Rayman Legends, the iconic platformer that debuted in 2013, has garnered a devoted following for its exceptional gameplay and artistic charm, earning a remarkable score of 90 in our review. Its enduring appeal has prompted Ubisoft to embark on an ambitious project: a complete remake that transforms the original’s 2D graphics into immersive 3D worlds, enhanced with new features.
Revitalizing a Classic
During a recent session with Ubisoft, I had the opportunity to explore several levels of this reimagined title. While the transition to 3D does not inherently outshine the original’s unique art style, Rayman Legends Retold emerges as a visually stunning experience. Developed by the talented teams at Ubisoft Milan and Montpellier, the remake is reminiscent of the meticulous craftsmanship seen in the Spyro remakes by Toys for Bob, representing a thorough reworking of the beloved classic.
This remake appears to serve as a soft reboot for the franchise, as noted by production director Alessandro Arndt Mucchi. He expressed a desire to create a more cohesive narrative and world-building experience, stating, “In terms of story and world building, we felt like there was room for tying everything together.” This effort includes the introduction of voice acting, cutscenes, and overworld maps that interconnect the various levels, enhancing the overall immersion.
Mucchi elaborated on the changes, recalling how players previously jumped into paintings from an art gallery, which somewhat detached them from the Glade of Dreams. Now, the hubs leading to the levels are firmly rooted in the Rayman universe, creating a more unified experience.
A Visual and Gameplay Upgrade
Despite experiencing the game through a remote preview, the essence of the original Rayman Legends remains intact, with the platforming mechanics feeling as solid as ever. The visual upgrade is not merely superficial; it represents a vibrant reimagining that involves not just the addition of 3D assets but also a complete overhaul of levels, including new scoring and design elements.
Rayman Legends Retold introduces an exciting new sixth world, titled The Land of the Livid Dead, featuring fresh platforming abilities and revamped musical levels that leverage the 3D perspective for delightful gameplay. Additionally, players can look forward to dragon riding segments, adding a whimsical touch to the adventure.
During my playthrough, I experienced one of these dragon riding segments, which, while still a work in progress, showcased stunning visuals and engaging rail shooter mechanics. Players navigate a charming dragon through beautifully crafted environments, promising a fun experience for families seeking cooperative gameplay.
However, a point of concern arises with the health system tied to the Teensies—each hit results in a Teensie being flung into the void. Given the potential for accidental damage from level geometry or projectiles, completionists may find themselves frustrated while attempting to achieve a no-hit run. Nevertheless, as the game continues to develop, there is hope that Ubisoft will refine these elements to better accommodate dedicated players.
Rayman Legends Retold is set to launch on October 1, and anticipation is building for this nostalgic yet innovative revival of a classic platforming adventure.
