Rare Replay

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 119 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • music
Rare Replay Game Cover
"Rare Replay is, simply put, one of the best collections in gaming history. Hours upon hours of gameplay await players, and with classics like Banjo, Conker, and Perfect Dark those hours won't be wasted."
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"Rare Replay" is a compilation of 30 classic games from developer Rare, spanning multiple genres and consoles from the ZX Spectrum to Xbox 360. The games include local multi-player and co-op options, with features and errors preserved from the original releases. Additional rewards such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews are unlocked through player progress.

  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 119 reviews
story2 positive mentions
optimization3 negative mentions
  • Rare Replay offers an incredible value with 30 classic games for a low price, making it a must-have for fans of Rare's history.
  • The presentation is exceptional, featuring a charming menu, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and unique 'snapshot' challenges that add new gameplay experiences.
  • Many of the games, especially from the N64 era, still hold up well and provide hours of nostalgic entertainment for both new and longtime fans.
  • Some Xbox 360 titles experience significant slowdown and performance issues, detracting from the overall experience.
  • Many games require an internet connection for installation and updates, which can be frustrating for players without consistent access.
  • Not all classic Rare titles are included, and some games have awkward controls that may not appeal to modern gamers.
  • graphics18 mentions

    The graphics in the remastered collection are largely consistent with the original versions, with only minor updates for some titles like Banjo Kazooie. While some games, such as Perfect Dark, show slight improvements, many others retain their outdated visuals, leading to a mixed reception; players noted that the graphics do not meet modern standards and can feel distracting on widescreen displays. Overall, the graphics serve as a nostalgic tribute to classic games, but they lack the polish expected from contemporary remasters.

    • “Graphics: 8/10 solid throughout.”
    • “It serves as both a solid tribute to Rare as a studio and a glimpse at the evolution of popular genres and graphic styles.”
    • “I do find it educational though because you can see how things have changed since then (better graphics, more strategy involved, etc).”
    • “None of the games have been updated in terms of graphics, just minor menu updates to match the Xbox controller.”
    • “In other words, these really aren't remastered games; you won't get glorious graphics and smoother controls.”
    • “They clearly polished a few of their games to make them look better, but Conker seems to be the one that suffered as it still has awful N64 graphics.”
  • gameplay8 mentions

    The gameplay is rated 8/10, with a mix of older titles showcasing pioneering mechanics and limited technology, while newer features like rewind functionality enhance the experience. Players can expect at least 40 hours of engaging gameplay across 30 games, with many classics offering hundreds of hours of entertainment for a reasonable price. Overall, the games may lack the polish of modern titles but compensate with interesting mechanics and compelling stories.

    • “Rare has also made some of their older games more digestible by adding a feature that allows you to rewind up to a minute of past gameplay to correct a death or improve your strategy.”
    • “The games are good; they're not as slick as modern games, but they make up for that with interesting mechanics and a good story.”
    • “Hours upon hours of gameplay await players, and with classics like Banjo, Conker, and Perfect Dark, those hours won't be wasted.”
    • “The pre-NES titles were clearly products of limited technology and pioneering mechanics that have since come a very long way.”
    • “At least 40 hours of gameplay.”
    • “You have hundreds of hours of gameplay between all 30 games.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in the game features a nostalgic and lengthy intro that celebrates Rare's history, showcasing the talent of its composers. Players appreciate the classic soundtracks reminiscent of earlier gaming eras, contrasting with the modern trend of orchestrated scores. Overall, the music evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and highlights Rare's legacy in game composition.

    • “It has a full musical intro that's more than a minute long, showcasing the celebration of Rareware's history.”
    • “Rare never lacked for competent music composers, and it's easy to see that here.”
    • “It makes me nostalgic every time I play an older game to listen to soundtracks made before every game had an orchestrated soundtrack.”
    • “The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “While the game has a nostalgic feel, the soundtrack doesn't bring anything new to the table.”
    • “The background music is often drowned out by sound effects, making it hard to appreciate.”
  • story2 mentions

    The story aspect of the games is generally well-received, with players appreciating the engaging narratives that compensate for less polished mechanics compared to modern titles. Many users enjoy the storyline enough to replay it, indicating its strong appeal.

    • “The games are good; they're not as slick as modern games, but they make up for that with interesting mechanics and a compelling story.”
    • “I do have 'Live and Reloaded' and use that to play through the storyline.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The game's menus and interface are infused with quirky humor and personality, enhancing the overall experience and making navigation enjoyable.

    • “The menus and interface all animate, and simply picking through the games is filled with the quirky humor and personality Rare is known for.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Users report that the game's optimization is lacking, as many find that emulators can run the games with superior graphics and performance compared to the original platform.

    • “I have emulators that run most of these games better in both graphics and performance.”
    • “The game struggles to maintain a stable frame rate, making it frustrating to play.”
    • “There are frequent crashes and long loading times that ruin the overall experience.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    While some games may lack replay value for younger players, the collection includes several blockbuster titles that offer significant replayability, making it a worthwhile purchase.

    • “The game offers a variety of choices that significantly impact the storyline, making each playthrough feel fresh and engaging.”
    • “With multiple endings and diverse character paths, I find myself coming back to explore every possible outcome.”
    • “The random events and challenges keep the gameplay dynamic, ensuring that no two sessions are ever the same.”
    • “Granted, some of the games don't have much replay value for many younger players, but there are several great blockbuster titles packed on this disk which are well worth the purchase.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Users perceive "Rare Replay" as a heartfelt tribute from Rare to its fans, emphasizing that despite its cost, the collection evokes strong emotional connections and appreciation for the nostalgia it brings.

    • “Even though it costs actual money, Rare Replay feels like a heartfelt gift from Rare to its fans, and it deserves your time, money, and appreciation.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report experiencing occasional audio glitches, indicating that while the game generally runs smoothly, there are intermittent stability issues that can affect the overall experience.

    • “The game suffers from occasional audio glitches that disrupt the experience.”
    • “I frequently encounter crashes that make it hard to enjoy the game.”
    • “There are persistent frame rate drops that affect gameplay stability.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

84% average critic score

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Play time

40hMedian play time
40hAverage play time
40-40hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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