Rayman Legends Retold Launch Edition for PlayStation 5 Review

Rayman Legends Retold is an ambitious return for one of gaming's most colorful and entertaining platforming franchises. Rather than simply putting a new coat of paint on the classic Rayman Legends, Ubisoft is rebuilding the experience with new visuals, expanded storytelling, additional gameplay content, and a fresh sixth realm.

For longtime Rayman fans, that makes Rayman Legends Retold particularly interesting. The original Rayman Legends was already considered one of the strongest modern 2D platformers, so Ubisoft had a difficult task. The challenge was to modernize the game without losing the precise platforming, humor, personality, and creativity that made the original so memorable.

Based on the announced features and hands-on previews, Rayman Legends Retold appears to be taking that challenge seriously.

The Launch Edition is particularly appealing to physical-game collectors because it includes more than just the disc. Ubisoft says the retail Launch Edition includes the base game, Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition, a printed Glade of Dreams map, three lithographs, and a slipcase.

Overview

Rayman Legends Retold is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on October 1, 2026. The game is being developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan.

At its core, Retold remains a fast-paced side-scrolling platformer. Players control Rayman and his friends as they jump, glide, punch enemies, collect items, rescue Teensies, defeat bosses, and explore colorful fantasy environments.

The biggest difference is presentation.

Instead of simply reproducing the original's mostly two-dimensional artwork, Retold uses a new 3D visual approach while retaining the basic 2D platforming structure. The result is essentially a 2.5D experience that attempts to combine the clarity of traditional side-scrolling gameplay with greater environmental depth.

That is an interesting direction because Rayman has always been a character who works particularly well with imaginative environments.

Story

Rayman Legends Retold introduces a new story surrounding the familiar Rayman universe.

The Glade of Dreams is threatened by a mysterious villain who spreads corruption throughout the various realms. Rayman, Globox, Barbara, Grand Minimus, and Murphy must work together to restore peace and rescue the captured Teensies.

This expanded story is one of the most significant differences between Retold and the original Rayman Legends.

The remake includes fully voiced cinematics and additional character interactions. Ubisoft has also introduced a new antagonist and a mysterious sixth realm.

For players who remember the original primarily as a collection of fantastic platforming stages connected by a relatively lightweight story, the expanded narrative should give the adventure a greater sense of continuity.

The addition of voiced cinematics is also a welcome modernization. Rayman's bizarre characters and exaggerated personalities are naturally suited to expressive animation and voice work.

Gameplay

The most important question with any remake of a beloved platformer is simple.

Does it still feel good to play?

Everything Ubisoft has shown so far suggests that the answer is yes.

The fundamental Rayman formula remains intact. Players jump across platforms, attack enemies, glide through dangerous areas, collect Lums, rescue Teensies, discover secrets, and navigate increasingly challenging stages.

That simplicity is part of Rayman Legends' appeal.

There is very little unnecessary complexity standing between the player and the platforming. You learn the controls quickly, but mastering the levels requires considerably more skill.

The game can be approachable for younger or less experienced players while still providing plenty of challenges for veteran platforming fans.

New gameplay additions should also prevent Retold from feeling like nothing more than a graphical remake.

Dragon rides are among the more unusual additions. These sections introduce a different style of action and provide a break from traditional platforming.

There is also the Cave of Trials, which provides ongoing challenges for players who want to test their skills.

Musical Levels

One of the defining features of Rayman Legends has always been its musical stages, and Retold expands this idea.

Four new musical stages are being added, with gameplay designed around the rhythm of the soundtrack.

These levels are among the most memorable concepts in the Rayman series because they combine platforming with music. Instead of simply listening to a great soundtrack while playing, the player essentially becomes part of the music.

Jumps, attacks, movements, and environmental events can all be synchronized with the rhythm.

This creates a completely different feeling from ordinary platforming stages.

The expanded soundtrack also brings together returning material and new compositions, with Christophe Héral and Grant Kirkhope contributing to the music.

