The Ultimate Rare Games Power Ranking: Unveiling the All-Time Best (According to Metacritic)
Discover Rare's top-rated masterpieces, as ranked by Metacritic From the enchanting world of Viva Pinata to the adrenaline-pumping action of GoldenEye 007, these iconic games have captivated players with their unforgettable experiences
Rare, a British studio known for its early 3D games in the 1990s, holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. During that time, they created iconic titles exclusively for Nintendo consoles, including GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and Banjo-Kazooie. In 2002, Microsoft acquired Rare and its franchises, leading to the development of Xbox exclusives such as Viva Pinata, Kameo: Elements of Power, and Sea of Thieves.
While Nintendo 64 classics dominate the list of Rare's best games, some Xbox titles also receive recognition. Despite being a thing of the past, Rare's extensive and diverse catalogue continues to impress, as shown by Metacritic's top games from Rare. Looking ahead, these beloved franchises and characters hold potential value for Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass in the future.
10 Viva Pinata (Xbox 360) - 84
Rare released a new franchise in 2006, marking a departure from their previous works. The Xbox 360 game, Viva Pinata, became a surprise success among players of all ages. Its popularity was such that it led to the creation of sequels and even a short-lived cartoon show.
Viva Pinata is a distinctive simulation game for the Xbox 360, offering players the opportunity to nurture a neglected garden on a vibrant island inhabited by adorable piñata animals. Using a variety of gardening tools, players can sculpt and customize their gardens to meet specific conditions in order to attract these delightful creatures. If players manage to entice two piñatas of the same species, they may witness the joyous creation of offspring as the piñatas mingle and procreate.
In addition to the Xbox 360, Viva Pinata is included with Rare Replay, so players can enjoy it on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
9 Rare Replay (Xbox One) - 84
Rare Replay is a collection of timeless games selected from the extensive library of the company. The compilation encompasses 30 remarkable titles, all of which represent the pinnacle of Rare's gaming legacy. This enchanting release was introduced to commemorate the momentous 30th anniversary of the esteemed company.
From early arcade classics to Xbox 360 titles like Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Rare Replay offers a diverse range of games. Unfortunately, games developed by Rare such as Donkey Kong Country and Diddy Kong Racing are not included due to licensing issues. Nintendo retained the rights to the Donkey Kong franchise when it sold Rare. Nevertheless, this compilation provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy Rare's extensive collection of games on modern consoles.
Additionally, the Xbox One release of Rare Replay is backward compatible with Xbox Series X|S.
8 Diddy Kong Racing (N64) - 88
Diddy Kong Racing often draws comparisons to Mario Kart 64. While both games were released on the Nintendo 64 in 1997 and belong to the kart racing genre, Diddy Kong Racing stands out with its unique features, such as a single-player story mode. In contrast to the traditional menu-based racecourse selection, Diddy Kong Racing allows players to explore a semi-open world and drive to different racecourses.
Offering a variety of vehicle options, players can strategically choose between different types for specific advantages in the game. For example, the car serves as a reliable all-around vehicle, while the hovercraft excels in traversing sand and water. Additionally, players have the chance to unlock various battle modes for added gameplay options.
7 Banjo-Tooie (N64) - 90
Banjo-Tooie, the sequel to Banjo-Kazooie, is widely regarded as one of the top platformers on the Nintendo 64. Like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, it offers a 3D world that allows players to freely explore from a third-person perspective. Players navigate through the world, tackle puzzles, and gather items to progress in the story.
A significant addition in Banjo-Tooie is the introduction of multiplayer, a first for the franchise. The game allows up to four players to engage in various minigames, which are adapted from single-player challenges. These minigames include kickball and a shooter where players utilize eggs as projectiles.
Banjo-Tooie is included with Rare Replay.
6 Blast Corps (N64) - 90
One of Rare's standout titles on the Nintendo 64, Blast Corps, stands out as a truly distinctive game. This remarkable third-person action game challenges players to demolish buildings and clear debris to make way for a mobile nuclear missile launcher.
