It’s funny how things come full circle. It may be hard to remember now, but way back at E3 2012 when Rayman Legends was first revealed, it was declared a Wii U exclusive. Any Wii U owners who were eagerly awaiting Legends will recall the frustrating events that took place over the year that followed: originally planned as a Wii U launch game, it was delayed three months, then delayed another six months so it could become a multi-format release (even though the Wii U version was already finished).
Naturally, Nintendo fans weren’t too chuffed that what was supposed to be a launch day exclusive ended up being a multi-format game that was released nearly a year into the system’s life, so for a while Ubisoft wasn’t really in our good books. Still, time heals all wounds and with Ubi and Nintendo very much best pals again – the recent Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle being the perfect example of this – there’s no better way to draw a line under the Rayman Legends saga than with this final ‘Definitive Edition’ on the Switch. Well, sort of.
To be clear, Rayman Legends on Switch does very much justify its ‘definitive’ tag, because nobody can argue that – by definition – no other version offers as much as the Switch version. It’s just that the extra stuff added to this port is so meagre that anyone assuming this is some sort of goodie-laden ‘Game Of The Year’ edition is in for a short, sharp shock.
First, let’s look at the game as a whole, for the benefit of those who may have missed out on it in its various other incarnations. The sequel to 2011’s Rayman Origins, Legends is a 2D platformer that uses Ubisoft’s much-praised UbiArt game engine to allow for a stunning hand-drawn look. There’s no denying this is definitely the case here. Every part of Legends looks magnificent: it’s easily the closest the games industry has come to date in making a game that looks like a playable cartoon. The character animations, the beautifully detailed backgrounds, the subtle lighting; it all comes together to make for a visually impressive adventure.
It sounds as good as it looks too, with a fantastic orchestral soundtrack accompanying your adventure. There are even some levels in there that are played to the rhythm of the music; these are among the most difficult stages but also the most satisfying and inventive because of the ways they flow along with the beat.
The game’s main hub is an art gallery where each painting represents one of six worlds. Each can be entered, Super Mario 64 style, to reveal a number of platforming stages. While the general aim is just to reach the end of each stage, you’re also expected to collect Lums (the game’s currency) and rescue the captive Teensies who can be found throughout. It’s this feature that provides the game’s replay value: you get a bronze, silver or gold trophy for each stage depending on how many Lums you collected, and you can’t really mark the level off as 100% complete until you’ve also found and rescued every Teensy.
This helps extend the length of what’s initially a fairly short game. With only six worlds on offer, a standard playthrough isn’t exactly likely to keep you busy for hundreds of hours. The real challenge comes in completely rinsing every level of its Lums and Teensies, and thankfully the game’s feel and platform mechanics are satisfying enough to make this feel like a privilege, not a chore.
Controlling Rayman and his chums is a treat. Jumping has a satisfying weight to it, and while attacks feel a little on the light side there’s still great joy to be had in thwacking your way through a bunch of baddies before punching open a Teensy’s cage and freeing them. The sprint button (operated with either ZL or ZR) is also great fun to hold down: the momentum as your character builds up their pace is subtle but makes hitting top speed feel cool as hell.
There’s support for up to four players who can play simultaneously, either using a single Switch or via local wireless play. However you choose to do it, things can be a little manic and in the more difficult stages it’s possible to get in each other’s way a little too much. It’s very much something you should do when you want to have a laugh rather than when you want to make proper progress in the game.
When the game was originally planned for Wii U, one of the big selling points was the presence of Murfy, a small green creature who could be controlled using the GamePad’s touch screen. The idea was that the player could tap and swipe on the screen to help Murfy attack enemies, cut ropes, move platforms and generally manipulate the game world to help Rayman progress. Naturally, most other consoles didn’t have a touch screen, meaning the Xbox and PlayStation versions instead had Murfy simply floating next to specific obstacles until you pressed a button to trigger them. The Vita version was the only other one to include the touchscreen functionality.
Of course, this being the ‘Definitive Edition’ – and being on a system that does indeed have a touchscreen – the Switch port has Murfy back in all his tappy and swipey glory, assuming you're playing in handheld mode, of course. That’s not to say it’s identical to the Wii U version again, mind you: the main game still plays like the non-touchscreen versions, in which Murfy is controlled with a single button. There’s just a new painting added to the hub area called Murfy’s Touch, which contains the touch-enabled versions of 14 levels from the main adventure.
