjoyed the old PS Rayman games as solid platformers, but Origins and Legends blow everything else in the genre screaming out of the water. The games are visually spectacular in general with their super distinct stylistic sense, bright colors, and supremely fluid motions. I remember games back in ye olde 16-bit heyday marketed as being like "playing a cartoon", but nothing comes anywhere close to nailing that angle like modern Rayman does. But cool stuff to look at ultimately doesn't amount to much if the gameplay isn't there, which it is with these games in SPADES. Every point made in this video is exactly what makes modern Rayman such phenomenal (and, disappointingly, grossly underrated) games. Everything the platform genre has built to and should be is here. There's no padding; everything feels swift, tight, controlled, and a hell of a lot of fun as a result. These games have got what can be a pretty vicious learning curve at times, but the point is not to go barreling in figurative guns blazing - as you'd mentioned, once you get into the swing of things, it feels great to be able to keep up with and play by the game's rules, and win. I've gone a bit gushy here, but I'm always so pleased to see Origins and Legends get the praise they so greatly deserve, and for all the right reasons. Cheers.

[@ninjajack6457]

This is my favorite 2d platformer of all time, just hearing the music makes me so happy.

[@isaacwilkins2909]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I have been in stone-cold, hardcore love with Origins since I first played it on my brand spankin' new PS Vita back in 2012, and this video does such a great job of explaining *why*. Can't wait to watch more in this series - though I think I have to hold back on the Undertale one until I've actually gotten around to playing it...

[@wub9044]

Hmm... Fancy Pants Adventures comes to my mind.

[@firebal6129]

YESSSS Exacticly what I was thinking! My favorite platformer of all time. Glad to see some other people agree!

[@wetod4794]

OH BOI GRAB MY NIPPLE AND umm I don't know but fancypant adventure is so good

[@yoeteroni863]

OMG I LOVE THAT GAME

[@kentpham6700]

When he talked about about “The Land Of The Livid Dead”, I was kinda surprised that he didn’t talk about the music

[@SnoopingTurtle]

I got Rayman Origins off a bundle at some point and am yet to give it ago, looks like you have convinced me! :)

[@snomangaming]

Absolutely worth it. You won't be disappointed!

[@brnk2]

Get Legends if you haven't

[@arniethetreble389]

Thanks for making a video on this game man, it really should be more known amongst the gaming community.

[@Monkeyman249]

Rayman Origins was great, but I truly feel like legends improved on it in almost every category. origins should still be regarded as a very fluid platformer, because it is, but legends fully embraced that aspect. Subtle improvements like not making you have to annoying hit enemies twice, attack multiple times to get an electoon/teensy, and the new way that double lums worked really tied the whole package together for me.

[@MrRubixscube]

i also had a feeling that, in addition to all that, the physics engine regarding Rayman's movements in Legends was slightly smoother than in Origins

[@sikisikiamimis]

Yeah dumbing down the difficulty for the Wii U crowd 🤡🤡🤡

[@cherrypanda887]

your comparison of he art in this to art in cartoons was so helpful; great review!!

[@samshahan]

GUYS! RAYMAN ORIGINS IS FREE ON UPLAY RIGHT NOW!! JUST FOR 1 MORE DAY! HURRY AND GET IT!!

[@gulfgiggleanimations4472]

1 day ago ... eh, I've already got legends

[@quibily]

What you say about your environment constantly changing is exactly why I love Motorstorm: Apocalypse. The better you do, the more destruction you get to witness! (And dodge!)

[@rareroe305]

I compliment your channel and sub, and you bless us with a video on one of my most favourite games ever! As for other games where art meets gameplay, dropping walls and chandeliers on enemies in Diablo III was fun. Same with the Arkham Knight environmental takedowns. And the SC: Conviction interrogations, though those only happened in very specific parts.

[@abababab8476]

i know this is totally random, but this video just brought so much memories back, and hearing the music in the back just made me literally cry of happiness because of the memories of 4 year old me in 2013 first playing rayman console games, thank you :)

[@Phantron]

DKC Returns, DKC Tropical Freeze and Rayman Origins, Legends are like 2 brothers and 2 sisters, 4 siblings.

