The original release of Rayman Legends was supposed to be in rather different circumstances. What was once a launch window exclusive at the top of various wishlists is now a multi-platform arrival in a busy game season. While that's a pity, this is still the same project that was so eagerly anticipated in 2012, and it delivers on its promise. Thrilling, compulsive and gorgeous, it hits its marks in almost every way.
Perhaps surprisingly, Legends eschews the story-driven approach of Rayman Origins in favour of a hub area filled with paintings, the same setup as that in the original Wii U demo and Challenges App. There are more paintings and categories, of course, but the principle seems to be that our limbless hero is simply leaping into mythical memories of heroics, and aside from the very beginning and occasional stages that demand a certain number of collected "Teensies" — the creatures you're tasked with rescuing this time around — you can generally hop around and try each of the first four main worlds at your whim. This structure is ideal for multiplayer, where the urge may simply be to experiment with different styles of level.
It's possible to jump around as, unlike in Origins, you're powered up and good to go right from the beginning. Attacks, wall running and all vital athletic moves are present and correct without any story-driven unlocks, and they work wonderfully. There are a lot of improvements and tweaks to this game over its predecessor, but the most vital is the subtle but noticeable enhancement of the platforming mechanics. Rayman and his many buddies still move in what can be considered their own unique way, but they're a smidge more nimble, while jumping feels slightly quicker and is more natural. There's less of a sensation of floating in jumps, not enough for fans to yearn for the old days, but enough for the platforming to feel tighter and more directly in the player's control.
The level design certainly maximises this increased sense of control, with stages offering up plenty of variety and — regardless of each individual level's distinct style — a greater focus on momentum and tempo than was commonly found in its predecessor. Longer levels do have ten Teensies to find and rescue, including two hidden away in mini-challenge rooms, yet even these stages — with their sense of exploration and hidden secrets to find — have a noticeable flow. With the occasional exception, the stages are often seamless, large areas as opposed to smaller sections broken up by checkpoints. Generous checkpoints are still present and correct, but there's a palpable sense of each stage offering something notably fresh, whether with a new mechanic or simply optimisations of those seen before.
While Origins was exploration-heavy, with many levels being relatively sprawling, lengthy affairs, Legends mixes up proceedings with various shorter levels in which just three Teensies are to be found. These are often frenzied, event-driven extravaganzas where the action is intense, the set-pieces dramatic and, often, you're dashing frantically to the right or scrambling up collapsing towers. The music stages are part of this — there's one in each main world, for example — but only represent one example of these action-focused levels. Some function as Runners, but with a greater degree of skill and platforming nous than required in the prescribed, rhythm-based music stages; both are gloriously fun in their own ways. Other shorter levels are the boss battles, which are three-stage affairs that assault the visual senses more than the speed of your thumbs, but provide more welcome variety.
Overall, as you progress from castles, to forests, to flying castles, peculiar underwater secret labs and more besides, there's a rapidity to progress that's rather welcome. The upping of the tempo doesn't mean that any agility is lost, so the punching, kicking and acrobatics that so distinguish this latest series featuring the famous mascot are present and as simple to use as ever. The game itself is challenging, not to complete, but just in terms of keeping you on your toes; levels still have plenty of verticality and tricky moves to pull off, regularly utilising the limitless lives and checkpoints. Of the 39 "main" levels — there are actually many, many more — there are 27 that deliver exuberant, wonderful platforming for single players, and a dozen mandatory Murfy levels that do not.
We'll address multiplayer shortly, but in single player there are 12 levels that force you to play as Murfy, a small critter that embodies touch-screen controls and manipulations on the GamePad. By tapping eyeballs, cutting ropes, firing catapults, tickling enemies, manipulating light and more, the play on the main controller clears impassable environments in teamwork with a platforming buddy. In single player you're forced to use the GamePad, it's not optional, as an AI-controlled character does the actual platforming. These levels are fun and challenging in multiplayer, but far less so when playing solo — these sections aren't distinctly bad, but the most fun is in the running and jumping, so shifting platforms and tapping obstacles simply cannot compare. Quite why having Murfy controlled by AI wasn't included as an option is unclear, as it would have had the same hurdles as working with the auto-running partner. The AI is functional and rarely stupid, but it feels rather like an uneasy, unnatural union; the riotous gymnastics and platforming fun are simply lost as the computer-controlled character ambles along.
In multiplayer, however, the feel is entirely different; it's here that Murfy makes complete sense and adds to the experience. In the levels designed with the character in mind, there's a puzzle-heavy approach that instantly has you and your co-player in loud, enthusiastic communication. The true beauty of these stages is that they can be equally challenging with another experienced gamer or someone with less miles on the clock; in-fact, one of our play partners is an avid DS/3DS player, very much part of the "Touch Generation", and they were as effective — perhaps more so — in the role of Murfy as anyone. Some of these levels require intricate timing and teamwork, and putting that together with another player is a delight.
Murfy is playable in all levels with the exception of boss stages, which opens up the majority of the content on offer. Outside of Murfy-specific levels the role of the touch-screen player is minimised but effective enough to be worthwhile, as enemies can be disrupted and hidden items dragged to useful spots; at its worst it still matches the touch screen play of New Super Mario Bros. U. Multiplayer can also happen in the more traditional sense of multiple characters running on screen, and that is terrific fun. This is tough platforming that will likely frustrate inexperienced gamers, so having both options should suit most households, while support for all major Wii and Wii U controllers means that it should be easy to get up to five players involved at any time; it's simply a case of dropping in and out at will. If all but the Murfy content is exceptional in single player, the experience becomes fully rounded with some friends and family in on the action.
Whether playing solo or with others, it's fortunate that the experience expands beyond the all-new stages. Such is the compulsive nature of the game, and the fact some of the stages are relatively short, that the main story feels like it's over too soon, with the credits catching us by surprise. With progress you do unlock "Invaded" levels, which shake up existing environments with new enemies, layouts and a 60-second time limit; also included in the main galleries are Rescue stages to unlock characters — similarly, these are relatively short, high tempo tests of skill. The Online Challenges area, meanwhile, brings along the same structure that Wii U owners enjoyed ahead of time with the Challenges App. Unlike that app, accumulating levels of "Awesomeness" and plenty of Lums is far easier, opening up the Extreme daily and weekly challenges relatively quickly.
