Rayman is an iconic character in gaming, with 2026 having the series return to the limelight. Starting with a strong re-release of the 1995 original from Digital Eclipse, Ubisoft looks to the past to create a strong foundation for the future.
Rayman Legends Retold is a collaborative effort between Ubisoft Montpellier (Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Rayman Series) and Ubisoft Milan (Mario + Rabbids Series) that takes the original Rayman Legends and heavily expands the journey to a more cohesive adventure, adding elements from the 3D Rayman platformers.
During Summer Games Fest, Lord Cognito and Addict got hands-on with the game on Nintendo Switch 2! Here are their impressions of the limbless wonder’s 2.5D platforming adventure.
What is Rayman Legends?
Originally announced as a Wii U exclusive in 2012, Rayman and his friends embark on another adventure across the Galde of Dreams. Building off the tight controls and platforming mechanics from 2011’s Rayman Origins, this 2D platformer features level design that invites exploration but always keeps you on the move.
In many regards, the best levels in Legends evoked memories of Donkey Kong Country. These stages are all themed around five different areas. Running through castles and avoiding fireballs, flying through frog-filled swamps, and more make up the enjoyable 2D platforming adventure.
To take advantage of the Wii U hardware at the time, Rayman 2’s Murphy returns to the series. In specific levels, Rayman’s flying buddy can tag in, helping an AI-controlled ally get through the level. This was done through touching and moving objects around using the touchscreen. Though when playing on other platforms, Murphy moved on his own, with players in full control of Rayman.
When Rayman Legends released in August 2013 across all major platforms, ditching its Wii U exclusivity, it received glowing acclaim for its amazing level design, striking hand-drawn visuals, and fun co-op fun with friends. Like Rayman Origins, the limbless wonder’s legendary adventure stood the test of time.
What Does Retold Add to the Original Experience?
Ten years later, Ubisoft announced Rayman Legends Retold at the June 2026 State of Play. This takes the original Rayman Legends and adds several new elements, expanding the adventure in exciting ways.
These include new 3D visuals powered by Ubisoft’s impressive Snowdrop engine (powering games like Star Wars Outlaws and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope), full voice acting for the entire adventure (with David Gasman and Billy West reprising their roles as Rayman & Murphy from Rayman 3), and so much more. But one has to ask, why remake what many consider to be one of the best 2D platformers of the last generation?
Why Remake The Most Recent Rayman Adventure?
After Legends Retold was announced, an answer to this was provided. Taken from a lengthy interview with Polygon, Rayman series brand manager Loïc Gounon said the following about how they decided to remake Rayman Legends.
“As we started a new era for Rayman, there would be new games. We really want to relaunch the franchise for good. So we discussed altogether internally: What would be the best way to bring back the franchise? Not just what best game to make, but what’s the best way to remake the franchise? So to expand the audience, to reconnect with the fans, and to start a new adventure basically.
“What can we do within a certain timing that could be qualitative, manage to please part of our fans, hopefully also introduce the franchise to a new audience?” Gounon said. “That’s why it led us naturally to Legends, because of how complete it is as a game. It’s the richest version of the world, the widest set of characters. And as we wanted to relaunch a brand, we felt we didn’t want Rayman 1. We want Rayman plus Globox, plus Grand Minimus, plus Barbara, plus Bubble Dreamer as a narrator. That’s how it led us to that proposition of Rayman Legends Retold.”
Ubisoft wants to put the limbless hero in the spotlight. But enough build-up, how does this remake of the 2013 2D adventure fare? Both Lord Cognito and Gaming Addict went hands-on with several levels at Summer Games Fest, excited to share their impressions on the Switch 2 demo.
Lord Cognito’s Impressions
I got the chance to talk to two developers working on the project, and they were very passionate. The art style was beautiful, feeling like 60 FPS on Switch 2. I played the game with Addict in two-player co-op and the first level I played felt like classic Rayman, having mechanics like sprinting and jumping through obstacles.
The second level impressed me the most, where I rode on the back of dragons. It reminded me of Panzer Dragoon Saga, with a boss-like creature attacking us throughout the entire level. They were in the background, trying to hit us with objects. By the end of the level, we challenged him in a boss battle.
The last level was a music level, where we jumped and attacked to the beat of the music. This was awesome and so much fun. I may not be a 2D platformer guy, I walked away immensely impressed with what Rayman Legends Retold had to offer.
Lord Gaming Addict’s Impressions
Meanwhile, Lord Gaming Addict enjoyed his time with Legends Retold as well, highlighting the dragon-flying level Cog was impressed by and shared a similar opinion on the game’s striking 3D art direction. He also highlights that Retold will include several levels from the original Rayman Legends and that it ran very well on Switch 2.
My Own Thoughts on Legends Retold
While initially confused at remaking this hand-drawn adventure, between the Lords’ impressions and all the information released since the reveal, I can’t wait to play Rayman Legends Retold.
Building on the strong foundation of the original across several areas will create a great starting point for Rayman’s future. I particularly like seeing the focus on reestablishing the franchise’s world, as Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc had enjoyable stories with charming characters.
Having Rayman gain that again, and combining that with the strong qualities of the original Legends, makes this tale a one to keep an eye on when it releases on Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC, and PlayStation 5, on October 1st, 2026.
