*Rayman Legends* has earned a solid reputation as a classic 2D platformer. It is now returning to the latest hardware and Steam as *Rayman Legends: Retold*.
In addition to refinements to the visuals and music, the game has undergone a major overhaul, including the addition of new stages, the conversion of shooting stages to 3D, and revamped cutscenes and hub areas.
This title was originally released in 2013 on platforms such as the Wii U. Later, *Rayman Legends for Nintendo Switch* was released, featuring additional content.
This marks its third release, and it’s clear at a glance that this is a meticulously crafted remake.
First, I played Realm 3: “Mystic Mesa.” Set in a world with a distinct Mexican vibe, it features giant luchadors, tacos, zucchini, and mariachis.
At its core, this is a classic 2D platformer. Use jumps and attacks to leap from platform to platform and knock enemies out of the way as you make your way forward.
Occasionally, your ally Murphy appears, and you can give him instructions. He’ll eat candy to carve a path for you or, conversely, spray green sauce to build walls.
Simply moving forward isn’t that difficult, but rescuing your friends—who’ve been captured by the evil wizard scattered throughout the stages—is quite a challenge. You’ll likely need to master nearly every puzzle in the stage to succeed.
Also, yellow fairy-like creatures called “Lams” flit about everywhere—you’ll need to collect quite a few of them, and this collection challenge is also quite difficult.
Collecting these Rams and allies unlocks skins, new stages, and other rewards, so you’ll want to search for as many as possible.
All in all, this game is another well-crafted, challenging action title. It’s easy to see why the series has lasted 30 years!
It’s not just a simple platformer—there are also rhythm-game-style stages where you defeat enemies in time with the music while the screen scrolls automatically, as well as puzzle-like stages where you move back and forth to solve mechanisms.
A major evolution was the shooting stages where you ride a dragon and take down enemies, and in this installment, 3D sections have been added to this mechanic.
Opinions are likely to be split on whether the 2D version or this one is better, but there’s no doubt the presentation has become much more dynamic!
Now, it’s finally time for the boss battle. The enemy is a giant luchador! He, too, is being controlled by the evil wizard.
He pours something that looks like chili sauce into the ring, and a hellish deathmatch begins. I couldn’t help but laugh when my ally, Globox, started nonchalantly gulping down the sauce. I used my jumps wisely and cleared the stage with ease. I freed him from the brainwashing and moved on to the next stage…
Next up is Realm 4, “Iron Shell.” It looks like a peaceful beach, but apparently, it’s home to the Toad Army’s secret base.
This stage also featured sections where you had to move underwater. I struggled with the tricky underwater controls as I made my way toward the goal.
Also, after the regular stages in this game, “Invasion Stages” appear.
This is essentially a time attack mode. If you can race through the stage in under a few dozen seconds, you’ll receive a crown corresponding to your time.
I gave it a try myself and was surprised at just how challenging it was! If you’re confident in your action game skills, you should definitely give it a shot.
The game also features a mode called “Fairy Blessing.” If you keep making mistakes in the same spot over and over, a fairy will appear to help you.
In this state, Rayman is enveloped in a bubble, allowing him to float in the air at all times and be completely invincible, so he can charge straight through all obstacles. What’s more, you can still collect items.
Of course, you can turn it on or off at any time. It’s also a good idea to use it only for sections you just can’t clear.
Finally, take on Realm 6: “Zombie Land”!
This realm is gradually unlocked by defeating the boss of each map.
True to its name, it’s a world shrouded in an evil atmosphere where the sun never shines. Use the fairy’s light to grow purple roots as footholds and weaken invincible enemies so you can defeat them.
Since this is the final realm, the level design is quite challenging.
This title also includes *Rayman Origins Enhanced Edition*. While the previous game, *Rayman Legends for Nintendo Switch*, incorporated stages from *Origins*, this time it’s a standalone release.
This time, I played the “Jungle” and “Water Pillars” stages.
While the design is simpler compared to *Rayman Legends*, it still has that unique, chaotic vibe and whimsical world, and just watching it gets me excited.
It’s also great that you can access the Concept Gallery from the hub area at any time.
You can really take a close look at how the *Rayman* art was created.
With the upgraded *Rayman Legends* and the nostalgic vibe of *Rayman Origins*, this remake offers the best of both worlds.
If you’ve never visited this dream world before, why not take this opportunity to give it a try?
*Rayman Legends: Retold* is scheduled for release on December 4, 2026, for PC (Steam/Ubisoft Connect/ Epic Games Store),PlayStation 5/XBOX Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