The main attraction, beyond those extras, is the Back to Origins hub. Five worlds from the title return with eight levels each, which provides a welcome extra to flesh out the core experience; Murfy is playable, once again, in all but boss encounters. It's here that the slower tempo and increased length of the original's levels are shown off, meaning that depending on your preferred approach you should be well accommodated; such is the quality of the first title's content that revisiting these levels is certainly worthwhile, while they're mixed up slightly for new Teensie placements. A fair few flying mosquito levels make the cut, which is welcome as they don't feature in the Legends content, and the tighter physics and controls also serve these stages very well.
One quirk is that these stages aren't necessarily unlocked by progress through the main game, but obtained via lucky tickets. At the end of every stage you receive bronze, silver and gold trophies depending on the number of Lums collected — Teensies are vital for this total — and these tickets are the second highest prize. In our case we typically unlocked these first-time on most stages, and you then use the GamePad screen to "scratch" these tickets for extra goodies. You sometimes receive Lums, and on other occasions collectible creatures at which to gawk at as you please, and it's here where you unlock Rayman Origins paintings. It seemed to drip-feed us steady levels, with a rush late on, but it does mean that you can beat the first two or three stages of one of the Origins worlds before hitting a blocking point that needs a lucky ticket. This does encourage you to focus on the main game — these Origins levels are supposed to be extras — and we found that the majority were available after redeeming the main game's worth of tickets. You win more tickets in the Origins levels, too, to maintain the cycle.
It's these Origins levels that add plenty of meat to the title, while it's also abundantly clear that this was a game originally conceived with the Wii U in mind. Not only is Murfy evidence of this, but also the substantial Miiverse integration that's included. You can post to Miiverse after beating a level, to show off Invaded level times and for almost any purpose the network's known for, while the challenges are all fully integrated with online leaderboards. The GamePad is also an information hub, constantly showing the latest unlocked level or character and giving ready access to statistics and a view of friend's best challenge times. Throw in off-TV play, and it's clear that the development team wanted to embrace the system's controller, while the Mario and Luigi characters were our heroes of choice.
The developers also, as promised regularly in public statements, made impressive use of the Wii U hardware. The visuals truly are stunning, rich and full of depth, with a crispness and clarity that's truly impressive. It's not just the technical aspects that impress — though they certainly do — it's the design, with layering and attention to detail that sets a new bar for platforming on the system. With an impeccably smooth framerate that never dips and glorious orchestrated music that weaves from beautiful to goofy, this is a treat for the senses. The UbiArt framework in-use is something to behold in action, and a noticeable step-up over Origins; it all looks less hand-drawn and has more of an animated CG movie sheen, yet suits the subject matter perfectly. The animation is that bit smoother, more vibrant, and switching between the Origins levels in a HD version of that game and the Wii U emphasizes the level of improvement.
There's one other feature of this title that simply must be mentioned, and that's Kung Foot, a shallow multiplayer-only part feature. Please don't read "shallow" negatively, as some of the most fun experiences in the real world are the most simplistic and childish games. On different sides, with a goal each, two teams use the characters to punch and kick a ball and each other to score — there's little else to say, but that it's brilliant. When playing with others it's the perfect rowdy five-minute warm-up ahead of the real action.
Conclusion
Rayman Legends is so close to perfection that its minor missteps are all the more noticeable. Single players will likely tolerate but not love the mandatory touch-screen Murfy levels, while we're left wanting more, with the main story levels being over in a flash at well under 10 hours. Clearly aware of this, the developers made those hours utterly glorious, and then threw in enough extra content, challenges, remixes and collectibles to conceivably more than double that play time.
And the fact is that playing levels again, hunting out those hidden Teensies or chasing gold cups, is completely worthwhile and essential. It's also worthwhile playing extensively in both single and multiplayer, as each option feels distinctly different, shaking up the experience in pleasing ways. For those who haven't seen Origins through to the end or even played it, meanwhile, the extra 40 levels are a fantastic inclusion.
We feel obliged to acknowledge that, for some Nintendo fans and particularly Wii U early-adopters, this is potentially a controversial release. Whatever the background it is here now; we struggle to see how any version can be better than this, as it's a game that feels like it was designed solely for the system. It's stunning platforming, with a move-set and dynamism unique to this fresh new series for the Rayman character, and it's memorable. It deserves to be enjoyed by all platforming fans that own a Wii U; it should not be missed.
Comments (166)
@ThomasBW84 As usual, your reviews always put a smile on my face.
I do not own a Wii U, but this game is coming out on the Ps3, so I'll get it that way. I loved Origins, so I'll definitely love this one.
Wow I think I might have to check this one out it sounds like it was worth the wait!
Can't wait. I've been waiting too long!
Picking this up as soon as I can. I have to go through TW101 first. But I'm definitely looking forward to this.
Friday can't come soon enough.
I'll probably pass. Origins wasn't much fun for me. I'll wait for Donkey Kong Country TF
Its sad if people are still hurt over Rayman Legends being made multi-platform. I was fully expecting it to become multi-plat and I'd be hurt for the people who wanted this game, but lacked a Wii U too.
The only problem I had is they announced this like... DAYS away from intended release and we knew the game was complete. Still dont like the complete game was held away for months, just because of microsoft's policies probably (Which I hope a dev will just screw them over because of it one day), but it seems we're getting a lot more extra content in return, so very happy with that!
I plan on getting the Wii U version, however this is the first time where I want the same game on 2 systems. Wii U + Vita. I loved origins on vita, so cant wait to get on vita too.
The thing is, I would get this game if it was released in Feb. I won't get it now not because it's not an exclusive anymore, but because I already own New Super Mario Bros U (and the Luigi expansion) and the next few months I'll get a Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario 3D World. So plenty of platformers for me.
I won't be picking this up as i'm not a fan of Rayman games, however i agree that no one should let politics get in the way of a good gaming experience.
Thinking about this one now. I was going with Wonderful 101 as my September purchase until I tried the demo : (
I really wanted to like Wonderful 101 but I just can't.