Graphics and Presentation

The visual overhaul is arguably the biggest change in Rayman Legends Retold.

The original Rayman Legends used a beautiful hand-drawn artistic style. It still looks remarkably good, which makes replacing its visual presentation a risky decision.

Retold instead uses a new 3D presentation designed to preserve the personality and colorful fantasy of the original while giving the environments more depth.

The camera can move, tilt, and emphasize different parts of the environment. Background and foreground elements can provide additional visual depth while the actual platforming remains focused on the traditional side-scrolling structure.

Early hands-on impressions suggest that Ubisoft has been careful not to sacrifice gameplay clarity for visual spectacle.

That is extremely important.

A platformer can have spectacular graphics, but if players cannot easily determine where their character can land, visual improvements become a disadvantage.

Retold appears designed to maintain the clean gameplay of the original while making the world feel more alive.

PlayStation 5 Features

The PlayStation 5 is a natural platform for this type of visual remake.

Retold is designed specifically for current-generation hardware, and the game supports the PS5's DualSense controller features.

The improved hardware also allows Ubisoft to create more detailed environments, richer animation, dynamic camera movement, and more expressive cinematics.

The game is also PS5 Pro Enhanced.

For players with a PS5 Pro, that could make Retold particularly attractive as a showcase for Ubisoft's updated visual direction.

Multiplayer

One of Rayman's greatest strengths has always been its local multiplayer.

Rayman Legends Retold continues that tradition with support for up to four players in couch co-op.

This is an important feature because cooperative platformers can be remarkably entertaining when played with family or friends.

Players can work together to complete stages, collect Lums, rescue Teensies, and overcome obstacles.

Of course, four-player Rayman can also become chaotic very quickly.

That chaos is part of the fun.

Players can accidentally interfere with each other, knock one another around, or turn a carefully planned section into complete mayhem.

The game embraces that playful atmosphere rather than trying to make cooperative gameplay overly serious.

Kung Foot

Kung Foot also returns.

This quirky mini-game combines elements of soccer and arcade combat. The objective is straightforward, but the resulting matches can become surprisingly competitive.

Retold improves Kung Foot with updated controls, power-ups, and customizable rules.

For families or groups of friends, this could provide plenty of additional entertainment after completing the main adventure.

The Launch Edition

The Launch Edition is especially interesting for physical-media collectors.

Unlike the digital versions, the retail Launch Edition includes several physical extras.

The package contains:

Rayman Legends Retold

Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition

Printed Glade of Dreams map

Three lithographs

Slipcase

That makes the Launch Edition more than a standard physical copy.

The inclusion of Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition is particularly valuable because it effectively gives buyers another major Rayman platforming adventure.

Rayman Origins has been enhanced with 4K visuals, 60 FPS presentation, new collectibles and rewards, haptic feedback support, and quality-of-life improvements.

For someone who enjoys physical games and wants a substantial Rayman package, the Launch Edition makes a lot of sense.

Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition

Including Rayman Origins is one of the smartest decisions Ubisoft has made with Retold.

Origins was the game that helped establish the modern Rayman platforming style, while Legends expanded and refined that formula.

Having both games together allows players to experience the evolution of the franchise.

The enhanced version also gives longtime fans another reason to revisit Origins.

New players who have never played it receive an excellent introduction to the modern Rayman style.

Difficulty

Rayman games have a reputation for being deceptively challenging.

The colorful presentation can make the games look like simple children's platformers, but later stages can demand excellent timing, quick reactions, and memorization.

That balance should remain one of Retold's strengths.

Early levels can be welcoming and accessible, while later challenges should provide considerably more resistance.

Collecting everything also increases the difficulty substantially.

Simply reaching the end of a level is one goal.

Finding every collectible, rescuing every Teensie, and mastering every challenge is another.

That gives completionists plenty of reasons to keep playing after finishing the main story.

Soundtrack

Music has always been a major part of Rayman's identity.

The musical stages in particular demonstrate how effectively Ubisoft can combine soundtrack and gameplay.

