Ubisoft's upcoming platformer, Rayman Legends Retold, is shaping up to be a significant reimagining of the beloved 2013 title, Rayman Legends. After spending several hours with the remake, it’s evident that the game aims to deliver a fresh experience beyond a simple visual upgrade.
The original Rayman Legends, which followed the critically acclaimed Rayman Origins, was praised for its hand-drawn art style that brought its worlds to life like a living cartoon. While Rayman Legends Retold retains inspiration from this classic aesthetic, it reworks the visuals using 3D models to take advantage of modern technology. This transformation makes the stages feel more alive, with intricate scenery, dynamic lighting, and detailed textures that create a convincing illusion of depth, all while maintaining classic 2D platforming mechanics.
New environments offer richly detailed backdrops, from jungle settings with crumbling ruins and mist-shrouded backgrounds to stages constructed from giant food items like waffles and cake, set against a backdrop of a massive cheese grater. Each new level appears meticulously designed to be a world worth exploring. This presentation marks a considerable advancement for the franchise, drawing parallels to how Super Mario Bros. Wonder revitalized its own series.
Adding to the package, the entirety of the original Rayman Legends content has been separated into a distinct offering titled Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition. While these remastered stages from the previous game are still enjoyable, the focus of Rayman Legends Retold is on its newly reworked and expanded content.
Beyond the visual overhaul, Rayman Legends Retold introduces an entirely new realm with a darker, more somber atmosphere. This new section serves as a grim counterpoint to the game's otherwise vibrant worlds, featuring cramped corridors, tombstones, and twisting spiked vines that demand cautious progression. These levels test player precision, offering a greater challenge for seasoned players.
The game retains the core appeal of its predecessors by offering diverse gameplay options. Players can rush through standard stages for quick fun, either solo or with friends, or take their time to discover hidden secrets, rescue captive Lums, and tackle challenging mini-gauntlets. This balance of accessibility and depth has always been a hallmark of the Rayman series.
Rayman Legends Retold also incorporates a variety of engaging activities to prevent monotony. One segment features players riding a dragon through a village, attacking enemy towers, while others involve rhythmic platforming sequences where actions are timed to the music. The unpredictable nature of the stages, combined with these new twists, promises a consistently fresh experience.
With its imaginative platforming, vibrant worlds, and endearing personality, Rayman Legends Retold is poised to be a strong contender. The game is scheduled for release on December 3rd for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.