Leaked documents have confirmed that Microsoft was offered Rime, the beautiful looking PlayStation 4 exclusive, as an Xbox exclusive. Rather than seizing on the opportunity and calling dibs on the gorgeous looking title, Microsoft passed on it.
The pitch for the game (then called Echoes of Siren) described the game as “Gauntlet meets Minecraft meets Jason and the Argonauts,” which sounds about right from everything that we do know about the game.
The trailer for the game debuted at Gamescom last year, and was in fact one of the highlights of the presentation. The game’s beautiful artstyle, which seems to channel The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, immediately stood out, and many comparisons were made to Ico as well.
When the leaks came to light, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer was asked why he decided to pass on Rime.
“Part of job is living with mistakes,” he said. “Passed on Guitar Hero… I can list many misses regretfully. I try to focus on what we did ship.
“We’ll miss some, nature of the beast, its why I don’t hate when games ship elsewhere. Cool to see team’s idea turn in2(sic) great game.”
Well, Microsoft’s loss was definitely Sony’s gain in this case.