Rayman Legends
By Graham S.
Friends Playing Video Games in the Room. by studioroman Created in Canva
Rayman Legends is a 2-Dimensional platformer made by Ubisoft. It was released on August 29, 2013, as the most recent installment in the Rayman franchise to come to consoles. However, compared to many of Ubisoft’s other third and first person titles, such as hits like Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, or Far Cry, it is relatively unknown. Despite this, Rayman remains a truly excellent game good for people of all ages and all levels of familiarity with video games. Nearly every aspect of the game’s design is excellent, from the graphics to the soundtrack.
The story of Rayman Legends is simple: you play as the titular hero, a limbless, orange-haired individual by the name of Rayman, or any of his companions, such as Globox, a frog like fellow; Barbara, a barbarian warrior princess; or the miniscule, blue, and large-nosed Teensy. Your objective is to make your way through the Glade of Dreams, which is under attack by strange, evil creatures called Nightmares and rescue the adorable Teensies in the process. There are a total of five worlds where the story takes place, each of which with a unique theme. These range from the high fantasy forests and castles of “Teensies in Trouble,” to the mariachi-inspired desert and supersized snacks of “Fiesta De Los Muertos,” or the underwater/secret agent themed “20000 Lums Under the Sea.” (Graeber et al)
Rayman can be played single player, but it is designed to be played with more than that, to a maximum of four, and is even more fun when being played with multiple friends and/or family members (Ubisoft Entertainment). The game starts out relatively easy, but the challenge increases as the game goes on. The overall controls of Rayman Legends are simple, but the game’s excellent level design and creative environments, enemies, and puzzles ensure that it is never boring. The main objective of each level is straightforward: reach the end. The straightforwardness of the mission, however, quickly becomes more intricate as between the protagonist and the goal are enemies, puzzles, platforms, and Teensies to save. Each level also houses secrets and extras to find, and some cleverly hidden Teensies will force you to carefully check each corner and crevice to ensure you have not accidentally sprinted past the very creatures you are supposed to be saving. These periodic pauses in the otherwise quick gameplay usually do not make the excitement come to a grinding halt and instead create a fun challenge. At the end of each world, there are two unique level types: a boss fight and a music level. Boss fights are very challenging, but simultaneously incredibly satisfying. Music levels are also extraordinarily enjoyable, as the players perform platforming to the tune of covers of famous songs, with each beat corresponding to a jump off a platform, or a slap against an enemy. For some puzzles, the players must call on the help of a fairy-frog by the name of Murphy who can move platforms, tickle enemies to distract them, and make paths in certain types of walls.
Rayman Legends’ art style is a gorgeous blend of cartoony proportions and setpieces with backgrounds that feel like paintings. The beautiful art is complemented by excellent character and level designs, but the soundtrack stands out as perhaps one of the game’s greatest strengths. Composed by Christophe Héral, the soundtrack ranges from soaring, triumphant orchestral pieces to play as you brawl your way through castles and swamps, to jaunty and comical songs played on flutes, drums, and even kazoos as you leap between giant pieces of cake. Every world has a soundtrack composed specifically for it that perfectly suits its theme.
All in all, Rayman Legends is a masterpiece of a game. Regardless of its player’s age or prior video game experience, there is fun to be had. The gameplay is simple but fun, the levels and characters are creative, the art style is unique and gorgeous, and the soundtrack is marvelous. Therefore, this game holds a very high recommendation to anyone who is looking for a platformer for all ages.
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Graham S. lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with his mom, dad, younger brother, cat, and two dogs. He's been at NSA for three years. He loves reading, writing, video games, Dungeons and Dragons, and Warhammer 40k. The Navigator acts as perfect way for him to use his love of writing and share his work.