I'm 2d'ed out at the moment, so this is a pass for me. I do hope it helps push some Wii U's, and that the Wii U attach rate crushes the other systems. The best thing Nintendo fans can do to get 3rd party titles is to support the good ones.
This is the reason I haven't picked up Wonderful 101 yet. And it's sounding like a very good reason.
Never really played Rayman before, but this looks pretty cool.
Superb review, thoroughly enjoyable read. I've had this pre-ordered for a long time and I'm happy to have stuck with it.
The Wii U version is the best version thanks to murphy and the Miiverse integration. Going to get this on my brothers birthday, a few days after it is released, we loved origins.
In the tradition of ubisoft I will delay my purchase of this game by about 7 or 8 months . By then it will be half price new and even less used . TW101 will keep me very busy for a good long time so will windwaker
hd and DKC .
If nothing else is out by april or may and I'm bored then I'll look for this.
Another great and compelling review, Thomas! Always a pleasure to read.
Im on a tight tight budget and was going to skip this one but man, as a platformer lover and Wii U owner with few games, this review has me thinking twice about a day one purchase...why couldn't it have gotten a 7? lol
I am planning on getting this along with W101, as soon as the latter is released in NA.
I got almost everything out of Origins, and I enjoyed it, specially in multiplayer. So getting this one and later on DKC feel like a no brainer.
Will pass on this. Just couldn't get into Origins back then. The visuals are stunning though.
Also hanging back for Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze.
Awesome.. But I'll have to wait five more months before I can get it
Il pick it up second hand in a few months
This would have been a day-one had it been released at the beginning of the year. But as it stands, there are too many other games vying for my money. Sorry Rayman.
reads more like a 10/10 imo
@supremii - I'm afraid it wasn't in the running for 10 because of the niggles mentioned, but it was a big fat no-doubt-about-it 9, which is a strong recommendation in anyone's language
Thanks for the informative review! Sucks to hear single player can be a drag on the Murfy levels. It's baffling to me that they don't have an option to play those 360/PS3 style. That said, it's nothing to me personally since the girlfriend and I will be tackling this one together. With DK coming in November as well, we're in platformer heaven.
Definitely getting this! Even after the game's unceremonious delay I knew I'd want to support this game, and with this review it pretty much settles it.
I am a little burnt out on 2D side-scrollers at the moment with NSMB U, Ducktales, and a few others I am playing. However, I loved Origins, so I will pick this up on Wii U eventually, just want to wait for the price to drop or at least for me to finish some of the games I am playing.
My wallet is ready. I'm so hyped for this.
The fact that I'm hearing better things about this than even the masterpiece that was Origins is incredible! Now to hope and pray that my pre-order ends up arriving a day or two early...
@ThomasBW84 What prevented this from getting a 10 like Rayman Origins? Just wondering.
I loved origins but this one kinda seems boring to me.
I'll pick it up at 15 bucks in 7 months for PS3.
Im reading a lot of "never played a rayman game before"
Plaes people, dont compare it to older Rayman titles. Rayman Origins and now, legends, exist in their own "Rayman Universe" gameplay wise
If you want to compare Legends to something, just do it with Origins and shove the numbered continuity out of the picture
And to say that people loved Origins would be a tiny understatement
I really want to give this a try. My only previous Rayman experience is Origins on the 3DS, which was just OK (I've heard it's by far the worst version of that game, though). The Challenges app, however, was pretty impressive, and - truth be told - the bitterness from the delay has worn out on me by now.
The actual logical reasons why this shouldn't have been delayed are still here, however. There is a number of soon-to-be-released games that excite me much more than Rayman Legends - namely, The Wonderful 101, Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Wind Waker HD, and Sonic Lost World. And this isn't even taking into account the plethora of amazing must-have 3DS titles in the next few months. Since I've limited myself to one game per system each month, I think it's sadly gonna be a while until I add Rayman Legends to my collection.
@Crazybrain1 I didn't review Origins and, personally, wouldn't have given it 10. Just my opinion
I'll get around to getting this eventually but there's just way too many games coming out right now that I need to play first. Had it come out in February when there was nothing to play I would have scooped it up but it's the fall season and I have my purchases mapped out for the rest of the year. I'm not intentionally punishing Ubisoft but seriously why would you release this game against such giant behemoths like GTA, Windwaker, Sonic, etc....
Far too many people still acting like children about going multi platform.. it really is sad
Also a big shame that despite getting great reviews, having upto 5 players for local co-op, challenges and being a gorgeous looking 1080p true hd game with exclusive levels and content that so many people are still not willing to suport Ubisoft by buying this game, and waiting for a first party title not out for a while yet.
Thing is all you people not supporting 3rd party developers, especially those like ubisoft or have been and want to continue supporting the WiiU will be on here ranting and complaining about Ubisoft when they stop supporting WiiU.
But quite frankly.. Who's fault is it when people simply wont buy any games they release regardless of how good they are... not Ubisofts thats for sure.
Too long of a wait.
... seems like Rayman has swiped the 2D throne away from Mario on the Wii U.
: )
I think most people seem to be over the mutiplatform issue (thankfully, for reasons I won't get into here), but it does appear the delay hurt this game for other reasons. The Wii U's library was so barren and this is now coming out around a bunch of big releases... Such a shame. I'll probably get this before the years end but I hope Ubisoft releases any slow sales for the Wii U system is due to their poor timing, not the system itself.
So are the Origin levels different in layout at all? Or is it just different placement of lums and teensies?
Sounds like a great platformer but it worries me that this is now two reviews I've seen that have had some issues with the Murphy levels in single player.
Would you believe that one of gimmicks the Wii U version is sold on is getting better praise in the versions that don't use the forced touch controls and instead stick with traditional controls.
Go figure.
Reviews are to guidance, not the word of law. I personally found the demo and app related to this title boring while I'm enjoying Pikmin 3 more than most games I've played, yet it gets a lower rating and less fan fare outside of Nintendo sites. To each their own.
This game is getting rave reviews all over the internet. While I am certainly still getting it, and am excited to play it, it does sting thinking about what this could have done for Wii U sales earlier in the year...