[@brianisebay]

in regards to the question at the end of the video, all I could think of that came to mind right away was Jet Set Radio Future. Rayman Origins and Legends are probably the best games Ubisoft has made in years. Their bigger franchises usually disappoint me but the Rayman games are a breath of fresh air.

[@snomangaming]

Yeah I need more Rayman in my life :P

[@elmantishrimp1689]

One of the best 2D platformers and one of my favorite games of all time. SUCH a blast to play.

[@The_Horse-leafs_Cabbage]

Okay, imma subscribe. Love the style of commentary, and how informative it is.

[@xylophone897]

Hands down Ori and the Blind Forest.

[@snomangaming]

One of my favorite games

[@xylophone897]

I'm ready for the sequel to hopefully be on Steam!

[@nikostar4577]

*sees will of the wisps trailer* "IF YOU THINK, I AIN'T, GONNA CASH OUT, WHEN THAT $&#@ DROP, Y'ALL REALLY ON SOME &@$#."

[@mattlandry]

Man I seriously hope they come out with a sequel to Legends soon. That game was literally one of the best games I've played in that whole generation. Surprised people aren't more vocal about it.

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

This game is nearly perfect. It hurts the eye to see a significant portion of the public overlooking this game. It's even more offensive when you see a typical blind fanbase, like Sonic fans for example, when mediocre games like Sonic Generations had a more popular impact than a work of art like Rayman because the fans accept any shit, it's really sad for the industry in general. Not always elite level design is praised in this modern generation of gamers, but at least Rayman had some level of success.

[@Orange_Swirl]

Unnecessarily insulting Sonic fans, because why not?

[@semvision]

Sonic Generations is pretty mediocre.

[@Orange_Swirl]

SamVision I agree with that statement. I just don't agree with insulting Sonic fans as a whole.

[@semvision]

"Sonic Fans" encompasses a large majority. I like some of the Sonic games, does that make me a Sonic fan? Maybe, but I would not call myself that.

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

Orange Swirl It's not an insult when you know it's true. See if Rayman had any sequences? Just Legends and this game was killed by the lack of popularity and the Wii-U mistake. Now look at Sonic, still alive, releasing mediocre games year in, year out. If the industry followed true quality standards instead of stupid popularity, maybe Rayman would be still alive and Sonic should have died. Sega fans in general are a bunch of stubborn people blinded by nostalgia, look at Shenmue 3 stealing money like crazy. And we have no clue about the sequel of beyond good & evil, earthworm Jim, the return of Jack & Dexter, etc... There are many, multiple examples of better series struggling to come back, still you see Sega fans accepting anything, supporting anything, etc.. It's a sad situation, it almost looks like a massive brainwash.

[@YojimboJames]

“The perfect combination of grotesque and adorable. All while being memorable” Yep. That’s The whole Rayman series in a nutshell

[@cereal9879]

Rayman is underrated

[@susideguy]

This is my favorite series Snowman! Keep up the good work.

[@snomangaming]

Thanks, lots more to come!

[@Mars_over_seer]

Sonic Generations. There's a lot of background stuff that u can interact with like the different paths in the beginning of Chemical zone.

[@benluigi63]

Thanks for the great video! I wouldn't have ever really thought about using art as a gameplay principle until you brought it up, but now that you've explained it I can contemplate several uses of it. A game that uses some of these might be the original Yoshi's Island, given it's vivid animations and background-foreground tricks.

[@snomangaming]

Yeah thats a great example :)

[@fonzoultra1709]

You've gotta do Oddworld Abe's Oddysee and Abe's Exoddus! Great games

[@snomangaming]

Yeah I'll have to play them

[@Se7enRemain]

I'm not 100% sure but limbo uses it's art or environment to kinda make the game what it is.

[@PomLamb]

Rayman 2 for the n64 good or bad?

[@PomLamb]

I am playing through and I would love to hear a second opinion on this. Thanks in advance.

[@danielaherrera2849]

Braixen BC x

[@MunterHonster]

Hey, really nice video! It's such a good thing Ubi decided to create this whole series of "UbiArt Games" in parallel to the Tripe-A titles. While on the same subject, I would like to mention the Vanillaware games. All the games they've made so far use hand drawn sprites and background. Ever since I've been fascinated by this choice of artstyle, it's like you're playing a painting or an animation. And the great thing about it, they will look just as beautiful as they are now, also in the future.

