Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

With gameplay that strays from its platforming roots, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts is sure to drive hardcore fans of the franchise nuts. But don't get too uptight about the new vehicle-based focus-I found it to be absolutely charming. It works beautifully and really fits in nicely with the vibrant world of Banjo-Kazooie.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Straying away from their platforming roots, Banjo and Kazooie branch out into the wild world of vehicular hilarity in this deep and satisfying effort from Rare.

Nuts & Bolts picks up ten years after the events of Banjo-Tooie and we find that Banjo and Kazooie have really let themselves go. A mysterious figure known as the Lord of Games (LOG for short) sets our heroes on an adventure in the hopes of working them back into shape. Banjo and Kazooie are transported to Showdown Town, an open-world hub that links them to several Game Worlds where the dynamic duo can prove that they're still hero material.

The best thing about Nuts & Bolts is that it never takes itself seriously, constantly seizing every opportunity to poke fun at itself as well as past Rare titles. There is a hilarious script that really augments the gameplay. The graphics are also gorgeous and vibrant and the level design is varied and interesting.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

The game's new vehicle-based emphasis will probably turn off some long-time fans but I really enjoyed the game's premise. There's an incredibly deep garage tool where you can literally build vehicles of all shapes and sizes from the ground up-if you can imagine it, odds are you can build it and the feeling you get when you complete a difficult challenge with a custom-built rig that you hand built is simply unmatched.

One of the downsides, though, is that some of the challenges get a little repetitive. You can only race and collect on-track items for so long before it gets a little tired. But Rare constantly throws unique obstacles and quirky challenges your way, which definitely keeps you from getting too jaded.

Nuts & Bolts isn't for everyone and some hardcore platforming fans will no doubt pine for a return to the series roots but I found enough charm and innovation in the vehicle based gameplay, cleverly written script and deep customization options to keep me playing long into the night.

PROS: Gorgeous visuals; cleverly written story; deep vehicle customization options.
CONS: Slightly repetitive gameplay; lackluster multiplayer; a departure from franchise roots.
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

Comments [19]

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diablo2lod

preordered mine at gamestop a few days ago... ill be picking it up tomorrow if all goes to plan...

gmayronne

....i liked Banjo Kazooie on N64....but that was YEARS ago....my taste in games has since changed enough to warrant this a "NO GO". it is kinda weird though, i DONT want this but i DO want Little Big Planet.....but then again, its the creativity involved in LBP that has me intrigued.

richard_m_morales

I was thinking of picking this up too. Mostly want the Banjo Kazooie from XBL Arcade though.

Train_of_Thought

how the hell is a "Departure" a con? Final Fantasy XII was a departure with its battle system yet you give it a perfect score. bastards. and FFXII is like the least favorite among FF fans.

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