Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have a treat in store for December, as two classic N64-era 3D platformers join the Nintendo Classics library. Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble arrive on December 17, bringing vibrant worlds and nostalgic gameplay exclusively to Expansion Pack members. These additions highlight Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to preserving 3D platforming gems from the late 90s alongside N64, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and GameCube emulation.
Rayman 2: A 3D Platforming Masterpiece
Rayman 2: The Great Escape stands as one of the definitive 3D platformers of its era, transforming the original 2D hit into a fully realized three-dimensional adventure. Released in 1999, the game earned widespread critical acclaim for its fluid controls, imaginative level design, and memorable boss encounters. Players guide the limbless hero Rayman through pirate-infested islands, mystical forests, and mechanical factories to rescue his captured friends from the diabolical Admiral Razorbeard.
What set Rayman 2 apart was its emphasis on exploration and multiple paths. Each world offered hidden lums to collect, secret areas to uncover, and varied gameplay mechanics that kept progression fresh. The N64 version, while slightly compromised compared to its Dreamcast counterpart, still delivered stunning visuals and tight platforming that rivaled Super Mario 64. Its arrival coincides perfectly with the Rayman series’ 30th anniversary celebrations, making it a timely tribute to Ubisoft’s enduring platforming legacy.
Tonic Trouble: The Forgotten Gem
Lesser-known but equally fascinating, Tonic Trouble represents Ubisoft’s first foray into 3D platforming. Developed by Rayman creator Michel Ancel, the game follows Ed, a bumbling alien janitor whose accidental spillage of a powerful green tonic mutates Earth’s inhabitants into bizarre enemies. Players must navigate polluted wastelands, pirate coves, and futuristic labs to reverse the chaos and save the planet.
Despite its pedigree, Tonic Trouble suffered from development delays that positioned it directly against Rayman 2’s release. This timing overshadowed what was otherwise an inventive platformer featuring unique weapons like the squeezer gun and slingshot, alongside clever puzzles and memorable characters. For retro completionists, its inclusion offers a rare chance to experience a title that helped shape Ubisoft’s early 3D expertise before the Rayman franchise took center stage.
N64 NSO App Enhancements
Both titles benefit from Nintendo’s recent N64 app updates introduced with the Switch 2 launch. Players can now utilize a rewind function for tricky platforming sections and apply a CRT filter to recreate the authentic cathode-ray tube glow of original N64 displays. These quality-of-life improvements make classic games more accessible to modern audiences while preserving their historical feel.
3D Platformer Evolution on NSO
| Game | Release Year | Developer | Key Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario 64 | 1996 | Nintendo | Analog stick 3D movement |
| Banjo-Kazooie | 1998 | Rare | Expansive collectathon worlds |
| Rayman 2 | 1999 | Ubisoft | Multi-path exploration |
| Tonic Trouble | 1999 | Ubisoft | Mutant transformation puzzles |
Community Anticipation and Missing Favorites
The December lineup has sparked mixed reactions among fans eagerly awaiting Nintendo’s own heavy hitters. Donkey Kong 64 remains one of the most requested N64 titles despite the character’s recent 3D revival in other projects. The continued absence of this collectathon classic puzzles the community, especially as third-party Ubisoft games secure spots ahead of first-party favorites.
Rayman 2’s addition particularly resonates given the series’ milestone anniversary. Fans celebrate the opportunity to revisit Globox, the Teensies, and Ly the fairy on modern hardware with enhanced features. Tonic Trouble serves as a delightful discovery for newcomers, offering fresh content for those who’ve exhausted the more mainstream N64 catalog.
What Makes These Additions Special
Both games exemplify the creative explosion of 3D platformers during the N64 era, when developers pushed hardware limitations to craft expansive, colorful worlds. Rayman 2 showcases polished execution and artistic flair, while Tonic Trouble reveals experimental ambition from a studio finding its footing in three dimensions. Together, they expand NSO’s library beyond Nintendo staples, embracing the diverse ecosystem that defined late-90s gaming.
For platformer enthusiasts, December 17 marks a double celebration of Ubisoft’s foundational work. Whether rediscovering Rayman 2’s timeless levels or uncovering Tonic Trouble’s hidden charms, Switch Online continues delivering value through carefully curated retro experiences. As the service grows, these additions remind players why the N64 era remains a golden age for joyful, inventive 3D adventures.
