[Analysis] Rayman Legends

When talking about platforms, the same ones always come to the fore. Mario, Sonic, Donkey Kong. In that order. Nobody doubts. Until a few years ago.

It was 2010 when the reboot of a saga that had lost quality with its latest releases on the market was announced, starring certain rabbits that, no matter how cute they are, were not going anywhere.

The reboot, of course of Rayman, had been announced in downloadable and episodic format. It didn't take long for it to be delayed, put on standby and almost be cancelled. But, for everyone's benefit, after all these problems, Rayman Origins finally came to market, in a traditional way.

Rayman's return had repercussions, even though sales were not entirely satisfactory. Ubisoft had shown its new graphics engine, UbiArt, which to begin with did something that no game usually does: show reality in the screenshots. Not to mention its playability, halfway between the classic platforming of Super Mario Bros, the speed of Super Meat Boy and a little musical touch of Bit Trip Runner. There were no longer just three contenders: the armless kid had entered to hit the plumber, the hedgehog and the monkey hard.

And now, after multiple delays, comings and goings, we get the sequel to this reboot. At first glance, nothing has changed. The same graphics engine, the same mechanics. Even the same credits. Then you start to see the first changes. In principle the menu has changed. From the classic world map we have turned the game into a museum, an artistic museum, in which each scenario, each mission, is a painting.

Along with Rayman, his friends have returned, both Globox and the tiny ones. To these we must add the warriors, who are unlocked throughout the adventure.

The one who also returns is Murfy, although this time he will have much more work. If you play alone there will be missions in which you will become the main protagonist, while another character moves on his or her own, becoming at times a full-fledged runner. This changes if you play in multiplayer, which becomes a normal mission in which you need Murfy to make way for you.

Another interesting addition is the musical levels. There really aren't many, just five out of a hundred levels that the work has. They are not difficult either, at all. Even with this, you are looking forward to finishing each world so you can get to the level and finish it. They are all classic songs that a music fan will recognize.

As I said before, the game consists of one hundred levels. And here is a controversial fact: only sixty are new missions. The other forty are missions from the original Rayman Origins, which will have to be unlocked through tickets, with which you can also purchase collectible pets, lums or even some tiny ones. It's curious how much missions from the previous game are recycled here. In a sense it's okay, since the design of the first one was masterful. Anyone new to the game will enjoy them as much or more than the new ones. But if you have completed Origins from start to finish, you will know absolutely everything, including the secret areas, of these maps.

In general, the game does not entail special difficulty when it comes to completing the missions. Possibly with a little practice you can finish them all from start to finish without dying. There are no lives, checkpoints abound and the scenarios are relatively quick to finish. The difficulty lies in two bases: the tiny secrets of each scenario, the invasion missions (which replace the time trial mode of Origins) and the last world, in which all the musical missions become true nightmares in 8-bit form. Quite a blow to those who claim that any past game was always better.

However, all that glitters is not gold. Its biggest flaw is in its conception. The game has been created for WiiU, with functions very focused on its tablet controller. These functions are relegated to the right joystick on other platforms, which makes using Murfy very cumbersome. In addition to this, the other mistake that could be attributed is also with our friend Murfy: the pace of the game, fast and dynamic, is cut off in the missions in which we control it, things that do not happen if you play in multiplayer mode.

Even with these flaws, we are possibly talking about one of the best 2D platforms that have come out this generation. Its dynamism, its art, its music... everything that makes Rayman the game it is makes every coin you invest in this game worth it. In addition to this, it is a game that will give you hours and hours of play if you are a completionist. Its one hundred levels, its time trial mode, multiplayer and unlockable characters will make you spend a long time glued to the pad. Even if the 100% time comes you'll be left with endless hours of challenge mode, which updates daily to keep you hooked.

In short, whether you have tried Rayman Origins or if you arrive without having even seen it, it is a highly recommended game for any platform fan. Don't be afraid to spend your money for him.