This solution gives the best of both worlds, really. While the game was originally designed with touchscreen controls in mind when it was still going to be a Wii U exclusive, the reality is that controlling Murfy with button presses will feel a lot less fiddly to many players. Meanwhile, there will be others who like the feeling of interacting directly with the stage, using the touchscreen: this way both sets of players are happy, and with 14 new stages (even though it’s repeated content) that means more game to play through before you reach 100% completion.
Outside of the main stages, all the other little bits and bobs that featured in previous versions of Rayman Legends are present and accounted for in the Switch version, too. There’s a grand total of 34 playable characters to choose from, some of whom are unlocked as you hit certain Luma totals. Some of these characters were previously exclusive to either the PlayStation, Xbox or Wii U versions of the game, so this is the first time every one of them is available together.
That means you can choose the Mario Rayman or Luigi Globox skins that were only in the Wii U version, then switch to the Splinter Cell Rayman – who was an Xbox 360 exclusive pre-order character – before taking the Assassin’s Creed (PlayStation exclusive), Prince Of Persia (Vita exclusive) or Far Cry (Xbox exclusive) versions of Rayman out for a spin. It’s a nice touch to finally have them all here: even UbiRay, the special blue version of Rayman who was previously only available to the game’s developers or active community members who were granted VIP status, is available.
The selection of remastered stages from Rayman Origins returns here too, though earning them is still a frustrating process. There are 40 in total, and they can only be unlocked by scratching ‘Lucky Tickets’, which are earned for doing well in each level. The random nature of these tickets – sometimes you win a level but other times you could get some Lums, a Teensy or a new addition to the game’s creature collection – means trying to unlock all 40 levels can get a bit annoying.
Finally, rounding things off is Kung Foot, the football mini-game which is actually much more fun than it initially looks. Up to four players can get involved, and it’s an entertaining little diversion, if a little on the light side. This is also where the Switch version’s only completely brand new feature can be found, in the shape of Kung Foot Tournament. As the name suggests, this lets you put players into up to eight teams and makes a little knockout tourney with quarter finals, semi finals and finals. It should make for an enjoyable night in, provided you can find enough willing pals.
That said, it’s a little disappointing that this is the only truly new addition to the Switch version of the game. Some extra bonus levels would have been welcome, or maybe some character skins that haven’t already featured on other systems. Given how the recent release of Mario + Rabbids has (somehow) made Rabbids entertaining again, adding one of those as a playable character would have been a brilliant little bonus (especially given their Rayman roots). As it is, there’s really nothing here to make what was admittedly already an exceptional game even better, and that’s a little bit of a shame.
Conclusion
Despite its ‘Definitive Edition’ moniker, the vast majority of what you get in the Switch version of Rayman Legends has been seen in every other edition. The only truly new features here are a complete character roster for the first time and a tournament mode for its football mini-game. That’s not to say it's a bad game; that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s still one of the best plumber-free platformers ever made, and its budget price means if you haven’t played it before this is the perfect time to jump in. Just be warned: if you already got your fill on Wii U or any other system, there isn’t really much here you won’t have already seen.
Comments 85
Still a fantastic game despite being a minimal port. But I own it already on Wii U, the system it was designed for.
can't decide if i'll get it, on Wii U or Switch... .
great review overall!
I prefer Wii U to play this game, Murfy is a great touch in a multiplayer mayhem. Hope to see a true sequel, it's would be great to see on Switch.
Yup, gonna have to get me this, seeing as I haven't got any of the others.
....lego worlds out tomo and still no review...rayman legends isn't even out yet and get's review?
Nintendolife logic...😐
Looking forward to playing this as i didnt on wii u .
It's kind of hard to see that this game is currently on sale for about 7 euros in the PSN store. I'm sure it's a good game and worth the 40 they are asking for it on Switch, but still...
@crackafreeze different release date between US and EU
@Paperboy Ya, and you can get a Wii U copy on Ebay for about €10.
@iamthesunset I approve of your avatar. Best platformer on the MD.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I'm actually going to completely agree with you on this. IMO the Wii U was the best version by far. Having 5 players on one screen in multiplayer was fantastic.
