Tagged: rare
Rare Making DS Title
Microsoft makes sure that its acquired companies do not create titles for competing consoles. But Rare has been a “rare” exception: the long-time Microsoft partner has continued to support Nintendo’s GBA with new games such as Donkey Kong Country 3 and Sabre Wulf, even after its acquisition. The esteemed developer is now extending its Nintendo support to the DS.
According to Rare’s website, the company is working on a DS follow-up to its 1997 racing title Diddy Kong Racing. It will be “based on the N64 classic but improved and expanded in ways that only the DS allows.”
No details are known, but it is known that the game will make extensive use of the handheld’s touch-screen and microphone, as well as support Wi-fi for multiplayer.
Kameo Co-op
A free Kameo update is now available, unlocking co-operative gameplay over Xbox Live and System Link. Players can now enjoy the two-player co-op found in the action levels of the game which have to be completed in single-player mode.
Rare has also released two packs of costumes for the game, with both going up for 200 points.
Rare to be Rare on Revolution
As it turns out, Rare games will indeed be rare on the Revolution – both the developer and Microsoft have confirmed that back catalogue titles like Perfect Dark, Banjo Kazooie and Conker’s Bad Fur Day will not be available on the Virtual Console service with Nintendo’s next-gen console.
This is due to the fact that Microsoft now owns rights to all of Rare’s titles, and it’s highly unlikely that they’ll allow the competitor to gain access to them. However, the silver lining on the black cloud is that Rare titles that are owned by Nintendo, including the Donkey Kong games and Diddy Kong Racing, will surely be offered.
It’d be great if Nintendo and Microsoft could work out a deal for the fans, but given the nature of competition, it’s not likely to happen.
Viva Pinata Announced
Microsoft, in conjunction with 4Kids Entertainment, today announced Viva Piñata, their mass-market property developed by Rare. Made to appeal to young kids through a bright, colorful world full of “wild-roaming piñata animals,” the franchise will see it being made into a Saturday morning 3D animated television series as well as a Xbox 360 game.
Slated to air in the US this Fall on 4Kids TV, Viva Piñata will see a cast of piñata “friends” embark on wild adventures on Piñata Island. The videogame, set for worldwide release this Holiday 
season, will see players “of all ages” exploring the world of Piñata, as they build and take control of their environment to attract and host more than 60 species of wild piñata. The game will feature support for new content via Xbox Live and the ability to play, trade and interact with others.
The franchising deal with 4Kids will also see the release of additional licensed products next year.
BDGamers 