Players in Blast Corps will have the opportunity to utilize a diverse range of vehicles such as dump trucks, bulldozers, and even a mech in order to successfully accomplish the game's missions. This game brings forth a concept reminiscent of popular arcade classics like Rampage, seamlessly merging elements of destruction and puzzles to provide a truly unique and delightful experience. Blast Corps is conveniently featured as part of the Rare Replay collection.
5 Donkey Kong 64 (N64) - 90
Following the success of the Donkey Kong Country games on the SNES, Nintendo granted Rare the opportunity to expand their franchise into the realm of 3D with Donkey Kong 64. Utilizing the Banjo-Kazooie engine, the studio released Donkey Kong 64 in 1999, featuring an accompanying Expansion Pak. This Pak provided the Nintendo 64 with additional memory, resulting in improved graphics.
Drawing inspiration from Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 incorporates similar gameplay elements but is often regarded as less groundbreaking than its spiritual predecessors. However, its standout feature lies in the ability for players to assume control of various characters, each possessing unique abilities. For example, Diddy Kong has the ability to fly.
4 Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64) - 92
Rare took a unique approach with Conker's Bad Fur Day, deviating from their typical style seen in games such as Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64. Unlike its predecessors, Conker's Bad Fur Day is rated M, making it one of the few M-rated games ever published by Nintendo.
To create this 3D platformer, Rare infused the game with elements such as profanity, alcohol consumption, and an anthropomorphic squirrel. This combination resulted in a humorous game filled with references to popular culture from the late 1990s and early 2000s. As an exclusive for Xbox, Rare later developed a remake called Conker: Live & Reloaded, which was released in 2005.
Conker's Bad Fur Day is included with Rare Replay.
3 Banjo-Kazooie (N64) - 92
The original PlayStation boasted several remarkable platformers, such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro. Meanwhile, the Nintendo 64 entered the competition with stellar entries like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, the latter being Rare's notable venture into the genre. Banjo-Kazooie garnered significant popularity and led to the creation of sequels and spinoffs like Banjo Pilot.
Banjo-Kazooie takes clear inspiration from Super Mario 64, featuring a central overworld and expansive 3D levels. Instead of gathering coins and stars, players gather music notes and jigsaw pieces. Although it shares many similarities with Super Mario 64, its unique story and humor distinguish it as a separate and notable game. Banjo-Kazooie is also included in the collection Rare Replay.
2 GoldenEye 007 (N64) - 96
Rare found success in the late 1990s with two exceptional first-person shooter games. One of them, GoldenEye 007, is a video game adaptation of the popular James Bond film. This game not only features the likeness of actors such as Pierce Brosnan and Sean Bean, but also introduced a new level of innovation and enjoyment.
GoldenEye 007 remains an incredibly influential shooter game that continues to captivate players with its high replay value. During a time when Doom clones dominated the market, Rare's shooter game provided a refreshing experience. Combining an array of weapons, gadgets, and stealth mechanics, it offered players a unique gameplay experience inspired by the movie. Additionally, the inclusion of a four-player split-screen multiplayer mode, though outdated by today's standards, played a crucial role in paving the way for future multiplayer titles like Halo.
1 Perfect Dark (N64) - 97
GoldenEye 007, a beloved classic that faced numerous licensing issues hindering its port to modern consoles, made a triumphant return in 2023. This iconic game can now be enjoyed on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and the advanced Xbox Series X|S. Furthermore, gamers can access it effortlessly through Xbox Game Pass. Subsequently, GoldenEye 007 was also incorporated into the remarkable collection of Rare Replay.
Released in 2000, Perfect Dark serves as a spiritual successor to the renowned GoldenEye 007. Utilizing an enhanced version of the GoldenEye game engine, this exhilarating game demands the Nintendo 64's Expansion Pak. Embarking on an adventure, players embody Joanna Dark, an esteemed agent entrusted with the crucial task of preventing a nefarious conspiracy.
Perfect Dark surpasses GoldenEye in several key aspects, boasting enhanced gameplay through the addition of cooperative play, computer-controlled bots in multiplayer, and improved artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, a passionate debate amongst fans continues, questioning whether Perfect Dark truly outshines its predecessor.
Rare Replay features Perfect Dark as part of its impressive collection.