[@snomangaming]

Nice great example! I had heard of Odin Sphere, looks really pretty

[@warpio]

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze does a lot of the same things that you praise Rayman Origins for. Its levels are filled with environmental assets and background/foreground objects that are not only just for show, but are integrated into the gameplay of the level itself. Like in the dark underwater level there are non-interactable fish swimming around that act as a flashlight that you can follow around to see where you're going. And a lot of times the scenery that you see in the background is not just for show either, it's an actual part of the level that you will come to later on in the level.

[@snomangaming]

I LOVE Tropical Freeze, i think it does this principle just as well if not even better than Rayman, such an incredible game

[@FiveFoxesInATrenchcoat]

warpio Didn't Rayman Origins also use the same type of mechanic for a couple of the water levels?

[@BitsofJoshua]

I hadn't seen this episode before, truly excellent work. I love the Tom & Jerry point of reference used to show the contrast to Rayman's truly seamless living world. I haven't gone back to replay 'Origins' since 'Legends' came out and turned into one of my all-time favorite games, but I think I'll definitely give revisit it soon thanks to this video.

[@Apexionnn]

Rayman Origins : Great Gameplay, Good Graphic. Rayman Legends : Good Gameplay, Great Graphic.

[@nitras.design]

Awesome series and channel, this motivates me to create a best possible game! All the best!

[@snomangaming]

Thanks, glad it helped :D

[@TerrorOfTalos]

This game is objectively a masterpiece

[@Nycat15]

Great choice using that Rayman disco song at the end. My absolute favorite part of the game before the final chase.

[@snomangaming]

Hahaha it definitely is super silly

[@JoJoJet100]

Your voice is so smooth and nice

[@snomangaming]

Hehe thanks!!

[@matthewjones6786]

That boss fight is brilliant... Can't wait to pick this game up, as well as the sequel!

[@tonyflamingo3444]

3:50 did you mean to do that pun

[@snomangaming]

HAHAH I actually didn't! That's amazing!

[@icekirby2620]

I don't see the pun, where is it?

[@tonyflamingo3444]

he was on a fly and then he said something flys by

[@tonyflamingo3444]

he is on a fly and says thinking on the fly is a must

[@gooburr411]

@@tonyflamingo3444 it's a mosquito :|

[@marcofer1996]

Man, your videos are getting better and better, keep up :D

[@snomangaming]

Hey thanks!

[@beerasaurus]

I got rayman origins from a kmart bargin bin for 5 dollars

[@snomangaming]

what a steal!

[@samshahan]

I got it for free on Uplay

[@jusky_]

Got mine at a gamestop clearance section a year back, only 8 bucks. :)

[@FiveFoxesInATrenchcoat]

beerasaurus Got it for Christmas this year.

[@bidoof367]

i dont even have it.

[@mr_willybilly]

Man I remember this game It was so much fun and introduced me to the Rayman series and this is the game that made me buy Rayman legends

[@logicaloverdrive8197]

Definitely super paper Mario, the use of changing perspectives changes the way you see the designs

[@GrandpaParrotNHB]

Stupendous video. Well written and thought-out. I originally was going to cite Donkey Kong Country Returns and Tropical Freeze as other identities in which the art and scenery blends seamlessly with the interactive environment, but you beat me to the punch. I guess I could mention FEZ here, then. This game tinkers with and acknowledges its own graphic composition, as it uses the pixel-and its component in the third dimension, the cube-as the whole base for the game, in every each one of its facets. Ergo, the game’s pixel art is not merely an aesthetic choice from the developers. It also plays an indispensable part in the level design, story, mechanics and philosophy of the game.

[@somedude96]

How about Ori. Uses stunning art and beautiful music to keep from being frustrated from intense sections.

[@snomangaming]

LOVE Ori, made another Good Game Design on it! Such a good game

[@somedude96]

watched it and it was great.

[@somedude96]

and... oh yeah. There's a new ORI! Brace yourself!

[@Doci007]

Hey snomaN, loved the video! IMO, I feel like Limbo has that kind of feel as Rayman Legends/Origin. Even though it's not an action platformer, you really feel like every part of the landscape is interact-able and this is complemented with the physic engine that the game uses throughout the entire game. Stay awesome, dude!

[@snomangaming]

yeah thats a great example. the "shadow" aesthetic helps with this a lot!

