I don’t know how the beats of each song seemed to align with my actions so well, but I guess that’s just the magic of videogames and the hard work of the individuals who make them. What I mean by that is that even though the style of song may change, and the aesthetic of the level around you, it seemed that nailing a perfect run (of which there’s a big incentive to do) was achievable if you learnt the rhythm of the song and performed actions as needed. Whichever painting you’re playing through doesn’t matter in how the game has it play out in front of you anyway. Should you find there’s a more drawn-out note, such as in the orchestral painting, then expect to have your character sliding down lengthier pieces of rope whilst it plays out. Are there suddenly three quick beat drops (I’m not well-versed in musical jargon so forgive me if this is wrong) in the song? Well then you can be sure that you’ll be hopping over the heads of three foes in quick succession. What makes these already fantastic tracks even greater is how, as mentioned, the timing of your actions seems to perfectly fit with what’s going on. There’s a metal one and a more, I don’t know how else to describe it, choir-esque choice too. That is to say, one of these paintings opts for an orchestral track, whilst another is more akin to a Mexican siesta. This is because, whilst there’s not really any lyrics to the music featured in these levels, each track varies in its style and rhythm. There are checkpoints throughout these levels that are fairly generous (except for the super-tough remixed versions found in the final world) but the music featured in each level is a huge incentive to try and emerge unscathed. It’s your aim to get from one end to the other without falling or succumbing to pesky foes stood in your way. As you reach the end of each world, you’ll unlock the final painting (level) which takes the form of a sprint-dash challenge. Now back to Rayman Legends, because that’s exactly what the game also does- and makes it extremely groovy too.

So not only does the song fit with the style of the game and what’s going on at that particular moment, but it feels as though it’s part of the game and you’re almost controlling it- if that makes any sort of sense. What makes it stand out is how the timing of the beats in the song seems to align PERFECTLY with your actions on-screen. To go off at a slight (but related) tangent for a moment, I want to recall how I have mentioned in the past that the use of song in Control’s ‘Ashtray Maze’ is utilised to what I consider near perfection. This We Need to Talk About is going to give praise to how Rayman Legends does exactly that. If used correctly, a soundtrack or original score can elevate a game to an even higher standard of pure brilliance. Music in video games can be absolutely fantastic.

Rayman legends amazing maze