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MONSTER

Rare Replay

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Rare Replay
Item: Rare Replay
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Trivia, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Shooter, Comedy, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 4, 2015

PlatformXbox One

DeveloperRare Ltd., Code Mystics Inc.

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

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TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Rare Replay has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, with many praising the diverse range of games and the enjoyable mechanics they offer. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Game Revolution highlight the fun and challenging gameplay experiences provided by the collection. Additionally, reviewers such as Game Over Online and Vandal appreciate the user-friendly features like save states, rewind functionality, and modern conveniences that enhance the overall gaming experience. The inclusion of mini-games, challenges, and achievements, as mentioned by MondoXbox and New York Daily News, adds depth and variety to the gameplay, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Rare Replay. Game Rant notes issues with controls not aligning well with the Xbox One controller, which can make some games awkward to control. VideoGamer mentions control issues and steep learning curves in some titles, while We Got This Covered highlights that older games may suffer from dated mechanics and controls, impacting their enjoyability. Despite these criticisms, Impulsegamer acknowledges that while some classic titles may have aged poorly, the control schematics have been remapped effectively on the Xbox One controller, addressing some of the control issues. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Rare Replay. The collection is praised for its variety of games spanning different genres and eras, with many classic titles still holding up well in terms of gameplay enjoyment. Critics like IGN and Hardcore Gamer commend the enduring fun factor and tight mechanics of the classic Rare titles included in the anthology. The accessibility provided by features like Snapshots mode, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis and Digitally Downloaded, further enhances the gameplay experience for players. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics agree that Rare Replay offers a nostalgic and entertaining journey through Rare's gaming history, making it a must-have for fans of classic and modern gaming alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Rare Replay has garnered high praise for its diverse range of games, enjoyable mechanics, and user-friendly features by critics, making it a hit among both casual and hardcore gamers. While some critics mention issues with controls and dated mechanics in older games, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for the anthology. Packed with fun, challenges, and a variety of gameplay experiences, Rare Replay is hailed as a nostalgic and entertaining journey through Rare's gaming history, earning it a must-have status for fans of classic and modern gaming.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Rare Replay are generally positive. Many critics praised the attention to detail and enhancements made to the visuals of the games included in the collection. For example, Arcade Sushi appreciated how every game runs smoothly on the Xbox One and praised the remixes of familiar music. CGMagazine highlighted the updated main theme songs, art assets, and game footage that recaptured the essence of each game visually. Additionally, Gameplanet and USgamer commended the optional filters and CRT monitor effects that enhanced the presentation of the older games, providing players with a nostalgic experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Rare Replay. Game Over Online criticized the mandatory borders on screens for cluttering the gameplay experience, while VideoGamer mentioned frame rate issues and disappointing graphics in some games. Gaming Nexus noted framerate drops in certain Xbox 360 titles, indicating inconsistencies in graphical quality across different generations of games. These criticisms suggest that while the collection excels in certain areas, there are still areas where improvements could be made to enhance the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Rare Replay offers a visually appealing and nostalgic experience for players, with a mix of old-school graphics and more modern visuals presented in a creative and engaging manner. Critics like Pure Xbox and Vandal appreciated the diorama-like artwork and improvements in resolution for certain games, while also acknowledging performance issues and pixelation in some titles. Despite some minor flaws and inconsistencies, the majority of critics found the Graphics and Visual Design of Rare Replay to be well-executed, capturing the essence of each game while providing players with a visually pleasing and immersive retro gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics generally praise Rare Replay's graphics for their attention to detail and enhancements, with positive remarks on smooth gameplay, remixes of music, and nostalgic effects. However, some critics criticize cluttered screens, frame rate issues, and graphical inconsistencies, suggesting room for improvement. Overall, Rare Replay offers a visually appealing mix of old-school and modern graphics, providing a nostalgic and engaging gaming experience despite minor flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of positives, the majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Rare Replay. Arcade Sushi and CGMagazine both appreciated the remixed and remastered music, with CGMagazine specifically noting how it enhanced the overall experience. Cheat Code Central highlighted the presence of remastered theme music for each game, adding to the nostalgia factor. GameSpot commended Rare's catchy and complex soundtracks that leave a lasting impression, while IGN Spain mentioned the inclusion of original music and faithful game emulation. Additionally, The Jimquisition pointed out the beautifully remade theme tunes and retrospective documentaries, further adding to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. On the other hand, there were some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Rare Replay. GamesRadar++ mentioned inaccuracies in sound effects and music reproduction, which could potentially detract from the immersive experience for some players. Level7.nu highlighted issues with the sound in emulated Xbox 360 games, indicating technical shortcomings that may affect the overall enjoyment of the audio aspect. Worth Playing also noted minor technical issues like sound glitches in certain titles, suggesting that there were some inconsistencies in the execution of the sound design across the collection. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Sound Design and Music in Rare Replay. Positive comments from Gaming Age and Gaming Nexus further reinforce the overall satisfaction with the sound design and music. While there were some criticisms raised by GamesRadar++ and Level7.nu regarding inaccuracies and technical issues, the general sentiment suggests that the remixed and remastered music, along with the inclusion of original tunes and retrospective content, contributed positively to the overall experience of Rare Replay. The variety of opinions showcases a mix of appreciation for the attention to detail in sound design and some concerns regarding technical aspects, ultimately resulting in a generally favorable assessment of the audio elements in the game collection.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praised Rare Replay's sound design and music for its remixed tunes and nostalgic feel, with some noting catchy soundtracks and original music. However, there were criticisms about inaccuracies and technical issues in certain games. Overall, opinions were positive, highlighting the attention to detail and nostalgic value of the audio elements in the collection.

