Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 374 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 374
  2. Mixed: 59 out of 374
  3. Negative: 104 out of 374
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  1. neomoonsevin
    Nov 18, 2022
    8
    Awesome game i like it, abit strange with car making but the rest is ok now we need a sequel please Microsoft
  2. MarkusZ
    Aug 5, 2023
    2
    As a longtime Banjo Fan i played it in Rare Replay. I really tried to open my heart for this game because i heard it will be very different to the classic Banjo-Kazooie games. But as hard i tried i really cant play this game. Its so lame and empty. I got bored so fast. Its so sad that Rare scarified Banjo-Kazooie to release this kind of game.
  3. Megster3000
    Apr 20, 2023
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's nothing like the original banjo-kazooie or in tooie,in fact all you do is making **** cars and exploring a weak wasteland with a bad plot that sucks after 3 minutes of gameplay, speaking of gameplay,there's a moment where banjo shouts "we have a lot of games" but the new guy with a pong tv saying "do you have more than the Italian guy" which is mario,he has like 125 games with his name, banjo-kazooie barely have 5 at some point. Speaking of wasteland, go play Fallout,it has better "wastelands" plus Microsoft and Rare Ltd could have made a banjo 3 based off the Nintendo 64 games,just stop it Microsoft,make good games for once,you suck "Micro" ass at making golden games.… Expand
  4. NSegaXP
    Feb 5, 2023
    7
    at first, i thought this game was meh. but i’m quite enjoying it now. it’s a bit annoying how you don’t get your moves that you could pull off in Tooie, but you get used to it. you get to pick your vehicle parts before missions, and Nuts n Bolts just feels like a massive toybox.
  5. DefinitiveDubs
    Jan 7, 2023
    2
    Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is a bad game, but I don't think you understand just how bad it actually is. It's not bad because it isn't Banjo-Threeie, and it's not bad because it isn't a platformer. It's bad because it doesn't know what it wants to be, and it sucks at whatever it IS trying to be. Taken entirely on its own merits, divorced from the rest of the series, N&B simply isn't fun.Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is a bad game, but I don't think you understand just how bad it actually is. It's not bad because it isn't Banjo-Threeie, and it's not bad because it isn't a platformer. It's bad because it doesn't know what it wants to be, and it sucks at whatever it IS trying to be. Taken entirely on its own merits, divorced from the rest of the series, N&B simply isn't fun. It's not a fun kart racer, and it's not a fun platformer. It doesn't work as a sequel, yet it also doesn't work as a standalone product.

    The vehicles control like hot garbage. Imagine trying to drive a freight truck and make turns at 80mph. You know that one scene in Austin Powers where he's trying to drive a luggage cart and endlessly tries to make a three-point turn in a tight hallway? That's the entire game. The handling is like Stephen Hawking going down the Rocky Mountains. You will spin out, you will crash, and you will get stuck. Yes, you CAN make vehicles that DON'T control like that and handle better, but you'll never win those elusive trophies if you do, because that necessitates slowing your vehicle down. There's no drifting mechanic like in Mario Kart or something, so "gitting gud" at driving is out of the question. You have to handle this like you would an actual real life car, and isn't that fun? Hope you like feeling like you need training and a certified license to drive in your wacky cartoony kart game.

    The vehicle creation system is a farce. It's very robust with a ton of parts to choose from, and an intuitive interface, which you'd think would be cool, but any parts that are not necessary only serve to weigh your vehicle down, so you aren't going to want to use them anyway. Half the time, the only vehicle you need is something with an engine, fuel, and wheels, and you can end any challenge quickly and easily. There are many situations where the main antagonist, L.O.G., will build a custom vehicle to force you to use in a mission, and clearly it's meant to give you some ideas on building, but the best thing to do usually is to hop out and edit the vehicle to remove all the unnecessary parts before continuing. One mission can be won in 10 seconds by removing everything except your seat, and putting a spring under your seat, and just shooting straight up into the goal. Building Gummi Ships in Kingdom Hearts 2 has more utility than this, and almost as robust a creation system, and that was 3 years earlier. And it was a minor part of the game.

    Speaking of those missions, those suck too. You'll be doing one of three things, every time: either you're carrying an object from point A to point B, doing a race in a level that doesn't make a good racetrack, or occasionally an actual enemy will show up and you need to shoot it down. Of course, all of these challenges range from being frustrating and annoying to being a total cakewalk, with most leaning towards the latter given how easy it is to make a vehicle that breaks any sort of challenge. The ones that are annoying are mostly due to the wonky physics, which will make it seem like you have almost no control over whatever object you're supposed to be carrying.

