Games developer Ubisoft has confirmed that the latest incarnation of its Rayman series of platform games, Rayman Legends, will hit the Nintendo Wii U in demo form on 13 December.

In a press release sent out to the media, Ubisoft said the full game will be available in North America in February next year and in Europe the following month. But Wii U owners will be able to download a demo from the Nintendo Wii U store before the end of the year.

"Ubisoft announces today that Rayman Legends, its highly anticipated Wii U exclusive platformer, will be released in the UK on the 1st March 2013," the company said in a release posted on Gamer Syndrome. "A demo of the game will be available through the Nintendo eShop on December 13th, 2012."

The new game is said to take full advantage of the new Wii U GamePad, which doubles up as a stand-along tablet-like device with full interactive touchscreen

Ubisoft says players can use the new controller to "navigate through the game with touch-based gameplay to take out enemies or clear paths and gyroscope technology to manipulate and rotate platforms." It adds that the controller also allows you to continue the adventure of Rayman and his friends on the controller screen even while the TV is off."

Rayman is one of the most popular platform franchises in video gaming history, created by Michel Ancel and available on the original PS1, PS2, PS3, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles.

It debuted in 1995 and as far as we know, the latest incarnation will only be available on the Wii U console which was released in November.

On its website, Ubisoft says the game retains the fantasy appeal of its predecessor but adds new gaming modes, new characters, new environments and a new soundtrack.

The game also features a new UbiArt engine which brings 3D gameplay elements, an improved lighting system and updated game rendering that elevate Rayman's previous graphics to the next level.

"Rayman Legends takes full advantage of the Wii U and its new controller's capabilities," says Ubisoft. "Use the touch screen to take out enemies, manipulate platforms, cut ropes to clear a path and much more. With the gyroscope technology, you can move rotating platform and there are many more surprises to come!"