Review: Rayman Legends (Xbox 360)

Rayman Legends is the fifth and latest offering in the resurrected classic French platformer franchise. Rayman is an odd little hero of indeterminate species with free-floating hands and feet that are not attached to his body. This affliction doesn’t affect him though, and Rayman platforms his way through world after world of animated madness seeking more rewards, challenges and adventures.

By Wayne Webb

Rayman Legends is the fifth and latest offering in the resurrected classic French platformer franchise. Rayman is an odd little hero of indeterminate species with free-floating hands and feet that are not attached to his body. This affliction doesn’t affect him though, and Rayman platforms his way through world after world of animated madness seeking more rewards, challenges and adventures.

From French gaming giants Ubisoft, the design aesthetic of this demented acid dream of a platform game has undisputed European influences. The visual style harks back to the Bande-Dessine style of the 1960s and 1970s with grotesque nightmare creatures and elaborate environments to battle through. I’m not 100 per cent sure what the story is about or why Rayman is fighting his way through semi aquatic landscapes, or what the monsters have to gain from stopping him. It does not really matter though because the game is gorgeous to look at and just mental enough to be a load of fun.

The movements and abilities of the selectable heroes – you have a few to choose from (though not enough girls for my daughter’s taste) – are frantic yet satisfyingly fast and effective. Rayman or one of his cronies can leap, spin and punch their way from side to side in a platform environment familiar to anyone who has played a previous Rayman title. Specifically it looks very much identical to the predecessor Rayman Origins, and apart from a few tweaks and much nicer selection menus, it’s much of the same as the last one.

Of course in its favour the last game was also very cool, amazingly designed and a lot of frantic fun. The only issue I have is that this game does not bring anything new to the table, not anything significant. If you were a fan of Rayman before this, then this title will live up to your expectations. If you were looking for a little more and maybe something new, then there’s not much else here.

Once you get past that the game has a load to offer with unlockables, giant levels and replayability aplenty. The stunning style and the frenetic pacing of the levels present a challenge even if you have seen all this before. The multiplayer co-op is particularly satisfying to play with kids who really gravitate towards the insane cartoon heroes and their amazingly fast jumping and fighting skills.

Pros: Beautiful Artwork, Fun to play, multiplayer mayhem.

Cons: More of the same, occasionally too chaotic.

4 Shacks Out Of 5