One of the highlights for Microsoft at E3 2015 was the announcement of Rare Replay, a compilation disc containing 30 of Rare’s best games for the budget price of $30 for Xbox One. This compilation was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Rare.
Most of the games included span from the ZX-Spectrum through the N64 era. It wasn’t until the time Rare jumped ship to Microsoft’s Xbox did the quality of games start to decline, specifically with all the Kinect garbage. But early Rare games are very, very good. Here is a complete list of Rare Replay in chronological order.
Jetpac (1983)
Atic Atac (1983)
Lunar Jetman (1983)
Sabre Wulf (1984)
Underwurlde (1984)
Knight Lore (1984)
Gunfright (1985)
Slalom (1986)
R.C. Pro-Am (1987)
Cobra Triangle (1989)
Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll (1990)
Digger T. Rock: The Legend of the Lost City (1990)
Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship (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)
Perfect Dark Zero (2005)
Kameo: Elements of Power (2005)
Viva Pinata (2006)
Jetpac Refuelled (2007)
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (2008)
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (2008)
One important fact to note are certain N64 games. Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark and Banjo-Tooie will be the 360 re-release versions so look forward to the graphical upgrade. Perfect Dark Zero and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts will retain their online functionality as well. Other fan favorites, like games from the Donkey Kong Country series or Diddy Kong Racing, will not be included for obvious license issues. GoldenEye 007, one of the best FPS titles on N64, was specifically not included because Rare only wanted to include original games with original characters on their compilation. This disc will also have thousands of Achievement Points to earn.
Rare has created over 100 games in its lifetime but these 30 are fantastic picks. For $30, this Rare Replay is lining up to be one of the greatest compilations ever put together. Rare Replay will be released on August 4, 2015.