Rare has ideas for new Banjo Kazooie and Viva Pinata--using Kinect

Rare's Simon Woodroffe says the studio has ideas of how to integrate Kinect into some of its older franchises like Perfect Dark, Viva Pinata, and Banjo.

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Rare used to be known for its platforming games, like Banjo-Kazooie and Conker. But as of late, all they've been making has been Kinect Sports games. In fact, their next title is Kinect Sports Rivals for Xbox One. But the studio's Simon Woodroffe says it already has some concepts for how to bring back its older franchises--with Kinect, of course.

"Now it's in the box, use it where it make sense, don't where it doesn't," Woodroffe told OXM. "It can be used in some really--not gimmicky ways, which is what I think you'll see a fair amount of--but ways that actually really enhance the game. We've got some ideas for how to use it in the right way."

When the interviewer name-dropped Perfect Dark, Woodroffe replied, "Maybe! We've got an idea for that. It would be controller plus Kinect. We've got ideas for most older Rare IP, you won't be surprised to hear." He then mentioned Viva Pinata, Conker, and said Banjo in particular is "very popular internally."

He pointed out that the studio wants to focus on new experiences, and they feel the new sensor's increased fidelity gives them that freedom. Whether they'll apply that to existing franchises or new ones remains to be seen, but at least we know they have ideas for using Kinect to interact with our very own pet Fudgehog.

Finally, Woodroffe said that once Kinect Sports Rivals is finished, the studio will probably start on multiple new projects. Rivals is a long way from completion, though, having recently been delayed to next spring.

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