Voice Acting

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

85%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the Xbox One platform, several critics highlighted the smooth emulation process and improved performance of certain games within Rare Replay. Pure Xbox noted the smooth emulation process with enhanced framerate stability for some titles, while Game Informer praised the faithful porting and upgrading of each game without compromising the original experience. Additionally, GameSpot appreciated the modern conveniences added to the game, such as save states and rewind gameplay options, enhancing the overall gaming experience. On the flip side, there were some notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on Xbox One. Twinfinite pointed out significant technical issues, particularly with the controls, impacting the gameplay experience. Game Revolution highlighted frame-rate instability in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, while Hardcore Gamer mentioned audio dropping out in Blast Corps and framerate problems in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. These issues detracted from the overall enjoyment of the collection for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics for Rare Replay on Xbox One leans towards a positive assessment of the technical performance and stability of the game collection. While there were some minor inconveniences and glitches reported by various reviewers, such as save inconsistency and performance issues in certain titles, the majority of critics commended the collection for being well put together and offering modern features without major technical issues. As highlighted by Attack of the Fanboy, the minor gripes mentioned were not significant concerns during gameplay, indicating that the technical performance of Rare Replay on Xbox One was generally satisfactory for most critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Xbox One's Rare Replay for its smooth emulation and enhanced game performance, with added modern conveniences like save states. However, technical issues like controls and frame-rate problems were noted, detracting from the overall experience. Despite some glitches, most critics viewed the collection positively for its stability and modern features.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Rare Replay, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, Game Informer, and GameCrate commended the game for offering a plethora of content, including single-player challenges, Snapshots, achievements, and unlockable videos, providing players with hundreds of hours of gameplay. The inclusion of mini-games, multiplayer modes, and additional challenges like playlists and milestones, as mentioned by Impulsegamer and Pure Xbox, further enhance the replay value by offering diverse experiences for players to engage with. The variety of games within the collection, as noted by GameSpot and Gameplanet, ensures that players have plenty of options to explore, contributing to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's replayability. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could impact the replay value of Rare Replay. For instance, Critical Hit highlighted a linear progression system that may require significant time investment to unlock desired content, potentially deterring some players looking for more immediate rewards. New York Daily News mentioned that collecting stamps for unlocking videos could be tedious, suggesting a potential barrier to fully enjoying the additional content the game has to offer. While Game Revolution noted that completing every game in the collection is necessary to unlock all Stamps, indicating a potential grind for completionists. These criticisms, while valid, seem to be in the minority compared to the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Rare Replay. The collection's diverse range of games, challenges, achievements, and additional content, as highlighted by GamingTrend, Vandal, and Worth Playing, contribute to a highly engaging and rewarding experience for players. The mix of nostalgia for classic games and the introduction of new challenges, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis and Twinfinite, ensures that both returning fans and newcomers can find something to enjoy in the collection. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics found Rare Replay to be a compelling and worthwhile package that offers extensive replay value, making it a standout title for fans of Rare's classic works and gaming history enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics overwhelmingly praise Rare Replay for its high replay value, with the game offering a wealth of content like challenges, mini-games, and multiplayer modes. While some critics mention potential drawbacks such as time investment for unlocking content, the positive feedback far outweighs the negatives. Overall, Rare Replay provides a diverse and engaging experience for players, blending nostalgia with new challenges to cater to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Rare Replay has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, who praise it for its exceptional value, diverse game selection, and celebration of Rare's legacy. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Game Informer commend the collection for offering hours of fun and interesting gameplay with classics like Banjo, Conker, and Perfect Dark, recommending it even to those without nostalgia for the studio. Game Revolution and Xbox Achievements highlight the meticulous care and attention to detail put into the compilation, offering gamers a glimpse into the past of one of the industry's greatest studios. The inclusion of a wide variety of genres and the overall presentation of the package are also lauded by critics like GameCrate and Pure Xbox. On the downside, some critics mention technical challenges and missing titles as the main drawbacks of Rare Replay. Digitally Downloaded points out that technical issues detract from the collection, while Level7.nu highlights flaws such as technical issues and a disjointed experience. NZGamer expresses disappointment over the absence of GoldenEye, and GameSpot mentions locked supplemental content as a downside. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the positives far outweigh the negatives, with the collection being praised for its value, entertainment, and historical significance. In conclusion, Rare Replay is widely regarded as a fantastic compilation that offers exceptional value for money and stands as a celebration of gaming history. Critics like Game Rant and Vandal emphasize the iconic titles included, the interesting extras, and the overall quality/price ratio, making it a must-buy for Xbox One owners. The consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with the collection being described as a must-have for both old and new fans of Rare's library. Rare Replay's ability to evoke nostalgia, provide hours of entertainment, and showcase Rare's impressive breadth of output has solidified its position as one of the best compilations in gaming history, earning high praise from critics across the board.

