Now over 30 years old, Rayman has been a staple franchise for Ubisoft since 1995 when Michel Ancel first created him. While Rayman has appeared in a number of games on dozens of platforms over the past three decades, his return to a freshly imagined, 2D adventure in 2011’s Rayman Origins stands out as one of the best titles in the entire series. Two years later Ubisoft would follow with the similarly brilliant Rayman Legends which also happened to be the final Ubisoft game from Michel Ancel.
Not only did I grow up with 2d platformers, they continue to be one of my favorite genres. Primarily because, when done well, they provide equal parts challenge and joy distilled down to their purest form. Both Origins and Legends are two of my favorite platformers for this very reason. They are filled with brilliant level design, gorgeous artwork, and ample humor and personality, all combining to provide experiences that are timeless.
So when Ubisoft reached out about Rayman Legends Retold, the upcoming remake, I jumped at the opportunity to be one of the first to play it. So, let’s get into the details.
I recommend watching the video version to see the game in motion:
2.5D Chess
As you would expect, the first thing to call out for the remake is the enhanced visuals. While I was playing in 1080p via a cloud server, it was already readily apparent just how visually impressive Retold is. The world feels incredibly realized, with layers upon layers of animations bringing everything to life. Origins and Legends were always colorful games, but that feels insufficient in describing just how stunning Retold is in motion.
Ubisoft has framed this as 2.5D in the sense that the game still plays primarily as a 2D platformer, and that feeling hasn’t changed. However, the depth of the presentation of the levels makes it feel as though you’re playing on a single pane of a deeper world. It’s difficult to describe in writing, but is instantly apparent when you pick up the controller. Furthermore, there are also new levels being introduced which are true 3D experiences. More on that shortly…
Playing Retold feels as great as it ever did. Given the ramping difficulty throughout the game along with the time challenges and musical levels, which all return, precision is key. And even playing remotely, I had no problem 100%ing a few levels and getting a trophy on one of the timed challenges.
Expanding the Realm
While enhanced visuals are always welcome, I was more interested in what Ubisoft changed and/or added to Rayman Legends. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised at the breadth of what Retold brings to the table.
First, a new realm is being added titled “Land of the Livid Dead.” While I didn’t get to experience the new realm or learn of the full details at the time, the mere addition of a new realm to expand Legends is fantastic, particularly given the brilliance of the original content. Obviously, I hope it’s as fully realized as the rest of the returning realms. But for now we will have to wait to see.
Players will explore the game world via hubs that contain the various world levels, timed challenges (labeled “invaded” levels), musical levels, and other mysteries to discover. Like the rest of Retold, they have been brought to life in new ways that just further enhance the quality of the world-building.
For those looking for something a little different, may I introduce the latest version of Kung Foot…Kung Foot EVO, a 4-player multiplayer mode that can be played locally or now online. For those unfamiliar with the mode in the original Legends, or later in Brawlhalla, two teams of two jump on platforms as they try to kick a bouncing ball into each other’s goal. While this looks rather simple on the surface, and I didn’t get to play this new version in multiplayer during our session, I’m sure it will provide some laughs, particularly in couch co-op.
Likely the most interesting addition gameplay wise, however, are new “dragon ride” levels (the 3D levels I reference earlier). Playing out similarly to classic Starfox or Panzer Dragoon-like titles, you’ll ride dragons through evolving levels while shooting targets and collecting Lums. And yes, these can be played in co-op just like the rest of Rayman Legends Retold. The dragon ride levels will be unique experiences that transition the player between the realms as the player furthers the story and moves on to the next world hub.
Story you ask? So, about that…
A Storied Return
That’s right, Ubisoft is adding a story to Rayman Legends. While specific details weren’t shared as to how in-depth it will be, Ubisoft is supporting this in a few ways. First, they are adding full voice-acting. Characters will be more expressive throughout the game, and then, secondly, spread throughout the experience will be new cut-scenes where the characters come more alive. Given the style of humor and light-heartedness that accompanies the Rayman games, I have to imagine they will be in that vein, and I’m excited to see how Ubisoft pulls this off.
The aforementioned dragon ride levels will be the transitional gameplay between realms and (presumably) cut-scenes. The goal being, make Rayman Legends a broader and more connected experience from one moment to the next. And for those paying close attention, you may have noticed Ubisoft has been using two different key arts. The “simplified” version heads this article, while they have also shared the below, which clearly shows an antagonist at the top.
The Legend Retold
With an enhanced and stunning art style, a significant amount of new content, and voice acting and cinematic cut-scenes bringing the world to life, Rayman looks to be back in a big way. I already consider Origins and Legends to be two of the best 2D platformers ever crafted, so to see the care with which Ubisoft is bringing Legends forward puts a huge smile on my face.
Rayman Legends Retold launches on October 1st on all consoles and PC for $39.99 (in the US). I can’t wait to get my hands back on it and as always, stay tuned to Seasoned Gaming for more coverage soon.