10/10 on Eurogamer <3 This has been building for me over the last month. One of the guys on Weekend confirmed was saying it was the best game he'd played this year, and he loved The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite, Fire Emblem etc, and he also called it the best use of the gamepad so far, way better than anything Nintendo themselves had done.
2013, what a year for gaming and we're nowhere near through.
Yay can't wait!
@Kodeen @Dark-Luigi Played the demo on PS3, pretty sure the Murfy level was in there, you just hit circle and Murfy does his thing. Seemed really lame.
Just bought Pikmin 3 yesterday and want W101. Origins was $20 at TRU about 2 months after release. Ubi games always drop quickly in price, look at the Assassins Creed series. The Wii U price may holdbetter than the others but $30 by Feb.
@GiftedGimp It's not the gamers' responsibilities to support third parties. Those companies need to release good games in a timely manner if they want to succeed.
Legends seems like a pretty good game, but the timing is unfortunate. I'm not about to pass up on franchises I like more than Rayman (DK, Zelda, Sonic) just to selflessly support a third-party developer on the Wii U, and especially not when my gaming budget is limited.
A couple months ago, I'd likely be all over this. I'll likely still get it eventually, but it's not high on my priority list.
Thanks for the review, but I'm already getting this game
I will get this for my birthday next week along with Etrian Odyssey 4!
I might get this later
If I get it I'll get it used, I'll save my real money for non-back stabbing companies. Not to mention, The Wondeful 101 will keep me busy for a long time anyways, and then there's Wind Waker HD, Pokemon, DKCR2, Super Mario 3D World etc..
Wow I was hesitating but it looks like I will need to pick this up pronto!
This is gonna be awesome.
To everyone asking about our Splinter Cell Blacklist review, yup it'll be on its way soon. Please be patient, Ubisoft didn't send us code for this one early like usual. We're on it!
@SanderEvers
I respect the fact that you actually take publishers into the equation whenever you assess a game. I know I certainly take the developer into account whenever I consider making a purchase, and as you pointed out certain publishers/developers, such as EA and Ubisoft, should be held accountable for how they conduct their business. My question to you is this - did you give Ubisoft a 0/10 because Legends is no longer exclusive to the Wii U? Because honestly I can’t fault the company for wanting to make money. It makes no economic sense for them to devote all that time and resources into making a game exclusively for a system that hardly anybody owns. You look at 3.6 million Wii U consoles sold, vs. over 150 million units combined between the PS3 and 360. Obviously the game now has a far greater reach now that it’s on those other consoles, meaning the company stands to earn more money. I agree that it was kind of a d*$% move on Ubisoft’s part to hold off on releasing the Wii U version until the other ports were ready, but I certainly understand that it’s a business and they have to think about the bottom line.
I’m not trying to be critical because I respect the way you look at things. Just curious as to your thought process.
I feel sorry for people that deny themselves great games for such dumb reasons. It won't make a bit of difference to the publisher, it's just spiting yourself. The delay was the only thing they could do. They HAD to take it multi platform in order to avoid it making a loss, and they HAD to delay the Wii U one to do that because of Microsoft's policy.
Ubisoft just had to look at the sales of Zombi U. A title that had zero competition in it's genre, and had to assume that a 2D platformer would do worse. Most Wii U owners have NSMBU already. It would have been an incredibly dumb decision to keep it exclusive. People are saying they don't mind it going multi platform but criticise the delay, when there was no other way to do it.
It's been a long time waiting for this game, but on friday it's finally here Me and my girlfriend are big fans of origins and I'm sure this one will be just as awesome!
@SanderEvers
Those are all very valid points, a few of which I hadn't considered. Thanks man
@SanderEvers It will still sell more now across 4 platforms than it would have sold on Wii U in February. As I said above, the best selling 3rd party game is Zombi U, which did not sell great, and there's a whole bunch of reasons why Ubisoft would expect Legends to sell less than it. A flop on PS3 and 360 outsells Wii U's big sellers for now. That will change soon as Wii U grows and the other two tail off, but it's the case for now.
@SanderEvers
I like to compare the situation to what Capcom did with Resident Evil 4. Developed exclusively for the ‘Cube, but even though news got out by the time of the games’ release that it was later going to be ported to the PS2 (9 months later I believe), Capcom at least did the honourable thing by releasing it on Nintendo’s system on time like they said they would. Unlike Ubisoft, they did not delay a finished product.
Unfortunately, Im gonna be putting my money towards Wonderful 101. If this was released back in Feb, it would be a no brainer to pick it up. Theyre really releasing this game at a bad time. I dont expect this game to sell very well on any system, well maybe the vita since its really lacking some games atm. But the wiiu games are all coming now. Really bad decision by the suits at Ubi. They also really pissed off some of their devs. Not a good move at all.
Looks great, but I think that ship as sailed for me. Been playing origins and the app since the delay and I can't help but shrug reading this review now. I'm ready for the other fall release (W101, especially).
Hate to say it, but I easily would have snapped this up anytime over the last 8 or so months... Now I'm not even sure I could be bothered at half price. Actually I have a %50 off coupon that expires Sep 9... It was earmarked for Legends, but I may just use it on Splinter Cell (no local co-op really drops a turd on that though) or let it expire...
When first announced, this was my "most wanted" Wii U game. There still hasn't been anything released (or even announced) that looks better.
Am I disappointed that Ubisoft held the game back instead of making it Wii U exclusive on the date initially planned? Sure. Does that do anything to affect the quality or desirability of the game? Not an ounce.
@Peach64 There are enough things to do in this world. It's hardly a tragedy if a person neglects one of them for reasons you deem dubious. There are plenty of games worth playing. If, for whatever reason, someone refuses to play Legends they will play something else. No one can determine but each individual for themselves whether they're worse off or not.