Retold expands the soundtrack while retaining the musical personality of the original.

Christophe Héral returns to the project, while Grant Kirkhope also contributes.

The combination should provide a soundtrack that matches the game's colorful environments and unpredictable sense of humor.

Replay Value

Replay value is another major strength.

The main campaign already offers plenty of content, but players who want to see everything will have significantly more work ahead of them.

Collectibles, challenge stages, musical levels, multiplayer, Kung Foot, and additional content give the game considerable longevity.

The addition of a sixth realm is especially important for returning players.

Someone who has already completed the original Rayman Legends may wonder whether another playthrough is worthwhile.

The new story, visual presentation, musical stages, dragon-riding sections, and sixth realm provide several reasons to return.

What I Like About Rayman Legends Retold

The biggest strength is that Ubisoft does not appear to be treating this as a simple remaster.

The game has been substantially reworked.

The new visual style gives the world a different personality while retaining the core platforming mechanics.

The expanded story is another welcome addition.

The sixth realm and four new musical stages provide new material for returning players, while the inclusion of Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition significantly increases the overall value of the package.

Four-player couch co-op is also a major advantage.

There are not enough modern platformers that focus heavily on local multiplayer, so Rayman Legends Retold has an opportunity to fill an important niche.

The Launch Edition's physical extras are another positive for collectors.

What Could Be Better

The biggest potential concern is the visual change.

The original Rayman Legends had an exceptionally beautiful hand-drawn art style. Some longtime fans may prefer that appearance to the new 3D presentation.

A remake can improve graphics while still losing some of the artistic character of the original.

That will ultimately come down to personal preference.

Another potential issue is that the core game is based on a 2013 platformer that already played extremely well.

Players who own Rayman Legends may reasonably ask whether they need another version.

For those players, the value depends heavily on how much they appreciate the new story, sixth realm, visual overhaul, new musical stages, dragon-riding sections, and other additions.

The lack of online multiplayer may also disappoint some players who prefer playing with friends remotely. The major multiplayer focus is local couch co-op.

Who Should Buy It?

Rayman fans should be at the front of the line.

If you enjoyed Rayman Legends, Retold offers enough new material to make another trip through the Glade of Dreams appealing.

Fans of platforming games should also pay attention.

The game combines accessible controls with increasingly demanding challenges, making it suitable for both casual players and experienced platforming enthusiasts.

Families are another obvious audience.

Four-player couch co-op makes this a particularly attractive game for households looking for something that multiple people can enjoy together.

Physical game collectors should also consider the Launch Edition because of its map, lithographs, slipcase, and inclusion of Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition.

Final Verdict

Rayman Legends Retold looks like one of the more interesting platformer remakes coming to the PlayStation 5.

Instead of simply increasing the resolution and calling it a day, Ubisoft is attempting to rethink the presentation while expanding the story and adding meaningful new gameplay.

The new 3D visual style is a significant departure from the original, but the underlying platforming remains focused on the precise, fast-moving gameplay that made Rayman Legends so enjoyable.

The sixth realm, four new musical stages, dragon rides, Cave of Trials, expanded soundtrack, voiced cinematics, improved Kung Foot, and four-player couch co-op give players plenty to explore.

The Launch Edition is arguably the most attractive version for physical-media fans because it includes Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition along with several collectible extras.

At the announced $39.99 price point for the standard game, Rayman Legends Retold also looks competitively priced for a modern reimagining of a classic platformer.

The biggest question is whether longtime fans will prefer the new 3D presentation to the original's hand-drawn artwork. That is something that cannot be answered purely by specifications or trailers.

However, based on the information available before release, Ubisoft appears to have preserved the most important ingredient: the fun.

Rayman Legends Retold has the potential to introduce a new generation of players to one of Ubisoft's most charming characters while giving longtime fans a legitimate reason to return to the Glade of Dreams.

For platforming fans, families, Rayman enthusiasts, and physical-game collectors, the Launch Edition deserves serious consideration.

