RARE Returns As Developer
For years, RARE has been in Microsoft’s back pocket as a Kinect-centric developer. After last year’s Kinect Sports Rivals came and went without making much of a splash in the motion gaming space, it’s been any wonder what the team has been up to. Microsoft stripped the Kinect from Xbox One systems as a way to drive down the price of the system and it’s hard to imagine future games being Kinect-only when a smaller and smaller user base of the hardware owns the now-optional camera accessory. RARE were once at the top of their game making platformers and other stylized action/adventure titles and it would be wise for Microsoft Game Studios to recognize their potential and bring them back into the spotlight. Phil Spencer’s been one to wear Battletoads-themed attire during press events, and while I don’t see that particular franchise returning as a major release, there’s plenty of potential with experimentation and risk-taking.