I had preordered this game, but when they delay 2 weeks before the release date because I knew I couldn't bought it in september. I just bought wonderful 101 (the game that made me bought the wiiu day one) and I have deus ex preorder because of the new bosses, windwaker hd, watchdogs, mario 3d world, I wanna buy zelda 3ds too and may be sonic and beyond two souls, and I need to finish mario dream team, fire emblem, luigi's mansion, ni no kuni, ducktales, tales of abyss, radiant historia, luigi u and a lot of other games......... To sum up in february I had time so I'll bought it next year, I think. but I'm glad It's a great game and I hope It sells better than origins even if Ubisoft choose the worst time to released it :/
Looks great.
I can't quite get into the design of the characters and enemies fully but that's just a matter of my personal taste.
On the whole it looks stunning.
If only Nintendo would put this level of creativity, imagination, graphical and presentation excellence into their 2D-2.5D New Super Mario Bros games.
I want a 2.5D Mario game that's as impressive as this!
PS. Once again I'm very annoyed at a review that knocks a game for being too short when it has multiple tens of hours of gameplay. The main campaign has about ten-twelve hours but supposedly there's like 40 missions from Origins in there too, along with challenge modes and whatever else. Stop knocking games for being too short when clearly they have plenty of playtime. Seriously!
@SkywardCrowbar
What's worse is that supposedly the other console versions are actually better because they don't force the touch screen only Murphy sections on you in single player.
@Yellowgerbil
Actually, I've seen a few of reviews now that say the forced touch control only Murphy sections actually make the Wii U version slightly less enjoyable than the rest.
i liked origins way better than any recent nintendo made 2d platformer, but it was on sale for $20 in less than a month of its release. ill wait for this one to drop.
For anyone in the UK, you can pre-order Rayman Legends for £26.39 at Wow HD. Almost half the RRP/eShop price.
@ricklongo Course it is, by your logic Publishers should release on which ever platform, regardless of profit losses dur to people not buying thier games.
Key to any business operating in a healthy manner is supply & demand if theres no demand for a product then there's no need to supply a product, the heavier the demand then the more as a business you try to meet that demand and offer more.
@SanderEvers
ps3/360 hd versions are the best
@Peach64
Good find.
After spending a few hours on the Challenges app I have no doubt I'll enjoy this. I'll be downloading it later this week.
^ This
Also I'm verry happy that it went multi platform. More people could enjoy that great game
Enjoyed Origins a lot so will get this at some point in time. Still need to clear the backlog.
Am I the only one that likes the Murphy touch controls? The challenge app levels where you control the level for the auto-run character are immensely fun for me. And two-player with Murphy looks awesome too.
It seems like everyone is like: "Not a normal controller? OH MAH GAWWWWD!"
@GiftedGimp You misunderstand what I said. Of course it's up to the publishers to decide which platforms to release their games on - I never implied otherwise. It's their business. The risk is theirs, and so are the eventual perks. Gamers are merely consumers, and should purchase the games they actually want. It's not their "responsibility" to do anything. They should buy the games they enjoy, period. Suggesting people should pass on games they want and instead buy one they're less interested in, just to "support a third-party publisher", makes no sense.
Go ahead and criticise people who won't buy this game out of spite (then again, after the whole ordeal, I can understand their reasons). But sorry, my list of buying priorities is dictated only by my excitement for each title, regardless if it's third-party or not. And as of right now, there are several other titles I want more than Rayman Legends. Simple as that.
And again, I do think this game looks quite compelling, and probably will get it in the future.
IGN has lost all credibility. When asked which version of the game he found best the reviewer said PS360 or Wii U. So, he gave no credit to the Wii U for the gamepad use, graphical superiority or that the game was designed for the Wii U. It's like IGN refuses to give props to the Wii U. Thank God for sites like this one. We know the Wii U is the definitive version I just wish the Sony fanboys at IGN could admit it too
@Kodeen are you arguing that the PS360 versions look as good? If they do then that is Ubisoft's fault for not utilizing the Wii U better. If you are saying in general then lol at you. The Murphy sections were designed for gamepad use. It's an awesome part of the game that he apparently does not care for which is why he likes using analog stick on PS360. That is laughable. Why are you being an apologist?
Great review, Thomas. I would love you to start reviewing all retail games as from now on, if that isn't much of a problem!
@SanderEvers
Nintendo has also made mistakes. Huge ones. Wii U sold 10,000 in three months in Europe, Australia AND the rest of the world combined. That's dreadful by any standards. Whose fault is that? Will you be punishing Nintendo for their mistakes by not buying their games like you will Ubisoft?
At least Ubisoft is supporting the Wii U with their major releases Rayman, Assassin's, Splinter Cell, Watch Dogs. Where is EA? Where is Square? Where is Rockstar? All of whom have games coming to consoles not even released yet.
I bet without reading any comments there's people crying about how they wont buy it.
The Murfy levels were in the challenge app, right? Those were some of my favorite levels! The controls seemed fine to me, they were just really hard. I want to get this game but like everybody else I feel like I’m on platformer overload. I am still working my way through the New Super Luigi U DLC, I just finished Mega Man 6 on 3DS and with DK:TF and SM3DW my platformer itch is getting all the scratching it needs. I will pick this one up when the price drops for sure.
@SanderEvers you're so delusional lol
@clark_quente It's really sad but I've got the same reasons! I would have bought this in the draught but have no cash for it now, but if it bombs now they'll think it's because we don't actually want their games...why did they mess up like this!
@SanderEvers
No, I'm afraid if you release the Super Sander 270 tomorrow it is not my responsibility as a third party to sell your consoles for you. If they don't sell it is your fault.
Also I hope you know that the developers who work hard to make this game have no control over the decisions the big boys at the top make, right? It's obvious they've made a brilliant game, why do they deserve to be snubbed?
@Kirk I said the new stages are over quickly, but with lots of challenges, variation and extras there's plenty of content. Context and all that...
@nickysilks
Sod it I've just ordered it-Caved when I saw it for 26 quid. Dam you gaming backlog!!!!!
@SanderEvers
oh i see. i hate wii controls. playing RE4 in hd with a ps3 controller was better for me.
@Kodeen lmao. nice try. I suppose there really is no difference between NSMB and NSMBU then? ha ha. Those Murphy levels aren't up for debate. It's simply some of the best uses of the gamepad that has been done. Not liking them is not an option. Anyone who doesn't appreciate it just doesn't get the Wii U and should refrain from making idiotic comments like the Wii U version is on par with PS360
I hated Origins (Both Wii or PC versions - thought the Wii version might have been broken).
