Banjo-Kazooie

 Xbox 360
Banjo-Kazooie Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Xbox Live Arcade] The classic Nintendo platformer stars a big, goofy honey bear named Banjo who wears tight yellow shorts and carries around a raucous, red-crested breegull named Tooie in his backpack. The bear-and-bird duo must use constant teamwork to rescue Banjo's sister from the evil[Xbox Live Arcade] The classic Nintendo platformer stars a big, goofy honey bear named Banjo who wears tight yellow shorts and carries around a raucous, red-crested breegull named Tooie in his backpack. The bear-and-bird duo must use constant teamwork to rescue Banjo's sister from the evil Gruntilda who wants to steal her beauty.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Gamestyle
    90
    On a console starved of the genre, Banjo-Kazooie really stands above all the others and for a ten year old N64 game, that’s some achievement.
  2. GamingXP
    85
    Banjo Kazooie shows that even the beginnings of 3D-Jump ’n’ Runs have to offer a lot. The different levels still make a lot of fun because of the motivating gameplay.
  3. Gamer 2.0
    83
    With a solid level design, unique transformation mechanic, and plenty of loveable charm, Banjo- Kazooie still holds up well to the stringent of today's gaming market.
  4. Level7.nu
    80
    Even though it's been over ten years since Banjo and Kazooie made their triumphant debut on Nintendo 64 their adventure still holds up very well when released again on Xbox Live. Everything from gameplay to level design is ingenious and this game is still one of the best in it's genre. A few flaws mar the experience though, such as aged presentation and an unwieldy camera, but overall this is a must buy on Xbox Live.
  5. VideoGamer
    80
    1200 MS Points might seem a little steep for a game that originally came out ten years ago, but this is a true classic and a game that stands up very well today. Visually it's certainly showing its age, but the HD spruce up means it's by no means ugly and the core gameplay is just as universally appealing as it ever was.
  6. X-ONE Magazine UK
    80
    If there's one genre the 360 is short of it's platformers, and Banjo is still one of the best within it. [Issue#41, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Eurogamer
    50
    It's still a solid platformer with some neat ideas, but it's undone by a host of camera and control issues. If you popped your gaming cherry playing Banjo as a youngster, prepare for nostalgia tinged by disappointment, as you discover it's not quite the classic you remember.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Haxxes
    Nov 17, 2012
    10
    Back in 1998 when Rare was actually a video game company, they released Banjo - Kazooie, a platformer which could compete against Super MarioBack in 1998 when Rare was actually a video game company, they released Banjo - Kazooie, a platformer which could compete against Super Mario 64 and Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time to be the best game on the system. 10 years later, this masterpiece has been re-released and it is as good as ever.

    In a quest to save your little sister Tootie from the evil which Gruntilda, you take controll of Banjo and his trusty feathered companion Kazooie to stop her. In Gruntildas Lair which serves as a hub world, you will find world gates and a corresponding portrait. In each of the 9 distinct worlds, you will find 10 jigsaw pieces - or just "jiggies" - which are used to fill up a portrait to then unlock the next world. Clever puzzle solving and mad platforming skills has to be used to acquire these jiggies in each world. While the jiggies are the main collectible, this game has so many things to collect to help in your journey.

    While the classic and marvelous soundtrack still sounds great today, the graphics has gotten an improvement. while the game still looks like an N64 game, it has gotten a very nice HD paint job. While it might not impress someone, it still looks very beautiful.

    There is not a whole lot to say anymore. This downloadable game wont break the boundaries like it did 10 years ago, but it still can be considered to be at the top of its class,even among today's standard. The gameplay is spot on, the controlls are perfect, the envoirment is creative and beautiful, a memorable soundtrack and with tons of secrets and collectibles to find makes this game one of the most complete packages of all time. With new additions to the XBLA version being leaderboards and a fully intergrates Stop 'N' Swop function, Banjo-Kazooie will last you a long time and is among the best out there!    … Expand
  2. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    The bear and bird are on the Xbox 360? Well call me Bubsy what could possibly go wrong? Nothing went wrong in this game it's just like the N64The bear and bird are on the Xbox 360? Well call me Bubsy what could possibly go wrong? Nothing went wrong in this game it's just like the N64 version but with better graphics. Not as perfect as the N64 version but it's still a perfect game.… Expand
  4. EvanB.
    Dec 7, 2008
    10
    This is a fantastic download with some of the catchiest music I have ever listened to in a video game! I can play this game all day long andThis is a fantastic download with some of the catchiest music I have ever listened to in a video game! I can play this game all day long and not realize where the day has gone! This is a fantastic platformer download with over 20-30 hours of gameplay! Don't hesitate - DOWNLOAD it!… Expand
  5. DylanR.
    Dec 8, 2008
    9
    Re-experience the fun of running through the nine worlds collecting music notes, saving jingos, and solving interesting puzzles to collect Re-experience the fun of running through the nine worlds collecting music notes, saving jingos, and solving interesting puzzles to collect the jiggies that will leave you one step closer to facing Gruntilda. The music is also a nice touch, it really captures the areas that they play in. Never have I heard anything so absurd, as the adventures of a bear and bird.… Expand
  6. StuartHunt
    Jan 13, 2009
    9
    It's still one of the best platformers made and even feels fresh in some ways today. If you enjoy collecting things and like platformers,It's still one of the best platformers made and even feels fresh in some ways today. If you enjoy collecting things and like platformers, you won't be disappointed - despite what EuroGamer say! It is pricier than it should be (especially when you already own it!) and although the textures look very basic in places on a big HDTV, you do get used to it.… Expand
  7. CriticFrog
    Sep 7, 2011
    8
    Great N64 era game, memorable characters, great locations and a wise cracking bird.
    Only marred by a sometimes silly camera positioning...    Great N64 era game, memorable characters, great locations and a wise cracking bird.
    Only marred by a sometimes silly camera positioning...
    Recommend to All, Great game!    … Expand
  8. Broyax
    Feb 4, 2018
    0
    Je me demandais tandis que je jouais à cette chose sur la Xbox One comment cette chose s'était retrouvée sur la Xbox 360 puis la Xbox One.Je me demandais tandis que je jouais à cette chose sur la Xbox One comment cette chose s'était retrouvée sur la Xbox 360 puis la Xbox One. Evidemment, je me rappelai que Microsoft avait racheté Rare mais tout de même... Un tel jeu aussi mongolito destinés aux tétratrizomiques 84 ne pouvait aller que une une console Nintendaube, me disais-je.

    Et en effet, il s'agit bien d'un jeu Nintendaube à la base ! tout s'éclaire et tout s'explique : c'est bel et bien un clone d'un Mariol avec des trucs qui brillent à ramasser partout, des graphismes (?) 16 couleurs infantiles, le tutoiement dans les menus, les polices énormes et surtout, bien entendu, la musique Bontempi et les bruitages mongoliens qui vont pas bien.

    En plus d'être gogol à pisser de la grenadine par les oreilles, le jeu n'est que maniabilité déficiente, plate-forme d'attardés et caméra qui fait de la merde. Véritablement une pure abomination !    … Expand

See all 24 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
49
#49 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
25
#25 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008