    You find these missions through completely empty levels that feel like they were made for platforming, on foot, not vehicles driving around. You can't die and there's no failure state beyond losing a mission, so the only reason there are enemies around the level is to waste your time. Otherwise you're driving around a giant cramped wasteland looking for missions to do. Missions coming from the same 6 characters recycled ad nauseum through the whole game. Hope you weren't expecting new and memorable characters.

    These missions also have some of the most cynical writing I've ever seen from a game. In previous games, Banjo was a nice fellow who was happy to help out anyone who needed it, and he played nicely off Kazooie, who was a dismissive jerk towards everyone. Here, they're both jerks and clearly don't want to be there. The plot is so disconnected from the Banjo world that I keep expecting Kazooie to wake up and tell Banjo what a horrible dream she just had.

    A lot of the time, the writing is outright spiteful towards anyone who was expecting or wanting platforming gameplay, which is ironic considering how much fanservice and how many references to older Banjo games there are in this game. The writing often points out the game's own design flaws and tedious setup, as if that makes it any better. Any subtlety in the humor goes out the window with this game. There's even a masturbation joke at some point. Seriously.

    This is not simply a bad game like Sonic 06 is. This is the kind of game that just makes you feel bad, and cynical towards life. Playing this made me want to take up drugs. I have never played a more depressing, miserable, and boring experience in my entire life. Please, if you are at all curious about this game, stay away.

    At least the music's good.    … Expand
  6. coronexfacha
    Jun 12, 2022
    5
    I do not recommend this game because I do not recommend it thanks for listening, (read my review)
  7. SonicEnthusiast
    May 1, 2022
    7
    Its not banjo threeie. Once you get over that fact, you can begin to enjoy the game. It looks fantastic and the controls are decent. The very few instances platforming is needed, i lamented what might have been if they were used for a platformer. Its a decorated collection of vehicular challenges that can get repetitive. But it has a lot of content too. But my favourite part of this game,Its not banjo threeie. Once you get over that fact, you can begin to enjoy the game. It looks fantastic and the controls are decent. The very few instances platforming is needed, i lamented what might have been if they were used for a platformer. Its a decorated collection of vehicular challenges that can get repetitive. But it has a lot of content too. But my favourite part of this game, is the MASSIVE amount of easter eggs and secrets linked in with exploration makes me giddy. Its a celebration of not just banjo kazooie but rare as a whole. I recommend it to any banjo fan whole-heartedly.… Expand
  8. LuissDt
    Apr 2, 2022
    7
    While Banjo-Kazooie didn't have such a good adventure, Nuts and Bolts is creative and innovative but maybe it doesn't work for this saga
  9. DerpChest100
    Apr 2, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is very fun! Don’t listen to the losers who say this game is bad. This is not a sequel to Banjo-Tooie, but it’s a spin-off after the events of Banjo-Tooie. Rare knows this game won’t be liked by fans so they make the characters in the game constantly break the fourth wall. There is also some new characters like The Lord Of Games (Which I think he has a cool design.) and Trophy Thomas. Building vehicles is very easy and straight forwards and you can build stuff like basic cars, monster trucks, and even fighter jets! Of course there are some cons to this game, like you can’t rotate the driver seat in the Workshop, The controls can be pretty janky at times, it’s hard for characters to go into your vehicle in the passenger seat in a mission, Some characters are missing like Jiggy Wiggy and Tooty, and some missions can be a pain in the rear like the one where you have to use a vehicle with only balloons to damage virus things. But this game has a great concept, but they just used the wrong franchise.… Expand
  10. Musicfreak36
    Mar 1, 2021
    2
    Character models look like they were pulled out from an ice cube tray and left out in the sun to melt. The worlds are empty and lifeless, to almost post-apocalyptic levels... After a full hour I'm still not sure what I'm supposed to be doing or how, and I'm wondering when the fun is supposed to start. The cart customization is actually decent but that's the only positive thing I can say.Character models look like they were pulled out from an ice cube tray and left out in the sun to melt. The worlds are empty and lifeless, to almost post-apocalyptic levels... After a full hour I'm still not sure what I'm supposed to be doing or how, and I'm wondering when the fun is supposed to start. The cart customization is actually decent but that's the only positive thing I can say. Everything else is white literally a mockery of the series and an insult to the charm and character of the original games... Ultimately, it barely feels feels like a game that even if worth playing as a $10 indie title from a Walmart bargain bin, but sadly this is Rare, a studio that has built up a legacy of quality and innovation, and this is a massive blunder on an otherwise stellar lineage.… Expand
  11. Gyorgg
    Dec 24, 2020
    6
    Yes, as a Banjo game this is obviously not what you would want but that doesnt mean it instanly a bad game.
    I tried it and yeah its not really my cup of tea but that mostly because of the sour taste in my mouth from not having an actual Banjo experience , + im a grown man and this game is clearly more soothing for a younger audience.
    But yeah overall not a bad game tho.
  12. PaoraVELO
    Sep 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. simply the best xbox 360 game, its possibilities are endless the challenges are not too difficult but if you try to make 100% of the game it is very good. I play it since childhood and I learned a lot from this game, its mechanics and physics are invaluable i also like it a lot it requires a lot of creativity from the player… Expand
  13. valenelpro64
    Aug 22, 2020
    8
    Its ok.



    Good Morning, U.S.A
    I got a feeling that it's gonna be
    A wonderful day

    The sun in the sky has
    A smile on its face
    And it's shining a salute to

    The American race
    Oh boy it's well to say
    Good Morning, USA
    (Good Morning, USA)
  14. canij
    Jul 30, 2020
    3
    microsoft no supo hacer bien un banjo kazooie s enota que compro rare solo por dinero y nuts and bolts es una cagada junto a las otras
  15. Parkerfer
    Jul 23, 2020
    0
    Nada que ver con sus juegos anteriores, un golpe muy bajo hacia los fans de la saga.
  16. danlmao
    Jul 13, 2020
    0
    Slap in the face to fans of the original, and anyone who plays it expecting an even mediocre game in general. Just awful.
  17. CrispCicada
    Jun 13, 2020
    8
    Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is an amazing gem that gets more hate than it deserves. The game hardly feels like a Banjo-Kazooie game. It's more of a great sandbox game with Banjo-Kazooie ips and locals than an actual Banjo-Kazooie game. Graphically, this game looks stunning. Each and every area is packed to the brim with wonderful details. The lighting often looks amazing.and the newBanjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is an amazing gem that gets more hate than it deserves. The game hardly feels like a Banjo-Kazooie game. It's more of a great sandbox game with Banjo-Kazooie ips and locals than an actual Banjo-Kazooie game. Graphically, this game looks stunning. Each and every area is packed to the brim with wonderful details. The lighting often looks amazing.and the new character designs are awesome.

    Gameplay-wise, this game is awesome for a vehicular sandbox game. There are hundreds of unique parts to keep you busy. There are templates which you can replicate if you don't want to take your time and make an abomination. Each map is great with loads of space and quests to keep you amused. Not every map is a winner, but there are loads of fun places to tinker around with your horrid mistake.

    This game's writing is great. The beloved bird and the bear are just as goofy and amusing as ever. The music is fantabulous. A lot of tracks are remakes, but they all have excellent instrumentation and capture the magic that Rare had a one point. The game's very clever with its references and acknowledges Banjo-Kazooie's history.

    In conclusion, Banjo-Kazooie is an excellent vehicular sandbox game that's worth picking up if you either want to see the bird, the bear, and the witch or for those who just want to have some silly fun and create machines of terror. You shouldn't ignore this great game just because it doesn't stick to the regular Banjo-Kazooie formula. Have a lovely day/night, folks!    … Expand
  18. Broyax
    Apr 17, 2020
    0
    Les jeux Rare sont rarement bons et souvent très mauvais ! ainsi, ce nouveau Banjo gogol en est-il une nouvelle preuve à verser au dossier des daubes démoulées par Rare, fournisseur de jeux gogols pour enfants en bas âge, chiards atteints de mongolite chronique, pré-ados attardés, ados drogués et défoncés à la mauvaise herbe pakistanaise et enfin, adulescents éternellement attardés ainsiLes jeux Rare sont rarement bons et souvent très mauvais ! ainsi, ce nouveau Banjo gogol en est-il une nouvelle preuve à verser au dossier des daubes démoulées par Rare, fournisseur de jeux gogols pour enfants en bas âge, chiards atteints de mongolite chronique, pré-ados attardés, ados drogués et défoncés à la mauvaise herbe pakistanaise et enfin, adulescents éternellement attardés ainsi qu'étudiants de gauche en histoire de l'art et en cinéma-télérama.

    Voilà, on a fait le tour à peu près, je crois, vive Rare et ses sales jeux de merde à gogols ! et ses univers mongolos à golios mongoloïdes, ses personnages qui parlent uniquement le langage mongolo-mongoloïde-mongolito, son gameplay (hein, où ça ?) directum sorti du fion, ses couleurs criardes qui font s'émerdveiller les **** enfants un peu autistes... et tout ça en caca euh en 4K sur ta Xbox One ! sur la version X plus précisément. Jamais vu un tas de merde aussi gros : en 4 K le tas de merde, bah putain !    … Expand
  19. Bodom
    Sep 12, 2019
    1
    I really disliked this one. Does not feel right. Rather play the classics on N64.
  20. SirPlerple
    Sep 8, 2019
    2
    This game is not only a bad Banjo Kazooie game and a disgrace to the series, but just generally a bad game. It’s filled with huge worlds with absolutely nothing to do in them, not to mention the fact that you’ll be in a decently well made but generally uninteresting “car maker” half the time. I don’t know why I’m gods name anyone would purchase this game in 2019, but I’m begging you notThis game is not only a bad Banjo Kazooie game and a disgrace to the series, but just generally a bad game. It’s filled with huge worlds with absolutely nothing to do in them, not to mention the fact that you’ll be in a decently well made but generally uninteresting “car maker” half the time. I don’t know why I’m gods name anyone would purchase this game in 2019, but I’m begging you not to. #GiveUsBanjoThreeie… Expand
  21. Incinerate1946
    May 26, 2019
    7
    Thought it was a really fun experience, I enjoyed the majority of the gameplay. But I can't give it a 10 because it feels so disconnected from the other 2 games that it could've been any mixture of characters and it would have probably felt like the same game.
  22. Marolender
    May 24, 2019
    2
    I would honestly have had this franchise die than get this steaming hot garbage. Firstly, this game doesn't feel like a platformer, it just feels like you have to do mission after mission after mission, which can get pretty boring after a long time of playing. Even when you do have some time to look around, you quickly realise there is almost nothing to all the places you visit, they justI would honestly have had this franchise die than get this steaming hot garbage. Firstly, this game doesn't feel like a platformer, it just feels like you have to do mission after mission after mission, which can get pretty boring after a long time of playing. Even when you do have some time to look around, you quickly realise there is almost nothing to all the places you visit, they just kind of have a "unique" texture. Also when you are doing missions, the game keeps on glitching, which can get pretty annoying after a while. At least building a car can be pretty fun, but I would have preferred if that would have been a totally different game as it doesn't follow the traditional Banjo-Kazooie style gameplay. Banjo and Kazooie also look a lot stranger than in the two games before.… Expand
  23. MaxPaul20
    Mar 2, 2019
    5
    To me Banjo-Kazooie is one of those games that is a classic among most like me and the second one while being a little worse than the first one is still a very good game. But personally Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts doesn't have the same feel of the first two. Like the settings are nice and the gameplay is decent but Banjo-Kazooie is about the adventure the collecting not building cars andTo me Banjo-Kazooie is one of those games that is a classic among most like me and the second one while being a little worse than the first one is still a very good game. But personally Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts doesn't have the same feel of the first two. Like the settings are nice and the gameplay is decent but Banjo-Kazooie is about the adventure the collecting not building cars and racing them. I also found myself not really understanding the main plot and then felt like this wasn't worth finishing. But apart from the cars and plot it is all around a decent game with good music and scenery. And I understand that the producers wanted to take a more modern take on the series but that's not what most of us wanted to play a game that was similar to the first and second. overall an average game with a hefty amount of flaws but the visuals and sound made it decent enough.… Expand
  24. DestanyZero
    Nov 20, 2018
    8
    Banjo Nuts and bolts deserves more praise than it gets. It is not your typical banjo game but it does, in my opinion improve on it much more. The story isn't as driven as the others before it, but the amazing things you can create is a beautiful edition i only wish they gave you more options and things to use. for creative people this will be a nice little gem to remember.
  25. Alejarroniz
    Oct 25, 2018
    5