(Didn't mind the original (For DOS) or Rayman 2 on the Dreamcast).
Any of the other Wii Platformers I enjoyed more.
Donkey Kong Country Returns (Night and Day better).
Warioland
Kirby
A Boy and his Blob
New Super Mario Bros Wii (World class with the Newer mod but still better than Rayman Origins just as it arrives).
@jrob23 This site has said the Wii U is the definitive version for games where you can run at 60fps on the PC whereas the Wii U version is locked at 30fps. What Famitsu say will hold more weight with me.
For the third and final time, if you have something you'd like to ask our editorial staff, you're more than welcome to bring it to them personally, but continuing to accuse our staff of things they have not done will not get you anywhere — TBD
@ricklongo I did it seems, I'm not suggesting people buy games that arn't upto scratch or buy games for the sake of it being a 3rd party title.
My original comment was to those who are saying 'if it wasn't delayed or gone multi-platform'... or simply holding out because in a couple of months time another simular game is out but published by Nintendo.
To be fair its a culture with Nintendo owners that been built up over years, since N64, with Nintendo not getting the 3rd party support. Where most Nintendo Owners simply don't bother with 3rd party games, and when they think they can use a excuse other than It not Nintendo they will use it. Big shame For WiiU because while this attitude continues there is little chance of current supportive 3rd party publishers staying supportive or convincing other publishers who are staying away to try publishing on the WiiU.
Whats makes it more frustrating is that the same people not buying 3rd party games, or saying they will buy it on X system instead are the same people ranting when publishers drops the WiiU, or skips a game or cuts content to save costs. A lot of WiiU owners need to learn its a two way street and consumers and publishers need to meet each other in the middle.
Of course there is a minority out there who buy 1st and 3rd party titles purly on the basis of which games apeal to them the most, but that minority needs to become the majority.
@LAA
Wow, me too! I LOVED Origins on Vita- just a spectacular experience on a handheld wasn't it? I almost wanted to get this on Vita, but there's no way I could pass up on the Wii U version, which truly is the best of the bunch. I'll probably buy it for Vita as well after the price drops to $20 or less, just so I can play it all over again on the handheld...
I'll get it later.
@Dark-Luigi GET OUT OF HERE!
The detrimental release date payed off after all. Yays.
@bmjy1000 You mean like "Get out! It's coming to the Ps3 too?" ? Or get out because I'm in the Wii U section?
Said it before and I'll say it again — my interest in this game in September is minimal.
Maybe I'll buy it when it inevitably hits $10 in some bargain bin.
when I get a job and some disposable cash, I'll get this.
I can't wait to download this. I've been looking forward to it since its announcement!
"I do not own a Wii U, but this game is coming out on the Ps3, so I'll get it that way."
Oh, right, that's the reason I'm not buying this. Now I remember.
Perhaps when it hits a bargain bin somewhere I might give it a look.
I am so ready for this been waiting since it was first announced! Two questions though. Is this better than Origins? And how many costumes are there to unlock? @ThomasBW84
Wow, I'm amazed at how many people here either hate Origins, hate Legends (or think it's mediocre), or dislike the Murphy Levels.
I'm a diehard Nintendo fan, but I'll be the first to admit that Ubisoft outdid Nintendo at their own game with Rayman Legends (with perhaps the exception of DKC). The game was utterly amazing- it was tough and challenging, the mechanics were flawless and varied, the art style and graphics were both top-notch, and the innovative levels were breathtaking ( I LOVED chasing that treasure chest in every world, and the mosquito levels were second to none!)
And Rayman Legends is even better- I've been hooked on the Challenges App for months now. The single-player Murphy levels are actually my FAVORITE! Idk which reviewers were saying they weren't that good on Wii U, but they gotta be smokin' something. So what if you're not the one running and jumping? That's the point! It's a different type of challenge- and I must say, some of the Murphy challenges were harder than the ones where you did the platforming yourself. And they were a lot funner too.
***For the record, Splinter Cell Blacklist on Wii U is phenomenal... one of the finest 3rd party games I've played in a LONG time. Even better than Arkham City or Darksiders 2, and that's really, really saying something.
I would have gotten this on it's original February release date, but now it'll have to wait because my money is going to Wonderful 101. I should get it by Christmas.
Great Review, I'm almost tempted. Like many others, this would have been a perfect buy during the spring drought. I'm not one of those upset over the delay and understand the decision ,... the part that really furiates me though is that a company wouldn't dare delay a PS3/360 game to make it ready for wiiU at the same time; we just get a botched port later down the road at full price. Sadly with new games already announced coming soon, the only platformer for WiiU next on my 'to buy list' is DKC Tropical Freeze.
@Peach64 Stop making excuses for Ubisoft. No one cares that they decided to make Rayman a multiplat. What's stupid is how they delayed the finished Wii U version of Rayman Legends. Stop defending 3rd party publishers, they don't deserve it.
Perfect timing on this one for me. Ive just finished up Pikmin 3, and this comes out a day after payday with a few days off to spare!
Cant wait, i loved (and cursed alot at) Origins!
Great review I might pick this up around christmas or not. I hated Rayman Origins on Wii, the controls were really bad & unchangeable & there was no story, no reason for me to keep playing. Whereas I loved Rayman Origins on 3DS, the controls were good & there was a story. So I may pick this up, though more likely not with SM3DW & DKC:TF releasing around the end of the year.
After all Ubisoft has done, I can't bring myself to justify this purchase. At the very least, The Wonderful 101 will come first.
I'm glad this game is finally here, I've been sold on it since the Challenges App came out. I wanted to like W101, but I just can't find myself interested in it. So Rayman is the only game I want until Wind Waker HD releases!
@SanderEvers
If you don't want to give Ubisoft money, then I suggest you buy the game used. Simple.
The problem with stiffing Ubisoft is that you're stiffing those poor coders and talented folks who were not given the chance to see their families because of this multi-platform junk. Plus, Nintendo is not selling Wii Us very well, don't feed the poor numbers. ELEVATE THEM!!
