I can finally get my Rayman series playthrough back on track after getting a decent N64 emulator working (Sixtyforce, requires registration). Try as I might, the PC versions just weren’t working for me. So Tonic Trouble then.
From what I’ve heard, Tonic Trouble was a test of sorts for the 3D engine that would power Rayman 2. Whether this is true or not, the games share much of their DNA and end up feeling very similar in atmosphere, gameplay, and music. Not to mention pervasive limblessness. It’s also established that they share a universe, with the General (“Mission accomplished. Sheer perfection.”) from Tonic Trouble’s FMV intro (in the PC version, not this one) appearing late in Rayman 2 to sell the Grolgoth to Razorbeard. Rayman also has a minor cameo or two in this game.
Tonic Trouble is more brightly coloured and cartoon-esque in its design and animation, but can still switch to dark, gloomy environments just like its successor. It does play up the surreal though, due to the effects of the mutagenic can as part of its plot, which gives it elements reminiscent of the first Rayman game as well as Origins. In fact one of the worlds, the Glacier Cocktail, is eerily similar to the icy parts of Gourmand Land in Origins and related games (Legends, Fiesta Run) with its large citrus slices among ice blocks.
But what about the gameplay? This is very much an early 3D platformer with all that entails. Levels are brief and linear with some hidden secrets, but fairly well designed I suppose. You unlock new abilities after each world, but each one has awkward controls associated with it; it doesn’t help that the N64 controller actually has not many buttons after the C buttons are used up on camera control. The gliding move especially is difficult to master, but they make a good attempt to base a level around it which feels very similar to Rayman 2′s lava sanctuary. Combat is not as smooth as Rayman 2, but it’s more puzzley and comes with fakey martial arts vocalisations from Ed, as part of the game’s mildly-lame wacky humour aesthetic. The final boss too is a nice multi-stage fight which uses most of the acquired abilities.
There’s a few oddities about this game that should be addressed. There are popcorn machines that briefly transform you to a muscleman to solve puzzles; inexplicably, they’re labelled with the logo for Newman’s Own brand of salad dressing and so forth. The PC version instead advertises Nestle Crunch. There’s also a beta version that was given out before the release of the game, which you will often find (named “Special Edition”) if you’re looking for the PC version. For the record, the PC version seems identical to the N64 one but with a graphical upgrade and voice acting; the beta version on the other hand is vastly different. Beyond merely lacking a jumping animation, there’s many level designs and concepts, collectibles, and enemies that were changed or unused for the final game. I couldn’t play it myself or find a full video playthrough but if you can, it’s worth trying both out.
Tonic Trouble was fine; I had fun with it, it’s pretty short so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a bit basic, the characters can be cliche, and the music aside from the main theme is forgettable. But it has heart. French heart. If you like Rayman and especially Rayman 2, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to like here. Now I’m off to play the Game Boy Color version.
