Rare Replayed

Christopher Dring and James Batchelor go where few Rare fans have been before: inside the acclaimed studio itself. We're joined in the Rare Pirate Tavern – yes, they've built a pirate tavern – by studio boss Craig Duncan, executive producers Louise O'Connor and Joe Neate and lead producer Adam Park – that's six people in total, breaking all the rules of podcasting. The Rare team discuss the history of the studio, changes that are happening behind its gates in the run-up to Sea of Thieves, how work is progressing on the upcoming pirate game, and their favourite Rare titles of all time.

No, this isn't a digital mirage - we are back. In the wake of the long-awaited Sea of Thieves gameplay demo at this year's E3 conference, Chris and James track down Rare studio head Craig Duncan to discuss the upcoming title. Not only that, but Chris got to actually play it - lucky git. Listen in to find out why drinking grog and sinking ships don't mix, how Sea of Thieves caters to both solo pirates and larger crews, and why the only way to describe this title is: "It's a pirate game". As always, you can find all our episodes at www.rarereplayed.com.

The inevitable has happened. Chris has been allowed to finally explain why he believes Conker's Bad Fur Day is the greatest game of all time. James tries to explain why he disagrees. In an effort to calm Chris down and bring a more balanced discussion, we're joined by Rare incubator boss, Conker animator and the voice of Berri: Louise O'Connor. Needless to say, contains bad language. Also Scouse beetles, Pepsi Max puns, a high-pitched grim reaper, and a shockingly depressing ending (the game, not the podcast). As always, you can find all our episodes at www.rarereplayed.com.

This episode of Rare Replayed is a double whammy as we discuss two games at once. We go back to the origins of Britain's best games developer with Jetpac - the debut title of Ultimate Play The Game, the studio that became the Rare we know and love today. To discuss this iconic title, we're joined by Rare's Nick Burton - who not only mastered the original Jetpac, but was also the driving force behind XBLA release Jetpac Refuelled.

Rare Replayed returns with our most retro episode to date, taking you back to the '90s for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. No, wait - Battletoads. We're joined by former Rare artist and new Playtonic recruit Kev Bayliss to discuss one of the iconic British developers' earliest hits and the start of one of its most fondly remembered franchises: the original Battletoads for NES. During our discussion, Bayliss reveals more about the studio's ambitious, then-unprecedented plans to build a multimedia franchise, and the design decisions behind the title's challenging gameplay. Toads out!

Rare's 2006 return-to-form was the Xbox 360 classic Viva Pinata, a garden simulator resource management game unlike anything we've played. We revisit the first Viva Pinata with the game's brilliant artist Ryan Stevenson, and we even touch upon the short-lived TV show. MCV Editor Christopher Dring and Develop Editor James Batchelor once again return as hosts.

Iconic video game composer Grant Kirkhope takes time out to speak to Rare Replayed on the work he did on Killer Instinct, GoldenEye, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Donkey Kong, Grabbed by the Ghoulies and Viva Pinata. Featuring music from his incredible career, we discover how he got started in games as he provides a detailed look into the creation of some of the world's best titles and soundtracks. Oh, not forgetting, the DK Rap. MCV Editor Christopher Dring and Develop Editor James Batchelor once again return as hosts.

The Rare Replayed team leave the classics behind for this special episode to discuss the making of Rare Replay itself with lead designer Paul Collins. Games journalists Christopher Dring and James Batchelor discuss the collection, and find out about an awesome feature cut from the compilation, and finally discover whether Rare will ever release more games in the future. Plus, insight into the Snapshots, how Rare chose the games in the collection and lots, lots more.

Rare Replayed Episode 4 revisits the N64 brawler Killer Instinct Gold, the first Rare game for the Nintendo console. Hosts Christopher Dring and James Batchelor share their thoughts on the beat 'em up and speaks to Michael Currington - the game's front-end designer - to discuss how it was made.

We’ve jumped back 12 years for episode 3 of Rare Replayed as we revisit Rare’s first ever Xbox game: Grabbed by the Ghoulies. It received mixed reviews at the time, but has become a cult favourite. We chat about the title with programmer James Thomas. Also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM and Pocket Casts.

Video game journalists Christopher Dring and James Batchelor revisit the classic N64 platformer Banjo Kazooie and gather some insight into the game's protracted creation from artist Ed Bryan.   This is part two in a series of podcasts dedicated to video games created by popular UK studio Rare, and as featured in the recent Xbox One game: Rare Replay.

Video game journalists Christopher Dring and James Batchelor revisit the classic N64 shooter Perfect Dark – the so called sequel to GoldenEye – and gather some insight into the game's creation from artist Karl Hilton. This is part one in a series of podcasts dedicated to video games created by popular UK studio Rare, and as featured in the recent Xbox One game: Rare Replay.