Love Rayman games. I will be getting this soon, on 360.
I'm fairly sure you can play the Wii U version with the PS3-esque Murfy controls (i.e. not slowing down the pace, the player still plays as Rayman), because the game can be played with a pro controller, can it not? Or does player 1 have to use the gamepad to play the game in single-player and the Pro controller can only be used for for players 2-5? And what about Murfy during off-screen play?
I'm really indifferent to the whole debacle involving the delay of this game; seems like it was time well-spent!
They've surpassed Nintendo's 2d platformers in almost every way. Graphics, sound, style, level design, amount of content, multiplayer the list goes on. origins/legends are the games the nsmb's should have been.
Seriously if you are skipping on this due to waiting for Donkey Kong, or because you dont like Rayman, your blowing it. Ive had my copy for 2 days and this game is incredible.
I simply cannot see when I'm going to be able to get this in the remainder of the year given the schedule of Nintendo releases. Self-fulfilling prophecy of 3rd party sales on Nintendo platforms anyone?
@DarkCoolEdge Origins was rubbish by comparison. After playing the rayman app I went back to origins on ps3 and the controls were appalling and level design boring. This rayman is the best one they've get made by a clear mile
This is now currently the highest rated Wii U game, more so than Pikmin 3 and New Super Mario Bros. U ... and yet half of you kids on here are acting so childish by denying yourselves from playing what is essentially the best game on the Wii U!
Who cares if Ubisoft delayed this?! It was a business decision given that ZombiU never made a profit for them and going multi-format shall not only bring more sales, but MORE people can play this.
And that, to me, is a very good thing.
@Dark-Luigi Well this a Nintendo fan site and here you are talking about PS3. Just kidding man, I know you mean well.
Will buy, once the price goes down a bit.
The only upcoming Wii U game I will buy at full price is Donkey Kong Country. That looks amazing and fun as hell.
Gotta hand it to Ubisoft, they still know how to craft an utterly beautiful looking game
The Murphy controlled single player in the Challenges App was awesome, so I completely disagree with that criticism. It's great that you don't control the running and platforming - makes it unique and a nice diversion.
I think that Ubisoft made a mistake not releasing this sooner. This could have been a great hit on Wii U back then, and pushed hardware sales that would help other Ubisoft titles.
Many of the people who would have downloaded it back then will be downloading (or buying) Pikmin 3 and W101 or waiting for other Octoberish released games.
This will probably flop on those other consoles anyway, so it was a very stupid decision by Ubisoft. Hoping it will still do well on Wii U.
I probably would have got this if it was released earlier, because at that time the Wii U had about as much choice as a Welsh fish and chip shop. Now though, there's games coming out that I want a lot more than this.
@MasterChordles In my opinion this one's better than Origins, and before anyone quotes NL scores at me, I didn't write the Origins review. It's all opinions As for how many characters, um, there are a LOT, but I'll go back and count them all if you like!
@RaymanFan2 I tried, but the game kept insisting on the GamePad being active as the main controller, additional controllers simply add extra players; I think Ubisoft said this'd be the case, but I still wanted to get around it! The off-TV play doesn't matter with Murfy levels as it's single player anyway, and you have to look at the GamePad screen regardless.
@NorthLightSuplx
Glad to know I'm not the only one.
No thank you Ubisoft. I would have bought it months ago, but not now. Your loss
It got a 9 in the latest Edge too. That's a pretty rare score for Edge to hand out. By comparison Wonderful 101 got 6, which as far as Edge is concerned is still a good score and recommended.
@ThomasBW84 Can I carry over my data from the challenges app to this game? (Awesomeness level, challenges' records, trophies, characters, lums and stats)
@tripunktoj I can't definitively say either way, as I didn't review this on my own system, and the Challenge App wasn't installed. I find it highly unlikely, but my Awesomeness level went up pretty quickly just from playing the main levels. The fact that there hasn't been noise made about this suggests it won't be possible, but you never know!
I just can't get over how incredible this game looks - the art style is sublime. Excellent review, @ThomasBW84 - you've created another hole in my bank balance as a result!
@ThomasBW84 Thanks for answering What about uPlay, is this game uPlay enabled? and if so what kind of rewards and actions are featured? worth it?
@ThomasBW84 ah, good! I was expecting this to be better and that's fine, I was just wondering if there were a lot or little.
Is it $60 in north america?
How brilliant this game may be, I doubt it will sell well.
(Some/More)WiiU owners will not buy the game because of the delay and
PS3/XBOX360 owners will maybe buy the game but put it aside once GTA V has arrived.
And to be fair, I think thats Ubisoft's own fault for listening in to Microsoft's stupid complaining..
Which is exactly why I bought Disney Infinity last week instead of Rayman this week.
I'm tired of waiting. Oh, and Origins wasn't even that good imo.. Legends looks better.. slightly better.. but I am not buying it untill it drops its price. Or when there are no other games that I want. Right now, Pokémon X and Y and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze look more enjoyable.
And psst.. they are not six months delayed Haha.
@Kirk
I think you are mistaking an individual dislike for a certain style of platforming for a major design flaw. Having played the "app" some, I can tell you that I would generally rather play a Murphy level than an Endless Pit level.
Also, in reading reviews, I have seen people complaining about the lack of options of what to do on other systems because the B-button mapping may be innovative but it does not allow for freedom of action.
The people denying themselves of this game because it was delayed are fools. This is probably going to be the best game on the Wii U this year. It also looks to be one of the best platformers ever made.
Nobody will buy this on the PS360 anyway and a terrible marketing decision cost them 3 million potential sales in that WiiU dry period... Bad move Ubisoft... Now back to my Megadrive with the awesome Disney, EA and better movie licence games like Terminator and Robocop
@LAA It wasn't held over by Microsoft... that policy of Microsoft only applies to indie devs.
If they released it in Febuary during that brutal game drought i would have bought it, but I really can't with so many great games coming... and yes one of my highly anticipated titles is another Ubi game, Watch_Dogs. I have never really been a fan of Rayman's art style, it reminds me too much of the incredibly lazy art styles of Ren and Stimpy or Spongebob.... i had the challenges app, and maybe played 3 or 4 hours over the last 5 months, so its going to be hard for me to plop down money on something I'm not absolutely crazy about.
