Review

Rayman Legends Review

  • First Released Aug 29, 2013
    released
  • PS3

No arms, lots of heart.

The PlayStation 4 version of Rayman is visually indistinguishable from its last-generation counterparts. Considering how gorgeous the artistic design is and how smoothly Rayman runs, this is definitely a good thing. As far as extra content is concerned, don't expect anything too exciting. In fact, if you're not aware of the few bonuses, you may completely overlook them. So what does the power of the PlayStation 4 bring? For starters, you can use the touchpad to scratch off the lottery tickets you earn by completing levels. It makes you feel like you're standing in a gas station, desperately hoping for three cherries. Also, there's a camera mode that lets you take a snapshot of a particularly stunning view. The new features aren't special, but the game costs only $40, which is a great deal if you've yet to experience the delightful wonder of Rayman Legends. - T.M., 2/18/2014, 09:00 PST

Did you know ducks could wall-jump? Well, maybe not all ducks. But fowl sprouting the head of a certain limbless hero definitely can. Rayman Legends is unabashedly weird--relishes in the bizarre even--though never to the detriment of its fantastic action sequences. As you dash across platforms to the beat of a mariachi "Eye of the Tiger," or tickle armored guards to lower their defenses, you realize that Legends is strange with a purpose. It uses absurd scenes to imbue this feisty adventure with enough variety to keep you continually amazed, and presents every disparate scenario with expert care. Rayman Legends' off-kilter identity serves as the foundation for this wild and crazy journey.

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Momentum is the name of the game in this 2D platformer. Rayman runs, leaps, swings, glides, and swims with a kinetic grace that compels you ever onward. Being able to squeeze past spikes and thunder across toppling towers should be expected in any adventure that presents such formidable challenges, but what makes Legends special is how joyful such movements are. Rayman chains moves together so effortlessly that you often get lost in the rhythm. Pirouette across a series of platforms at top speed and then rocket toward earth in a ground-shaking slam. Follow that up by immediately bashing a nearby baddie before bounding up that vertical shaft. Such combinations roll off your fingers as you venture deeper into this fantastical world.

A smooth difficulty curve welcomes those unfamiliar with Rayman's hijinks without annoying those well versed in the art of jumping. Achieving such a precarious balance is a testament to how enjoyable the core mechanics are. Despite minimal challenge early on, the sheer pleasure of dashing through these beautiful worlds urges you forward. And there are hidden collectibles that require a curious mind to track them down. Shining lums and crying teensies are waiting to be discovered, and nabbing all of them unlocks myriad rewards. There are goofy-looking creatures, additional playable heroes, and even dozens of stages from Rayman Origins. Such ample treasures make exploration well worth your time, and the fact that the early challenges are purely optional ensures that everyone can enjoy this game from the onset.

It's when Legends picks up steam that its impressive potential is reached. Varied situations keep you wondering what's going to come your way next. You may play red light, green light with a security system in an underwater fortress, or catch a ride on an updraft as you wind your way through spikes and parachuting meanies. Boss fights demand an inventive spark as you dodge their plentiful attacks while trying to puzzle out how to retaliate in kind. Your hovering pal Murfy may join you in some levels, spreading guacamole or poking creatures in the eye at your command. Plunging to the briny deep to torpedo past booby traps is particularly impressive. So often swimming segments derail the breezy derring-do of a platformer, but Legends makes the oceanic sections a high point. Fast and smooth, swimming's unshackled movement makes overcoming deep-sea dangers a satisfying detour.

Speed is the most gripping of all of Legends' demands. Running is usually preferable to walking, though it's your choice if you'd rather admire the stunning sights than sprint wildly past them. However, some stages sport clocks whose ticking hands continually remind you of your pending failure. When your tail is on fire, you appreciate just how well constructed these levels are. Every enemy and trap is expertly placed to ensure you never have to slow down. Stages become invaded after you complete them the first time, which means you have to sprint through in less than a minute without getting hit even once to free trapped teensies. And sometimes, you even have a shadow Rayman right behind you mimicking your every move. When you reach the checkered flag, it's hard to contain the smile on your face because you know you overcame a formidable challenge.

Other levels thrust their excellent score to the forefront. Forced-scrolling stages set to catchy tracks such as "Black Betty" are the highlight of this frenetic adventure. Every movement you perform coincides with the background beat. So you know when to jump and when to kick, and seeing an orchestral performance come together is absolutely delightful. However, don't think that the soundtrack is important only in these stages. The score is a constant companion that has you bopping your head along as you jump and climb through the many levels. It's hard not to be awash in joy as the lums sing their companionable song while you scoop up every last one.

Legends excels as a single-player experience because traversing the plentiful worlds is eminently enjoyable and engaging. Still, there's a four-player option for those who'd rather see the various wonders with friends by their side. Maintaining top speed can be tricky with people who aren't quite as skilled as you, but if you're on the same page as your buddies, Legends continues right where the solo adventuring left off. Launching your friend's character to reach a hidden section or to collect lums shows how handy a second player can be, and you can transport yourself in a bubble if the difficulty ever becomes too high. Of course, if your friend is a dunderhead, you may have to slap him or her. Digitally, of course.

Fancy going toe-to-toe? There's a competitive offering as well. Dubbed Kung Foot, this rollicking mode pits up to four players against one another in chaotic, 2D soccer. Simple, yes, but oh so satisfying. Slap the ball high into the air, leap up to meet it, and then smash it toward the opposing goal. Or just ignore the ball entirely and slap your friends. It's a wild and unpredictable game that serves as a great complement to the platforming action.

Rayman Legends is an excellent game in just about every way. However, there is one problem. When a female character dies, you're treated to a creepy panty shot that's totally out of place. But that's the one negative mark this game bears. Fueled by smooth platforming, striking visuals, wacky situations, and infectious beats, Rayman Legends is a nifty platformer that exudes unabashed delight.

Rayman Legends is featured on our lists of the best Xbox co-op games, best PS4 multiplayer games and best Xbox games for kids.

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The Good

  • Satisfying and diverse platforming challenges
  • Impressively detailed, gorgeous artistic design
  • Tons of excellent stages to unlock
  • Precise and smooth controls
  • Chaotic and enjoyable multiplayer

The Bad

About the Author

Tom marveled at the stunning sights while bopping his head to the music during the course of the dozen or so hours he spent in Rayman's shoes. Though not as challenging as he likes his platformers, Legends exuded so much joy that Tom was helpless to resist.