if one player actually plays as rayman and one player affects the world, how will this work as a single player experience?

You tap the tablet with your right hand like you would press a button. In the forced movement sequences you don't have to touch the sticks, you just tap. Not difficult.

ive been under the impression that its wiiU exclusive

Yes.

The leaked video shows it being played single player

http://youtu.be/RSlccZt5O2o

I'm assuming that the touch screen features are used in exclusive asymmetric co-op levels for the Wii U version.

@Chester said:

ive been under the impression that its wiiU exclusive

It's a timed exclusive most likely, Ubi hasn't marketed it as a exclusive like they are that zombie game.