Ubisoft's E3 press conference yesterday brought a formal introduction to Michel Ancel's Rayman Origins sequel, Rayman Legends. The game has been confirmed for the Wii U and will utilize the controller's touch screen capabilities, as well as the gyro and motion sensors. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the title currently appears to be exclusive to Nintendo's new system.

The touch screen will be used to control Rayman's friend Murfy and take out enemies or clear paths. The touch screen will also be used in levels that require you to keep in time with the music. The gyroscope in the controller can be used to manipulate platforms. Gameplay can also be seen on the tablet screen, while the television is off.

"The combinations of new controls and original game styles that the Nintendo Wii U makes possible really inspired the creative ambition of the team working on Rayman Legends," said Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft. "Rayman Legends expands upon what everyone loves about Rayman’s world, and adds new ways of playing together that will make it the most collaborative and fun game in the franchise."

UBISOFT EMBARKS ON A LEGENDARY ADVENTURE WITH RAYMAN LEGENDS

LOS ANGELES, USA — June 4, 2012 — Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft® revealed Rayman Legends®, a brand new platforming adventure with innovative social functionality. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, Rayman Legends will be available on Nintendo’s Wii U™ system.

“The combinations of new controls and original game styles that the Nintendo Wii U makes possible really inspired the creative ambition of the team working on Rayman Legends,” said Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft. ”Rayman Legends expands upon what everyone loves about Rayman’s world, and adds new ways of playing together that will make it the most collaborative and fun game in the franchise.”

Rayman Legends is the follow-up to last year’s highly-acclaimed Rayman Origins®. Legends uses the innovative Wii U Gamepad to explore fresh multiplayer gameplay experiences and expand beyond the traditional platform games. Players use the Wii U GamePad to discover new ways to navigate through the game with touch–based gameplay to take out enemies or clear paths and gyroscope technology to manipulate and rotate platforms. The GamePad also allows you to continue the adventure of Rayman and his friends on the controller screen even while the television is off.

Rayman, Globox and the Teensies are back to embark on a new fantasy adventure through a series of legendary worlds with new environments, characters and enemies. Rayman Legends features a variety of uniquely-themed levels including several musical maps intricately set to creative soundtracks and a spooky medieval theme. Players can also connect online with friends through a variety of challenges to test their skill and speed, and see where they rank on the worldwide leaderboards.

Rayman Legends retains the fantasy appeal of its predecessor while adding a multitude of clever and entertaining gaming modes, new characters, new environments and a new soundtrack. The award-winning team of artists, designers and composers behind the UbiArt framework has also returned with an advanced engine to include multi-dimensional gameplay elements, an improved lighting system and updated game rendering that elevate Rayman Legends to the next level.