June 11th, 2008 by hylian1

June 11th, 2008 by hylian1

In 1985, Chris and Tim Stamper founded a company named Ultimate: Play the Game with determination to create and develop unique video games that were unlike any that were currently on the market. They did. With titles like Jet Pac, Sabre Wulf, and Tranz AM, Ultimate: Play the Game became a force to be reckoned with in the 80s selling millions of units. With fame–and obviously fortune–the Stampers’ company soared to new heights.

Years after the launch of the studio, a change in the company’s name occurred resulting in the famed developer’s currently well known status among the gaming industry: Rare(Ware) Ltd. Rare has been attributed to many of gaming’s greatest successes and could even be considered as the ’saving grace’ for the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 consoles with their astounding franchises which include–and are not limited to–Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Conker, Viva Pinata, Goldeneye 007, and many more. It’s the creative development of these fantastic franchises and other games in their past (Sesame Street 1,2,3, Battletoads, Wizards & Warriors, etc.) that have led the company on to recently sell through over 100 million units of software in their 28 years of life.

A special thanks to the Stamper Bros. and the entirety of the Rare staff–past and present–who have contributed so many hours of hardwork to ensure that Rare retains its quality and excellence in the games that are developed. Congratulations on your achievement.

June 11th, 2008 by Banjo-Conker

Yesterday, ScrewAttack’s Stuttering Craig listed his Top 10 First Person Shooters. And wouldn’t you know it, Rare’s Goldeneye made numero uno! Click the link below for maximum viewage™.

ScrewAttack’s Top Ten FPS Games

June 3rd, 2008 by Banjo-Conker

In the most recent episode of the Eurogamer TV Show, designer Justin Cook showcases several of Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise’s features (most of which were revealed during the awesomesauce explosionfest that was May 13th). From Pinata Vision to the new “Just for Fun” mode, there certainly seems to be a healthy amount of content in terms of expanding from the original title.

Video Walkthrough

June 3rd, 2008 by hylian1

Steven Burke, Rare mastermind behind the fantastic music of Kameo, Jetpac Refuelled and some of Viva Pinata, was recently interviewed by Scorenotes. It’s an interesting interview where Mr. Burke goes into detail about his keen interest in wanting to one day compose for a film and which songs on the Kameo Soundtrack are his all-time faves.

Whilst on the subject, what would you say is your favorite song in Kameo? I’m kind of on the nix between the Kameo Medley 1 and and the End Credits theme. Both are truly musical masterpieces.

June 3rd, 2008 by hylian1

One thing differently we’re going to start doing is reviewing some games that aren’t developed by Rare. This is primarily due to personal obligations but it could help to expand Rare-Elite a bit more as well in the long run. So even though it isn’t a Rare developed title, here is the first of many ‘Other Reviews’ Rare-Elite will house with reviews of Alone in the Dark and Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit coming later this month. Hit the jump for the full review of THQ’s Battle of the Bands.
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