Rayman Legends

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

Rayman Legends
Developer(s)Ubisoft Montpellier[a]
Publisher(s)
Director(s)Michel Ancel
Producer(s)Abdelhak Elguess
Pierre-Arnaud Lambert
Designer(s)Emile Morel
Programmer(s)Guillaume Gernez
Artist(s)Jean-Christophe Alessandri
Composer(s)Christophe Héral
Billy Martin
SeriesRayman
EngineUbiArt Framework
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
PlayStation Vita
Wii U
Xbox 360
Xbox One
Stadia
ReleaseMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360
  • AU: 29 August 2013
  • EU: 30 August 2013[1]
  • NA: 3 September 2013[1]
  • JP: 17 October 2013
  • CHN: 29 September 2015 (Windows Only)
PlayStation Vita
  • NA: 3 September 2013[1]
  • AU: 12 September 2013
  • EU: 13 September 2013[2]
  • JP: 24 April 2014
  • CHN: 20 March 2015
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • NA: 18 February 2014
  • EU: 21 February 2014
  • CHN: 29 September 2014 (XO)
  • CHN: 19 March 2015 (PS4)
Nintendo Switch
  • NA: 12 September 2017
  • EU: 12 September 2017
  • JP: 22 February 2018
  • CHN: 15 April 2021
Stadia
  • WW: 23 November 2021
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Rayman Legends is a platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014,[3] with a Stadia version released in November 2021.[4] A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.[5]

Rayman Legends was announced at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2012 for Wii U and was planned for release during the console's launch window. However, the game was delayed to February 2013 in order to put the finishing touches to the game, and due to the financial failure of ZombiU, the release was delayed again by six months and the game was made multi-platform.

Rayman Legends received critical acclaim upon release. Critics praised the game's visuals, level design, controls, soundtrack, overall gameplay, and the large amount of content. The game experienced slow sales on release, but sold over a million copies by 2014.

Gameplay[edit]

See also: Gameplay of Rayman Origins

The game carries on the style of gameplay from Rayman Origins in which up to four players (depending on the format) simultaneously make their way through various levels. Lums can be collected by touching them, defeating enemies, or freeing captured Teensies. Collecting Teensies unlocks new worlds, which can be played in any order once they are available. Along with Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies returning as playable characters, players can now control the new female character Barbara the Barbarian Princess, her sister and their cousins, once they are rescued from certain stages.[6]

In addition to the main playable characters, Murfy the greenbottle, who first appeared in Rayman 2: The Great Escape, appears as an assist character. Murfy can perform various actions such as cutting through ropes, activating mechanisms, grabbing hold of enemies and assisting in gathering Lums. These offer a range of levels in which co-operation is required to progress.[7] In the Wii U, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 4 versions of the game, an additional player can control Murfy directly with touch controls, using the Wii U GamePad, the Vita's front touch screen, and the DualShock 4 touchpad respectively.[8] In single-player mode, control will switch over to Murfy during certain sections whilst the computer controls the player's character.[9] In the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC versions of the game, Murfy moves automatically and can be prompted to interact with certain objects with button controls.[10] Other new features include sections where players can fire projectile fists at enemies and rhythm based levels set to covers of songs such as "Black Betty", "Eye of the Tiger", and "Woo-Hoo".

The game features over one hundred twenty levels, including forty remastered levels from the original Rayman Origins, which are unlocked by obtaining Lucky Tickets, which can also win additional Lums and Teensies.[11] Some levels feature remixed 'Invaded' versions, which must be completed as quickly as possible. The game also offers daily and weekly challenge stages, in which players can compete with other players via leaderboards in challenges such as collecting a certain number of Lums in a short time or surviving the longest on a stage. More challenge stages can be accessed by raising the player's 'awesomeness' rating, which increases by collecting trophies earned by rescuing Teensies, collecting a high number of Lums in each level or by having a high leaderboard position at the end of a challenge. A local multiplayer football game, Kung Foot, is also featured, in which players use attacks to knock a football into the opponent's goal.

Plot[edit]

One century after the events of Origins has passed and Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies have been sound asleep after the adventure. During that time, the Bubble Dreamer's nightmares have gotten stronger and expanded with help from the magician (who survived and split himself into 5) and captured Barbara and her fellow princess. After finding out, Murfy wakes up Rayman and co. and tells them what has happened and sets off to end the chaos. After beating each world's boss, Rayman and co. punch each magician into space, where they each end up being used as instruments by imps for fun.

