Rare’s debut on Xbox

On September 24, 2002, Microsoft confirmed rumors that had been flying around for months. Microsoft had bought itself exclusive development from Rare by buying out Nintendo’s stake in the UK developer.

Rare had made quite a name for itself with the awesome Goldeneye N64 game, as well as numerous games based on Nintendo characters. While it was a given that the Xbox would not get to see any Nintendo character-based games, Microsoft was left with Rare’s self-made properties. We’re all waiting for a new Perfect Dark or Conker game, and we’re curious of just how Rare would announce itself on Microsoft’s big, black box.

Grabbed by the what?!

Rare’s first Xbox game is finally upon us: Grabbed by the Ghoulies – a simplistic beat ‘em up. Those expecting Rare to come in with a bang may be a little disappointed. Make no mistake, Rare’s Xbox debut is far from a face plant; but it’s hard not to have lofty expectations after Microsoft coughed up $375 million for this exclusive developer.

Purposefully released just in time for Halloween, Grabbed by the Ghoulies is a storybook (literally) tale of Cooper’s romp through a haunted mansion to save his girlfriend. Immediately apparent is the innovative presentation: the game opens up with a book filled with animated comic book panels. Think of it as CGI video, but instead of cuts to different camera angles, the camera just pans to another panel in the comic book. Essentially, it’s like seeing a comic book come to life.