Croc is a damn classic, that i still go back and play but my first game was the original Rayman. Played the heck out of this as a kid and never completed it cause the later levels were designed to destroy you.

This is the correct timeline

I think of both of them as part of the same package though, altogether it works, the characters are the best part. Their interactions with each other and the usage of the extended cast make it such a good experience. Most i've been invested in an RPG series in years. ONTO THE 3RD!