Great review. Even with the few changes I almost want to buy it again just to support the release, the game is that good.
@Tate24 We get sent review code at completely different times by different publishers. Some give us weeks to work on the review, others a matter of days. And in some cases, we don't get advance code at all.
I wish the Rainway app will come out soon. Rayman legends on PC is now 4 euro. Plus, I could play all kinds of DS, Wii and Wii U games via Citra, Dolphin or Cemu...
msg to developers: new content plz.
I loved Origins on Wii, and Legends was even better on Wii U. Such a great game, top quality.
@Damo Thank you! I agree wholeheartedly. I can still play it for hours on end. The OST and sound effects whizz me straight back to being a kid again.
Great game. But because of the Murfy stages, I recommend this more for people who want a multiplayer experience. I think those levels can be a bit boring playing by yourself. But the multiplayer is fantastic, it's a shame that it doesn't have online play.
@crackafreeze Tomorrow in PAL territories.
I've already got it on Wii U so I'll use Murfy's law and swipe this aside.
@Damo fair do's. Just wish find some reviews for switch version.
I would happily pay 20€ to buy this again. If only there was a WiiU buyers reward program or something, they could make some money that they are not going to make from people like me who already own the game.
"Despite its ‘Definitive Edition’ moniker, the vast majority of what you get in the Switch version of Rayman Legends has been seen in every other edition."
Um, I kinda want to query your understanding of the word "definitive". At time of release, this version looks to be the final and exhaustive version compiling all the exclusive material from all the other versions. Nothing has been left out, and as long as they don't release any other versions ever, it will be the last iteration. By definition, it is Definitive.
If they'd called it Expanded Edition, then sure, the new additions are minimal and the title would be questionable.
Amazing game, but I see no reason to buy again for the Switch.
This game is somewhat the pinnacle of sides-crolling platforming, the levels are the right size so their gimmick doesn't overstay their welcome, the animation and sound design compliment the zany art style without feeling try-hard or forced and the unlockable levels and characters are good enough to make the effort of completing it all with 100%.
It's sad this game didn't sell 'well enough' to warrant a follow-up but on the other hand it would take a a lot of effort to top this masterpiece of side-scrolling spectacle.
"the reality is that controlling Murfy with button presses will feel a lot less fiddly to many players"
I strongly disagree about this. Back then I bought the game on Steam first and always found just holding 'Y' to activate Murfy pretty pointless.
A few years later I bought the Wii U version on sale and finally got how it was meant to be. It's not fiddly at all, on the contrary, it's very intuitive.
Also, Kung Foot isn't light at all, it could be a separate game. I've probably spent more time playing this with friends than the majn game.
Can't wait for this game! Too bad Samus Returns comes out the same day.
Not just one of the best plumber-free platformers, one of the best platformers period. Both Rayman and DKC offer better 2D platformer experiences than Mario, Super Mario World being the only game on-par or better than those titles.
@Tate24 you do understand that there is such things as prerelease copies (they may have not gotten worlds at all, or got it much later) and review embargo (as in, most games tell you WHEN you can realease anything related to the game, specifically to ensure that information clout happens on specific date, most likely release day).
I don't. Rayman was a mediocre IP even before they went full-on meme humor. He's just lucky some of Mario's rivals from back in the day ain't doing so hot.
This review doesn't even talk about the Daily Challenges that change every day. They were one of the highlights of Rayman Legends, which will keep you busy, aiming for the high scores!
"This helps extend the length of what’s initially a fairly short game."
We're not really talking like Sonic Mania where you can complete in about 3 hours (well with 1 character anyway). Plus that game is all about speed and beating the levels quickly. This game has plenty of things to keep you busy, plus the fact you have to find the Teensies (some which are hidden well), will mean you are exploring the levels. This isn't a game you are going to beat quickly.
Nice that they have included all the characters. I just wish they included an extra world that was Nintendo themed. A missed opportunity right there. Off to put a pre-order in!
@Luffymcduck nah. I mean, for you that's probably true!
And Rayman Legends is awesome. I'd say those franchises are all top notch, and they all have different strengths that are going to match what some players want more than others.
