Last year “Rayman Legends” was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation Vita and PC. This year, we have a reason to turn on our Xbox Ones and PS4s between Netflix marathons and “Battlefield 4” sessions. “Legends” is a fast-paced 2D side-scrolling platformer with precision platformer and puzzle platforming elements thrown in that is designed for multiplayer local co-op. However, you can have just as much fun while playing on your own.

“Rayman Legends” is the sequel to “Rayman Origins,” and was originally slated to be a Wii U exclusive. Fortunately, “Rayman Legends” was delayed for a few months so that a port for PC, PS 3, PS Vita and Xbox 360 could be made for a simultaneous launch.

In all honesty, nothing much has changed between the generations of consoles. The solid gameplay is still intact, the music is just as upbeat or mellow when it needs to be and the sound design in general is perfect. The real benefit of owning this game on PS4 and Xbox One is the fact that the game just looks and runs better on the newer consoles. The journey is so well optimized that there aren’t even any loading screens anymore, which is particularly impressive considering the fact that it took upwards of 30 seconds to load up a level on current generation platforms. Daily and weekly challenges load up the second you jump into their respective portraits. Also, connecting to Ubisoft’s own servers is done in the blink of an eye.

Another feature only exclusive to next-gen consoles is the ability to take screenshots or upload videos of your game. Granted, this is a feature that is commonplace among all PS4 and Xbox One games, but there is a specific screenshot screen available in the PS4 version.

Although the best version of the game is on the Wii U, I recommend adding “Legends” to your PS Vita library because it’s a great game to pick up and play while waiting between classes or during car rides. The PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game benefit from truly HD visuals that make the already great looking game look like moving art. In a controlled environment, the next-gen consoles clearly outperform current gen consoles in terms of visuals and performance. Specifically, loading times feel shorter and the environments sport deeper and richer colors. All of these features make the adventure worth buying.

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This review is based on a PS4 copy of Rayman: Legends, provided by Ubisoft.

Also read: Multiplayer fun in Rayman Legends
Photo courtesy of MCT