Overall Rating: 9 out of 10

Pros

Excellent platforming foundation

Beautiful new 3D presentation

Expanded story and voiced cinematics

New sixth realm

Four new musical stages

Dragon-riding sections

Cave of Trials challenges

Four-player local co-op

Improved Kung Foot

Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition included

Physical Launch Edition extras

Cons

The new visual style may not appeal to everyone

Longtime owners of Rayman Legends may question whether they need another version

No online multiplayer for cooperative play

Final Recommendation

Rayman Legends Retold Launch Edition is shaping up to be much more than a simple remake. It combines the proven platforming formula of Rayman Legends with a redesigned presentation, additional story content, new challenges, new musical stages, and a bonus enhanced version of Rayman Origins.

For PlayStation 5 owners who enjoy colorful, fast-paced platformers, it is a game worth watching closely.

For Rayman fans, the Launch Edition could be one of the most attractive physical releases of the year.

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Sonic Superstars (PS5) — In-Depth Review

Introduction & Expectations

Sonic Superstars is Sega’s attempt to recapture the energy and appeal of the classic 2D Sonic games while bringing in new ideas — multiplayer, Emerald-powered abilities, branching level design, and modern visuals. On PlayStation 5, many of the promises are delivered well, though not without friction. As a longtime Sonic fan, I entered this with cautious optimism: could this be a “next generation” side-scroll Sonic worth playing on a modern console?

In short: it’s a mostly fun ride with occasional frustrations. Below, I break down the experience across design, gameplay, presentation, and lasting value.

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Gameplay & Mechanics

Core Movement, Physics & Level Flow

At its heart, Sonic Superstars leans heavily into the laws of classic Sonic — momentum, loops, slopes, springs, and speed. On PS5, the character movement feels responsive and dynamic. You sense inertia, gravity, and the smoothness of transitions between high-speed runs and tighter platforming segments. This continuity is one of the strongest aspects of the game: it feels “Sonic” in motion.

Levels are designed with branching paths, hidden routes, vertical sections, and alternative routes. As a result, exploration is rewarded. You’re not always forced to go fast in a straight line; sometimes detours or alternate paths lead to powerups or secrets. This shift toward exploration is a double-edged sword: it adds depth, but occasionally slows the pace compared to classic “go fast” expectations.

That said, some stages push the balance too far: too many obstacles or traps that force precise reactions, which can feel punishing if you expect a more forgiving run.

Emerald Powers

One of the marquee new features are the Emerald Powers — special abilities tied to collecting Chaos Emeralds. Powers like fireballs, shields, temporary invulnerability, or rings-attract abilities can change how you approach a section or boss. These do add a fresh layer, but in practice their utility is hit-or-miss. Some powers feel integral and fun; others are situational and rarely used. The game doesn’t always encourage or necessitate their use, which undercuts their potential.

Boss Battles & Difficulty Spikes

Where the game often stumbles is in its frequent and extended boss encounters. Almost every “act” ends with a boss, and many of them drag on. Some bosses have phases where the target is untargetable, or require memorization or perfect timing, which interrupts pacing. There’s little room for error in later fights, and checkpoints within those boss battles are sparse.

As you progress, the difficulty curve steepens sharply. Earlier zones feel manageable, even forgiving in design. But in the later zones, bosses, hazards, and level layouts push toward harder-mode territory. For some players, this is an exciting challenge; for others, it might feel unfair.

Multiplayer & Co-op

Sonic Superstars supports up to four players — either local split-screen or online. The idea is appealing — bring friends into the fun. However, the nature of fast-paced side-scrolling design doesn’t always translate well to cooperative play. When multiple players move at different speeds or take different paths, collisions, screen management, and camera constraints lead to compromises in level design and gameplay.

In practice, co-op works — but it’s not always smooth or optimal. Sometimes one player ends up dragging or waiting; sometimes screen constraints force the slower pacing or restrict freedom to explore fully. It’s a nice addition, but not one that outshines solo play.

