Genre: Compilation / Multiple Genres
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Year: 2015
Platform: Xbox One
Rare Replay is a compilation celebrating thirty years of Rare’s game development, featuring thirty titles that span multiple platforms, genres, and eras. The collection covers a wide range of game types, including platformers, first-person shooters, racing games, action titles, and adventures, from the company’s earliest creations to modern releases.
Several of the earlier games included in the compilation, particularly those released before 1996, are enhanced with features designed to make them more accessible to contemporary players. These additions include optional scanline filters, cheats such as unlimited lives, a rewind option of up to ten seconds, and save-anytime or auto-save functionality.
Beyond the games themselves, the compilation also offers extra content. “Snapshots” provide short challenges drawn from classic games, while “Milestones” track player progress and award stamps as achievements are unlocked. Additionally, the “Rare Revealed” gallery offers behind-the-scenes videos, artwork, developer interviews, and even previously unreleased content, which gradually becomes available as more milestones are completed.
For Xbox 360 titles included in Rare Replay, the approach differs from the older games. These titles are not directly emulated but instead install separately on the Xbox One as part of the system’s backward compatibility program. This allows them to retain their original achievement systems and save structures, functioning almost like native Xbox One titles.
The compilation received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its extensive library, strong presentation, and the added extras that celebrated Rare’s legacy. Some criticism was aimed at occasional technical issues in the emulation of certain titles and the fact that some bonus content requires significant playtime to unlock.
Included Games:
Jetpac (1983) – Atic Atac (1983) – Lunar Jetman (1983) – Sabre Wulf (1984) – Underwurlde (1984) – Knight Lore (1984) – Gunfright (1985) – Slalom (1987) – R.C. Pro-Am (1988) – Cobra Triangle (1989) – Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll (1990) – Digger T. Rock (1990) – Solar Jetman (1990) – Battletoads (1991) – R.C. Pro-Am II (1992) – Battletoads Arcade (1994) – Killer Instinct Gold (1996) – Blast Corps (1997) – Banjo-Kazooie (1998) – Jet Force Gemini (1999) – Perfect Dark (2000) – Banjo-Tooie (2000) – Conker’s Bad Fur Day (2001) – Grabbed by the Ghoulies (2003) – Kameo: Elements of Power (2005) – Perfect Dark Zero (2005) – Viva Piñata (2006) – Jetpac Refuelled (2007) – Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (2008) – Banjo-Kazooie:
