We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
WiiU

Rayman Legends Highlights Wii U-Exclusive Features

by Neal Ronaghan - April 27, 2012, 10:53 am EDT
Total comments: 18

A leaked trailer shows off near-field communication adding Rabbids and Assassin's Creed characters to the game.

Ubisoft responded to the leak with the following statement:

"An internal video showing images of Rayman Origins' sequel has leaked over the Internet. This video was intended as a purely internal demonstrative video, and in NO way represents the final game, the final console or their features.

This video was destined for internal production teams who often create game prototypes with work in progress development kits. Ubisoft confirms the development of Rayman Legends handled by Michel Ancel and his team in Montpellier."

Original Story: Rayman Legends will have Wii U-exclusive features including multiplayer support using the Wii U controller, and near-field communication that lets you bring items and characters into the game using figures.

A leaked E3 trailer revealed the sequel to Rayman Origins, which also adds new characters, online play, and competitive multiplayer modes. The revelation in the trailer, though, was that the game is coming to Wii U and will support several Wii U features.

The major reveal was that it will support near-field communication. The trailer showed a heart figure being placed on top of the Wii U controller to give the in-game characters more health. Then, a Rabbid figure was placed onto the tablet, which added the zany characters to the game as enemies. The trailer ended with the player looking at an Assassin's Creed figure, hinting at the fact that Ezio Auditore might be coming into Rayman's world. It appears that this feature can be used both when the Wii U controller is actively used and when it isn't being actively used (e.g. the player is just using a Wii Remote).

The trailer also showed three players playing the game using Wii Remotes, while a fourth uses the Wii U controller to alter the environment. In the trailer, it's only shown as moving platforms up and down, though.

Rayman Legends is likely coming out later this year, but we'll probably have to wait until E3 2012 for any kind of confirmation. Ubisoft's press conference is on Monday, June 4.

Images

Talkback

leahsdadApril 27, 2012

Okay.  Sold.

I was going to get this on 3DS, but now....

oksodaScott Thompson, Associate EditorApril 27, 2012

Well, the original is coming out on 3DS. This is the sequel. Honestly, get both (assuming the 3DS version is a faithful port. Jury is still out on that.).

Making Rayman more like Skylanders? I'll be there day one.

5kytarApril 27, 2012

It's good to see Rayman is actually coming back, and that the rabbids are just an addition instead of their own game again. I loved Rayman Origins and this one seems really good too.

DanielMDaniel Mousseau, Staff AlumnusApril 27, 2012

SOLD!!!! Looks fun as all hell. I still play Origins.

geoApril 27, 2012

Makes me wonder if smash bros will use NFC in some way :/  I'm still wary of the idea of buying figures to add to gameplay.  Such a money sink for content that could already be in the game.

leahsdadApril 27, 2012

Quote from: oksoda

Well, the original is coming out on 3DS. This is the sequel. Honestly, get both (assuming the 3DS version is a faithful port. Jury is still out on that.).

Oh, that's right.  I should learn to read more carefully before posting.  I just watched the video.  :-)

Though, what's with the naming?  To be honest, Rayman Origins vs. Rayman Legends?  I don't think I'm the only one who will make that mistake.  I don't think of it as "Rayman Origins" - I just think of it as "that Rayman game that looks crappy on the Wii." 

But then again,  this is the console which is just adding a freakin' single letter at the end of its name and assuming that everyone, joe schmoe included, will know the difference right off the bat. 

CericApril 27, 2012

After reading the other thread I'm disappointed by the graphics.
So they are giving Rayman a Co-Star mode.
Little disappointed to see the Wiimote used in NES Style and the d-pad being used on the uMote.  Analog Stick or bust.  One of the reason I like the ambassador games on my 3DS. (Remember I'm an NES Max controller veteran.)

Looks like they'll have an interesting use for the NFC.  Though do I need to act excited when using figures for the full effect?

Though how do I know this isn't really there for the Switche-roo to the Traditional Launch Rayman

oksodaScott Thompson, Associate EditorApril 27, 2012

Quote from: leahsdad

Though, what's with the naming?  To be honest, Rayman Origins vs. Rayman Legends?  I don't think I'm the only one who will make that mistake.  I don't think of it as "Rayman Origins" - I just think of it as "that Rayman game that looks crappy on the Wii." 

But then again,  this is the console which is just adding a freakin' single letter at the end of its name and assuming that everyone, joe schmoe included, will know the difference right off the bat. 

I don't know... it's hard to call a game "Origins 2." I mean... what, it's a continuation of an origin story? At some point the origin has to end. I'm cool with Legends. It's not as weird as going from Demon's Souls to Dark Souls, anyway.

CericApril 27, 2012

Quote from: oksoda

...
It's not as weird as going from Demon's Souls to Dark Souls, anyway.

Then you can go to Souls, Light Souls, Angel Souls.

DrizztApril 28, 2012

Looks awesome I wonder how ezio would help lol.

NeoThunderApril 29, 2012

two things.  Why did they have the WiiU controller plugged in, and do the figures respond by touch screen or RF somehow

BlackNMild2k1April 29, 2012

It's plugged in because it's an internal video using Dev Kit components.

Devs don't want to have to recharge the uMote, so for the kit they are using, it's likely a detachable data/power cable you see in the Video.

And the figurines use NFC - Near Field Communication.
It's a wireless technology that is gaining traction these days in products such as Google Wallet that allows 1 device to communicate with another one wirelessly when they are both put in a very close proximity of each other.

In the case of Google Wallet, the NFC chip is in your phone, and you can purchase items at retail by just putting your phone next to the Google Wallet compatible device to compete the transaction.  No need to pull out your wallet, slide a card, deal with cash or any of that.

MorcantApril 29, 2012

The graphics are absolutely stunning and it looks super fun to boot. Might be buying a Wii U somewhat sooner than I had anticipated.

OblivionApril 29, 2012

My god, those graphics... I would love to see a new 3D Mario game for the Wii U.

UrameshiGUApril 30, 2012

Anyone notice the Back to the Future music at the end? o.o

BlackNMild2k1April 30, 2012

yes. They are already in the process of being sued, from what I've heard.

ivanincubusApril 30, 2012

so, I got my dose of rayman for like umm.....10 YEARS.
anyone else?

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement