Rare Replay: Tweet-sized Reviews

We’ve played all 30 games in Rare Replay. Within a tweet or less, here is a quick guide for the must-plays versus what you can skip. I never, ever, would have looked back to 99% of these games and couldn’t be more grateful to have played every single one.

My full Rare Replay review is here.

Jetpac | 1983 | ZX Spectrum, VIC-20, BBC Micro
	Before Mario gave us the best “jump,” it was better to float around. The creativity through technological limitations is a beautiful thing.

Lunar Jetman | 1983 | ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro
	Second installment in the Jetman series is more elaborate but less intuitive. If you don’t immediately understand, you’ll skip this one.

Atic Atac | 1983 | ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro
	An obtuse dungeon crawler that doesn’t really have any redeeming qualities. Skip it.

Sabre Wulf | 1984 | ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC
	Inspired by 1930’s Silent Films. Jerky animations and seemingly random level design make this a difficult recommendation.

Underwurlde | 1984 | ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64
	There might actually be an enjoyable game here but the random bouncing off of floating enemies prevents me from discovering it. A product of the time.

Knight Lore | 1984 | ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Amstrad CPC, MSX, Famicom Disk System
	Adventure game that’s punishingly difficult. Because there are so many other options, this is more for archival purposes than genuine enjoyment.

Gunfright | 1985 | ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX
	I jumped on a cow/horse/chocobo and died by running into a cactus. Isometric view with awkward controls. This is innocent fun but there are better experiences.

Slalom | 1987 | NES
	Difficult but in the best way possible. Encourages you to learn more and its quickness allows for instant feedback. Wish this was mobile.

RC Pro AM | 1987 | NES
	Shockingly addictive and best in small doses. Tight controls foreshadow future Rare games. Iterative gameplay keeps you looking for more.

Cobra Triangle | 1989 | NES
	Boat races, battles, and defusing bombs. I had never played this one before and had a hard time moving on to the next game. Play this.

Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll | 1990 | NES, Sega Mega Drive
	Sadly, the gameplay not as catchy as the title.

Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warship | 1990 | NES
	Precursor to PixelJunk Shooter. Oddly, I feel more in control of these floaty characters than I do those in full gravity. Great fun!

Digger T. Rock | 1990 | NES
	Am I playing Spelunky? This is why Rare Replay is so important. Today’s indie titles are deeply rooted in gamings storied history. Fun but difficult.

Battletoads | 1991| NES
	Edgy, difficult, and fun. Unforgettable music. Enemy design is unique without being gimmicky. Noticeable lag in the wireless controls.

RC Pro AM II | 1992 | NES
	The original plus drag racing and new modes. In other words, play it.

Battletoads Arcade | 1994 | Arcade
	Continues to follow TMNT’s lead, now in arcade form plus Battletoads flavor. Slightly more accessible than NES game but still hard as hell.

Killer Instinct Gold | 1996| N64
	Achievements had me trying all modes. Wonderful training and focused training modes to help amateurs of the genre. Killer music.

Blast Corps | 1997| N64
	Unrivaled variety and fundamentally addictive gameplay. Dated (read: classic N64) visuals. A standout that I’ll go back to.

Banjo-Kazooie | 1998 | N64
	Music, characters, and controls are all top-tier with Rare prestige. The camera controls and “voice-over” were bad in 1997 and still are.

Jet Force Gemini | 1999 | N64
	(1/2) Think Halo + MDK. Nice progression with weapons and keys. Addicted to saving Tribals. Sorry, need two tweets for this one.

(2/2) This is the most fractured experience between the X1, 360 and Rare Replay user interfaces. All are required here and don’t blend well.

Perfect Dark | 2000| N64
	Tries not be Goldeneye007. Iterative difficulty levels enhance enemies and objectives. Excellent replayability but punishing level design.

Banjo-Tooie | 2000| N64
	A slightly prettier game but mostly similar to original as the collectathon continues. More forgiving camera – unless you’re on a boss.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day | 2001 | N64
	The Killer App. This, alone, justifies the price of admission. Just play this.

Grabbed by the Ghoulies | 2003 | Xbox
	Playfully spooky and unexpectedly delightful. Like Goosebumps the game, only better! There’s a sense of progression not possible in 1980’s.

Kameo | 2005 | Xbox 360
	We’ve yet to see how Rare will iterate upon Kameo but this is one of the more unique entries. Set aside some time for this one.

Perfect Dark Zero | 2005 | Xbox 360
	Unique but clumsy. Hard to recommend this game unless nostalgia will take you above the realm of mediocrity. Joanna Dark has more potential.

Viva Piñata | 2006 | Xbox 360
	This is a complex game beautifully crafted for console. For fans of Animal Crossing-type micromgt. I’m blown away and didn’t expect to be.

Jetpac Refuelled | 2007 | XBLA
	Weapon/visual upgrades and 128 levels make this the more accessible version. Identical feel and controls confirms the original nailed it.

Viva Piñata 2 : Trouble in Paradise | 2008 | Xbox 360
	While still colorful, seems darker than the first. Catching Piñata from desert and arctic encourages exploration element absent in original.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts |2008 | Xbox 360
	Self-aware comedic tone is perfect. Top-tier 360 visuals but framerate is wonky. Vehicle building/riding is fun but side-steps platforming.