260°

There Was a 'Severe Culture Clash' Between Microsoft & Rare - Former Rare Dev

NowGamer: "The culture changed and it began to feel more Microsoft and less Rare" says developer who used to work at the studio.

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nowgamer.com
M-M3955d ago

A few days ago I was watching some Banjo Kazooie speed runs on Youtube, and I can't tell you how much I miss playing Rare games back in the day on my N64. I wish Rare wasn't tied with Microsoft so they could split from them and do what they love doing(which is making great games) instead of making Kinect games all day.

Gimmemorebubblez3955d ago

We still haven't really seen what they've been up to on the Xbone, to be fair.

buddymagoo3954d ago

If only Sony would have bought Rare. Imagine how great that would have turned out, I'm sure Sony would have gave them near total freedom and support. :o(

MikeMyers3954d ago

Rare needs to have a breakthrough title on the Xbox One. It's pretty sad what they've become over the years but Xbox fans are also partially to blame because Kameo and Viva Pinata were fun games but never sold that well. I did my part, I bought them (not Perfect Dark Zero).

I want to see them do something good besides Kinect only games.

GenericNameHere3954d ago

We've seen what they've done on the Xbox 360. People hated Perfect Dark and B&K: N&B. I think some people liked Conker and Kameo. Then they worked exclusively on Kinect stuff. Now, Killer Instinct is announced, and they're not even fully working on it. Some other developer is helping them. It doesn't matter what they can do on Xbox One. They've been with Microsoft for almost, if not, a decade, and they haven't really put out any groundbreaking games since leaving Nintendo.

We can only assume that if Rare stayed with Nintendo, they would have made even more groundbreaking games in 5 years than their entire time at Xbox.

minimur123954d ago

@buddymagoo - up untill recently, Sucker Punch were using a buddy's mo-cap studio.

Here's an example of how awesome Sony are

they bought Sucker Punch their own mocap studio, imagine how much that cost, along with all the fancy equipment like those f***loads of cameras, and the suits, and the little dot things

Autodidactdystopia3954d ago

The answer to all of rare's problems is Conker 2

Plain and simple.

Microsoft is leaving millions on the table by not making that.

seriously rare could return to greatness if msoft just said. "make it" "its time"

haha

CONKER MOTHER FUN-KING 2 !

do it

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3954d ago
SockeyBoy3954d ago (Edited 3954d ago )

I think Rare have given some gems on the 360; Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Viva Pinata (1&2), and BK Nuts and Bolts was pretty fun, it had a different twist on the series. Their Kinect games are the most enjoyable Kinect games, but I wish they would move away from the camera for a little while. IMO I would love to see a Kameo 2, or another Grabbed by the Ghoulies.

SilentNegotiator3954d ago

I have a breaking news update:

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUHHHHH

Did anyone think that the spirit of RARE wasn't crushed by Microsoft over time? Kameo? Pretty RARE-like. Viva Pinata (a game with MP)? Kind of RARE. BK: Nuts and Bolts, a game that was heavily about racing and other competitive MP elements? Not very RARE.

Kinect Sports? Not RARE.

People that say that Microsoft didn't have anything to do with the decline of RARE is a fanboy trying too hard. Go play Kameo. That is good old fashion RARE. The change came when XBL and Kinect was forced on them harder and harder.

Stryfeno23954d ago (Edited 3954d ago )

New Battletoads Rare...Make it happen.

T23953d ago

Yes! Battletoads was awesome!

d_dogg20073954d ago

Of course there was it shows in their games! One wanted to create the other wanted to rape! Poor Rare never stood a chance with the Terminal cancer known as Microsoft!

kingmushroom3954d ago

How am I suppose concentrate on your comment with such avatar!

d_dogg20073954d ago

I get that a lot :) The gif is even better!

buynit3954d ago

Yea something seems to have gone wrong with rare, all the focus is on kinect.. I have no problems with kinect at all I like what it can do so if I ever do buy a Xb1 and rare is still stuck with kinect I hope hey have a huge break through with a game..

I thought it would have been with ki but evn that was mostly one b another dev..

sAVAge_bEaST3954d ago

Rare -007Golden eye.. +_-,

poor rare, got hoodwinked into a deal with the devil..M$

Show all comments (37)
280°

PlayStation and Rare congratulate Nintendo on Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom launch

Rival companies, including Sony and Ubisoft, are being good sports by congratulating Nintendo on Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom's launch.

GoodGuy09349d ago (Edited 349d ago )

Well deserved and how AAA is done. 96 meta score...please be inspired other AAA companies lol.

Sonic1881349d ago

I'm having a blast with this game. I love the fact that you can add different things to your sword and shield

Ezio2048349d ago

While Sony doesn't have 96+ metascore game other than UC2, they are much more consistent in releasing 90+ metascore games than Nintendo.

Individual studio wise Rockstar beats any other studio though in releasing 95-96+ meta games.

sadraiden349d ago

I'm a simple man. If there's a new Mario/Zelda/Metroid, I buy it.

jznrpg348d ago (Edited 348d ago )

@sadraiden
Metroid Dread was a bit disappointing to me those robot chases got old after the first one. Well made game but the robots were tedious more than fun and it ruined the game for me.
The rest of the game was really good but the robots played such a big part unfortunately.

Dread was fitting name when I saw them I dreaded another stupid robot to take down.
It’s like the weapon breaking in Zelda. Tedious.

Mario’s for my kids and Zelda for me.

I like games like Fire Emblem and Xenoblade.

Hopefully they make a mature RPG someday but Nintendo doesn’t do many new IP especially geared towards adults but I can hope. I want Sony to do the same thing

MrNinosan349d ago

The 96 is because it has Zelda in the title and made by Nintendo.

I played 20 hours yesterday, and this is no way near 96 for ME. Journalists are to scared to judge games for what they are.
If another AAA game was missing voice acting, had long loading screens, up to 30 fps, non compelling story, annoying controls during puzzles, a unnecessary complicated way to go through your weapons and what to combine etc, that game would've been slaughtered.

Not gonna take anything away for TotK, it's a great game, but journalist are to scared to actually talk about what doesn't make it perfect, even if they give a perfect score.

So far for me, a strong 8, a little bit better than BotW, mainly due to what crazy combinations you can play around with.

stupidusername349d ago

You played 20 hours yesterday? That’s impressive for a game to keep you glued to a screen for 20 hours in a day. But don’t forget to take care of your health.

There’s several Zelda titles that had scored much lower. Most of the 2D / top down zelda games says hi. And Skyward Sword.

MrNinosan348d ago

@stupidusername
All main Zelda games scored over 90.

Umb348d ago

I agree, have the same feeling.
If games on the other consoles has some of what was present or lack of in TotK, I'm sure it would be marked down. Just the muddy texture in some area/jaggy lines/shimmering would be points deducted.

But some how TotK seems to be immune to these technical issues and lack of extras.

Seems like a two tier scoring system. iI's a great game but if it's technical flawed, so score accordingly.

These kind of action by game journalists (cough), just makes people trust them less. Granted most people fear a raging fan mob!!

DarXyde348d ago

"I played 20 hours yesterday, and this is no way near 96 for ME. Journalists are to scared to judge games for what they are."

So it sounds like you establish this is your opinion, then proceed to say journalists are not being honest (i.e., a 96 is not real based on your time with it). By the way, I really don't understand why people make this distinction between scores like 96 and 88. Both are extremely good scores and the point is that they are great games and highly recommended.

"If another AAA game was missing voice acting, had long loading screens, up to 30 fps, non compelling story, annoying controls during puzzles, a unnecessary complicated way to go through your weapons and what to combine etc, that game would've been slaughtered."

Okay....I have strong disagreements here. First, VA is not "missing". That would mean it was fully intended to have it and it launched without it. Second, I find it interesting that anyone would say any other game would be slaughtered for long loading screens, frame rates up to 30fps, or non-compelling story, when you have examples of games with that criteria doing exceptionally well. Metal Gear Solid 4 was excellent, but you literally had to install on a chapter by chapter basis (which, by the way, it is well known reviewers were not allowed to talk about it—no such restrictions for TotK). Demon's Souls actually had long loading times AND frequently ran sub-30fps and barely missed 90+ aggregate score. Then, of course, we cannot disregard Shadow of the Colossus. All phenomenal experiences, but would you be inclined to say they do not deserve their acclaim?

Regarding narrative, I genuinely hate how gamers feel that story is a necessity in modern gaming. Maybe I'm old, but I don't see why that's needed in a game. It can help with making sense of your actions in a game and give a sense of purpose and immersion, but really, that's not a must for game enjoyment. I'd go as far as to say I don't find it necessary in reviews.

Controls and complicated weapon mechanics are fair criticisms. The other stuff I don't agree with.

Tapani346d ago (Edited 346d ago )

Play it longer than 20hrs. I get it, you are a busy family man, you don't have 40-60hrs to get "into the zone", but some games just need it. Just like some book series' and tomes of the past. Heck, some albums take 5-6 listen throughs to get the jist of it (especially classic Jazz or Classical music albums). It's just as is.

Zelda TotK is incredible, there's no denying it. Personally, I find the sound design and music the most impressive aspect of the whole thing. Second comes the creativity. Third all of those things the reviews write about it, game systems, story, puzzles and other "game stuff". I like the "art" stuff the most.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 346d ago
TheEnigma313349d ago

Same ol Nintendo. Living on nostalgia.

King_Noctis349d ago

And that brought them to 100+ million plus Switch sales. I’m sure Nintendo is crying over having only 100+ million fan.

TheEnigma313349d ago

Of course they aren't. That's why they make the same games with minimal effort because they know you all will buy it with no resistance. They even charge $70 even though it's last gen.

MrNinosan348d ago

No, removing their handheld console made them reach 100+

DarXyde347d ago

TheEnigma313,

"Of course they aren't. That's why they make the same games with minimal effort because they know you all will buy it with no resistance. They even charge $70 even though it's last gen."

¿Que?

Please explain what you mean by minimal effort. Last I checked, their games run very well. The most recent Pokemon is the only exception to this that I can think of.

What do you mean same games? Same franchises? Some play in a very familiar way and some are even remakes, but it's amazing to see anyone complain about Nintendo making "the same games", yet remakes and sequels dominate the industry where mechanics that work aren't overtly revised. Why should they be if they work? To Nintendo's credit, I would say they do the most to change their games between entries. Splatoon feels largely stagnant, as does Pokemon, however.

Then you've got the bloody argument of Nintendo charging $70 for last gen. I think it's BS for them to charge $70 now—they're basically doing what Activision did with MW2: "because we can and you'll buy it anyway." The problem I have with this argument is that I swear to God it is impossible for haters to decide what generation Switch is. When Switch outpaces PS4/Xbox One, the argument was that Wii U was competing with gen 8 and Switch is gen 9. Now, you argue that Nintendo is charging $70 for a last gen game? Can we get a little consistency from you lot? Pick a lane and stay in it, please.

Plenty of reasons to go after Nintendo. Plenty. This just feels like nonsense.

Asplundh349d ago

"same games with minimal effort"

I'm pretty sure they would had ran these franchises into the ground already if that was true, but it's not and that's why their IPs continue to sale.

Hamzilla77348d ago

Dont feed the N4G troll.... let them speak to nothing.

Hamzilla77348d ago

You are so wrong on every level of wrong.... but keep on keeping on!

348d ago
King_Noctis348d ago (Edited 348d ago )

The same game? Have you honestly played it yet? There is a huge world on the sky and in the underground, along side the normal map from BOTW but with so many changes as well.

