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. BackloggedYT
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    I hate that I missed this game back in the day. I kept looking for nitpicks, but I really don't have any! I heard for years this was better than Mario 64, and now that I've finally played, I'm inclined to agree! It looks and sounds great for the 64, and the level design was really impressive. Nothing was completely shocking to me, but it was so polished and well done that the overallI hate that I missed this game back in the day. I kept looking for nitpicks, but I really don't have any! I heard for years this was better than Mario 64, and now that I've finally played, I'm inclined to agree! It looks and sounds great for the 64, and the level design was really impressive. Nothing was completely shocking to me, but it was so polished and well done that the overall experience left me yearning to play again. So I did! I actually think the Xbox version is slightly better, mainly because you keep the notes you collect, which makes the only bad level, Rusty Bucket Bay, suck way less. What a delight! Hey Microsoft, got to work on Banjo-Threeie yet? XD… Expand
  2. Bep592
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    the best of the Nintendo 64 along with Banjo Tooie, and it's not even nostalgia, as I played this year for the first time. I marveled at the massive content, humor and gameplay. Congratulations banjo kazooie :)
  3. TortoiseGuy
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    It's Banjo Kazooie, it's literally one of the best games ever made. I'm sorry but if you don't love this game there is genuinely something wrong with you, the characters, the game play, everything down to the funny noises everything in this goddamn game makes oozes with everything that makes games great. If you haven't played it do so now so that you don't regret it later.
  4. Hamboy
    Jan 16, 2023
    10
    Still at the top of the 3d platformer genre, full of charm, wonderful characters, well designed and fun levels to explore.
  5. Allin333
    Jul 22, 2023
    10
    The greatest 3D platformer ever made. The worlds, the whimsy, the characters, and the inventiveness are unmatched in the space.
  6. djcredit
    May 9, 2023
    10
    classic, absolute genius even better with stop and swop on the xbox.

    Come on Rare bring on Banjo Threeie !
  7. miguellopez99
    Jun 1, 2023
    10
    96/100 .
  8. DSalax
    Aug 19, 2023
    10
    (2005/2006) Este juego lo disfrute cuando tenia unos 6-7 años y la verdad para mi era alucinante lo jugaba con mi mama y mi papa, los veia jugar y en muchas ocaciones me pasaban el mando por que la verdad mi yo de 6-7 años tenia mejor control de las mecanicas y sistemas de juego que ellos jeje recuerdo que casi no los completamos llegamos al final pero no peleamos con la bruja , luego años(2005/2006) Este juego lo disfrute cuando tenia unos 6-7 años y la verdad para mi era alucinante lo jugaba con mi mama y mi papa, los veia jugar y en muchas ocaciones me pasaban el mando por que la verdad mi yo de 6-7 años tenia mejor control de las mecanicas y sistemas de juego que ellos jeje recuerdo que casi no los completamos llegamos al final pero no peleamos con la bruja , luego años mas tarde durante mi adolescencia me lo complete nuevamente pero nunca logre pelear con la bruja.

    La verdad el juego es increible tiene una direccion artistica maravillosa una de las mejores en su epoca , cada mundo tiene sus amplias diferencias que los hacen muy variados , personajes super carismaticos que aun a la fecha recuerdo con mucho cariño y una progresion de juego que aunque aveces te quedabas atascado por no poder completar algo era muy buena para su epoca , definitivamente uno de los mejores juegos que he jugado en mi vida lo amo

    -Graficos 10/10
    -Jugabilidad 10/10
    -Sonido 10/10(Magistral)
    -Innovacion 10/10
    -Historia 10/10(Basica Pero Cumplia, la verdad la historia no era el fuerte de este juego pero a nadie le importa la verdad)
    -Diversion 10/10
    -Total 10/10    … Expand
  9. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    10
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!
  10. RobertC.
    Mar 12, 2004
    9
    Just a flat-out great platformer...further proof that Nintendo and Rare were infact the Godsends of video gaming. Though I must admit...Grultida is unbelieveably hard.
  11. AdrianP.
    Aug 31, 2002
    9
    I own the game and i like it,its a neat action adventure expirience and the 3-d levels are facinating,the game is fairly long too and theres and whole lotta different enemies for every level so i gave it a 9.
  12. [Anonymous]
    Feb 4, 2008
    9
    Actually a 9.5 this game was good but also had its flaws like you have to go back to level to get the notes so you have to finish in one hit
  13. duckypwns
    Dec 9, 2011
    9
    I don't know how this game does it. You have to collect 100 notes, 10 jigsaws, 5 jingos, etc. in each level. It seems like the concept of just collecting various little trinkets scattered across the level would be boring and repetitive but it's the complete opposite. The art style, the music, the humorous story, everything about this game is awesome, and I'll be replaying it years from now.
  14. TipsyMcBee
    Nov 10, 2011
    9
    Who needs Super Mario 64 when you can play as a bear teamed up with a bird in a back-pack in Banjo-Kazooie? Banjo-Kazooie may had the same concept gameplay as Super Mario 64 did, but the game did offer really creative levels, a quirky style and a different take in the gameplay to make the whole experience in Banjo-Kazooie acceptable. Rareware did a magnificent job creating these humorousWho needs Super Mario 64 when you can play as a bear teamed up with a bird in a back-pack in Banjo-Kazooie? Banjo-Kazooie may had the same concept gameplay as Super Mario 64 did, but the game did offer really creative levels, a quirky style and a different take in the gameplay to make the whole experience in Banjo-Kazooie acceptable. Rareware did a magnificent job creating these humorous characters that quickly became charming and fun throughout the game. The presentation in visuals is outstanding for a 1998 game on the N64 and the overall game soundtrack is extremely catchy to match the Banjo universe perfectly. Like Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie is one of those titles you do not know when to put the controller down. The game is entirely fun with solid puzzle challenges and great exploration through each and every location. However, the game can be really nerve wrecking at times if you plan to complete the game at 100% or playing later portions of the game such as the final boss with Gruntilda. Believe me, beating her to finish the game is pretty difficult. In results, Banjo-Kazooie is a solid platformer containing jigsaw piece to find and birds to fire eggs out of their butts. I highly recommend anyone to get Banjo-Kazooie to any fans of platforming games or video games in general. It's definitely a game you will not get disappointed with.… Expand
  15. BasilZero
    Mar 1, 2013
    9
    Banjo Kazooie is one of the best platformers of its time and even to this day. Offering a unique storyline that has several humorous twists, revolutionizing gameplay, incredible sound track, and amazing graphical display Banjo Kazooie is bound to take you away from the usual adventure platforming that you were used to from playing Super Mario if you were interested in platforms before orBanjo Kazooie is one of the best platformers of its time and even to this day. Offering a unique storyline that has several humorous twists, revolutionizing gameplay, incredible sound track, and amazing graphical display Banjo Kazooie is bound to take you away from the usual adventure platforming that you were used to from playing Super Mario if you were interested in platforms before or will introduce you to a whole new world of a gaming experience which to this day proves that there are better platformers out there than Mario. Enjoy Nine distinct worlds and a even bigger outerworld as you journey through the world of Banjo Kazooie!… Expand
  16. SuperWooper
    Nov 10, 2014
    9
    A revolutionary game with outstanding graphics and flawless game play. An adventure worth going back to again and again. A MUST have for any N64 collector or fan.
  17. skyword
    Sep 28, 2014
    9
    This is an amazing game from start to finish. While the controls may be outdated by today's standards You will get used to them really fast. The game play is fantastic with many collectibles that will make the completionist's happy. the story is simple, but engrossing with all of the humor in the game. the only flaw in my opinion is that if you die, you have to collect every single noteThis is an amazing game from start to finish. While the controls may be outdated by today's standards You will get used to them really fast. The game play is fantastic with many collectibles that will make the completionist's happy. the story is simple, but engrossing with all of the humor in the game. the only flaw in my opinion is that if you die, you have to collect every single note again (this was fixed in the xbla remake). If you have an n64, please get this game.… Expand
  18. EpicLadySponge
    Apr 7, 2016
    9
    I'll never have a look at anything original without being a rip-off to Super Mario 64 other than Banjo-Kazooie which is a perfect success and hasn't even ripped off the great Super Mario 64 at all but it does take its name from Super Mario 64 though. It actually works as its own game.
  19. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    9
    As close to Super Mario 64 as you can get. This game is amazing and still holds up well near 20 years later. A must play game for all gamers. For any Xbox one owners, this game is part of the Rare Replay game and well worth a look in.
  20. artificeprime
    Nov 4, 2017
    9
    Easily one of the best platformer games of all time.

    Banjo Kazooie is an excellent example of a new take on the basic platformer genre that Mario popularized. It has some similarities to Mario 64 but it has its own identity and improves on Mario 64 in most ways. The story is basic but it does a great job of always pulling you forward and making you want to see what is next. It rewards    Easily one of the best platformer games of all time.

    Banjo Kazooie is an excellent example of a new take on the basic platformer genre that Mario popularized. It has some similarities to Mario 64 but it has its own identity and improves on Mario 64 in most ways. The story is basic but it does a great job of always pulling you forward and making you want to see what is next. It rewards progression in multiple ways and the game gets better and better the further you get. The characters are funny, iconic and memorable. The idea of playing as a bird and bear seems silly but it makes sense in the context of the bizarre cartoony world. The game is challenging but rewarding and the variety of gameplay makes every section a joy to experience. I recommend this game to anyone who loves 3d platformers.

