Would RARE still be as relevant as it was in the N64 days if MS hadn´t bought them?

[osed125]

IIRC Nintendo and Rare had some problems, thus the main the reason MS bought the company, but don't quote me on this. There's been numerous interviews with ex-Rare employees saying they regret going to MS and I believe some of the members are working on Retro's studio. 

But to answer the question I do believe Rare would have step down a little in quality, but not as much as it has been with MS...