I think your question in the title and the OP are different.
Today looking at modern Rare and modern Retro. I'd have to choose Retro hands down. They have proven themselves capable of taking on some of Nintendo's biggest IP's in a AAA fashion. While at the same time Rare has failed to churn out a successful game in almost a decade. Retor beats Rare hands down.
However if your comparing past Rare to present Retro, then I think Rare would win. Rare created new IP's something Retro has yet to do. They were able to create Banjo, BattleToads, Conker....etc....etc... They also did an amazing job with the DKC series, while DKC:R is great I still think the origional Donkey Kong Country games were more enjoyable.
Now it might be nostalga influencing my decision, but former Rare in my opinion was better then current Retro. But current Rare doesn't come near current Retro! Hope you understand my logic.
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