    The gameplay is easily some of the best on the N64, aside from some camera issues (which was a problem with 64 games in general) almost all the controls are simple and intuitive. The sheer number of moves you can perform stretched the limits of the N64 control to the limit. As you progress through the game you gain new skills at a steady pace and each one is rewarding, allowing you to explore the world more fully. At the time of its release I can't think of any games that allowed you to do more. You can fly, swim, and transform into many different forms and each one changes gameplay in a meaningful way. The game also does collectibles right. In a lot of games collectibles do little more than act as a way of keeping score or letting you progress but in Banjo Kazooie all of the collecting has an impact on gameplay and the more you collect the more you will be rewarded later in the game. It is the right level of challenge and reward. There aren't many boss battles unfortunately but the final boss is one of the most challenging and entertaining that I have seen in a game. My only major complaint about the gameplay is that the controls are a bit loose, which can make precise movement of the character very frustrating at times.

    The story is nothing to write home about but it is still better than any Mario story that I can think of. The characters are entertaining and Gruntilda is iconic and hilarious. As the game progresses she continually taunts you and you learn more details from her sister about just how disgusting she is. The story progresses pretty constantly as you make your way through the witches tower and Gruntilda continuously comments on how annoyed she is with your progress. The build up is very satisfying. Most people don't play platformers for the story but it helps to have one that is at least somewhat enjoyable and gives a sense of progress.

    The world is easily one of the best on the N64. There are 9 main world and a fairly large hub world that connects them all together in a fun way. Gruntila's Lair offers enough of a linear path that it makes climbing the tower satisfying while also providing some options for exploration. The game is mostly linear but because of how worlds are unlocked you don't need to do everything in a specific order. Sometimes if you reach a tough spot it is best to move on and come back when you have upgraded Banjo-Kazooie's abilities. It offers a great mix of freedom and direction. In terms of the design of each world, every one offers something unique in appearance, gameplay and even character interactions. The character interactions are usually nothing special but there are a few that do enough to make you love or hate the characters you meet in a motivational way. In general the worlds also get progressively better and more challenging which is rewarding. The final world is definitely the most unique and that really made it special.

    The visuals were definitely some of the best on the N64 and in my opinion it is far more interesting visually than Super Mario 64 was. The soundtrack is not exactly emotionally moving but it is very fun and full of memorable themes. Nearly two decades later I still remember a lot of the music. The sound design isn't as good as a game like Ocarina of Time but it is still some of the best of its time. Sound effects are very effective and mostly appealing, except for when they are intended not to be such as captain blubbers voice.

    Banjo-Kazooie raised the bar for 3d platformers and even after nearly 20 years I struggle to find games in the genre that are its equal. I tried replaying it on the Xbox in more recent years and it still holds up really well. It is a benchmark game that helped redefine the platformer genre. It has great visuals, amazing gameplay, meaningful collectibles, lots of secrets, dozens of unique ideas, top level production values and a ton of content.

    I give Banjo Kazooie: 87%

    Gameplay - 9
    Story Progression - 6
    World - 10
    Uniqueness/Ideas - 9
    Characters - 7
    Visual Design - 10
    Sound Design - 8
    Length/Amount of Content - 9
    Immersion - 9
    X-Factor - 10    … Expand
  21. Janker
    Jul 24, 2017
    9
    One of the best 3D platformers ever made. Whimsical worlds full of power ups and collectible with alsoan amazing soundtrack to boot! Such a shame we never received a true Banjo Threeie :( Maybe one day!
  22. Retro_indepecat
    Sep 1, 2017
    9
    Awesome game! Played recently on my GPD XD and man, I really enjoyed. Great dialogues, the diversity between the different worlds is really cool (desert, ice world, jungle, rusty boat...) and of course the graphics and the soundtrack... play it, you will love it!
  23. OscarAdcock
    Jun 24, 2018
    9
    For me Banjo-Kazooie is just an amazing platformer. It has a ridiculous amount of charm and Rare bring so much highly concentrated platforming magic into a neat package. Banjo is one of those games i forget is about 20 years olds and the graphics look like ass, i just get so lost when i play it, in the soundtrack and the stupid characters that i dont think it will ever need to beFor me Banjo-Kazooie is just an amazing platformer. It has a ridiculous amount of charm and Rare bring so much highly concentrated platforming magic into a neat package. Banjo is one of those games i forget is about 20 years olds and the graphics look like ass, i just get so lost when i play it, in the soundtrack and the stupid characters that i dont think it will ever need to be remastered or remade. Just a good game...… Expand
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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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