[@Tsoto247]

I would say Castle Crashers is the closest to an art style like this one! For sure! Great video by the way!!

[@snomangaming]

That's a great example I love that game

[@coldberserk]

For anyone else who likes to know, the OST starting at 5:32 is named Land Of Dead World. After hearing hearing it for the first time i had to find the full version. Gotta love whistling

[@TheCow-j1l]

I don't know if this counts, but the first Metal Slug game was full of interactive background. The sequels sadly removed this, making everything that was interactive pixel art instead of the realistic style of the background...

[@sefeloth]

yay another episode of good game design. this is my favorite series by you

[@snomangaming]

Hey thanks I'm glad you like it:D

[@lasseflick1966]

At the start i always thought: DK TROPICAL FREEZE :D

[@snomangaming]

Hehe yup! It's like you read my mind:P

[@diegocrusius]

love your Good Game series. So positive and it makes me feel good. Getting addicted

[@xnickston]

A very small example I could give is the final boss in Majora's Mask. At first it appears that you're just in a solid room and after having the four boss masks placed on the wall, they provide no other interaction. However, after two solid hits on the mask they turn into light-ball-shooting enemies themselves. Also, the fact that it is possible to complete the entire fight as Deku Link makes it awesome. The deku flower patterns on the floor first appear to be for decoration, but if you actually attempt to play the boss fight as Deku Link and give yourself a challenge, you'll find out that they're fully functional deku flowers. Kind of like rewarding you for endangering yourself, and also slightly for mocking the mask that tried to make you harmless by putting you in that very same state you're in right now. It doesn't really provide strong coherence in the fight itself, but it's just that slight "This apparently is also possible with what you're given" what makes it stand out in a similar way to me.

[@snomangaming]

That is pretty awesome!

[@SimonZeeFlipnote]

I've played the game before, but you've made me see a bit of stuff that i didn't even realized before. Or maybe i just forgot how good the game looked and feels. Either way, good video! it was enlightening, and much more informative than I anticipated, which is always a good thing.

[@snomangaming]

Thanks glad you liked it :D

[@JTHMSqueeMrEffDBoy]

I definitely agree with your analysis, and the newer Rayman games were a tone of fun, but as someone who has been a Rayman fan since the earlier parts of the series, I have to say that the newer games seem to lack something that the older games had, and that's a true feeling of adventure. Don't get me wrong, the new games have some cool environments and they definitely have a sense of bigness to them, but I feel that once you finish the games, there is less of a feeling of accomplishment. Let me elaborate: In Rayman 1, you traveled through a cartoon-esque world to stop a mysterious villain who has thrown the land into chaos. While there definitely is some cartoon silliness in the game, there is also a sense of magic to it, like a world of whimsy and wonder. Plus, it felt like you were travelling the land, from the highest mountains to the darkest caves, taking down the big bads of each area and finally facing off against the main enemy. You were the hero and it made you feel like one. Rayman 2 expanded upon this further. It changed the aesthetic of the world to more of a traditional European style fairy land, with a healthy dose of Celtic and Russian influence. Though it was different, it actually increased the feeling of adventure as it gave the world a feeling of hidden mystery that you had to uncover, which culminated in you awakening the creator of the world to help you conquer the villain. The villain in question was an invading force that overtook the land and enslaved its people, and though the concept of them is still silly (Robot Pirates), the game gave a certain weight to them, making them feel like a legitimate threat. You felt like even more of a hero in this game, and there was a real sense of accomplishment in the end. Rayman 3 changed this somewhat. While it retained the magic and whimsy of the previous games, it added in attempts at hipness, snarky humor, and pop culture references which diminished the overall feeling of wonder and adventure. Plus, the main threat wasn't quite as imposing as previous ones had been, feeling more like wayward souls that you had to police. However, through all that, there was at least still some feeling of adventure and magic through it all, and there were definitely threatening elements in there (the Knarren, for example). The newer games, to me, seem much less like adventures in comparison and much more like romps. Like, it's more about just running and jumping through the environments having wacky fun, not really about stopping a villain or an invading force and saving the world. The games don't really give you a sense of what's going on beyond basic description, and once it's over, it's like "oh.....okay." Now, there's nothing wrong with wacky fun, but the Rayman series always showed that it was a little more than just that, and it's disappointing that we've had to lose some elements of the series in the transition. Dman, that was a long comment. Sorry, had to get that all that out. Hopefully you'll see where I'm coming from, and maybe there are others that see it the way I do. I don't know, but I personally think that Rayman should be more like what the fan game Rayman Revenge of the Dark is trying to do, as much as I enjoy the new games.

