There once was a time whenRarewas considered one of the top video game studios. It consistently put out best-selling, critically-acclaimed works likeBanjo-KazooieandConker’s Bad Fur Day, as well as games that are considered some of the most influential in video game history, likeGoldenEye 007. Many of the developers that worked at Rare during that time period, its so-called “Golden Age,” are no longer at the company, but some have banded together at Chameleon Games to work on a new platformer calledTamarin.
Tamarinwill release at a budget price of $30 for PC and PS4 when it finishes development. The game is a 3D platformer that also features some third-person shooter elements, looking almost likeRatchet & ClankmeetsBanjo-Kazooie. TheBanjo-Kazooieinspirations are obvious by the platforming gameplay, as well as the game’s general tone and one of the characters. It seems players will be getting new abilities from a porcupine that is a dead ringer for Bottles the mole from theBanjo-Kazooiegames.
Besides itsBanjo-Kazooieinspirations, fans of Rare’s classic games have more reasons to be excited aboutTamarin. The development team is comprised of Rare all-stars who worked on games likeBattletoads,Donkey Kong 64, and more. The soundtrack is being put together byDonkey Kong Countrycomposer David Wise, and the sound effects are being handled by Graeme Norgate, who worked on bothGoldenEye 007andKiller Instinct.
Considering the pedigree of its development team, it’s understandable that Rare fans may be excited aboutTamarin. However, others may be hesitant to get hyped about the game. After all, a similar project was released just a couple of years ago in the form ofYooka-Layleethat generated quite a bit of hype and evenbroke Kickstarter records, but ultimately released to mixed reviews.
Whether or notTamarincan avoid a similar fate remains to be seen. The game looks fairly reserved with its graphics, but as long as it can recreate the gameplay and charm of Rare’s classics, then it may very well live up to expectations.
Tamarinis in development for PC and PS4.
