Doug Heffernan
Member
Now that Rare seems to be in another transitional period with Microsoft after dropping Kinect and laying off a few people, I figured it would be fun to look back at just what they've accomplished since being acquired by Microsoft in 2002.
2002
Microsoft acquires Rare.
In what is seen as one of the biggest studio acquisitions in gaming history, Microsoft makes a bold move by purchasing the Twycross studio and all of it's IP.
2003
Grabbed by the Ghoulies (66 - Metacritic)
Originally developed for the Gamecube, this was the first title that Rare released on the Xbox. It received mixed reviews and did not sell very well.
2005
Conker: Live & Reloaded (78 - Metacritic)
A remake of the N64 hit with added multiplayer over Xbox Live. The game received criticism for being heavily censored by Microsoft. This was the final game released in what was a disappointing run on the original Xbox.
2005
Kameo: Elements of Power (79 - Metacritic)
Another Gamecube carryover. Charming family friendly adventure game. Sure it had it's faults, particularly the odd control scheme, but it felt like classic Rare magic... character design, soundtrack, environment; it all felt very true to form with what you'd expect from a Rare game. I'd call it an underrated gem.
2005
Perfect Dark Zero (81 - Metacritic)
Along with Kameo, the launch of the Xbox 360 gave us another game from Rare; Perfect Dark Zero. Originally developed for the Gamecube (noticing a trend here?), the game was a commercial and critical success.
2006
Viva Piñata (84 - Metacritic)
The second original Rare IP in the Microsoft era. I'd call it a melding of Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon. It was very well received by critics and even spawned a TV series. Sales figures, however, were disappointing for a game that deserved so much more.
2008
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (82 - Metacritic)
Sequel to first game. The definitive version of Viva Pinata, it added more of everything including multiplayer and fined tuned a few of the mechanics and controls. Again, well received by the critics but unfortunately overlooked by most gamers.
2008
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (79 - Metacritic)
Banjo finally makes his debut on Xbox. Originally teased as a classic platformer, it turned into a vehicle based game. Understandably, this ruffled some feathers in the gaming community but once you get past that it's actually a very fun and innovative game with brilliant design and a wonderful soundtrack.
2010
Kinect Sports (73 - Metacritic)
The beginning of Rare's Kinect era. Obviously inspired by Wii Sports, it sold very well launching alongside the Kinect sensor.
2012
Kinect Sports: Season Two (66 - Metacritic)
Well of course they were going to make another one.
2014
Kinect Sports Rivals (60 - Metacritic)
Another Kinect Sports game. Yay? Panned by the critics and ignored by the gaming community. I think the message was sent that it's time to move on.
What's next?
Here's a recent quote from Phil Spencer that might just give some hope for a return to form at Rare.
Keep the faith, Rare fans.
2002
Microsoft acquires Rare.
In what is seen as one of the biggest studio acquisitions in gaming history, Microsoft makes a bold move by purchasing the Twycross studio and all of it's IP.
2003
Grabbed by the Ghoulies (66 - Metacritic)
Originally developed for the Gamecube, this was the first title that Rare released on the Xbox. It received mixed reviews and did not sell very well.
2005
Conker: Live & Reloaded (78 - Metacritic)
A remake of the N64 hit with added multiplayer over Xbox Live. The game received criticism for being heavily censored by Microsoft. This was the final game released in what was a disappointing run on the original Xbox.
2005
Kameo: Elements of Power (79 - Metacritic)
Another Gamecube carryover. Charming family friendly adventure game. Sure it had it's faults, particularly the odd control scheme, but it felt like classic Rare magic... character design, soundtrack, environment; it all felt very true to form with what you'd expect from a Rare game. I'd call it an underrated gem.
2005
Perfect Dark Zero (81 - Metacritic)
Along with Kameo, the launch of the Xbox 360 gave us another game from Rare; Perfect Dark Zero. Originally developed for the Gamecube (noticing a trend here?), the game was a commercial and critical success.
2006
Viva Piñata (84 - Metacritic)
The second original Rare IP in the Microsoft era. I'd call it a melding of Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon. It was very well received by critics and even spawned a TV series. Sales figures, however, were disappointing for a game that deserved so much more.
2008
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (82 - Metacritic)
Sequel to first game. The definitive version of Viva Pinata, it added more of everything including multiplayer and fined tuned a few of the mechanics and controls. Again, well received by the critics but unfortunately overlooked by most gamers.
2008
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (79 - Metacritic)
Banjo finally makes his debut on Xbox. Originally teased as a classic platformer, it turned into a vehicle based game. Understandably, this ruffled some feathers in the gaming community but once you get past that it's actually a very fun and innovative game with brilliant design and a wonderful soundtrack.
2010
Kinect Sports (73 - Metacritic)
The beginning of Rare's Kinect era. Obviously inspired by Wii Sports, it sold very well launching alongside the Kinect sensor.
2012
Kinect Sports: Season Two (66 - Metacritic)
Well of course they were going to make another one.
2014
Kinect Sports Rivals (60 - Metacritic)
Another Kinect Sports game. Yay? Panned by the critics and ignored by the gaming community. I think the message was sent that it's time to move on.
What's next?
Here's a recent quote from Phil Spencer that might just give some hope for a return to form at Rare.
I know, I know... we've heard this thing before, but it seems... genuine this time.Right now with Rare we're at a point where I don't want the Rare brand to mean Kinect Sports. The Rare brand can be more valuable to them, to us and to gamers than that. I think it's about them thinking about the next game that's going to be the next 'Rare game' and really stand for what they are. So they've got some new ideas, they're excited about them and I think Rare should, can and will be an important part of our game future.
Keep the faith, Rare fans.