Development[edit]

The game was first leaked in an online marketing survey, which hinted that the upcoming "Rayman Origins 2" would include dragons, vampires, ghosts, the return of the Land of the Livid Dead and also someone dear to the Rayman series, in addition to returning features from its predecessor.[12] Subsequently, Ubisoft registered the domain names "RaymanLegends.com" and "Rayman-Legends.com".[13]

On 27 April 2012, the game's first trailer was leaked, revealing several details about it, including new playable characters, as well as the inclusion of online multiplayer. The end of the trailer also showcased Wii U exclusive features such as the use of NFC to make figures placed on the touchscreen appear on the game, as demonstrated with figures of Rabbids and Ezio from Assassin's Creed. Ubisoft later released a statement that confirmed its development, though stated it was "intended as a purely internal demonstrative video, and in no way represents the final game, the final console or their features."[14][15]

The game was officially unveiled for the Wii U and demonstrated by Ubisoft at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012 trade show, Murfy appeared as a playable character in the demo. Though Ubisoft has only confirmed the game's release on the Wii U, Ubisoft senior game manager Michael Micholic stated that Ubisoft is considering PS3, Xbox 360 and PC versions of Rayman Legends as "we're looking at a lot of different launch options".[16] A trailer released at Gamescom 2012 revealed it would be exclusive to the Wii U.[17]

It was originally set to be released on 30 November 2012 (as a Wii U launch title). However, on 8 October 2012, it was reported to be delayed. On 13 December 2012, a demo of the game was released on the Wii U eShop.[18] The official release date was revealed to be 26 February 2013, but was delayed further to September 2013 to allow for the title to have a simultaneous release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This delay upset fans since the developer had stated that the Wii U version was already finished.[19] Fans started a petition for the game to be released on the original date on the Wii U, which had over 11,000 people signed onto it. To appease fans, Ubisoft said the Wii U would get another exclusive demo in the future, however this was just as negatively received.[20] Developers that worked on the game have also expressed their distaste for the delay,[21] while creator Michel Ancel was photographed with protesters campaigning for the release of the game.[22]

In response to the delay, the development team announced that they will be releasing the game's Online Challenges mode for free via the Nintendo eShop, which released on 25 April 2013.[23] This mode features daily challenges based on one of five scenarios, one of which is exclusive to Wii U, and features online leaderboards and ghost functionality.[24] They also stated that with the extra development time, they would be adding new levels, enemies and more to the game. On 24 February 2013, it was revealed that Michel Ancel and the Montpellier team might leave Ubisoft over the controversy[25] but Ubisoft denied any rumours.[26] According to Yves Guillemot, Chairman and CEO of Ubisoft, ZombiU's poor sales performance led to the decision of making Rayman Legends a multiplatform game.[27] Although the team considered using Xbox Smartglass to recreate the game's Wii U GamePad features on Xbox 360, the system was not responsive enough.[28]

On 1 August 2013 it was announced that Wii U owners who downloaded the Rayman Legends Challenges App prior to 28 August 2013 receive an exclusive costume for Rayman.[29] Pre-orders of certain versions of the game either come with bonus character Avelina, inspired by Aveline de Grandpré from Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, or bonus costumes for Rayman. On 7 August 2013, in a Nintendo Direct presentation, 2 new costumes were announced for the Wii U version: a Mario costume for Rayman, and a Luigi costume for Globox.[30] On 23 August, the Rayman Legends Musical Beatbox App became available on the internet, iTunes, and Android devices. This app allows users to create their own songs from scratch, or by using Legendary Mode, which allows them to edit the game songs with 3 choices: Teensies in Trouble, 20000 Lums Under the Sea, and Fiesta de los Muertos. On 28 August 2013, Ubisoft announced on the Rayman Legends site that the European PlayStation Vita Version has been delayed to 12 September 2013 to apply the "final level of polish" players expect from a Rayman game.

The game features various improvements to the Ubi Art Framework engine used in Origins. These include a new dynamic lighting system, which lightens or silhouettes characters based on their environment, along with stealth sections that make use of light and shadow, and the seamless integration of 3D elements in 2D environments, made prominent in the game's 3D modelled bosses and monsters.[31]

A smartphone game based on Legends' art style, Rayman Fiesta Run, was developed by Pastagames and released for iOS and Android devices on 7 November 2013. It is the sequel to the previous title, Rayman Jungle Run.[32]

On the PS4 and Xbox One, Rayman Legends took advantage of the improved specifications. This means the game uses uncompressed textures and features reduced loading times between levels.[33] Rayman's bonus costumes from the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions are also readily available in these versions.

