Did you know ducks could wall-jump? Well, maybe not all ducks. But fowl
sprouting the head of a certain limbless hero definitely can. Rayman
Legends is unabashedly weird--relishes in the bizarre even--though never
to the detriment of its fantastic action sequences. As you dash across
platforms to the beat of a mariachi "Eye of the Tiger," or tickle
armored guards to lower their defenses, you realize that Legends is
strange with a purpose. It uses absurd scenes to imbue this feisty
adventure with enough variety to keep you continually amazed, and
presents every disparate scenario with expert care. Rayman Legends'
off-kilter identity serves as the foundation for this wild and crazy
journey.
Momentum is the name of the game in this 2D platformer. Rayman runs,
leaps, swings, glides, and swims with a kinetic grace that compels you
ever onward. Being able to squeeze past spikes and thunder across
toppling towers should be expected in any adventure that presents such
formidable challenges, but what makes Legends special is how joyful such
movements are. Rayman chains moves together so effortlessly that you
often get lost in the rhythm. Pirouette across a series of platforms at
top speed and then rocket toward earth in a ground-shaking slam. Follow
that up by immediately bashing a nearby baddie before bounding up that
vertical shaft. Such combinations roll off your fingers as you venture
deeper into this fantastical world.
A smooth difficulty curve welcomes those unfamiliar with Rayman's
hijinks without annoying those well versed in the art of jumping.
Achieving such a precarious balance is a testament to how enjoyable the
core mechanics are. Despite minimal challenge early on, the sheer
pleasure of dashing through these beautiful worlds urges you forward.
And there are hidden collectibles that require a curious mind to track
them down. Shining lums and crying teensies are waiting to be
discovered, and nabbing all of them unlocks myriad rewards. There are
goofy-looking creatures, additional playable heroes, and even dozens of
stages from
Rayman Origins.
Such ample treasures make exploration well worth your time, and the
fact that the early challenges are purely optional ensures that everyone
can enjoy this game from the onset.
It's when Legends picks up steam that its impressive potential is
reached. Varied situations keep you wondering what's going to come your
way next. You may play red light, green light with a security system in
an underwater fortress, or catch a ride on an updraft as you wind your
way through spikes and parachuting meanies. Boss fights demand an
inventive spark as you dodge their plentiful attacks while trying to
puzzle out how to retaliate in kind. Your hovering pal Murfy may join
you in some levels, spreading guacamole or poking creatures in the eye
at your command. Plunging to the briny deep to torpedo past booby traps
is particularly impressive. So often swimming segments derail the breezy
derring-do of a platformer, but Legends makes the oceanic sections a
high point. Fast and smooth, swimming's unshackled movement makes
overcoming deep-sea dangers a satisfying detour.
Speed is the most gripping of all of Legends' demands. Running is
usually preferable to walking, though it's your choice if you'd rather
admire the stunning sights than sprint wildly past them. However, some
stages sport clocks whose ticking hands continually remind you of your
pending failure. When your tail is on fire, you appreciate just how well
constructed these levels are. Every enemy and trap is expertly placed
to ensure you never have to slow down. Stages become invaded after you
complete them the first time, which means you have to sprint through in
less than a minute without getting hit even once to free trapped
teensies. And sometimes, you even have a shadow Rayman right behind you
mimicking your every move. When you reach the checkered flag, it's hard
to contain the smile on your face because you know you overcame a
formidable challenge.
Other levels thrust their excellent score to the forefront.
Forced-scrolling stages set to catchy tracks such as "Black Betty" are
the highlight of this frenetic adventure. Every movement you perform
coincides with the background beat. So you know when to jump and when to
kick, and seeing an orchestral performance come together is absolutely
delightful. However, don't think that the soundtrack is important only
in these stages. The score is a constant companion that has you bopping
your head along as you jump and climb through the many levels. It's hard
not to be awash in joy as the lums sing their companionable song while
you scoop up every last one.
Legends excels as a single-player experience because traversing the
plentiful worlds is eminently enjoyable and engaging. Still, there's a
four-player option for those who'd rather see the various wonders with
friends by their side. Maintaining top speed can be tricky with people
who aren't quite as skilled as you, but if you're on the same page as
your buddies, Legends continues right where the solo adventuring left
off. Launching your friend's character to reach a hidden section or to
collect lums shows how handy a second player can be, and you can
transport yourself in a bubble if the difficulty ever becomes too high.
Of course, if your friend is a dunderhead, you may have to slap him or
her. Digitally, of course.
Fancy going toe-to-toe? There's a competitive offering as well. Dubbed
Kung Foot, this rollicking mode pits up to four players against one
another in chaotic, 2D soccer. Simple, yes, but oh so satisfying. Slap
the ball high into the air, leap up to meet it, and then smash it toward
the opposing goal. Or just ignore the ball entirely and slap your
friends. It's a wild and unpredictable game that serves as a great
complement to the platforming action.
Rayman Legends is an excellent game in just about every way. However,
there is one problem. When a female character dies, you're treated to a
creepy panty shot that's totally out of place. But that's the one
negative mark this game bears. Fueled by smooth platforming, striking
visuals, wacky situations, and infectious beats, Rayman Legends is a
nifty platformer that exudes unabashed delight.
I'll
be honest here: I mostly watch hockey for the violence. That doesn’t
mean I don’t appreciate the intricacies of the plays, and the skill it
takes to skate and handle the biscuit, but it's not hockey until
someone’s slammed against the glass so hard it causes me to spill my
beer all over my lap. So it pleases me to say that