Ubisoft is launching a detailed remake to usher Rayman into a new era.

Ubisoft’s beloved Rayman series is set to make a triumphant return this fall with Rayman Legends Retold, a complete reimagining of the 2013 classic, as revealed during a recent PlayStation showcase. This remake is scheduled to launch on October 1 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.

Developed collaboratively by Ubisoft Milan and Montpellier, Rayman Legends Retold is built using Ubisoft’s Snowdrop engine, the same technology behind titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This upgrade not only enhances the visual flair but also introduces a wealth of new content. In a hands-on demo, players experienced the first two worlds of Retold, showcasing fresh levels, voice acting, music, and more.

In terms of remake quality, Rayman Legends Retold sits comfortably between the likes of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. The core gameplay remains intact, featuring Rayman as he navigates quirky platforming challenges, utilizing Murfy to interact with enemies and manipulate the environment. The creative level design still shines, and the side challenges for rescuing Teensies and collecting coins are just as engaging as ever.

The most noticeable upgrade is in the production quality. While retaining its cartoonish charm, the updated visuals resemble a modern CG-animated film, with richly detailed backgrounds that enhance the immersive experience. New 3D cutscenes expand the narrative, lighting effects are more realistic, and characters are fully voiced, offering eight language options. The attention to detail is impressive, even showcasing the pores on Rayman’s nose during cutscenes. While these enhancements don’t necessarily surpass the original’s charm, they signal Ubisoft’s ambition to elevate Rayman into a broader multimedia icon.

The real excitement lies in the new content. Retold introduces a sixth world that aims to provide a more climactic conclusion to the revamped storyline, featuring five new levels and a fresh final boss, all playable in four-player co-op. Additionally, players can look forward to new music stages featuring contemporary tracks, an evolved version of the Kung Foot minigame, and expanded options in the Cave of Trials mode.

One of the standout new features is Dragon Rides, which are 3D levels at the end of each world where Rayman rides a dragon to the next area. These levels are action-packed shoot-’em-ups where players must dodge obstacles while firing fireballs. This mechanic flips the traditional collectible approach; players start with a group of Teensies on their dragon, losing one with each hit, and only collecting those that survive to the end.

The two Dragon Ride levels played were a refreshing change of pace, effectively illustrating the transition between worlds. The only challenge was aiming fireballs without a reticle, but overall, these levels fit seamlessly into the story and complement the new cinematic art style.

Adding to the excitement, Retold features 55 minutes of new music composed by both Christophe Héral, the original Rayman Legends composer, and Grant Kirkhope, known for his work on Donkey Kong 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. Kirkhope has previously collaborated with Ubisoft on the Mario + Rabbids series and worked alongside Héral for the Sparks of Hope DLC.

Is a full remake of a 2013 platformer that still feels modern truly necessary? Maybe not, but it’s great to see Ubisoft putting in the effort with Retold. This substantial reimagining respects the original’s platforming excellence while expanding on it in meaningful ways. The promise of a new world is thrilling, and the Dragon Rides add a unique twist. While the enhanced visuals and cutscenes may not be essential for a Rayman game, they hint at exciting possibilities for the franchise’s future. Ubisoft has indicated that Retold marks the beginning of a “new era” for Rayman, suggesting that a completely new game could be on the horizon. Whether this will bring Rayman back into the mainstream spotlight remains to be seen, but it certainly gives players a reason to revisit this classic platformer.

Rayman Legends Retold will launch on October 1 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, priced at $40, the same as Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch.