Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Sep 10, 2003
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 36
  3. Negative: 3 out of 36
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  1. MooseOntheloose
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    BRILLIANT! Has the feel of the N64 games, some of the best graphics on the GBA, and heaps of gameplay.
  2. JhonnyV.
    Dec 13, 2003
    8
    It's a pretty good game..It has some flaws that i spotted but most of all it good.
  3. TheQuietGamer
    Sep 5, 2017
    9
    Rare does an incredible job at bringing the Banjo-Kazooie experience to the GBA. The gameplay style has been changed from a 3D platformer into that of an isometric one, but all of the series' staples are in place. You'll hunt down "jiggies" and notes in order to get further in the game and purchase new moves. There are quite a few areas to explore and the amount of variety in theRare does an incredible job at bringing the Banjo-Kazooie experience to the GBA. The gameplay style has been changed from a 3D platformer into that of an isometric one, but all of the series' staples are in place. You'll hunt down "jiggies" and notes in order to get further in the game and purchase new moves. There are quite a few areas to explore and the amount of variety in the side-activities is quite impressive for a GBA game. Every now and then you'll encounter character's who will let you play little mini-games for your jiggy. It's a nice way to shake things up from the standard platforming challenges and puzzle solving.

    What's most remarkable though is just how well the feeling of the console games has been captured here. Alongside seeing familiar faces, you'll be doing a lot of similar things. The collect-a-thon elements are perfectly recreated. The moves new and old feel great to use and it's always nice to gain access to a new one and have more areas open up to you in previously discovered locations. The boss battles are excellent, even if there are really only three, and the level and challenge design is top-notch all around. There's also an excellent soundtrack and some of the GBA's best graphics.

    There are one or two issues that just barely manage to keep the game from achieving masterpiece status though. The first is that the top-down view of the action can occasionally make it hard to tell just what you can and cannot reach. This also leads to some rare occasions where judging the distance between your jumps can be a problem as well. I also did not enjoy the timed challenges in the game. Having to beat the clock is something I never find enjoyable. Luckily these complaints are made very small due to the fact that their occurrences are so very rare over the course of the game. In fact the biggest complaint I think people are going to have with the game is just how short it is. However, even that is lessened by just how perfect it's length is for a GBA game.

    This simply is Banjo-Kazooie on the GBA. The change in perspective doesn't rob the game of any of the series charm. Rare pulled out all the stops to create an excellent game and a wonderful continuation of one their most beloved series on a handheld system with a different gameplay style. If you love Banjo-Kazooie or just fantastic platformers in general, Grunty's Revenge is the game for you.

    9.8/10    … Expand
  4. RossM.
    Sep 20, 2003
    10
    This is a real good game and its worth buying or miss out.
  5. TomG.
    Oct 7, 2003
    10
    Plays almost exactly like the N64 versions except in an isometric view(like Spyro). The graphics and gameplay are phenomenol....definitely a platformer you're going to want to add to your collection.
  6. SomeOne
    Nov 27, 2003
    10
    I've been a lover of he Banjo_kazooie series ever since the N64. IM so happy that came out with such a unique and fun game. You will be drawn to complete 100%of the game and get everything.
  7. AlexB.
    Nov 28, 2003
    10
    Banjo Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge has lived up to high expectations. It provides endless challenges and the graphics are superb. After reading the review Edge Magazine's review of the game I think they are completely wrong and are f***** bums. Anyway the new game provides a great load of fun for hours. WARNING BANJO KAZOOIE:GRUNTY'S REVENGE IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!
  8. Ollybolly
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    This game rocks! It has exactly the same graphics as the ones on Ninteno 64! ROCK ON!
  9. BryanS.
    Oct 11, 2006
    8
    This game has great controls, great graphics, and fun gameplay. The only problem is it's too short, completable in only a couple of hours.
  10. BlogDog123
    Jul 5, 2011
    9
    Banjo-Kazooie keeps its charms after a long absence with Grunty's Revenge. The soundtrack, the graphics (among the best found on GBA), and the challenge is as ripe as an apple.
  11. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    9/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  12. GamecubeLover
    Jul 2, 2016
    9
    Well not that good as the 2 games before but this game has good controls as well as graphics. The plot is not to important. I like the bosses and the camera angle. Anyways if you loved the Nintendo 64's 2 great games this one will not disappoint.
  13. MrTacoBob
    Oct 16, 2017
    9
    I was a bit skeptical of this game. A 3D platformer turned into a GBA game which isn't 3D? Sounds odd. But, I played it and it was amazing! Sure the story is bad and the gameplay has some tiny flaws. But, the overall game, music, controls, and graphics are ranging from good to amazing! I don't recommend it but it's still a great game.
  14. Amora
    Aug 28, 2018
    9
    Not as good as the two N64 installments, but a pretty solid game that keeps the player entertained. And, if you're the person who is confused if you should get this game, I would but just a reminder it's a good game but not as great as the previous games, like I said
  15. Pakon
    Dec 25, 2018
    8
    A great top-down platformer with solid gameplay and visuals. An amazing hidden gem for the Game Boy Advance.
  16. GameFace98
    Feb 25, 2021
    8
    This game is considersed to be Banjo-Threeie and I agree. This game is like the N64 games, it's fun, more open, more collectables, and full of funny moments like in the previous 2 games. This game is underrated and should be on Xbox Series X and it's amazing Game Pass! Come on Xbox get to it!!
  17. SonicEnthusiast
    May 1, 2022
    8
    The last truly banjo-esque banjo game we got, it feels like tooie but it is in an isometric view point. For anyone who played the first two banjo games and wants more, this is the perfect choice.
  18. MarkusZ
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    Wow I was really impressed! The grafics are nice and you got the feel of the N64 Banjos. It's really fun but sadly little bit short.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
16
#16 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. NTSC-uk
    70
    Like "Wario World" before it, Banjo Kazooie on the GBA burns ever so brightly during the entire game because it has the class and quality about it in design, gameplay and aesthetics. It is just a pity that it burns ever so shortly as a result.
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  2. Eurogamer
    60
    For those few short hours the title doesn't really involve much more than collecting, leaping and basic problem solving. The plot doesn't interfere much, and as such the time travel element that could have been used to good effect is cast aside as just another excuse for all Banjo's hard work.
    Read full review
  3. Gamestyle
    60
    Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge answers the very question that it poses: N64 into GBA doesn't fit.
    Read full review
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