In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo has announced that Jet Force Gemini will be added to the Switch Online Expansion Pack in December. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers at the Expansion Pack tier already have access to Rare’s classics Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007. With this exciting news, let’s take a look at the other Rare gems from the N64 era that could potentially make their way to the service.
Nintendo and Rare rekindled relationship
Nintendo’s announcement of Jet Force Gemini’s addition to the Switch Online Expansion Pack has sparked renewed interest in Rare’s N64 classics. This move is a testament to the evolving relationship between Nintendo and Microsoft, the current owners of Rare. The appearance of Banjo and Kazooie in Smash Bros. Ultimate helped establish this partnership, making the return of Rare’s titles to Nintendo platforms a plausible reality.
The golden duo: Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007
Currently, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers already have access to two of Rare’s iconic N64 titles: Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007. These games, once thought of as a distant dream for Nintendo fans, are now readily available, showcasing the evolving landscape of gaming partnerships.
Rare’s N64 classics: what’s next?
While Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007 are now in the spotlight, there are several other noteworthy titles from Rare’s golden era on the N64 that fans would love to see on Nintendo Switch Online. Let’s explore some of these titles and their potential for inclusion:
Killer Instinct Gold
Killer Instinct Gold, a port of Killer Instinct 2 from the arcades, brought fighting excitement to the N64. While the N64 wasn’t known for its fighting game library, Killer Instinct Gold stood out. However, the series found new life on Xbox in 2013, making its inclusion in the Switch Online Expansion Pack unlikely.
Blast Corps
Blast Corps offered a unique gaming experience, involving clearing a path for a truck carrying a malfunctioning nuclear missile. Its quirky concept and fun gameplay make it a hidden gem of the N64 era. However, considering the competition from heavier hitters, Blast Corps might have lower chances of joining the service.
Diddy Kong Racing
Diddy Kong Racing, often compared to Mario Kart 64, expanded on the kart racing genre. It introduced adventure elements and different vehicle types, elevating the racing experience. With Diddy Kong Racing’s history, including a DS remake, it stands as a strong contender for a potential Switch Online re-release.
Jet Force Gemini
Jet Force Gemini, an underrated Rareware title, combined cute design with intense third-person shooting action. Players joined Juno, Vela, and their trusty companion Lupus on a quest to defeat an insectoid overlord. While the game had its flaws, it offered deep and satisfying gameplay. Its inclusion in the service in December demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to bringing back Rare’s classics.
Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64, with its abundance of collectibles and expansive worlds, was both praised and criticized for its more is more approach. However, this game, featuring beloved Nintendo characters, stands as a prime candidate for a Switch Online re-release, especially since it made its way to the Wii U Virtual Console.
Perfect Dark
Perfect Dark, a remarkable follow-up to GoldenEye 007, pushed the boundaries of the N64 hardware. With its ambitious sci-fi narrative and gameplay, it remains a beloved title. However, the fact that Rare published this game might make its inclusion on Switch less likely.
Mickey’s Speedway USA
Mickey’s Speedway USA, a licensed racing game by Rare, showcased the studio’s technical prowess. While it lacked the variety of Diddy Kong Racing or the charm of Mario Kart 64, it still shone in terms of technical capabilities. However, its chances of coming to the Switch seem slim.
Banjo-Tooie
Banjo-Tooie followed the sequel philosophy of more is more. It expanded on the original Banjo-Kazooie with larger worlds, minigames, and an expanded moveset. With the original already available on the Switch, it would be a welcome addition, perhaps with improvements to address frame rate issues.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Conker’s Bad Fur Day, known for its mature content and humor, stood out from other platformers. Its content was so adult-oriented that even the Xbox remake bleeped out most of the profanity. Given its mature themes, it’s unlikely that Conker will make its way to the Switch, but the thought of the Great Mighty Poo returning to a Nintendo console is intriguing.
The verdict: what’s next?
While some Rare classics are more likely than others to join the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, it’s clear that the gaming community has a strong desire to revisit these cherished titles. Nintendo’s collaboration with Microsoft has opened doors for fans to relive the magic of Rare’s N64 era. As we eagerly await further announcements, it’s safe to say that the love for these classics remains as strong as ever.
The addition of Jet Force Gemini to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack has rekindled excitement for Rare’s N64 classics. While some titles may have lower chances of making it to the service, the gaming community continues to hope for the return of these beloved gems. With Nintendo and Microsoft’s evolving partnership, the possibilities for the future of Rare’s classics on Nintendo platforms are brighter than ever.
