POSTED 29/8/13


RAYMAN LEGENDS

Ubisoft
PS3 (also on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U, Vita)

Are we believing black Rayman?

You bet your disembodied booties we are! Back in 2011 Rayman Origins was close to the best 2D platformer we’d experienced. Skip forward two years to, erm, now and this follow-up IS the best 2D platformer we’ve experienced. Stick that in your hidden-level green pipe and smoke it, Mario!

Imagine the most beautiful traditional animation that you’ve ever loved. Imagine the main character replaced by a curious limbless being that possesses alarmingly agility. Imagine grabbing your gamepad and being in charge of all that’s going on, while everything plays out with an incredible orchestral score. You’re partway to imagining the gloriousness of Rayman Legends.

It’s sleepy-bobos time in the Glade of Dreams. Rayman and buddies must’ve taken serious snoozy pills, for after ZZZing for some 100 years they awake to find the stuff of nightmares – everything from giant toads to rampaging Mexican Hulk-alikes - have run amok. With help – lots thereof - from Murfy, Rayman (or whichever skin he’s in) takes off in order to rescue kidnapped Teensies. Meh, who cares if it doesn’t make much sense?

We’re so infatuated that we’re making less sense than we normally do – and we know that’s setting the bar low. Through six massive worlds surprises keep surprising, and the creativity of the people behind this masterpiece continually boggles. There’s too much to mention – and too much to spoil. Suffice to say boss battles are epic, and you’ve never heard ‘Black Betty’ until you’ve heard it here.

Controls can be cruel, but are always fair. Add four player local co-op, online challenges and innumerable extras – including heaps of ‘remastered’ Rayman Origins levels - and replay value is gigantic.

We’ve never known a game that could bounce us from tears of frustration to tears of joy within minutes. Until now. C’mon, get legless!

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