Banjo-Kazooie

 Nintendo 64
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 627 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 587 out of 627
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 627
  3. Negative: 20 out of 627
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  1. Amora
    Apr 1, 2018
    10
    It's an incredibly amazing game with charming characters, amazing levels, and much to do! While, it's not the best game out there, it's probably in my opinion the best N64 game you can get! If you're the type of person who wishes Mario 64 was a bit more better, than this game is your type of game! Highly recommended.
  2. AKthaBeast
    Mar 22, 2018
    9
    Honestly I never finished this **** game cause of how much **** there is to do in it. While similar because it's a platform, the game is entirely different than Super Mario 64.
  3. Something123
    May 3, 2018
    10
    It is very simple, has a kid friendly story, and can be remembred even in 30XX.
  4. BrettSiebenhaar
    Jun 1, 2018
    9
    I did love everything about this game. I did compare it to Mario 64 a lot, which Mario 64 is still a better game in my opinion. In Banjo, I felt like I got lost a bit, but the game was still fun. It looked great and I still like it today. I played it a few years ago on Xbox when it was released, before the Rare Replay that came out. Still had fun with it.
  5. mr123
    May 21, 2018
    9
    The thing Is I like this game but not as much as mario 64. But this game is still great. the graphics look outstanding for the time and really makes you think outside of the box when you look for things. Yes this game is a collect-a-thon but it is not as tedious as dk64. Because you play as one guy but it is still fun. The game has nine levels with different themes which makes them feelThe thing Is I like this game but not as much as mario 64. But this game is still great. the graphics look outstanding for the time and really makes you think outside of the box when you look for things. Yes this game is a collect-a-thon but it is not as tedious as dk64. Because you play as one guy but it is still fun. The game has nine levels with different themes which makes them feel different and makes you think "Oh I wonder what the next level will be." And the moveset is spot on getting more complex as the game goes on. But the best part is anyone can play this game today I know this because I have no nostalgia for this game. But the only thing I hate about this game is that it is too simple. I mean if you are good your adventure will only be 7 hours. And rusty bucket bay SUCKS. But with that in mind Banjo Kazooie is still fun and you should give it a go. I give this game a 9/10… Expand
  6. TheTrexDude
    Jun 1, 2018
    9
    This Is a AWESOME AND GREAT GAME,with a nice soundtrack,Simple Story and characters and,most of all THAT IT WAS MADE BY RAREWARE.But the camera IS JUST SO BAD AND REALLY STINKS,but i give a pass for the camera.still A VERY COOL AND FUN GAME ON THE N64 :D
  7. Leontorres7
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    A Masterpiece, loved everything about this game, it is definitely a must play!
  8. greninjaX
    Jan 24, 2022
    9
    when i was younger, I had played banjo kazooie before at a friends house and at McDonalds, but i never actually finished it till now.
    i hate clankers cavern, i hate rusty bucket bay, i hate the final boss and how the projectiles seem to always hit you no matter what. but the rest of the game? i love it. while the platforming may not be as good as mario 64, banjo makes up with it with boat    when i was younger, I had played banjo kazooie before at a friends house and at McDonalds, but i never actually finished it till now.
    i hate clankers cavern, i hate rusty bucket bay, i hate the final boss and how the projectiles seem to always hit you no matter what. but the rest of the game? i love it. while the platforming may not be as good as mario 64, banjo makes up with it with boat loads of charm and personality, and some truly amazing levels and set pieces. absolute masterpiece. it's a shame this franchise was taken away from nintendo and turned into a car building game, because banjo fits right in with the nintendo cast of characters. it's great to see his game on a nintendo console again after all this time, it's where he truly belongs.    … Expand
  9. sebastianali
    Jul 29, 2019
    7
    El juego esta muy bien! Es muy divertido! O lo seria, si no fuera por la p... cámara que tienen todos los juegos en 3d de N64, los controles y la curva de dificultad. Además, el juego no va anotándote los movimientos que vas consiguiendo a lo largo de la aventura, asi que tenes que acordártelos de memoria! Que vergüenza!!!
    Seria muy bueno... si no fuera por esas mierdas.
  10. DJKrimson
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest games from my childhood that I personally think still holds up in 2020. Excellent controls, fun & creative levels and awesome music.
  11. Onioncreature
    Jan 25, 2022
    9
    Banjo-Kazooie is an incredible Nintendo 64 platformer in the style of Mario 64, but with it's own distinct identity. The characters and humor are very appealing, and surprisingly crass at times. The visuals are dated certainly, but the polygonal look is utilized well with some great art direction, and has aged surprisingly well in many areas. The levels are for the most part well sizedBanjo-Kazooie is an incredible Nintendo 64 platformer in the style of Mario 64, but with it's own distinct identity. The characters and humor are very appealing, and surprisingly crass at times. The visuals are dated certainly, but the polygonal look is utilized well with some great art direction, and has aged surprisingly well in many areas. The levels are for the most part well sized and structured with there being a good density of collectibles in each, they very rarely felt overly large or padded. The music and sound works is also high quality, though the repetitive voice clips will certainly be grating to some people. I think my biggest issue was the with the final boss, which I found to be slightly too finnicky, as well as a few control issues which made the experience less smooth. I'm delighted to have been able to finally experience this classic, it's deserving of all the accolades it's received and stands apart as one of the finest games on the Nintendo 64.… Expand
  12. RwolfBonerush
    May 28, 2020
    10
    This game is pure childlike wonder, between the characters, the music, and the amazing level design, this is one platform game you can’t miss.
  13. DarCbrGr
    Jun 26, 2021
    9
    One of the best games the Nintendo 64 has to offer and one of the best games Rare ever put out.
  14. Sam_9786
    Sep 19, 2019
    10
    Pure perfection, you must play this game before you die. It is very g made.
  15. edxtan
    Jun 19, 2023
    5
    Using Banjo-Kazooie's wide array of mechanics to explore new worlds is fun, but collecting the notes every time you die is tiresome.
  16. Oboeteiru0
    Mar 14, 2022
    10
    Although wasn't as shocking and relevant as Mario 64, is better in all aspects. Graphics, music, gameplay, length. I think is the ultimate 3D platform game. Nothing has been made better after this in platformers, ever.
  17. GamerrrDude
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Super amazing game l with such lovable characters! Can get slightly frustrating from time to time but it is so satisfying to overcome a difficult task to collect the next Jiggy. Guh-huh!
  18. Nanelle
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    I've played through this game at least eight times, if not far more. It has a huge amount of variety, from swamps to mountains to the four seasons. The humor is always on point and at no point does it feel as though the creators were ever close to running out of creativity. It is a highly replayable game filled with memorable characters charming locations, and music that brings joy and aI've played through this game at least eight times, if not far more. It has a huge amount of variety, from swamps to mountains to the four seasons. The humor is always on point and at no point does it feel as though the creators were ever close to running out of creativity. It is a highly replayable game filled with memorable characters charming locations, and music that brings joy and a childlike simplicity to everything it touches. Even twenty three years after release it is still a masterpiece. One of the greatest games ever to be released.… Expand
  19. TheTruthfulOne
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    If you want to play one of the best games the N64 has to offer, there's no lie that the charming and whimsical adventures of a bear and bird will make feel like a kid again. You'll meet some whacky characters and go face to face with unique boss fights.

    That and so much more is why this game is one of my favourite 3D platformers of all time.
  20. DJgummy
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    This is the greatest game of all time. There simply is not another game that engages the player with its world as well as Banjo-Kazooie. The meat of the game is entering the nine main levels and collecting items. To start, the game expertly encourages the player to explore freely while collecting things. A limitation of the N64 that actually makes this version far better than the XboxThis is the greatest game of all time. There simply is not another game that engages the player with its world as well as Banjo-Kazooie. The meat of the game is entering the nine main levels and collecting items. To start, the game expertly encourages the player to explore freely while collecting things. A limitation of the N64 that actually makes this version far better than the Xbox 360 port is that you can only see the collectables if you are relatively near them. This forces the player to enter the various areas of the level to see if there are collectibles (particularly “notes”), rather than just seeing the notes from afar. This goes to further engage the player with parts of the level that are farther away from Banjo. Once the player has explored freely, collecting things and completing challenges along the way, he or she must use their gained knowledge of the level to figure out where he or she might have missed something, surveying the landscape and always knowing where he or she is within the level. This is necessary because the game requires the player to collect the vast majority of the collectibles in order to complete the game. Each of the levels lie within an overworld, which is unfortunately broken up by many loading zones due to hardware limitations. This along with clunky swimming controls and an unbalanced set of attacks are the only flaws in a game that works incredibly well where it really counts. The graphics have aged wonderfully, the music is great, and the characters are brimming with personality. This is a game I think everyone on this planet should play.… Expand
  21. BullyDestroyer
    May 26, 2020
    9
    Everything about this game screams fun. From the art style, music, and level design. It's all amazing. Speaking of the levels, they're some of the best in gaming. Treasure Trove Cove and Clock Wood are easily the best levels here. Not to say the others aren't good, but just these ones are awesome. Click Clock Wood is a great level, for you can go into the level in 4 different seasons.Everything about this game screams fun. From the art style, music, and level design. It's all amazing. Speaking of the levels, they're some of the best in gaming. Treasure Trove Cove and Clock Wood are easily the best levels here. Not to say the others aren't good, but just these ones are awesome. Click Clock Wood is a great level, for you can go into the level in 4 different seasons. Each time you go into a different season there are different things to do. As you go around the levels you try to find jigsaw pieces to activate pictures to go to different levels. There's red feathers which you use to fly. Blue eggs to shoot enemies. Golden feathers to get temporary invincibility. And different colored jinjos to save too get a jiggy. There's also Mumbo's hut that allows you to transform. You have to pick up his skills and spend them on transformations, so you can get to special parts of the level. The final boss (Gruntilda) is amazing. That's all that needs to be said. But I'll explain. It's extremely challenging the first time, and when you finally beat it... It's just amazing. She has around 4 stages, with no checkpoints. One phase is when she dives at you with a broom, another shooting fireballs at you and you try to shoot eggs. The final two are you trying to activate statues as she shoots loads of fireballs. Once you finish it's awesome. Easily one of the best games ever crafted. I think it gives Mario 64 a run for its money.… Expand
  22. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    10
    Along with mario 64 my favorite adventure / platforms. Unforgettable soundtrack, endless movements in the playable section and most importantly, fun to rage. 10/10.
  23. TheBeast11
    Jun 15, 2020
    10
    Banjo-Kazooie is phenomenal, an apex for the 3D platform genre. The graphics are impeccable, the soundtrack is absurd, with animal sounds in the songs, which brings incredible immersion, very good gameplay, and diverse levels, which does not make the game repetitive, but exciting to play. For these reasons, Banjo-Kazooie, for me, becomes one of the best games of all time.
  24. PoptartKing
    Dec 21, 2021
    9
    Banjo-Kazooie is one of the most colorful, vibrant, enjoyable games I've ever played. Each level is so much fun to explore, and the puzzles are extremely satisfying to complete. But the music and sound design is what puts this platformer above the rest. Every song is so addictive that you'll be listening to it on repeat, and the sounds are incredibly unique and give the game so much of itsBanjo-Kazooie is one of the most colorful, vibrant, enjoyable games I've ever played. Each level is so much fun to explore, and the puzzles are extremely satisfying to complete. But the music and sound design is what puts this platformer above the rest. Every song is so addictive that you'll be listening to it on repeat, and the sounds are incredibly unique and give the game so much of its tongue in cheek personality. Really, the only negatives to find in the game is that the controls and graphics of the N64 hardware have not aged that well. However, this is only a minor complaint and if you have a N64, this is a must buy for the console!… Expand
  25. PaxtonKrahn
    Jul 13, 2020
    10
    A true masterpiece it has some good humor good control and loveable charecters
  26. Yaboihasataco
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    This game was so fun. The music, platforming, and story all give of the happy bubbly N64 platformer. Just a fun experience that is unforgettable.
  27. Okevin212
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    Really fun and they crack alot of jokes I mean alot. I have finished it a few times. It's always hinting to movies or something very fun.
  28. Klorel92
    Jun 14, 2022
    10
    One of the best games ever made. Beatiful soundtrack, great level design, charming characters, its just a blast. This is a must play!
  29. valenelpro64
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    Best game on Nintendo 64 with Super mario 64, i played it in rare replay and its AWESOME,the characters,the gameplay, everything, I love this game a lot, I played 20 hours and i loved every second of the game (except Rusty Bucket Bay and 90% of the last battle), one of the best games of all time.
  30. Xrayplayer
    Jun 12, 2022
    9
    Banjo kazooie is without a doubt one of the best 3D platformers of all times it perfected the collectethon sup-genre, the graphics and animations are amazing and the art style is very good, the characters are so charming and the worlds are memorable and full of details and things to see and do with some good platforming and fun and varied movesets and creative objectives and everything inBanjo kazooie is without a doubt one of the best 3D platformers of all times it perfected the collectethon sup-genre, the graphics and animations are amazing and the art style is very good, the characters are so charming and the worlds are memorable and full of details and things to see and do with some good platforming and fun and varied movesets and creative objectives and everything in every aspect of the worlds have a purpose and all of the collectables are rewarding to get, and the soundtrack is outstanding.

    The only issues I had with the game are the swimming controls and the aiming controls those can be a bit clunky sometimes but I got used to them eventually, also the musical notes respond if you die and you have to collect them again that can be tedious but this problem can be simply avoided if you got good at the game.

    Overall it's a great experience.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best N64 Game of 1998
2
#2 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1998
2
#2 Most Shared N64 Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Nintendorks
    90
    Unfortunately, the sound is pretty much a mix of "Mario 64" and "Diddy Kong Racing" leftovers. A grunt here, a guffaw there, it's all been done to death.
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  2. Cincinnati Enquirer
    80
    Banjo-Kazooie isn't going to win any awards for originality, but who really cares? If you have to borrow a little to make a fun, absorbing adventure, so be it.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    96
    Features the best graphics we've seen on the console, it one-ups Mario 64 in terms of gameplay, it sounds astounding and it may just be the most clever title we've ever played.
    Read full review
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