Perhaps I'll wait until Ubisoft has a sale on the eShop or something and pick up Rayman Legends then.
@Kodeen read the reviews, the murphy levels is forced on all versions and its worse on other platforms.
the idea its forced on anyone sucks, but on the other systems you aren't swiping or tapping or tilting the gamepad,, you are pressing X to continue or swing the thumbstick. That just sounds terrible beyond belief. I mean why even have those levels on the other consoles? You aren't doing the platforming, the AI is, so you tap a button every few seconds and watch what the AI character does? Good grief, reviews should be docking points off the sub-HD twins because the murphy levesl are basically QTE on the sub HD twins.
I knew QTE's were a problem on playstation and xbox. its in every single game on the sub-HD twins... but I didn't know it was this bad that they package it into platformers too. But playstation and xbox gamers keep buying games that are 90% QTE's so they won't notice the difference that the computer is playing the game for them in this game too.
@moomoo
Best game on the WiiU this year? I think Donkey Kong thinks differently.
And so do I.
@Peach64 that microsoft policy you speak of only applies to indie devs, not publishers like Ubisoft.
@unrandomsam What are you babbling about?
The Wii U version of Rayman Legends is already confirmed to be rendered natively in 1080p 60fps .. the Wii U demo was 1080p 60fps, and the Wii U challenges app was 1080p 60fps. The full game is confirmed to be rendered natively at 1080p 60fps... If the game is upscaled or 30fps on the sub-HD twins, I feel bad for ps360 owners, but Wii U version is confirmed 1080p 60fps native.
Even though I'm not a big Rayman fan, the screenshots look downright gorgeous. It almost makes me want to buy the game on its visuals alone.
@tripunktoj This does have uPlay, but it wasn't my unit and I couldn't really explore it. There's a menu option on the front screen though, and I had a few uPlay prompts flash up when I hit landmarks.
If this came out in February, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat. Today... I'm still getting my money's worth from Pikmin 3, and Pokemon and Wind Waker HD both come out in a bit over a month. That's not to say I won't buy this, but the delay didn't exactly make it more likely.
On the plus side, I'm glad this game is as good as it is. Great non-Nintendo platformers are a bit hard to come by nowadays.
And look what happened, Ubisoft: You delayed the completed game and now I won't be buying it right away, since I've been buying other games and have more to buy in the near future (like Pikmin 3, Wonderful 101 and Wind Waker HD). Had you released this back in February when I had nothing to buy or play I'd have gladly bought it, but now it'll have to wait on the back burner, especially since I'm pretty burnt out on 2D platformers at the moment...
-- Please keep topics on topic. Smash Bros discussions exist on the forums if you wish to discuss the upcoming brawler. Thanks! --Raylax :3
@ThomasBW84 Can one player be Murfy all the time and never have to do any platforming as long as there's another player? I have a brother who sucks at platformers but could probably manage Murfy.
I loved Origins and this is high on my wishlist as well. Rayman has always been a platform series with some very clever and wholly original gameplay elements coupled with sublime level design. They should make another 3D Rayman, though. We have not seen one of those in ten years. Especially Rayman 2 is a game that I played a lot in the past and one I return to very often because it just so damn fun to play.
Well what do you know! I thought I'd pass up on this as I still haven't gotten Pikmin 3 and M&L Dream Team (not to mention future releases such as DK Tropical Freeze and SMW3D) but this review just about sold me! I'll probably get a physical copy even though I've got a TB of hard drive space. That box art is just beautiful!
I'm still not certain why you guys gave Origins a 10/10, but I'm glad to see this got a good review.
This looks way better than Origins.
I've seen great reviews from other places as well...can't wait...but so many other games coming out...(Luigi U physical, Splinter Cell Blacklist, NHL 14, GTA 5)
CHOICES!!!
I think I'll just get em all...
@jasonbra vita has no games? you need to open your eyes .... and mind
@RaymanFan2 Yes, one player can use Murfy in every level except for Boss stages. As you can pick and choose levels for the most part (some need X number of Teensies collected) you can just choose non-boss levels when playing with your brother. As I said in the review, it's really nice for less skilled gamers to join in, even if the input is a little less important in the non-Murfy-specific stages.
@element187
Legends is native 1080p and 60 fps on PS3 and Xbox 360 too, just like Rayman Origins.
@moomoo
I certainly won't deny myself this game, especially since the wifers is interested but as of now I have 6-7 games that I'm playing. Just as others have said even when the game was first announced to be delayed, there will be a whole heck of a lot of things that be on gamers plates this time of year, and that doesn't even account for your normal life stuff like bills, food, and such. I do hope now that it does well for the sake of Ancel and his staff but it may be tough in this wake of gaming goodness that is upon us.
gonna get it used on kajiji for 30 bucks in a month or 2.
im still working on pikmin3
Just two more days
Yeah, the Murphy Levels can be frustrating, but there are some that are just great (like What the Duck, in the trailer video). I wouldn't continue to the next level, until I got gold and all the Teenys. So, I played through some levels a few times. The Musical levels are great (so are the 8-bit remixes).
Getting this today. Me hand my girlfriend had a blast with Origins. Hope this one is even better:)
This game has got to have some of the nicest visuals that I have ever seen in a video game... I mean the gameplay is outstanding, too, but those visuals are breathtaking.
I didn't like Origins (Wii) as much as, apparently, everybody else but after playing Legends with my cousins on the ps3, this is a sure buy for me. It is much more fun than Origins and controls way better. As soon as I'm done with the Marios I'm playing it to death.
Got this on the sale 2 weeks ago and I am so glad I did.I wasn't a fan of Origins and after the first couple of levels of this kind of felt the same but it was the next day when I picked it up that it just clicked with me and I've not been able to put it down since.Incredible game!
Got this on the sale 2 weeks ago and I am so glad I did.I wasn't a fan of Origins and after the first couple of levels of this kind of felt the same but it was the next day when I picked it up that it just clicked with me and I've not been able to put it down since.Incredible game!
Tap here to load 166 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...