A Nintendo Switch port co-developed by Pastagames (who would later collaborate with Ubisoft on Rayman Mini), nicknamed Definitive Edition, was released in September 2017.[34]

In 2020, Ubisoft announced a Play Your Part, Play At Home campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this campaign, PC users were able to redeem a free digital copy of Rayman Legends (among other games) via the Ubisoft website.[35]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

Rayman Legends received "universal acclaim", according to the review aggregator Metacritic.[38][42][37][41][39] Edge gave the game a 9/10 praising it by saying "One of the most jubilant, vividly imagined and open-hearted platformers to come along in a long time".[44]

The PlayStation Vita version of the game received a total score of 33/40 by Famitsu.[54]

GamesRadar gave the game a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising the level variety and presentation, whilst criticizing the sometimes chaotic multiplayer and some of the touchscreen sections during solo play.[46]

Tom McShea of GameSpot rated the game a 9.0/10 praising the game mechanics, the level design and the local co-op.[45]

GameTrailers gave the game a score of 9.1/10, stating that the co-operative play on the Wii U GamePad "only serves to complement the game design".[47]

Jose Otero of IGN rated the game a 9.5/10, praising the gameplay and the design of the levels, saying that "Naturally, Rayman starts out with simple running, jumping, and punching, but before you know it you’re sneaking past dozens of deadly traps, battling huge bosses, or playing through awesome challenge levels that look like '90s music videos. Every time I thought I found a personal favorite stage, the next one came along and replaced it", but criticized the absence of online co-op.[49]

Danielle Riendeau of Polygon rated the game an 8.5/10 saying that it is "a beautifully designed gauntlet".[51]

Thomas Whitehead of Nintendo Life gave the Wii U version an "excellent" 9/10, stating it is "close to perfection", but with "minor missteps". He criticized the game's short length but added that "Clearly aware of this, the developers made those hours utterly glorious".[50]

During the 17th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Rayman Legends for "Family Game of the Year", "Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction", and "Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition".[55]

Sales[edit]