TL;DR

Rare Replay has been praised by critics for its exceptional value, diverse game selection, and celebration of Rare's legacy. Critics commend the collection for offering hours of fun with classics like Banjo and Perfect Dark, despite some technical challenges and missing titles. Overall, Rare Replay is considered a fantastic compilation that offers great value for money and is a must-buy for Xbox One owners, earning high praise for its entertainment and historical significance.

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Reviews

99 reviews found

100

Attack of the Fanboy

Xbox One

Aug 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rare Replay is praised as one of the best collections in gaming history, offering hours of fun and interesting gameplay with classics like Banjo, Conker, and Perfect Dark.

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The Jimquisition

Xbox One

Aug 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Rare Replay a score of 9.5/10, describing it as a fantastic compendium with a must-have price point for both old and new fans of Rare's library.

XGN

Xbox One

Aug 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rare Replay is praised for its exceptional value, diverse game selection, and engaging presentation, making it a must-buy for Xbox One owners.

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Gameplanet

Xbox One

Aug 7, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the collection is one of the best-value collections of software ever released for any platform ever, and that the standout games included make it worth the price of entry.

Game Over Online

Xbox One

Aug 4, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rare Replay is described as one of the best compilations ever created, celebrating Rare's history and offering fantastic value despite some less-than-stellar games.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Aug 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends the game, especially for fans of Rare's classic works. The collection is praised for its well-designed games and affordable price.

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Gaming Age

Xbox One

Aug 5, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Positive overall verdict for Rare Replay.

CGMagazine

Xbox One

Aug 10, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rare Replay is praised for offering a collection of Rare classics at a low price, brimming with love, pride, and confidence in the brand.

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X-ONE Magazine UK

Xbox One

Sep 8, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Rare Replay as an astonishing collection, a great retrospective on an important developer, and a fantastic set of games. It also mentions that it is an essential part of your collection.

USgamer

Xbox One

Aug 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rare Replay is described as a fantastic package that offers exceptional value for money, charting the history of a significant developer and providing something for everyone.

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