[@JTHMSqueeMrEffDBoy]

*Damn

[@snomangaming]

Yeah that's awesome, I haven't played the originals but I definitely want to after playing these. It's just so good and Rayman feels awesome to control

[@JTHMSqueeMrEffDBoy]

+snomaN Gaming I'd definitely recommend them, as I think all the main series Rayman games are good. However, keep in mind that the games are rather different from each other and don't all control or feel the same way. The first game is a 2D game that's more moderately paced and known for it's difficulty. The second and third games are 3D games with the second being more focused on gameplay variety and is significantly easier than the first while the third is more combat oriented and features "mini-game"-esque variety. I'm sure you can enjoy each of them on their own merits, but you'll most likely have a preference towards one game over the others.

[@FiveFoxesInATrenchcoat]

MalcolmMalcontent Don't forget a coherent story. I love Origins, but I wish it was more than what we got. Looking at the early trailers, it could've been much more. Or as I like to call it, Crash Twinsanity syndrome: the final game is already great (and a little wacky) but so much was cut during production.

[@FiveFoxesInATrenchcoat]

MalcolmMalcontent I think I enjoyed Rayman 2 so much that I unintentionally used some similar elements (enslaved civilians but on a much bigger scale, the main villain, Vanessa takes some inspiration from Razorbeard's ruthlessness but times 3, as well as taking some inspiration from another antagonist in a book series called The Lunar Chronicles, Rayman and his friends being captured) for a crossover fanfiction I'm working on.

[@mdstevens0612]

Please never stop this series. I do have a suggestion though, could you do an episode on duality of controls? Something like Metroid Fusion. Mark Brown did one that was great but it didn't really cover on how to make it universal.

[@snomangaming]

Explain Duality of controls a little more, i'm definitely interested!

[@JoeyAOMX]

Rayman aking a better sonic game than sonic

[@SanteonGames]

Another game that fits this description is Ori, a good looking game with seamless visuals and gameplay to art elements. Awesome video as always, keep it up!

[@snomangaming]

What a phenomenal game right? Thanks:)

[@jorgfe7060]

I thought ubisoft was just on crack when they made this game

[@novicenoobtube450]

Rayman games have always been on crack ever play rayman 1 or even 3

[@rayzor181]

The Robles I had with Rayman is that It was bought three times and each time it just played the same level over and over again

[@WinterHowl]

Rayman origing reminds me Earthworm Jim

[@eeveelution8035]

This made realise how game-y most games look and that they don't have to. Great episode as always!

[@snomangaming]

Yeah it really opened my eyes as well. Games have so much potential

[@Polybox]

I wouldn't say rayman origins is near perfect. is is extremely good and very fun but has some serious flaws that ruined some parts of the game for me

[@TheRealLinkShady]

Such as?

[@Polybox]

Well mainly glitchy stuff and inconsitencies in the movement system that i found really annoying in the race stages and when i tried speedrunning the levels (i admit i tried exploiting some odd design decisions to save time but that's really how you discover glitches tbh). Also there are a few parts of the graphics that are messed up here and there. The other main thing i don't like though is the final world though (the cloud one). To me it looks so grotesquely out of place that i thought it'd better fit into super meat boy than this game. Basically they introduced a lot of stuff that's nowhere else in the game, both thematically and mechanically which is a stupid thing to do, especially in the final world. Also there is honestly no reason to make the final world such a huge difficulty spike while the rest of the game slowly bulds up the challenge it confronts you with. That is especially true when you're gonna put in the effort of adding a whole level only dedicated to putting your obtained skill to the ultimate test (the undead world). It just seems out of place and that really bothers me. Honestly if that last world wasn't there i'd forgive the glitches and agree that the game's almost perfect but with such a huge flaw that's not possible for me. I honestly don't understand how they could fuck it up so bad after making the rest of the game so good.

[@Polybox]

damn didnt even mean to write a paragraph like that^^

[@dabossman5650]

the last world is great.........................