Although Legends outsold Origins in its first week from international sales with the Wii U version selling the most copies,[56] the game failed to meet sales expectations.[57] As of November 2013, the game's sales were approaching one million units, according to Ubisoft.[58] In early November 2014, Ubisoft reported that Rayman Legends was still selling well and contributing to the company's earnings.[59] As of February 4, 2019, Rayman Legends has sold 4.48 million copies across all platforms, including the PS Vita and Nintendo Switch.[60]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Pastagames co-developed the Switch version.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Karmali, Luke (25 April 2013). "Rayman Legends Release Date Announced". Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  2. ^ Cowan, Danny. "Rayman Legends delayed on Vita in Europe". Joystiq. Archived from the original on 2013-09-01. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  3. ^ 11/12/13 12:49pm 11/12/13 12:49pm (12 November 2013). "The fantastic Rayman Legends comes to non-Nintendo next-g". Kotaku.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-05. Retrieved 2014-02-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "Ubisoft+ beta expansion and more of your favorite Ubisoft games on Stadia". 3 June 2021. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  5. ^ "Rayman Legends Definitive Edition Coming to Nintendo Switch September 12". Ubisoft. Archived from the original on July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  6. ^ Caruana, Christine. "Rayman Legends trailer introduces Barbara". CVG UK. Archived from the original on 2013-09-28. Retrieved 2012-08-10.
  7. ^ Post Blog. "E3 2012: Debut Gameplay". Gametrailers. Archived from the original on 2012-06-07. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  8. ^ 12/11/13 2:30pm 12/11/13 2:30pm (11 December 2013). "Rayman Legends On PS4/Xbox One Will Be 10x More Awesome For One Reason". Kotaku.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-04. Retrieved 2014-02-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Nintendo Power, October 2012.
  10. ^ "Watch Us Play... Rayman Legends. Now With More Ram Jam". Kotaku.com. 17 July 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-08-21. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  11. ^ Chieng, Kevin (2013-07-17). "Rayman Legends Gets More Game With Remastered Origins Content | Side Mission". GameTrailers. Archived from the original on 2013-09-02. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  12. ^ "Rayman Legends - Wii U - IGN". Wii.ign.com. 2012-06-05. Archived from the original on 2012-04-30. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  13. ^ Liebl, Matt. "'Rayman Legends' domain names registered by Ubisoft | Rayman Origins News". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2016-08-20. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  14. ^ JC Fletcher on Apr 27th 2012 11:56AM (2012-04-27). "Ubisoft: Rayman Legends leak is real, 'purely internal demonstrative video'". Joystiq. Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2012-06-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ "Ubisoft confirms Rayman Legends, Michel Ancel is involved". Destructoid. 28 April 2012. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  16. ^ Ivan, Tom (2012-06-12). "News: Ubisoft: Rayman Legends may not be Wii U exclusive". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Archived from the original on 2016-09-04. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  17. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (15 August 2012). "Wii U Exclusive Rayman Legends Looks So Lovely". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  18. ^ "Rayman Legends Demo Now Available on Wii U". IGN. 13 December 2012. Archived from the original on 2015-01-03. Retrieved 2012-12-13.
  19. ^ "'Fans' FURIOUS over Rayman Legends PS3/360 news". Destructoid. 7 February 2013. Archived from the original on 2016-05-27. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
  20. ^ Ivan, Tom (2013-02-11). "News: Ubisoft explains Rayman Legends Wii U delay". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Archived from the original on 2016-09-04. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
  21. ^ Phillips, Tom (2013-02-08). "Rayman Legends dev "pissed" at Ubisoft for delay after completing Wii U version, blames "men in ties" • News • Wii U •". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
  22. ^ Phillips, Tom (2013-02-12). "Michel Ancel and Rayman dev team protest Ubisoft's decision to delay Rayman Legends • News • Wii U •". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on 2016-07-23. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
  23. ^ "The Gamer's Guide". Kotaku. 25 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  24. ^ "Rayman Legends' Online Challenge Mode will be Released Free on Wii U in April". Kotaku.com. 2013-02-19. Archived from the original on 2016-06-10. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
  25. ^ John, Anthony (2013-02-23). "Jetsetter: Michel Ancel may leave Ubisoft over Rayman Legends delay". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  26. ^ "Ubisoft denies Ancel departure rumours". VG247. 2013-02-25. Archived from the original on 2013-05-27. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  27. ^ Morris, Chris (8 July 2013). "Does Nintendo stand a chance this holiday?". GamesIndustry.biz. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 29 August 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  28. ^ Mike Jackson (2013-07-17). "News: Xbox Smartglass 'not responsive enough' for Rayman Legends, says Ancel". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Archived from the original on 2014-12-08. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  29. ^ "Rayman Legends - exclusive costume for those that downloaded the Challenges App | GoNintendo - What are YOU waiting for?". GoNintendo. August 2013. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  30. ^ Kubba, Sinan (2013-08-07). "Luigi's doing the rounds in Super Smash Bros, Rayman Legends". Joystiq. Archived from the original on 2016-03-17. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  31. ^ Warr, Philippa (2013-08-20). "Interview: Rayman Legends 'richer and bigger' thanks to delayed release (Wired UK)". Wired.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2013-09-30.
  32. ^ "Review: Rayman Fiesta Run". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 2016-06-11. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  33. ^ "Rayman Legends PS4, Xbox One Release Moved Forward". Gaming Union. 2014-01-11. Archived from the original on 2016-09-04. Retrieved 2014-01-11.
  34. ^ "Rayman Legends". Pastagames. 2017-12-25. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  35. ^ Makuch, Eddie (20 May 2020). "Ubisoft's Free PC Games For Coronavirus Relief Racked Up A Ton Of Downloads". Gamespot. Archived from the original on 19 June 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  36. ^ "Rayman Legends for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 30 August 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  37. ^ a b "Rayman Legends for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 25 August 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  38. ^ a b "Rayman Legends for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 8 September 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  39. ^ a b "Rayman Legends for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  40. ^ "Rayman Legends for PlayStation Vita Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 24 August 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  41. ^ a b "Rayman Legends for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  42. ^ a b "Rayman Legends for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  43. ^ "Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  44. ^ a b "Rayman Legends review". Edge. 26 August 2013. Archived from the original on 30 November 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  45. ^ a b McShea, Tom (26 August 2013). "Rayman Legends Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  46. ^ a b Taljonick, Ryan (18 February 2014). "Rayman Legends PS4/Xbox One review". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  47. ^ a b "Rayman Legends Review Text". GameTrailers. 26 August 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  48. ^ Navarro, Alex (4 September 2013). "Rayman Legends Review". Giant Bomb. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  49. ^ a b Otero, Jose (26 August 2013). "Rayman Legends Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  50. ^ a b Whitehead, Thomas (26 August 2013). "Review: Rayman Legends". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  51. ^ a b Riendeau, Danielle (26 August 2013). "Rayman Legends review: particle man". Polygon. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  52. ^ "Rayman Legends Review". Game Informer. 18 February 2014.
  53. ^ "Rayman Legends Review for Wii U". Nintendo World Report. 1 September 2013.
  54. ^ 2014-04-15, Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1324 Archived 2014-04-16 at the Wayback Machine, Gematsu
  55. ^ "D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Rayman Legends". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  56. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (2 September 2013). "Rayman Legends outsells Origins week one by 20 per cent in UK chart". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 13 October 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  57. ^ Phillips, Tom (16 October 2013). "Ubisoft: Splinter Cell, Rayman Legends missed sales targets". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  58. ^ mcvuk.com Archived 2013-11-14 at the Wayback Machine: News from 13 November 2013 (accessed on 15 November 2013)
  59. ^ Macy, Seth (30 October 2013). "Ubisoft Reports Higher Than Expected Earnings". IGN. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  60. ^ "Best-selling Rayman videogame". Guinness World Records. 2019-02-04. Retrieved 2023-06-25.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rayman_Legends&oldid=1212838783"