Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Puzzle, Quiz/Trivia, Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: Xbox One
- Developers: Rare
- Publishers: Microsoft Studios
Rare Replay: A Nostalgic Journey Through Gaming History
Rare Replay is a 2015 compilation of 30 video games previously developed by Rare and its predecessor, Ultimate Play the Game, in their 30-year combined history. The emulated games span multiple genres and consoles – from the ZX Spectrum to the Xbox 360 – and retain the features and errors of their original releases with minimal edits. The compilation adds cheats to make the older games easier and a Snapshots mode of specific challenges culled from parts of the games. Player progress is rewarded with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews about Rare’s major and unreleased games.
A Treasure Trove of Classic Games
Rare Replay is a veritable treasure trove of classic games, spanning a wide range of genres and eras. From the ZX Spectrum classic Jetpac to the Xbox 360 hit Perfect Dark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The compilation includes some of Rare’s most iconic titles, such as Banjo-Kazooie, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, and GoldenEye 007.
Faithful Emulation
One of the most impressive things about Rare Replay is its faithful emulation of the original games. The games run exactly as they did on their original platforms, complete with all of the bugs and glitches. This can be a bit jarring at times, but it’s also part of the charm of the compilation. It’s a great way to experience these classic games in their original form.
Modern Enhancements
While Rare Replay is faithful to the original games, it also includes some modern enhancements to make them more accessible to modern audiences. For example, the games can be played with updated graphics and sound, and there are a number of cheats available to make the games easier. There’s also a Snapshots mode that allows players to jump into specific challenges from the games.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
In addition to the games themselves, Rare Replay also includes a wealth of behind-the-scenes content. This includes interviews with Rare developers, concept art, and even unreleased prototypes. It’s a great way to learn more about the history of Rare and its games.
Overall
Rare Replay is a must-have for fans of classic video games. With 30 games from Rare’s history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The faithful emulation and modern enhancements make this the definitive way to experience these classic games.
Review Score: 9/10
Pros:
- A huge collection of classic Rare games
- Faithful emulation of the original games
- Modern enhancements make the games more accessible
- Behind-the-scenes content provides a fascinating glimpse into Rare’s history
Cons:
- Some of the games have not aged well
- The emulation can be a bit buggy at times
Review Score
9/10