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Banjo-Kazooie Review
Tim Clow
00/12/0000
So you think this is some Mario 64 repeat and you don't need to have this game?
Well if you don\'t want to read through this review, then read this: Get this game right now. Rare has set the standard for 3D Action/Adventure and at the same time has demolished the Mario series with a game that is just unbelievable and a tremendous joy to play and experience. For someone who has a N64, then the must have this game. I feel that the gameplay is the best on the N64, even better than Rare\'s Goldeneye 007. So Rare has done it again, and keeps improving. Folks, this is currently the best game on the N64.
So I know what you are thinking: ``Banjo is just a game for kiddies and is way to cutesy for me.\" Well get over it cause you\'ll miss a tremendous videogame experience. I was not flattered by the game because of it\'s childish feel, but once you get over the kiddy tunes and sound effects, you\'ll find a game that shows what Mario 64 should have been. The game is for kids, but will be enjoyed by everyone. So hear\'s the deal...you start out in Banjo\'s room and choose between three different gaming slots, like Mario 64. Just as an additive, Rare has included different scenes when choosing your game slot. For instance, Banjo and Kazooie are playing Gameboy in one slot, and in the other slot Banjo is sleeping. The music changes between each slot also. Very well done.
Graphics: 9
You will notice right from the start and from the cinema scenes that these graphics are fantastic. From the beautiful lens-flaring to the number of detail on everything, Banjo-Kazooie is paced with the best overall graphics on the N64. The worlds are beautiful and striking with rich beautiful polygons and special \"Rare methods\" keeping framerate high and fog low. For instance, on Treasure Trove Cove, when flying, you can see miles out into the distance and the whole course sometimes. You have to see the game to believe it; it\'s just absolutely gorgeous.
Music/Sound Effects: 9.5
The sound and sound effects are what we expect from Rare as they are crisp, clean and amazing for a cartridge. The music is perfect for each level and scene as the musi changes a little throughout the course to suit with the current surroundings or task at hand. Characters don\'t talk but instead make noises to symbolize themselves. On Treasure Trove Cove, a pirate who you talk to lets out burps as the dialog boxes on the bottom tell what he is saying. A great idea and very humorous. Now why did the sound and music get a little lower of a score with all this praise? The sounds and effects are too cutesy..WAY too cutesy. Some I can live with, but others I can\'t. After many hours of playing, I laugh at the effects and they don\'t bother me anymore. When you first stick in the game, you will want to chuck it out your window. Just mute the sound..you\'ll get used to it. The opening in the game has Banjo and his friends playing a little song. The effects and sound are great, but a little too much on the kiddy side. All in all, Banjo\'s sound and effects are great and the best yet on the N64. Though, some gamers may be affended by Rare\'s attempt towards cutesiness rather than matureness. Just deal with it and enjoy the game.
Control: 9.1
Control is just about 100% identical to Mario 64, but instead, they are easier to perform and much more effective. Remember Mario\'s butt-stomp? Now Banjo and Kazooie have their own \"beak-stomp\" which is similar. Also, Banjo and Kazooie jump, fly, roll, hit, do backflips, crouch, swim, dive and much more. The controls are confusing at first, but then mastered thanks to Bottles the mole. Bottles is found throughtout the first couple levels and teaches you moves. Without him, you can\'t get them as they are necessary for moving on in the game. The cameras are controlled with the C buttons are much better than Mario 64\'s. The camera moves precisely to your command and zooms in and out, or goes right behind Banjo. Also, I have found from playing that it is necessary to master the moves to find your way around the game. The control is precise and perfect and that\'s why the game is great.
Replay/Gameplay Value: 9.8
So with all the glamour and graphics, does the game have the gameplay? Absolutely...this is the best gameplay on the N64. With Jiggy Pieces (or puzzle pieces) needing to be found (like Mario 64\'s stars) and many other items hidden throughout the courses very well, the game is extremely addictive for a long time. I won\'t go into vast detail about all the items, but let me tell you they are hard to find sometimes and were excellent ideas for the game. Of course in the game you are trying to defeat the evil witch Gruntilda who has captured Banjo\'s sister and stolen her beauty. (The cinema scenes show this very well and in great detail). Banjo and Kazooie venture through 10 exciting levels with 10 Jiggy pieces per level. The fun never ends and the challenges and objectives are tough. Though, different from Mario 64, in Banjo-Kazooie you find a Jiggy puece and keep on searching the world for more. As you find more and more pieces, these unlock future levels which are found in Gruntilda\'s Lair (like the castle in Mario 64). The gameplay rocks...that\'s any easy way to say it.
Overall: 9.4
Rare has exceeded our expectations again with this masterpiece that is the deal of the century at only $49.99 at most places. With great Rumble Pak capability and EEPROM saving (no controller pak), Rare has just added to the games flavor. I have not even ventured into some of the games areas simply to save the incredible experience for your gaming. It\'s quite simple, if you have a N64, then you need Banjo-Kazooie. It\'s hard to say how impressed we\'ll be with future Marios after this one. For now Banjo has the nod with detailed, 3D graphics, crisp sound, beautfiul control and the best gameplay seen on the N64. Excellent job Rare and Nintendo