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Presentation & Technical Performance

Graphics & Visual Style

On PS5, Sonic Superstars is visually striking. The game uses a blend of 2D and 3D elements — sometimes called 2.5D — where backgrounds, foregrounds, and environmental assets pop with depth and polish. The art style is modern but nostalgic, with vibrant color palettes, fluid animations, and visual details that bring the zones to life. Even when there’s a lot happening onscreen (multiple players, effects, hazards) the camera generally does a competent job of keeping things legible.

Textures, lighting, and effects (like particle effects, blur, glow) feel modern without going overboard. The clarity and smoothness in motion are where the PS5 version shines compared to lesser hardware.

Performance & Frame Rate

The PS5 runs Sonic Superstars at a smooth frame rate. I encountered no noticeable frame drops or stutters in standard action. Loading times between zones and levels are quick, which helps maintain flow. The consistency in performance contributes to enjoyment — nothing drags you out of the moment.

There were occasional minor graphical glitches or collision oddities in rare spots, but nothing game-breaking in my playthrough. The more serious bugs tend to appear in boss fights or edge cases under stress, but they’re not pervasive.

Audio, Music & Sound Effects

The soundtrack is ambitious. Sega assembled a mix of internal and external composers to deliver tracks that nod to classic Sonic while exploring new territory. Some tracks are standout— dynamic, energizing, and memorable. Others are more forgettable or feel slightly uneven in tone. Still, overall the music often elevates a level’s mood.

Sound effects, voice lines, and ambient audio are solid. Rings, jumps, boosts, enemy hits, and transitions all feel good. Audio mixing is good — music rarely drowns out essential cues or sound effects.

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Content, Structure & Replay Value

Story & Characters

Sonic Superstars features several playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and a new character, Trip. The narrative is serviceable — simple in structure, fitting for the genre, but not especially deep. Trip’s inclusion and the return of Fang (from earlier franchise lore) are interesting touches, though their presence sometimes feels more decorative than organically integrated.

The story mostly gives context and motivation for your runs across the “Islands of the North Star” and the Chaos Emerald quest. It’s not the strongest draw, but it suffices to make progression make sense.

Zones, Acts & Variety

There are multiple zones (worlds), each subdivided into acts, with various themes, gimmicks, and environmental mechanics — vines, moving platforms, digital/voxel transformation zones, sloped terrain, tunnels, switches, and more. Many zones introduce new mechanics gradually so the game remains fresh. Some zones are stronger than others — a few feel more inspired, others less memorable.

Because not every act is identical in structure and because of branching paths, it encourages revisiting for alternate routes or to find all Emeralds. That said, some players may find certain zones or acts underutilized or less interesting.

Challenges, Extras & Unlockables

Beyond the main story, there are bonus stages, time trials, hidden collectibles, and the multiplayer / battle modes. The multiplayer “Battle Mode” offers competitive match types (collecting stars, races, survival) and unlockables tied to medals earned in the main game.

However, many players and critics note that the incentive to deeply engage with the battle mode is limited: rewards often tie back into cosmetic or supplemental unlocks rather than core upgrades. If multiplayer isn’t your primary interest, some optional content may feel thin.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Classic Sonic movement and momentum feel are very well implemented.

• Level design generally balances speed and exploration, with branching paths and clever layout.

• Visuals on PS5 are polished, vibrant, and modern while retaining a nostalgic touch.

• Soundtrack offers a strong mix of energetic tracks, occasionally memorable themes.

• Performance is stable and smooth, with fast loading and minimal technical issues during standard play.

Weaknesses:

• Boss battles are often too long, sometimes frustrating, and disrupt pacing.

• Difficulty spikes and harsher segments appear late in the game, which may alienate more casual players.

• Emerald Powers, while a bold idea, sometimes feel underutilized or inconsistent in impact.

• Multiplayer/co-op is a good inclusion but doesn’t always mesh gracefully with Sonic’s speed-oriented design.