Objectively speaking, Mario did define the genre. Mario even introduced a strong multiplayer action platforming experience with NSMBW. Rayman Legends does have objectively better multiplayer, though. Then, Super Mario Maker introduced the most fun build-your-own game release pretty much ever (and I remember using Gary Kitchen's Game Maker).
DKC is a very different style of punishing, repetitive play that many won't place in the same category, but for those who want that, the overall quality of those games may be unsurpassed.
I will say that I'd like to see a new style and approach to the next 2D Mario. That plastic, early-pixar look to everything is getting old to me. Needs some more character injected into the style, in my opinion.
I'll pick it up when it goes down to $20 or less. Already own it on XBOX One but would love to replay it on the go.
I have bought it right now for 32.95 Eur on Amazon Spain, if anyone is interested.
It's only a port, but it's a port of a good game. Sounds good to me. Though I will probably pass personally, I am glad it's there.
Looks like I'll be adding this to my ever growing wish list
I'm behind on my platformers. Should I get Rayman Legends, Cave Story+, or Sonic Mania?
One of the best platformers I have played and definitely better than most recent "plumber platformers", a highly recommended purchase if you haven't bought it yet for Wii U, Vita, 360, PS3, Xbox One or PS4.
This one is an easy rebuy for me. Just so good I need it on the go!
@Reignmaker Those three are totally different from each other with different gameplay and pace. Cave Story is more a sidescrolling shooter game with extremely tiny bits of RPG and platforming. Sonic Mania like the Mega Drive games has a unique style and gameplay that is very replayable. Rayman Legends is the more classic platformer of the three and also the best Rayman game.
This article wins best tagline of the week.
Also, buy this game cheaper for a dif system if you want, but definitely grab it. Tons of fun.
@Luffymcduck I totally agree with you! Super Mario World is the best 2D Mario game by a huge margin. The Donkey Kong Country trilogy and Rayman Legends are far better than the New Super Mario Bros. games. Donkey Kong Country 2 is also one of the best games ever made.
Please make a new one Ubisoft.
Grabbing this on Switch. Already played it on "other" platforms, and loved it. There's just so much content in the game, that it'll be great to have on the go.
@Bread-Not-Toast Seeing how perfect Rayman Legends is I wonder if Ubisoft is ready now to make a good 3D Rayman game like Rayman 2 which was very nice.
@Reignmaker out of those 3? No question Rayman Legends
I'll wait for a sale I think, but I'm happy it's on the Switch.
I was really hoping they'd add 1 or 2 more music levels
@DrJoson I am getting it again bc it has been so lon since I have played it. Plus it will be fun to play on the go.
Already played on Wii U. Absolutely no need for me to get it again.
Splintercell rayman was a Gamestop exlusive not an xb360 one (at least in the us) also very nice review, very detailed, exactly what I was looking for. Many people will half ass their reviews just because its a port. Thanks for putting maximum effort here
I preferred Origins to Legends, even then still own both so don't see the point in buying this. Good to know it works just as good as the WiiU release I guess...
You know what would be nice, seeing Beyond Good & Evil or No More Heroes get definitive editions on Switch.
@Moonlessky Agreed. By the way, this is my favourite port review:
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/super_mario_world_snes
I own this on Wii U already, but i wasn't to big of a fan of playing the Murphy levels solo with the character moving automatecly. I'm tempted to pick this one up for solo play, and keep the Wii U version for multiplayer.
@BlueOcean just read it, that review was detailed to a T lol it was very good, made me want to play it again. Hopefully I'll replay it on a snes mini... Hopefully... xD
@Moonlessky Yep!
The co-op with one player controlling the Murphy was SUPER FUN!
You could make it work on Switch with wireless multiplayer, where other players play on Switch connected to the tv while Murphy plays on other Switch.
@iamthesunset What game is in your avatar? Is that Magical Hat (or what we Americans call Decap Attack)?
I'll buy it at a very steep discount. I'd love to replay it, but I own it on several consoles I already own
Is on sale at £5.79 on PSN atm...
@datamonkey I'm not spending 300 quid just so I can pay £5.79 for this game you numpty! Lol.
@jwfurness Yes, it's called "Magical Flying Hat Turbo Adventure" in English, and is one of my favourite games ever. It's weird actually, because I bought Decap Attack after I finally got a non-imported Mega Drive and didn't like it at all, despite it almost being the same game. It's like Night and Day though I guess; this has a very bright, colourful art style, and even most of the enemies look kind of friendly, where as Decap Attack is all 'spooky' themed.
