Summary
Rare, especially under the Rareware name, was renowned for its creative use of limited technology.Perfect Darkwas their crowning glory, built on the then-innovative features they introduced throughGoldenEye 007. Three years of development produced an FPS with advanced AI, amazing graphics for the Nintendo 64, and controls plus weapon functions advanced for a 2000s shooter.
With its reboot on the way, gamers are looking atother Rare games that need revivals like Perfect Dark. Obviously, unless Microsoft can convince Nintendo to form a partnership, Rare can’t re-launch theDonkey Kongseries.GoldenEyeremasters are also out unless the Wilson/Broccoli family is interested in backing anotherJames Bondgame. But even without those bangers, Rare has enough games in its archive to reboot to the next decade.
Release Date
June 27, 2025
Jetpac Refuelledis a remake itself, but after 17 years, the single-screen shooter is worth another look at. Controls and the primary objective of collecting fuel amid a screen full of enemies are as simple as can be. Special gun effects, easy flying mechanics, anda fun multiplayer modecontributed to the game’s addictive game cycle.
Because ofJetpac Refuelled’s simple concept of jumping around a single screen and blasting aliens, it’s not hard to seeJetpac Refuelledmaking it off consoles.
Local co-op
July 18, 2025
Kameo: Elements of Powerfollows the titular protagonist in her quest to free her family from a conflict started by her jealous sister. Kameo fights trolls and other creatures and solves puzzlesby transforming intofire, ice, plant, rock, and water sprites.
Kameo’ was an Xbox 360 launch title and gave players a ton of features to play around with. Although most of these features passed into vogue,Kameo’s implementation of a creature-based evolution skill tree is fun enough to warrant a revisit.
Even before it hit consoles,Battletoadswas an infamously difficult arcade game. NES and Sega Genesis players found out why when they had to time their combos and movements precisely to avoid losing HP. The Revolution and Terra Tubes in particular were infuriating for their quick pace and high stakes.
Elden Ringand otherDark Souls-like hard games filled the spotBattletoadsand other difficult games once filled. But aBattletoadsremake would hit that nostalgic spot and timing-based, precision-reliant challenge that the beat ‘em up presented.
90%
July 27, 2025
The premise forBlast Corpsis as silly as can be: players must clear the path of aSpeed-like runaway nuclear missile carrier or else risk nuclear annihilation. Players solve puzzles built around these paths using eight vehicles with specific destructive capabilities.
There’s something charming aboutBlast Corps’over-the-top premise and gameplay. All the wanton destruction seems pointless at first, but once players see the puzzles, it’s more fun finding ways to clear the stage in time.Reviving this in systemsthat can show off destruction better and create more elaborate puzzles seems like a win.
June 20, 2025
Deeply 90s-coded despite its 80s influences,Jet Force Geminiwas re-released in 2023 on the Nintendo Switch. The re-release allowed gamers to remember the 3D shoot ‘em up’s active combat, dynamic platforming options, and free exploration of its 15 worlds.
Another good reason for a remake is its ending. Players may not have known at the time, but it was necessary to save all Tribals to seethe true ending. A remake can make this requirement better known, or change it in a way to make the true ending more intuitive to obtain.
Killer Instinctwas a good fighting game buried in 1994’s glut of mind-blowing games. Impressive graphics aside, it featured a life bar system that made rounds feel a bit more tactical.Killer Instinct’s auto combos or “auto-doubles” plus combo breakers started and broke flows that were unmatched for arcade fighters at the time.
But it should be noted that whenKiller Instinctis mentioned, people are likely talking aboutthe 2013 versiondeveloped by Double Helix Games and Iron Galaxy. The Xbox One debut title still has a hardcore playing base that mulls over its unique combo system, enough so that tournaments are still held for it.
Star Foxwas beloved for its straightforward combination of rail shooting and space flight simulation. It also looked cool with its simple but stylish graphics on the SNES, even more so when it hit the Nintendo 64.Star Fox: Assaultwas a departure from the formula, butStar Fox Zerocourse corrected to mixed results.
ModernizingStar Fox’s controls seems like the way to go for a series remake. There’s also an open market for space flight simulators with focused rail shooting and dedicated wingmen that provide neat abilities.
Banjo-Kazooieis available in itsoriginal form on the Switch, though it’s not quite the remake long-time fans want. Fans want to see how Rare can translate the whimsy of the title in modern terms. Refreshing Grant Kirkhope’s soundtrack is also big, asBanjo-Kazooie’s sound triggers memories for older players.
First-time players would also have a lot to look forward to ifBanjo-Kazooieand its sequels get remakes.Kazooie’s attitude and aesthetics,Tooie’s puzzles and size, and evenNuts & Bolts’ fresh building mechanics offer retro charm codified by the series.
Conker’s Bad Fur Daywas a rare foray into adult content on a Nintendo console.Conker’s South Park-style juvenile and crass humor was targeted towards young adults who feel like they’ve grown out ofMariobut still craved platformer action. Toilet humor and flowers with breasts aside, controlling Conker was actually fun and the story was solid with its gimmick.
Multiplayer also played a big factor inConker’s debut success. Replacing the need for an expansion pack with simple online play would be enough to show off its seven multiplayer modes. RemakingLive & Reloadedwould be a neat extra as its shooting controls are a little better than the original.
Viva Pinataoffered unique gameplay that hasn’t been completely translated in a modern title since its last game. Gardening, monster cultivation, and food chain management all formed a synergistic game that was fun to play and simply look at.
Unlocking new pinatasrequired legwork that was made enjoyable through gardening. Managing pinata mating and encouraging the appearance of pinatas to feed prospective residents also had a quirky charm to it. All of it is quite cozy, even with invaders and weeds occasionally wreaking havoc in the player’s garden.
