Banjo-Kazooie

This game was stunning at the time graphics wise, however it's best know as that 'other N64 platform game'. It sadly didn't get deserved recognition like Super Mario 64 and the more recognisable Donkey Kong 64, which was released the following year.

It's almost an interactive cartoon, you play the friendly redneck bear Banjo AND his irritating/irritated partner Kazooie (who is a 'Red Crested Breegull'). They behave like one character control-wise. You are on a quest to rescue Banjo's little sister Tootie from the clutches of the witch Gruntilda. The plot is nothing special but there is plenty of humour, aimed at children but amusing nonetheless.

The greatness of this game is not in the story but more in the varied cleverly designed worlds, the perfectly set controls, the ingenious moves (which are not complicated to anyone who knows how to use an N64 control pad), and the funny characters. I still remember it for it's brilliantly implemented context-sensitive music system, the best use of music I have still ever seen.

This game is a joy to play from start to finish, the only downside is the rather tedious note collecting, which busy gamers would struggle to persist with (although I had an almost infinite amount of spare time at the age of 15 and was happy to do it). Overall, a classic.

8/10 (9/10 for 15-year-olds with a lot of spare time on their hands)

This game has to be one of my favorites. I was instantly hooked to the strangely-entertaining story, goofy characters, assortment of levels, music, graphics and control (which are surprisingly good for N64), and difficulty. Everything from Gobi's Valley to Freezeezy Peak (sp?), from Mad Monster Mansion to Click Clock Wood, from Treasure Trove Cove to Grunty's Furnace Fun. I guarantee at least one of the tunes to get stuck in your head for good, especially Gruntilda's Lair. It may look just like your average kid's game, but it is actually quite hard to beat, since you must collect about 99.9% of all items, which is no small task. If you are bored and have a loony sense of humor, check this game out and its sequel, Banjo-Tooie. Rare Ware makes great games.

Banjo-Kazooie was without a doubt one of THE best N64 games ever to be created, but sadly Nintendo's not making anymore Banjo games>:(. It's really a shame too because this was a fun game. Anyways the levels were fun to explore (Especially Freezy Peak or whatever it's called). The moves were creative and original and the animation, hoo boy. The animation in this game was a MAJOR improvement over some of the N64 games' animation. If they still sell Nintendo 64 games where you live and you have an N64, then make sure there's a copy of Banjo-Kazooie that's being sold because like they say: Chances like this don't come around often(Especially not anymore).

Overall a really great and addicting game that Nintendo should re-release on the Gamecube.

Banjo-Kazooie is one of the most different video games on the N64! The characters, the jumping, the power-ups, and the sure thrill of adventure makes this entire series a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!

Graphics: The graphics are wonderful. The backgrounds are really beautiful!

Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!

Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!

Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!

Overall: I have always loved Banjo-Kazooie! If you like excellent adventure games then I strongly recommend you play this game!

To purchase this video game check out Amazon.com!

Rare was once a promising video game developer, particularly during their days with Nintendo. Their first big seller game was Diddy Kong Racing where the characters Banjo and Kazooie made their debut.

Following the release of that racing game, Banjo and Kazooie became star characters in their own right when they appeared in the game Banjo-Kazooie. Lucky for them, that game too was a big seller. Banjo-Kazooie would have sequel in Banjo-Tooie, and that one made even a bigger sale.

After getting booted by Nintendo years later, Rare saw new life after teaming with Microsoft. Banjo and Kazooie then appeared in a new game called Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. Although it did not sell as many copies as the two previous games, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts was able to achieve platinum hit status, a title achieve by Xbox or Xbox 360 games that sold 400,000+ copies within 9 months of release.

Because of showing such marketability, Banjo and Kazooie are absolutely Rare's true cash cows. Conker the Squirrel could have been a cash cow too but Rare destroyed that character.