Rare Replay

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 190 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.

"Rare Replay" is a collection of 30 iconic games from Rare, spanning decades of classic titles. Players can explore games from the company's earliest 2D classics to Xbox 360 triumphs, with added bonus content and behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of each hit. This ultimate gaming treasure trove features challenges and 10,000 Gamerscore, exclusive to Xbox One.

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

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 190 reviews
gameplay4 positive mentions
replayability3 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.
  • The presentation is exceptional, featuring a detailed menu, unlockable documentaries, and a nostalgic feel that celebrates Rare's history.
  • Many of the games still hold up well, providing hours of fun and nostalgia for both longtime fans and newcomers.
  • Some Xbox 360 titles experience significant slowdown and performance issues, detracting from the overall experience.
  • The installation process can be cumbersome, as many games require separate downloads and updates, which can be frustrating.
  • Not all games have aged well, with some older titles feeling clunky and difficult to play by modern standards.
  • graphics26 mentions

    The graphics in this collection of classic games are largely unchanged from their original versions, with only minor updates for some titles like the Xbox Live Arcade remasters. While some games, such as Perfect Dark, show slight improvements, many others, including Conker's Bad Fur Day, retain their outdated visuals, leading to a mixed reception. Overall, the graphics are considered decent but not significantly enhanced, serving more as a nostalgic tribute than a modern upgrade.

    • “Graphics: 8/10 solid throughout.”
    • “It serves as both a solid tribute to Rare as a studio, and a glimpse at popular genres and graphic styles evolution.”
    • “It plays very well on the Xbox One and the graphics are fairly decent.”
    • “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.”
    • “While the ZX Spectrum games are amusing distractions, some of them were lazily ported and still have their old technical flaws like slowdown or flickering graphics.”
  • gameplay15 mentions

    The gameplay experience is rated 8/10, with a mix of older titles showcasing pioneering mechanics and limited technology, while newer features like a rewind option enhance playability. Players can expect hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay across 30 games, with standout titles like Banjo-Kazooie offering a blend of excellent level design, music, and challenging puzzles. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable, though some titles may not feel as polished as modern games.

    • “Hours upon hours of gameplay await players, and with classics like Banjo-Kazooie, 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.”
    • “The mixture of puzzle-based and time-limited gameplay provides a unique challenge that even the most veteran gamers will find incredibly testing at times.”
    • “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.”
  • music10 mentions

    The music in the game is celebrated for its nostalgic value, featuring a lengthy intro that honors Rare's history and showcases the talent of its composers. Players appreciate the memorable soundtracks reminiscent of earlier gaming eras, which stand out against the trend of orchestrated scores. Overall, the music is considered a key element that enhances the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “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 here.”
    • “Banjo-Kazooie brought together impeccable gameplay, fantastic level design, brilliant music, and a lovely little fairytale story – from start to finish, the game was a joy to play, and that remains utterly true.”
    • “It makes me nostalgic every time I play an older game to listen to soundtracks made before every game had an orchestrated soundtrack.”
    • “It has a full musical intro that's more than a minute long showing the celebration of Rareware's history.”
    • “Rare never lacked for competent music composers and it's easy to see here.”
  • story3 mentions

    The story aspect of the games is generally well-received, with players appreciating the engaging narratives and charming fairytale elements, particularly in titles like Banjo-Kazooie. While some games may lack the polish of modern titles, their interesting mechanics and compelling stories compensate for this shortcoming, making for enjoyable experiences.

    • “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.”
    • “Banjo-Kazooie brought together impeccable gameplay, fantastic level design, brilliant music, and a lovely little fairytale story – from start to finish, the game was a joy to play, and that remains utterly true.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    While some games may lack replay value for younger players, there are notable blockbuster titles included that offer significant replayability due to their fantastic level design, engaging humor, and overall enjoyable gameplay experience.

    • “Fantastic level design, wonderful humor, and a fairytale atmosphere contribute to loads of replayability, along with tight, satisfying controls and a soundtrack for the ages.”
    • “Many of the games lack replay value, especially for younger players, which can be disappointing.”
    • “The replayability of most titles is quite low, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
    • “While there are some great blockbuster titles, the overall replay value is lacking for many games.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky and animated menus and interface, reflecting the distinctive personality that Rare is known for. This playful approach enhances the overall experience while navigating through the game options.

    • “The menus and interface all animate, and simply picking through the games is filled with the quirky humor and personality Rare is known for.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the game compilation has been criticized, with users noting that emulators can run the games with better graphics and performance. Despite these performance issues, the compilation is still regarded as one of the best available at an excellent price.

    • “I have emulators that run most of these games better in both graphics and performance.”
    • “Performance issues aside, this is probably one of the best game compilations out there and is at an unbeatable price.”
  • 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 minor stability issues that can disrupt the experience.

    • “There are occasional audio glitches that disrupt the gameplay experience.”
    • “The game frequently crashes, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
    • “I've encountered numerous bugs that affect stability, leading to frustrating interruptions.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by its fantastic level design and whimsical fairytale elements, complemented by a delightful sense of humor. Players appreciate the tight, satisfying controls and a memorable soundtrack, all contributing to a highly replayable experience.

    • “The fantastic level design, wonderful humor, and fairytale atmosphere create an immersive experience.”
    • “The atmosphere is enchanting, drawing you into a world filled with charm and creativity.”
    • “The combination of tight, satisfying controls and a soundtrack for the ages enhances the overall atmosphere.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Play time

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

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