Rayman Legends Retold, a remake of the 2013 title, is slated for a December 3 release across Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. However, a recent hands-on preview indicates that the remake might struggle to justify its existence for those already familiar with the original game.
Developed by Ubisoft, Retold rebuilds the original Rayman Legends with updated 3D visuals, new cutscenes featuring voice acting, and the addition of a new antagonist to create a more defined narrative. A significant addition is a sixth world with entirely new levels. Despite these enhancements, the core experience largely mirrors the 2013 game, leading to a feeling of repetition for players who have previously enjoyed Rayman Legends.
While the updated presentation might offer a fresh perspective for newcomers, returning players may find the gameplay mechanics to be dated. The preview highlighted familiar platforming challenges, including timing-based wall-eating segments with the companion Murfy, top-down dragon flight sequences, and underwater stealth sections. These mechanics, while varied, are noted as having been explored extensively in other platformers, with a lack of significant evolution in Retold.
The music levels, a highlight of the original Rayman Legends, are expected to be a strong point in Retold as well. The preview specifically mentioned "Castle Rock" and "Mariachi Madness" as standout examples where players interact with the environment to the rhythm of memorable songs. The author expressed a desire for a full game built around this concept, potentially with expanded pathways and more demanding timing challenges, suggesting this as a more compelling direction for the series than a direct remake.
The original Rayman Legends was lauded for its vibrant art style, tight platforming, and innovative music levels. While Retold aims to modernize these elements, the preview suggests that the game's reliance on the original's framework may leave it feeling like a step behind current platforming standards for those who have already experienced its predecessor. The author concluded that while a sequel evolving the best elements of Legends would be welcomed, the necessity of a full remake remains questionable.