Rayman's Ancel: 'I Don't Really Enjoy Playing Mario Games'

Author: by Staff

The creator of the Rayman series tells Gamasutra in a new interview that while he has respect for Miyamoto and is a fan of Zelda, he can't get into Nintendo's flagship series. When asked how he feels about being called "the French Miyamoto," Rayman Origins creative director Michel Ancel says "of course it's an honor." However, he says, "I'm very different from Miyamoto." "I really loved the idea of introducing artistic features in games -- that is to say the storytelling, the artwork, music -- and to get everything together in the best possible alchemy. We have two different approaches, two different tracks," he continues. Later, he admits that he doesn't enjoy Miyamoto's flagship series -- though he does love The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. "I will tell you something terrible -- I don't really enjoy playing Mario games. I don't like gliding, I don't like its inertia, and I don't like not being able to give some slaps! It's a fabulous series, and I understand that people love it, but it's not my cup of tea." "I used to prefer Ghosts n' Goblins, Heart of Darkness, Another World -- games with a focus on the narrative side. Beyond that, I find Mario's controls very interesting, but I don't buy it. I can't help but seeing the ropes of the game, even if it works." Ancel and Miyamoto were able to meet in 2006 when they both received the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award from the French Government (pictured together, above -- photo courtesy of Bliss Press). The full interview, in which he discusses which classic Super NES game he does love, and also drops the name of the man who is his game design mentor, is live now on Gamasutra.