• Some zones are less inspired; optional modes and extras feel lightweight in comparison.

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Final Verdict & Recommendation

Sonic Superstars on PS5 is a commendable, mostly successful attempt to reinvigorate 2D Sonic for modern consoles. It captures much of what makes classic Sonic fun: speed, momentum, exploration, and satisfying movement. On the technical side, it performs smoothly, looks sharp, and delivers a cohesive aesthetic and audio experience.

However, it is not without flaws. The boss design, late-game difficulty, and somewhat inconsistent new mechanics prevent it from being a perfect modern classic. Multiplayer is fun, but not the game’s strongest pillar. For many players, the solo experience will remain the core draw.

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Rare Replay Review

Overview: Rare Replay, released for Xbox One in August 2015, is a compilation of 30 classic games from the storied developer Rare. The collection celebrates Rare's legacy, showcasing titles from the late 1980s to the 2000s. This retrospective not only highlights Rare’s impact on the gaming industry but also offers both nostalgia and accessibility for new players.

Visual and Audio Presentation: Rare Replay is presented with a sleek and user-friendly interface. The game's menu is designed like a virtual museum, allowing players to navigate through a timeline of Rare’s history. Each game tile is beautifully rendered, featuring iconic art and details from the original titles.

Graphically, many games have received significant upgrades. Titles like Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's Bad Fur Day are enhanced with improved resolutions and textures, making them look stunning on modern displays. The audio remains faithful to the originals, with some games featuring remastered soundtracks, enhancing the overall experience.

Game Selection: The collection includes a diverse array of genres, from platformers and shooters to racing games. Notable highlights include:

• Banjo-Kazooie & Banjo-Tooie: These 3D platformers are beloved for their charm, humor, and expansive worlds. The collection makes them easily accessible for new players while providing nostalgic joy for long-time fans.

• GoldenEye 007: A landmark in first-person shooters, its multiplayer mode remains a highlight, though its control scheme can feel dated compared to modern FPS standards.

• Conker’s Bad Fur Day: Known for its adult humor and unique gameplay, it stands out as one of Rare’s most daring titles.

• Perfect Dark: This spiritual successor to GoldenEye offers a more refined FPS experience, with a gripping story and engaging multiplayer.

• Battletoads: Renowned for its difficulty, it’s a nostalgic test of skill, particularly the iconic beat-em-up gameplay.

Each game is accompanied by a range of achievements, providing additional motivation to revisit each title.

User Experience: The collection incorporates various quality-of-life features. Players can save their progress at any time and enjoy rewind functionality in many games, making even the toughest challenges more manageable. This modern approach allows both seasoned players and newcomers to appreciate the games without the frustration of the era's notorious difficulty spikes.

Bonus Content: Rare Replay includes a wealth of bonus materials. Players can unlock behind-the-scenes videos, concept art, and developer commentary, enriching the experience by providing insights into the creative processes behind these classic games. This aspect adds significant value, especially for fans who wish to delve deeper into Rare's history.

Multiplayer and Online Features: While many of the titles are local multiplayer experiences, the collection lacks extensive online multiplayer capabilities. This might be disappointing for players hoping to revisit classics with friends online. However, the local multiplayer aspect, especially in games like GoldenEye 007 and Battletoads, fosters a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia reminiscent of gaming's past.

Final Thoughts: Rare Replay is a loving homage to one of gaming's most innovative developers. It succeeds not only as a nostalgic collection for long-time fans but also as an entry point for newcomers eager to explore Rare’s influential library. With its blend of enhanced visuals, comprehensive bonus content, and modern quality-of-life improvements, Rare Replay is a must-have for any Xbox One owner and a testament to the enduring legacy of Rare.

Rating: 9/10 Rare Replay is not just a collection; it’s a celebration of gaming history, showcasing the evolution of a developer that has shaped the industry in profound ways. Whether you’re reliving old memories or discovering these classics for the first time, Rare Replay is an experience that should not be missed.

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