A perusal of Rare’s chirpy website, in particular the ‘join us’ section uncovers a minor revelation. Part of Microsoft game studios, the UK developer is currently on the lookout for people to work on Nintendo DS titles, both artists and programmers. If you’re interested, you’ll need strong Maya or C++ literacy respectively.
We’re more concerned, though, with speculating just what these games might be. You’ll doubtless be aware that since its purchase by MS for an insane sum, the dev house already known for perfectionist tendencies has become downright slow, birthing only two games throughout the entire lifespan of the Xbox. The less said about Grabbed by the Ghoulies the better, but Conker: Live and Reloaded, though half remake, is something of a return to form. Perfect Dark Zero for the 360 also looks very promising; though screenshots leaked prior to this year's E3 expo made it an object of ridicule, the title made a recovery thanks to impressive showings during the event. This isn’t the first time they’ve strayed from their master’s console though. This year saw the release of the slightly lacklustre Diddy Kong Racing derivative Banjo Pilot on GBA.
There’s reason to be excited about this development, though. As you’ll know, the DS is essentially a tiny N64, and it was on that console that Rare achieved their finest work to date. Their special relationship with Nintendo yielded the magnificent Goldeneye, the aforementioned Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo Kazooie, Perfect Dark and swansong masterpiece Conker’s Bad Fur Day. The website’s call for artists has us hoping for more than a remake though, and the game programmer job description assures applicants that the titles will be ‘high profile’. A sequel to any of the above would be spiffing, though we assume Electronic Arts’ custodianship of the Bond license would make any repeat of the great Goldeneye next to impossible.
Just imagine though, a Perfect Dark or Conker shooter on the DS, with wireless multiplayer, even online, play. Ah, that would be marvellous. The machine is crying out for a first-person shooter to show its potential, and so far all we have is EA's shame-peaking Goldeneye: Rogue Agent port.
More news on what exactly Rare are cooking up as we get it.
We’re more concerned, though, with speculating just what these games might be. You’ll doubtless be aware that since its purchase by MS for an insane sum, the dev house already known for perfectionist tendencies has become downright slow, birthing only two games throughout the entire lifespan of the Xbox. The less said about Grabbed by the Ghoulies the better, but Conker: Live and Reloaded, though half remake, is something of a return to form. Perfect Dark Zero for the 360 also looks very promising; though screenshots leaked prior to this year's E3 expo made it an object of ridicule, the title made a recovery thanks to impressive showings during the event. This isn’t the first time they’ve strayed from their master’s console though. This year saw the release of the slightly lacklustre Diddy Kong Racing derivative Banjo Pilot on GBA.
There’s reason to be excited about this development, though. As you’ll know, the DS is essentially a tiny N64, and it was on that console that Rare achieved their finest work to date. Their special relationship with Nintendo yielded the magnificent Goldeneye, the aforementioned Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo Kazooie, Perfect Dark and swansong masterpiece Conker’s Bad Fur Day. The website’s call for artists has us hoping for more than a remake though, and the game programmer job description assures applicants that the titles will be ‘high profile’. A sequel to any of the above would be spiffing, though we assume Electronic Arts’ custodianship of the Bond license would make any repeat of the great Goldeneye next to impossible.
Just imagine though, a Perfect Dark or Conker shooter on the DS, with wireless multiplayer, even online, play. Ah, that would be marvellous. The machine is crying out for a first-person shooter to show its potential, and so far all we have is EA's shame-peaking Goldeneye: Rogue Agent port.
More news on what exactly Rare are cooking up as we get it.
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Comments
Joji 8 Jul 2005 12:33
1/7
I'd rather see them use some imagination and creativity rather than a port of N64 titles. An ideal adjusted port would be Blastcorp, a great N64 game that many missed due to PS1 and I'm so surprised Rare haven't yet made a sequel to. Just think what an update 360 version would be like if they bothered to make it. It would be awesome.
I find it very interesting that MS are letting Rare do DS games. Just make sure you do something worthwhile, Rare. Look at the kind of titles the japanese are making and think what you can do that hasn't been done yet.
Makes me wonder if Bill Gates secretly owns a DS or not.
I find it very interesting that MS are letting Rare do DS games. Just make sure you do something worthwhile, Rare. Look at the kind of titles the japanese are making and think what you can do that hasn't been done yet.
Makes me wonder if Bill Gates secretly owns a DS or not.
miacid 8 Jul 2005 12:47
2/7
I remember blast corps, not the most in-depth game play but very good fun 8~)
A next-gen version would be very interesting!
A next-gen version would be very interesting!
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fluffstardx 8 Jul 2005 13:09
3/7
I imagine that it'll be PD, seeing as it's probably making it to coincide with the launch of PDZ.
Anyone who has played the DS Metroid demo knows that is no bad thing.
Anyone who has played the DS Metroid demo knows that is no bad thing.
Greg2k 8 Jul 2005 14:06
4/7
Even though this news is indeed exciting, I can't understand why there are some people who are completely baffled. Why would Microsoft want to make games for the DS? For money, of course. If Microsoft had a portable console of their own, they wouldn't be doing this. But since they don't have one, I see this as one really intelligent move.
Because who says Microsoft can't make games for the DS? Is there a specific rule that mentions it? I mean, Nintendo could make Mario games for the PS2 without any problems; except they already have an equivalent piece of hardware and they wouldn't want to do it on the competition's platform. But there's nothing stopping a company from joining the enemy every once in a while.
Speaking about Microsoft, do you know that they're making Visual Studio 2005 for Linux? Yeah, sounds pretty weird. But they could make a s**tload of money out of that, and they're not worrying about OS Wars. Same happens here.
Because who says Microsoft can't make games for the DS? Is there a specific rule that mentions it? I mean, Nintendo could make Mario games for the PS2 without any problems; except they already have an equivalent piece of hardware and they wouldn't want to do it on the competition's platform. But there's nothing stopping a company from joining the enemy every once in a while.
Speaking about Microsoft, do you know that they're making Visual Studio 2005 for Linux? Yeah, sounds pretty weird. But they could make a s**tload of money out of that, and they're not worrying about OS Wars. Same happens here.
rastafari 8 Jul 2005 14:51
5/7
I'm delighted about this new's, couldn't wait to play DiddyKongRacing (or BanjoTooieRacing if you like) online via WiFi... fantastic. Also looking forward to see GE and BlastCorp's on the DS...
majin dboy 8 Jul 2005 22:32
6/7
its undeniable rare have talent.and i honestly dont think they will treat the DS as a port machine(which wouldnt be bad thing).this means we will be seeing either prequels/sequals and new games devolped by Rare.
soanso 11 Jul 2005 01:32
7/7
It makes perfect sense for microsoft to make DS games or even PSP games. I wonder if they can link up to the 360 as well. I wonder if that is possible at all?
I loved rare games, I was unhappy when they got sold (well I'd just bought a gamecube and was hoping that rare would carry on from the n64 days, but I didn't miss much in the end did I now?) I'd love to see Blastcorp again. A new one would be very welcome.
So if Microsoft want to hijack the DS, can Nintendo hijack Xbox live in return?
hmmmm? now there's a thought.
I loved rare games, I was unhappy when they got sold (well I'd just bought a gamecube and was hoping that rare would carry on from the n64 days, but I didn't miss much in the end did I now?) I'd love to see Blastcorp again. A new one would be very welcome.
So if Microsoft want to hijack the DS, can Nintendo hijack Xbox live in return?
hmmmm? now there's a thought.