And why wouldn’t people pay $70 for a 96% Metacritic game? Or would they rather pay $70 for a “next gen” game like Redfall instead?

execution17348d ago

🤷‍♂️ and they're doing a better job at it than xbox is with their ips

Profchaos348d ago (Edited 348d ago )

How this is a totally new game the IP might be old but realistically it's only the character names that link this game with the 80s and 90s Zelda games.

That's like saying you'd hate to see another Spyro

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 347d ago
mjchitown349d ago (Edited 349d ago )

funny you said that when you talked about sea of thieves and Everwild on your profile. but want to play like you didn't know they've still around . you played yourself

__SteakDeck__349d ago

@mjchitown I think you’re the only that played yourself. Lol He obviously knows they’re still around. He just said that because he’s sarcastically calling them irrelevant. Which they’re, compared to what they used to be.

shinoff2183348d ago

Mjchitown,

Gotta learn a little sarcasm buddy. Read hofs post again a little slower

bRuud83349d ago

I own both PS5 and Switch and I am really enjoying BOTW for the moment so I am not ready for Tears of the Kingdom, but I'll get it eventually.

Markdn349d ago

It's a quality game and I wish Nintendo were a cross platform developer and not a hardware specific one. as can you imagine this on series x or Ps5. Just look at the ue5 stuff people have done, hope there next hardware is extraordinary.

Show all comments (41)
160°

Rare's new IP still in the works as Everwild team "warm up... for our year ahead

It's been a few years since we last heard from Rare about its new IP Everwild, but executive producer Louise O'Connor says the team is looking to "warm up... for our year ahead.

GoodGuy09464d ago

I feel like its been 10 years since they announced everwild...I wonder if they've figured out what the game will actually be yet lol.

-Foxtrot464d ago

I assumed they’ve been “warming up” for the past couple of years

Flawlessmic464d ago

Good to know it's still in development but weird we know nothing about it years from when it was announced.

Hopefully will see it at e3 this yr.

RedDevils464d ago

Don't worry, when we all died our grand kids will get to see this game reveal with a teaser trailer.

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420°

20 Years On From Microsoft's Acquisition Of Rare, What's Come Of It All?

Kotaku: “It's been 20 years since British developer Rare was acquired by Microsoft. Join us as we have a look at what those 20 years have brought.”

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kotaku.com.au
SullysCigar578d ago

Umm...next question, this one hurts too much.

BrainSyphoned577d ago

Next: 20 years after the acquisition of Bethesda where is Elder Scrolls 6?

Bathyj578d ago

Pretty sad Rare an industry leader at one point, and the best game they've made in 20 years is Viva pinata.

Concertoine577d ago

Viva Pinata is actually a really good game, too.

The problem is MS and everyone else thought the best thing to do was make sequels and remakes of existing IP’s, but the studio itself wanted to make new ones. I still maintain if Nuts and Bolts wasnt a Banjo game, it would’ve been a modern classic.

At least Sea of Thieves turned around and became a success.

poppatron577d ago

Totally agree about nuts and bolts. Banjo was never really my thing, but I absolutely loved nuts and bolts

1Victor577d ago (Edited 577d ago )

@bathy
Rare became a shell of itself shortly after the acquisition as all those legendary developers left the company for other studios. No freedom no motivation to create greater new thing 🤷🏿

Wait I thought killer instinct was made by rare and they didn’t mentioned it on the article 🤦🏿

deleted577d ago (Edited 577d ago )

It really bugs me that they couldn't even be bothered with making a proper Battletoads revival.

They outsourced some indie company that made basically a mobile phone game out of it. They butchered the artstyle, nerfed the Dark Queen. Gameplay-wise it's okay.. but just okay. This is Battletoads, and deserved better.

Lightning77577d ago

That's Rares fault. They're the ones who didn't want to work on their old games and outsource Battle Toads. They're also the ones who actually WANTED to work on Kinect games. They sabotaged themselves.

jznrpg577d ago

The game looks horrible I hate the art style. They basically took a bunch of mini games and tried to make into one singular game and it just makes no sense .

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