Rayman Legends Retold was one of the most interesting revelations about the recent state of Sony's gaming. Of course, it wasn't entirely shocking to those in the know. Viewers have long speculated that a Rayman a remake of the game is on the way, and Ubisoft itself has said it's looking into reviving the franchise in 2024. But seeing it in action is still something else.
original Rayman Legends launched in 2013, it's easily one of Ubisoft's best releases – in fact, probably one of the best 2D platformers ever made. It's massive, with well over 100 levels, but it's still constantly surprising and joyful. Creativity seeps from every pore Rayman LegendsAnd with smooth, responsive controls and rock-solid level design, it's hard to call the game anything but exceptional. Even 13 years later, it holds up incredibly well, solidified as one of the best platformers you can buy on modern consoles. Of course, this may naturally lead some to wonder why it needs an ambitious remake in the form Rayman Legends Retoldif it has already stood the test of time and is readily available.
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Rayman Legends definitely doesn't “need” a remake
No game really needs a top-to-bottom remake. Most modern gamers prefer, for example, the revamped third-person shooting of 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake, but that doesn't cancel the earlier playability of the original RE2. Newer Resident Evil 2 it's closer to contemporary tastes, but saying it's “better” than the original is both reductive and a potential example of recency bias.
It's very strange because apart from film and theatre, I'm trying to think of other artistic mediums that hold firmly to this “newer is better” philosophy. You'd be laughed at in an art museum for criticizing a painting because it's too old, and a jazz musician wouldn't take you seriously for saying Miles Davis' music is too old. Conventions and means such as game development technology or CGI software evolve over time, but such growth does not describe a linear path of continuous improvement.
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In case Rayman Legendswe have a game that is very difficult to improve meaningfully. This is actually something that the game developers are aware of. Ubisoft brand manager Loïc Gounon said this in an interview with Polygon Legends was chosen for the remake specifically because it is the “most complete” Rayman experience and described it as “the richest version of the world, the widest cast of characters”. Ubisoft says it wants to relaunch Rayman with this remake, setting a new era for the series and welcoming new players in the process. And to be fair, if you're going to introduce yourself Rayman for new audiences it makes sense to start with the best of the series.
Rayman Legends Retold is not a replacement for Rayman Legends
For the record, I'm largely neutral Rayman Legends Retold. The new visuals look good, and the 3D Dragon Ride levels should be a nice addition (and for what it's worth, a potentially smart replacement for the original Legends' level select), but again, Legends it doesn't need a remake. If I had to form a hard opinion on RetoldI'd probably say it risks losing some of the charm of the original without Michel Ancel's direct involvement (although he is advised).
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But even if it ended like that, even if Rayman Legends Retold is disappointing on several levels, the original Rayman Legends it still exists. As far as I know, Ubisoft isn't trying to pull a GTA: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition with this remake literally replacing the original on digital storefronts, so even though Retold it's a bit pointless, it's no shame, no foul. I'm always open to being pleasantly surprised, but for now I still have Rayman Legends at your fingertips and it leads nowhere.
- Released
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October 1, 2026
- ESRB
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All Ages 10 and Up / Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Expressions, In-Game Purchases, User Interaction
- Multiplayer
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Local cooperative
