Rayman Legends Retold Surprises: Not What I Expected, But I’m Glad It Exists

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new Rayman game, but the recently announced Rayman Legends Retold is set to breathe new life into the beloved franchise. This remake of 2013’s Rayman Legends promises to be an exciting way to reintroduce the platforming icon after a lengthy hiatus.

I had the chance to experience Rayman Legends Retold during a private preview event ahead of its reveal in a recent State of Play. Scheduled for release in October on consoles and PC, I played around two hours of an unfinished version of the game. My session included several levels inspired by the original Legends, along with some fresh content that the remake brings to the table. To be honest, I wasn’t particularly eager for a remake before diving in.

Rayman Legends Retold is a complete 3D remake of the original Legends, which first hit the scene over a decade ago on Xbox 360 and PS3 before being ported to other platforms. This new version features updated voice acting, new cutscenes, an expanded storyline, and additional levels and enemies, while still retaining the classic levels, including the musical stages, co-op play, and mini-games. The familiar levels have received a significant visual overhaul.

Built using the Snowdrop engine, the same technology behind The Division 2 and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Rayman Legends Retold is being marketed as a 3D remake. However, it leans more towards a 2.5D style. The character models and environments are rendered in 3D, showcasing stunning lighting and textures, but the gameplay remains rooted in 2D platforming. You’ll still be jumping over foes, dodging obstacles, and landing on platforms, just like in any classic 2D platformer. The visuals are simply breathtaking.

The visual shift is likely to spark some debate among fans. Personally, I found the 3D graphics to be impressive during gameplay and even more so in cutscenes. At times, it felt like I was watching an unreleased Rayman movie crafted by a top animation studio. While I don’t think Legends Retold surpasses the charm of the original’s 2D art style, they each offer distinct aesthetics. Some players may prefer one over the other, but I believe the 3D visuals maintain the vibrant essence that made the original Legends a standout in 2D platforming.

Interestingly, Ubisoft hinted that this remake could pave the way for more Rayman games in the future. The teams at Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft Montpellier have invested three years into this project, and their work might lead to new adventures for Rayman down the line. Only time will tell if that comes to fruition.

Initially, I was skeptical about Legends Retold. It seemed unnecessary to replace the crisp 2D visuals of Legends with 3D models. Would it look good? Would the gameplay retain its snappy feel? After a few hours of play, I’m convinced that Ubisoft has crafted something truly special.

The mechanics of running, jumping, hovering, climbing, and defeating enemies all felt fantastic in Rayman Legends Retold. The new animations and models enhance the platforming experience without hindering the gameplay, keeping everything responsive and satisfying. Even while playing through a cloud stream, the controls felt precise enough for me to tackle some of the tougher sections of the demo—after a few deaths, of course.

At one point, I found myself jumping around an open area early in the demo, and the person assisting me asked if I was having issues. I assured him I was just enjoying the freedom to hop around, which is a crucial test for any good platformer. It should be fun to explore without the pressure of challenges or collectibles, and Rayman Legends Retold definitely passes that test.

The demo assistant also noted my enthusiasm for collecting every glowing Lum and other items. He reminded me that while I was free to explore, there were more levels to experience within my limited time. I knew I should focus on the demo’s offerings, but just moments later, I spotted something shiny and couldn’t resist chasing after it like a cat after a laser pointer. The game is packed with secrets, and hunting them down is so enjoyable that I found it hard to stop, especially since some secrets unlock mini-games and bonus stages. So, if you’re worried about replayability and collectibles, rest assured that there’s plenty to discover.

I also tried out two of the newly added Dragon Ride levels, where Rayman flies on a chubby dragon, rescuing characters while dodging obstacles. Visually, these levels were stunning, offering a true 3D perspective. However, I struggled with the gameplay in these fast-paced stages. My demo assistant mentioned that many players find these levels challenging at first, and I’m not sure if he was just being kind or if it’s a common experience.

Regardless, I’m looking forward to improving my skills in those dragon levels when Rayman Legends Retold launches on October 1 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.