[@FiveFoxesInATrenchcoat]

Polybox I hear you with the glitches. For example, in Gourmand Land's Tricky Treasure level I would jump too far for 1 part and had no idea how to control the momentum. Also, I got trapped underneath spikes and I didn't die until a second later. In certain sections of levels, I was pinballing off enemies (usually the spiky birds and their variants) 5 times and still survived sometimes, even though it's a 2 hit point system at most.

[@invisaball6810]

Watching this video I had a higr nlast of nostalgia from plating this game when I was 8/9. I loved this game, after a lot of playingnI got to Land of The Livid Dead, it was so fun, going fast, dying, going fast and eventually flying throught the level, and laughing alot. Thx for looking back at this game and making me remember such an awesome game.

[@CirnoWaifu]

The first 3 Crash Bandicoot games

[@turn.103]

I love when you talk about my childhood

[@baldman7738]

I'm supposed to be playing game of war but this one player keeps kicking my ass.

[@jeffthebiglizard8099]

Is it TheLegend27?

[@diegoosorio8924]

yeah, the legend27

[@diegoosorio8924]

Some say Thelegend27 is the first Game of War player ever.

[@MakusinMeringue]

+Diego Osorio TheLegend27 can throw boulders like a catapult.

[@belleparsley7797]

Epic mickey definitely has the same “brighter objects can be interacted with” vibe

[@Wjdijk]

Cuphead is art!!

[@sinceritynature202]

The way you talked about Rayman Legends having stages set to music really reminded me of the Touhou Project series. Completely different games of course, but Touhou utilizes music in a similar way; often the creator would write the music first and then design the stage and bullet patterns around it. Just thought it was neat.

[@snomangaming]

Yeah that is awesome. I just love anything musically driven in games, it has a special place in my heart

[@michaelseybold1743]

Moincreft

[@winonariannon4611]

Loved the topic on this video, please do more of this. subscribed

[@snomangaming]

Lots more Good Game Design to come :)

[@rydundant]

I'd say Ico uses art for its gameplay. The entire game has you exploring every single part of the castle. And in every room, there's something to interact with or is crucial for progression. I remember reading somewhere (not sure if 100% true but certainly understandable) that the castle as designed first, and then certain parts of it were destroyed in order to create obstacles or pathways. It might not be "art" meets gameplay, maybe more so "environment" meets gameplay.

[@sillylilly9675]

One word Poptropica

[@ShadowsRobloxCringe]

Wish they made games like these today

[@Ninoslav7]

Wow man! Good eye and analytical skills. Your videos are soooo inspiring and full of positive energy! So happy to have someone to learn from. Keep up the good work! I was wondering, could we expect a video in near future, on how to iterate good game designs and what to keep in mind when working on our first projects? Best wishes!

[@silentslaughterparty6900]

This game is a huge part of my early childhood, so seeing it get the perfect amount of praise and criticism brings the biggest smile to my face. Now I spend a lot of my time doing character and world design, so coming back to rayman origins really made me focus on the character designs, the animation, and the absolutely gorgeous backgrounds. The fluidity and momentum in the gameplay reminds me of the old sonic games, but with the added artwork it makes me think of some of the modern indie platformer games that i see around by chance. Rayman origins is truly a hidden gem in my opinion, and it's definitely made the list of my favorite games.

[@ChillinWithTheCapuchins]

This is hands down my favorite platformer of all time. Some day, some day!!!! I'll make it through the Land of the Livid Dead.

[@gary4936]

This was my childhood. I started playing it when I was 8, and I was aggravated whenever I couldn't beat the levels, my little mind couldn't handle the necessary things needed to beat the levels. I came back last year, and I am determined to complete the game that was my childhood. I'm only 6 electoons away from the fabled 246. The music is lovely, and the art is absolutely amazing. A top tier game.

[@MalakiahHammett]

THANKS FOR MAKING THIS this game does not get the recognition it deserves.

[@Tdogg425]

Great video. Your content continues to improve. Keep it up!

[@snomangaming]

Thank you that means a lot :)

[@Tdogg425]

+snomaN Gaming No problem. You deserve to get huge. Great analytical channel that makes the community smarter.

[@failygamers3997]

when the end of the world is caused by snoring