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WiiU

NWR Staff's Favorite 10 Games of 2013

Rayman Legends

by Kimberly Keller - December 28, 2013, 6:18 pm EST

Even though Rayman was late, his game was still great.

Originally set up to be one kickass launch title for the Wii U back in good ol' 2012, Rayman Legends ensured its spot in gaming history by kicking up a fair amount of controversy before it was even released. As a direct sequel to 2011's Rayman Origins, Legends continued the nostalgic side-scroller format of early Rayman games complete with whimsical graphics and an awesome soundtrack. Its use of the Gamepad was nothing short of genius, taking co-op play to new heights.

About a month before its original fall launch date, Ubisoft announced a delay to February the following year, and shortly thereafter pushed the game even further back to September to allow time for a multiplatform release. Since the game was already completed for the Wii U, and was previously supposed to be exclusive to the console, fans, and even the game's developers, were understandably upset. Petitions popped up, complaints were sent in, and a protest even occurred outside of Ubisoft headquarters with no less than Rayman creator Michel Ancel in attendance. To appease fans, Ubisoft released Legend's online challenge mode early as an app download from the eShop, with Wii U exclusive content added. Development of new enemies, levels, and more for the main game were also promised to make up for the delay.

Thankfully, Legends more than proved worth the wait. Non-linear game progression allowed players to explore different worlds at their own pace, experiencing clever level designs that pushed the limits. Sure, the plot was a little on the non-existent side (Rayman and friends wake up after a centuries-long sleep to discover their world overrun by bad things who have captured folks they like), and game exploration strangely took place in a tent with a painting gallery, but who cares? Legends cut out all the fluff so players could jump seamlessly from one world to the next, running through fast paced levels with new tricks, gimmicks, and laughable moments to keep players coming back for more. Nothing ever grew stale or tedious, and the game's difficulty increased at just the right pace.

Pushing this title over the edge from awesome to addictively amazing is the fantastic amount of things to actually do in the game. Sure there is the main campaign mode, but Legends also includes a special challenge mode complete with daily and weekly challenges that compared scores with the rest of the world, even adding in ghost data to egg you on. A multiplayer soccer-type game called Kung Foot serves as a fun multiplayer distraction between worlds, while levels from Origins even make an appearance courtesy of Lucky Tickets earned throughout the game. The amount of unlockables is no laughing matter either.

Rayman Legends is a challenging and insanely fun game to play alone or with friends. With such a rocky start, it was a relief for many that this game not only met but exceeded expectations, making it one of our top games of 2013. Its fresh design and brilliant levels ensure this is a game that won't soon be forgotten—that is, if you've managed to put it down yet.

Talkback

Leo13December 26, 2013

Want to play Pikmin 3, but lack a Wii U? $219 on newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0PW-003J-00002
This sale has been going on since last week I just got mine the other day.

sisibakbakDecember 29, 2013

I bought it a few days ago and just finished the main set of levels. Absolutely adoring it, fantastic use of the GamePad and there's a crap ton to do. Has to be my GOTY (though, I haven't played a great deal of new games this year including 3D World so it's a bit of an easy choice really).

Vrgin XJanuary 01, 2014

Team Plasma is so 2011, Team Flare is where it's at, son.  8)

Pixelated PixiesJanuary 02, 2014

I'm going to post my top games of the year here, lest I forget. It's been a slow year in terms of gaming for me, so I can only muster excitement for the following 5 games.

1-The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
2-Fire Emblem: Awakening
3- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
4-Steamworld: Dig
5-Harmoknight

I also had some fun with the following notable mentions, but couldn't quite bring myself to put them on my 'top' list.

-Animal Crossing: New Leaf
-Pokémon Y
-Mario and Donkey Kong - Minis on the Move

I have also played a few hours of Pikmin 3, Rayman Legends and Super Mario 3D World, which all seem awesome, but not being a Wii U owner has meant I haven't spent as much time with those games as they probably deserve.

KhushrenadaJanuary 02, 2014

Oh ho! Nice. I thought the last spot might end up going to the Wonderful 101. Not sure what kind of support the game might have with staff. However, I can't argue with the choice of the 3DS's 6th jewel this year. Often not as appreciated as the main 5 of the year LM, FA, AC, PY/PX and ALBW, I'm glad it was not forgotten and regarded so highly.

Leo13January 02, 2014

I agree AND disagree with Khushrenada. I agree that I expected Wonderful 101 on here somewhere, but I disagree on justification. I'm honestly shocked that it's not on here. I'd say there's no argument that it should be above Shin Megami Tensi and Ace Attorney.

Pixelated PixiesJanuary 02, 2014

"Much like Grand Theft Auto V..." is not a statement I ever thought I'd see used in reference to an Ace Attorney game.

KhushrenadaJanuary 02, 2014

Quote from: Leo13

I agree AND disagree with Khushrenada.

How dare you! You had it right in the first bit. Never second guess your first instinct.

Leo13January 03, 2014

You really think BOTH of those deserve to be over Wonderful 101?
I was listening to the Official Nintendo Magazine Podcast this morning and they did their Nintendo 2013 top ten and W101 was #1
http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/56522/onm-podcast-matthew-and-joes-top-10-games-of-the-year/

Pixelated PixiesJanuary 03, 2014

Quote from: Leo13

I was listening to the Official Nintendo Magazine Podcast this morning and they did their Nintendo 2013 top ten and W101 was #1
http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/56522/onm-podcast-matthew-and-joes-top-10-games-of-the-year/

...Good for them?

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