Rayman series has always been an amateur. Many liked platformers about a charming jump, but cult status, as happened with Super Mario Bros., They never received (although the three -dimensional The Great Escape got to the goal the closest). And then Rayman Raving Rabbids happened, where crazy rabbits literally overshadowed the protagonist, gradually displacing him from the name.
Everyone already thought that Raymen had an end, as he suddenly returned in 2011, and Michel Ansel personally took up the resurrection-actually the creator of the hero, who also gave the Beyond Good https://milky-wins-casino.co.uk/ & to the world Evil and Peter Jackson’s King Kong. The designer claims that the problem of modern development lies not in the studios, but in publishers who hold back the flight of creative thought. But French games, he said, are much more original, because they are deprived of oppression from the sponsors (which only confirms the recent announcement of Child of Light and Valiant Hearts). Indeed, in Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends you feel a branded French approach: Ubisoft abandoned all their strength to create a unique visual style and colorful levels. As a result – today Raymen cannot be confused with any other game in the world. And in general – who, if not Ubisoft, could release an expensive two -dimensional platformer about the far from the most popular hero?
Revival of the legend
Nominally Legends is not much different from the predecessor. You are still a whirlwind by the levels, collect lums (luminous orba), look for babies (as the inhabitants of the magic country are called) and fight off the enemies-the formula invented thirty years ago is still relevant. Hundreds of inconspicuous, but still important details affecting the mechanics, pace and mood of the game affected the changes. The situation is approximately with Grand Theft Auto 5 : there are no cardinal shifts, but all the elements were polished, brought to mind and improved qualitatively. Your mind seems to understand that the screen is all the same Rayman, but you cannot restrain the delight. Mysticism!
[[Bullet]] screenshots from the game are very difficult to distinguish from concept arts, they are so beautiful.
Further, Ubisoft stepped in graphic. After Origins, it seemed that it could no longer be cooler, but Ansel and his team of designers were a rare combination of perfectionists and visionaries. It’s not enough for them to draw a beautiful picture, they need to revive it, bring it to perfection.
The artists of the studio divided the rear and forefront into layers and each thoroughly worked out: on one there are, for example, bones and skulls, on the other – a web, on the third – columns and spider running along them. When moving, the layers are shifted at different speeds, which is why the image receives additional depth and volume-the scenery breathes, live their own life. Due to the abundance of details, even dark locations are remembered, to say about levels with bright landscapes.
The developers also successfully combine flat sprites with 3D models: three-dimensional bosses organically fit into the game without destroying the atmosphere. Rayman managed to maintain his charm – the magic that filled Origins has not disappeared anywhere.
Stealth in French
However, the French did not limit themselves only to cosmetic changes – the locations began to influence the mechanics more strongly, which is why the variety in the gameplay was noticeably increased. If earlier the main character mainly jumped and collected lums (the exception was only underwater adventures and flights on mosquitoes), now the classes of Ramen are not reduced only to collecting and acrobatics. So, in one of the worlds you will have to move exclusively in the shadows (in the columns, the peremping title theme of Bondi – Bravo will immediately sound!), you will come into the light, and deadly lasers will be squeezed you in an instant. The shelters of the freshly baked Sam Fisher will serve as various shutters and stone ledges.
[Bullet]] When playing PC, Xbox 360 or PS3, Murphy begins to rush back and forth-everyone can control the flying fairy, which is why jumps and puzzles often turn into a cheerful booth. Then one platform from under the feet of a comrade will put forward, then the other!
Another example is the levels inspired by the nightmares of the cook. We play for the very real chicken, and the little fairies Murphy literally rushing our way through cream cakes and other sweets. Assistant – the main innovation of the game. He knows how to cut the ropes, moves the platforms and tickles the enemies hiding behind the shields – a magnificent applicant for the role of your right hand. If you play PS3, Xbox 360 or PC, then Murphy will need to be given to Murphy in a traditional boring way – from a gamepad or keyboard. But on Wii U and PS Vita you will need to scratch the enemies of the belly with your own hand and chop the ropes. Is it worth it and say that these versions turned out to be the most funny and companions. On the console Nintendo Legends can simultaneously play as many as five people, while on other “large” platforms – only four.
[Bullet]] Bosses turned out to be very charismatic. This, for example, is a huge Lucador, and soon he will begin to shake the platform under the feet of the main characters. Beware!
Nevertheless, the best, in our opinion, was the version for "Vita". The developers corrected the main minus of the portable Origins – they added a cooperative. Moreover, playing together is proposed not on the Internet, but live, on one screen. How is it possible in the absence of a second gamepad? And very simple: while the main player controls his hero with the help of buttons, the second pokes with his fingers in the touch screen (he is assigned the role of Murphy). It is clear that the joint passage from behind is not the most convenient appearance of the cooperative, but certainly the most convergent.
Legends of music
Rayman belongs to the Party-IGR category: he handed a joystick to a man, explained control-and go, beat records. Ubisoft tried their best to bring to Legends as much fan as possible. Even such trifles such as happy tickets received during the successful passage of stages work to raise the mood. This not only pushes to ensure that the players collect as many lums as possible, but also warms the excitement: what will I get this time? Cash reward, a creature supplying coins, or a piece of Rayman Origins (the old locations were applied as bonus content)?
[[Bullet]] Murphy in business – rises the way to freedom.
Separately, it is worth mentioning two -dimensional football, which will surely conquer the hearts of lovers of hoppers. No boards or successful passes – throw the ball into the air and try to drive him into the opponent's goal. The shell flies at high speed, bounces off the walls, the auto chambers often occur. The rules are the simplest, and fun – a car and a small cart.
Finally, the creative climax of the French can be considered musical stages. The essence is simple: Ramen and his friends rush into another angle of the screen and overcome the obstacles that arise in the path-the earth, spikes, enemies that go from under the feet. It would seem that nothing unusual, but the locations are designed in such a way that any movement of your movement, whether it is a jump through the abyss or long -term descent on the rope, falls into the rhythm of sounding compositions. And what compositions! Black Betty, Antisocial, Woo Hoo from “Kill Bill” and for a snack – a cult Eye of the Tiger. I would like to replay levels over and over, from races to familiar melodies you are charged with a natural drive.
The French company clearly does not want to become the second Electronic Arts and therefore still supports people like Michel Ansel. And not in vain, the new “Rayman” is another evidence that if you provide freedom to talented people and save them from studying quarterly reports, then something special will be born. Legends is that special – a game made with a soul and love for your work. Viva la ubisoft!
Reigracy:
Cool plot:
Originality:
Easy to master:
Gameplay:
9
Graphics:
10
Sound and music:
10
Interface and management:
9
Waited?
So far, the best platformer of this year and certainly the main reason to call friends to a party. An insanely beautiful, cheerful and diverse game that will give you a lot of positive emotions and joyful memories.
Mania rating: 9.0
"Fabulous"