Banjo-Pilot

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Jan 12, 2005
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. GameZone
    82
    One of those games that isn't big on originality but it excels in what it set out to do: bring us a racing game that's truly addictive in every sense.
  2. GBA Central
    80
    Easily one of the best racers to have been released during the Game Boy Advance's life. It races well, it's fun while it lasts, and it's pretty to boot.
  3. IGN
    80
    The final product definitely plays it safe, but at least Banjo Pilot offers a lot of challenge in its design.
  5. Worth Playing
    80
    When it comes to multiplayer matches, this one will be the reigning king in my Gameboy for a long time to come, though I admittedly won't be popping it into my link port-less NDS again.
  6. NintendoWorldReport
    75
    Banjo Pilot's biggest problem is the simplicity of its design. It feels like you are flying the same tracks over and over (and often you are, though in reverse), and there is no feeling of connection to the physics because it doesn't really matter what kind of level you're racing on.
  7. My Gamer
    74
    If there was more variety in the boss battles, a solid transparency effect on the characters, and a single pak link mode, then "Mario Kart" could have faced a run for its money.
  8. GameSpot
    72
    Despite the game's utter lack of originality, Banjo Pilot can often be good old-fashioned simplistic fun in the vein of some of the great kart racing classics like "Super Mario Kart" for the SNES.
  9. Nintendo Power
    72
    Despite your better efforts, the outcome seems to be based more on luck than skill. [March 2005, p.107]
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  10. AceGamez
    70
    More originality would have been greatly appreciated, as this formula is growing tired, but for what it is, Rare has done a great job and this is a solid addition to any GBA player's collection of cart racing games.
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  11. Game Informer
    70
    A graphical masterpiece, especially considering the limitations of the hardware. [Jan 2005, p.148]
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  12. Pocket Games
    70
    It does get a bit repetitive as the game goes on. [Spring 2005, p.70]
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  13. Nintendophiles
    67
    Feels too much like the average cart racer. And the fact that you take hold of a plane rather then a cart is entertaining, but still doesn't feel any different, and has just as many boundries (and some odd ones at that).
  14. Gaming Target
    66
    Despite being more colorful, being able to dogfight, and being Banjo-ified, Banjo Pilot bears nothing new.
  15. Deeko
    65
    The AI lacks any real challenge and the track layouts are somewhat poorly thought out. Overall, the game is entertaining, but the longevity and competition just aren't enough to keep you on your toes for an extended period of time.
  16. Eurogamer
    60
    Overall not a bad attempt to move the Mario Kart formula into the skies by any means, but one that's initially far too easy, then bizarrely too tough, and chock full of fairly irritating and unavoidable shoot-'em up-boss encounters that simply take you away from what you'd rather be doing.
  17. AltGaming
    60
    To deliver the final shot to the head as far as items are concerned, they very rarely actually have any strategic value in a race. You're perfectly capable of regaining your previous position in the race within a few seconds should you be hit with, say, a multicoloured spinning disc. Imaginative, huh?
  18. GameSpy
    60
    When the far superior "Mario Kart Super Circuit" and the mildly obscure but also awesome "Konami Krazy Racers" already exist on GBA, there's no reason to get this.
  19. G4 TV
    60
    The AI of your opponents seems to be geared for younger gamers, although not to the point where the game feels absurdly easy.
  20. GamerFeed
    60
    Unfortunately, due to the difficult controls, it's not a game you can pick up and play without some level of practice.
  21. Play Magazine
    50
    Looks good and handles well, but when it comes to the union of cart racing and flying, the game just doesn't gel. [March 2005, p.66]
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  22. Detroit Free Press
    50
    Works just fine, but it's all familiar. Why didn't someone think to let the chicken jump angrily onto someone's head after a race ends? Now that would have been something different.
  23. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Banjo Pilot smacks of contractual obligation as in "We Had No Choice But To Finish This Game and Release It...That's Why Perfect Dark Zero, Conker and Kameo Are Late....Sorry."
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
20
#20 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
20
#20 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. SonicEnthusiast
    May 1, 2022
    6
    Out of the three racing games banjo has been in, this is the only one he owns himself and it also happens to be the weakest one too. But banjoOut of the three racing games banjo has been in, this is the only one he owns himself and it also happens to be the weakest one too. But banjo pilot is fun and thats all it is. Pure simple fun to enjoy, banjo fan or not. I mildly recommend it.… Full Review »
  2. MrNerdyNerd
    Oct 18, 2019
    6
    Banjo-Pilot isn't a creative game, I will tell you that.
    This game came out in 2004 back when racing games were gaining more attention and a    Banjo-Pilot isn't a creative game, I will tell you that.
    This game came out in 2004 back when racing games were gaining more attention and a lot of companies and publishers would copy that formula.
    However, this game succeeds that formula and makes a game with tons of fun!
    But not everything is good about it,
    It only has nine characters and four are playable, you need to earn the rest of the secret characters.
    That's negative point that I wish they would've avoided.
    Beside that, I think it's a fun game about Banjo Kazooie.    … Full Review »
  3. Amora
    Aug 28, 2018
    7
    For a GBA kart game or plane game, this is a pretty good game. Not really as fun as Mario Kart and doesn't have the same charm as Mario Kart,For a GBA kart game or plane game, this is a pretty good game. Not really as fun as Mario Kart and doesn't have the same charm as Mario Kart, but its a fun game but I wouldn't really recommend it only if you REALLY enjoy the Banjo Kazooie games… Full Review »
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