I just popped by to comment on how perfect the tagline is. Toodles!
Everyone should own this game, regardless of platform. I'd dare say it's a better platformer than any Mario game to date.
I enjoyed the demo so I'm getting this one.
Ubisoft should have brought the Assassins Creed Chronicles to Switch instead of Rayman legends. Those UbiArt Assassins Creed games had never been launched on Nintendo console.
Getting the "exclusive" customs from PS, Vita and Xbox is really realyl cool I love that they were able to do it. Didn't expect much more improvement than that; especially because the dual playing ability of the Wii U IS better, it really is, but the game really feels like it was meant for a strong portable, so this is the definitive in that sense and really good to have.
@Nincompoop but they suck... nobody really wants to play more and more Assassin Creed.. I think they should bring some new experiences next.
@Cantisque DKCR and Donkey Kong on Wii U really demolishes both. It's much better than this, which is great too. But there's really no comparison.
@aaronsullivan
I don't find DKC games punishing or repetive. That's my main complaint for some 2D Sonic titles instead but they have absolute gems too (Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Sonic Mania).
2D Mario really needs to take a next step in evolution. I agree with changing that boring art style. And if they're ever going to make a Mario Maker sequel, I want slopes.
@iamthesunset Awesome! I actually just bought Decap Attack on eBay (got a great deal) and am waiting for it to arrive. One of the Genesis platformers I never played as a kid, and I'm really intrigued by it. Magical Hat looks pretty cool too... maybe worth an import.
I don't own a switch yet but they are so many games I wan't to get!
Definitely looking that I'll make more use of a Switch than my Wii U.
@iamthesunset I didn't even know about that game, I will have to play it someday.
@Nincompoop AC Chronicles would have been right at home on the switch.. I'm still holding out hope they will bring over the old collections...even if we never get Origins.
@Syntaxkita And €20 (or dollars) on Xbox as well. It's a bit sad that the few third-party games launching on Switch are also substantially more expensive.
I digitally own it on Wii U, so sadly I'll have to pass on this version. No sense in buying it again for just a few updates.
I had pre-ordered this, after the reading the review and it's a port from Wii-U I cancelled my pre-order. Saved £26.00, if it goes down to £15.0 I will pick it up. Sorry Ubisoft and Nintendo no sale.
So will the Switch just be a games recycling machine? I hope not....
The fact they added in extra stuff that's not on other ports and its portable makes it so worth it. Love this game. It's great.
Sweet reference in the subtitle!
I would LOVE for a reason to buy this again as I absolutely LOVE the Wii U version, and it's not even expensive at £26.99 from GAME, but seeing as it doesn't have any extra levels etc, and is apparently not very different from the Wii U version, I'm going to do my very best to NOT double dip on this (in the nicest way possible).
To anyone who hasn't played it on any console then like so many people on here, I highly recommend it.
Such a wonderful game. So easy to pick up and play, whether it's a long session or just a 10 minute game. Bit like Mario Kart and Splatoon lol
It's just a port, of an excelent game, yes, but still... I don't think it deserves a 9, honestly.
I didn't get around to buying this on Wii U for some reason. I am definitely looking forward to playing it now that it's on the Switch!
@Joytendo22 I guess that might be me the rationale of re-releasing it on the Wii U. They figure that a lot of folks with the Switch have not played it. But with it being out on the other platforms, I think most people have played it. I wish it had a little more content and as mentioned wish that if we purchased the original, we could get a discount.
@GrailUK lol no best you don't! Was just a heads up for those with a PS4!
Read this befor you buy, on Switch the game has much longer loading times than any of the other versions and even some slowdowns. Seems more like the worst version of the game?
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-rayman-legends-definitive-edition-isnt-definitive
I got this game for ps4 and fell in love with the Rayman character. I’m glad this game is in the switch it’s one of the few games I bought a second time even tho I already 100 it
This game is on sale right now at Best Buy for $14.99, not a bad price. I picked it up to play on my new OLED Switch Looks like a fun game, have never played this version, but I do own the version for the Atari Jaguar!
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