Nowadays, it seems like everything is getting a remaster or a remake. For certain titles, it makes a lot of sense. Some of the most iconic games in history were released in an era where HD wasn’t even a thing, and connecting a console to your TV with component cables meant better visual quality (if you could even notice the difference). For some games, though, that’s not necessarily the case. An announcement comes along for a remaster or a remake, and your first thought is, “why?” The original’s visuals and gameplay still hold up in the modern era, even if it’s over 10 years old. It really does feel like Rayman Legends Retold is one of those games, but I think I can explain why Ubisoft is choosing to retell this adventure.
Last week, I was invited to preview Rayman Legends Retold, and quite honestly, I’m probably one of the worst candidates for it. Despite growing up playing video games in the late ’80s and early ’90s, I’m not a huge fan of platformers, whether 2D or 3D. However, more recently, I’ve been trying to expand the games I’m willing to play, since every game can provide perspective for another game. Astro Bot and Super Mario Bros. Wonder both fall in that category, reconnecting me to my platforming roots with games that are just an absolute blast to play. Now, I did play Rayman Legends when it first released in 2013, but considering I can barely remember what games I played earlier this year, I was basically going into the experience blind. I did redownload Rayman Legends prior to the event, but I only spent a few minutes in it because I really wanted the Rayman Legends Retold experience to feel new to me.
Those few minutes I spent in the original had me wondering why Rayman Legends is getting a remake. The illustrated 2D artwork still looks as exquisitely charming and gorgeous in 2026 as it did in 2013. I’m fairly certain many others are asking the same question now that Rayman Legends Retold has officially debuted. The thing is, there’s an entire generation of gamers who will never pick up a game that was released in 2013, even if it aged well. After all, this is a game that was released on the Wii U, a console that same generation of gamers probably doesn’t think is real.
I feel this is the main reason why Rayman Legends Retold exists. Rayman Legends is widely considered the best Rayman game, and while fans have been begging for a new entry, Ubisoft seems to be more keen on growing its Rayman audience first. For a series that has existed since 1995, Rayman feels like that one platforming mascot looking in from the outside. Many have heard of him, but the lack of a new mainline entry in the series has really made him take a backseat in today’s gaming world.
Now, Rayman Legends Retold isn’t just a 1:1 remake of Ubisoft’s 2013 2D platformer. The team is adding new content to the game, including dragon riding sequences that take place in between worlds. These segments reminded me of Star Fox, as an on-rails shooter where you can quickly dodge left or right to avoid incoming obstacles. I got to experience two of these, and they were pretty fun, serving as a nice change of pace from the standard 2D platforming. That said, I wouldn’t consider it a feature that will sell someone on the game if they’re on the fence. It doesn’t offer gameplay you haven’t already seen in other titles, but it does enhance the overall experience.
If you’ve played Rayman Legends before, you already know what to expect with Rayman Legends Retold. However, I suspect longtime fans may be split on the new art style. For me, it doesn’t ooze the same level of charm as the 2013 release, which really feels hand-crafted with love and care. Instead, this 3D-like aesthetic likely appeals more to younger gamers, especially those who grew up on games like Fortnite. Even the framing got caught up in it. The original had you diving into paintings, which suited that hand-drawn, gallery-like style. Retold swaps them for portals, which fits the new look but loses a little of that storybook touch. Of course, if you’ve never played Rayman Legends, you don’t have anything to compare it to. If you are in that camp, just know the visuals look great with modern lighting effects that really bring the environments to life.
As for gameplay, everything people loved about Rayman Legends is here. The platforming, the puzzle solving, the collectibles, and even the combat are all intact and preserved. Because this was a remote session played with a DualSense controller connected via Bluetooth, it’s hard to judge the final game’s responsiveness, but I could definitely feel some input lag. The game almost felt sluggish to me in some parts, and my gameplay recording is embarrassingly bad (it’s a good thing I’m not a video site). I’m very much looking forward to playing the full experience on my PC with my Steam Controller. If you don’t know, Rayman Legends became a favorite within the genre because its controls feel excellent. You’re jumping, punching, gliding, wall-running, and bouncing around, and it all feels very responsive. I just couldn’t get that sensation during the preview session.
But what really makes Rayman Legends one of the best in the genre is its level design and variety. I’d argue games like Astro Bot and Super Mario Bros. Wonder wouldn’t exist the way they are today without Rayman Legends. Even in the small slice I was able to experience, Rayman Legends Retold reminded me just how rarely the game sits on one gimmick for too long. Just as you feel like you’ve mastered the mechanic introduced in a level, the game moves on to something fresh. And to think, I didn’t even get to the really good parts yet.
For decades, Nintendo has been the gold standard when it comes to platformers, both 2D and 3D. Very rarely does a game come along that has the same level of polish and creativity as a Nintendo platformer, but Rayman Legends has always been one of those titles. If an updated art style and some new content are what entice an entirely new generation to experience this wonderful game, then I’m all for it.
Rayman Legends Retold launches October 1, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC for $39.99. The game is being co-developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the studio behind the original Rayman Legends, and Ubisoft Milan.
Rayman Legends Retold Preview Gallery
