2013 has been a pretty rough year. From Lara Croft's story of survival in Tomb Raider to Joel and Ellie's grim, dark adventure in The Last of Us. And looking ahead in the year we still have to deal with bank heists in Grand Theft Auto V, a crime ridden Gotham City in Batman: Arkham Origins, the pirate life in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and of course, more war in the forms of Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts. Pretty bleak, huh?
But fear not! For in this year of dark, serious, mature games, there is a light at the end of this metaphorical tunnel. And this light represents a purely fun, lighthearted game. Nothing serious. And that game is Rayman Legends.
Now please don't get me wrong. I'm looking forward to playing those games listed above as much as the next guy. But in the middle of all the seriousness those games bring, it's gonna be nice to play something that's quite the opposite of them. Something that's not trying to tell a good story or anything. Rayman Origins was such a breath of fresh air when it released in 2011. For me, it hearkened back to the platforming games I loved as a kid. Games like Banjo-Kazooie, Sonic the Hedgehog and of course, the original Rayman games. Back when games didn't have to be violent in order to capture an audience. Origins was such a fun, beautiful looking game. The worlds were bright and colorful and the music was pleasing to the ears, especially the underwater levels. Legends is looking like it's taking all that to the next level. The rock ballad levels alone have me excited. I mean how can you not be excited to play through Eye of the Tiger? (Please visit the site to view this media)
It's a real shame this game was delayed from its original February release on Wii U, especially so close to its release day. But at the very least it means everyone will have a chance to play it. It likely won't win any game of the year awards against the likes of The Last of Us or BioShock: Infinite, but it has a chance to go down as the most special game of 2013.