    Una decepción total de una gran saga, esto no es Banjo-Threeie ni se le asemeja a una secuela digna de Banjo, cambiar todas las mecánicas, poderes y cambiar toda la personalidad de Banjo y Kazooie fue de lo peor, los autos se vuelven tediosos de armar y que funcionen de la mejor, lo peor es que tienen el descaro de decirte que será el último juego de la saga y pareciese que hasta la mismaUna decepción total de una gran saga, esto no es Banjo-Threeie ni se le asemeja a una secuela digna de Banjo, cambiar todas las mecánicas, poderes y cambiar toda la personalidad de Banjo y Kazooie fue de lo peor, los autos se vuelven tediosos de armar y que funcionen de la mejor, lo peor es que tienen el descaro de decirte que será el último juego de la saga y pareciese que hasta la misma Rare sabía que fue malo, en fin si deseas jugarlo compra Rare Replay que por lo menos tendrás los dos anteriores para disfrutar.… Expand
  26. Amora
    Aug 28, 2018
    2
    I'm gonna try to be as nice in this review, but it just annoys me that this game has so many defenders but when I played it, it was even that great. Anyways, Nuts & Bolts is an original idea and has very great graphics, but that's the only good things I can say about this game. The charm of the Banjo Kazooie games are now gone for this boring car mechanic which is really boring. Also, thisI'm gonna try to be as nice in this review, but it just annoys me that this game has so many defenders but when I played it, it was even that great. Anyways, Nuts & Bolts is an original idea and has very great graphics, but that's the only good things I can say about this game. The charm of the Banjo Kazooie games are now gone for this boring car mechanic which is really boring. Also, this is probably just my game, but the game is really glitchy sometimes, and also they packed a ton of things into this game, but basically 65% of the things that are added into this game have no charm and no purpose. Overall, others can like this game, but this game is not for me and will never be.… Expand
  27. huner1901
    Jul 27, 2018
    5
    So if your looking for a platformer its not... its not a collectathon as you know it...you build vehicles to solve puzzles...well challenges, its the same thing each time poorly masked behind slightly different "dialogue". the 1st lvl makes shows you this vast world the only thing is they leave 90% of each lvl empty. I do enjoy the vehicle creation thought. Its also quite enjoyable toSo if your looking for a platformer its not... its not a collectathon as you know it...you build vehicles to solve puzzles...well challenges, its the same thing each time poorly masked behind slightly different "dialogue". the 1st lvl makes shows you this vast world the only thing is they leave 90% of each lvl empty. I do enjoy the vehicle creation thought. Its also quite enjoyable to see each area for the 1st time.… Expand
  28. alduin3
    Jul 26, 2018
    9
    Creative, fun, and it keeps the identity of the original games( even though it changes the mechaniscs)
  29. OwtDaft
    May 10, 2018
    10
    + It's a very original game. If you sick of playing very simlar games then this is for you.
    + It's fun trying to tinker with your vehicle for the challenges having to take into account physics.
    + This isn't a racing game like others may have told you. There are plenty of very unique challenges. + You make all kinds of different vehicles not simply cars. + The game is very dynamic in    + It's a very original game. If you sick of playing very simlar games then this is for you.
    + It's fun trying to tinker with your vehicle for the challenges having to take into account physics.
    + This isn't a racing game like others may have told you. There are plenty of very unique challenges.
    + You make all kinds of different vehicles not simply cars.
    + The game is very dynamic in that there isn't always one way to do a challenge.
    + The humour and charm are still here.
    + Music and graphics are fantastic.
    - Since your able to get out of your vehicle it would of been good to have some 3D platforming.    … Expand
  30. Untitled94
    Jan 28, 2018
    8
    I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed this game. I enjoy the first 2 Banjo-Kazooie games more, but if you look at this one as either a spin-off or not as a BK game, it's pretty decent. It does have weird physics time to time, but so do a lot of games like it. I understand people being disappointed with this one compared to the first 2, but I still like it.
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
19
#19 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
10
#10 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 71 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 71
  3. Negative: 0 out of 71
  1. NZGamer
    90
    With so many vehicle parts, places to go and people to see, Nuts & Bolts is going to be a game you keep going back to. Just getting to the end will require hours of commitment, but, it’s not like you need an excuse, right? Apart from a confusing premise (the story is a little bit weak) and the small text, this game is a massive success.
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    80
    The game's new vehicle-based emphasis will probably turn off some long-time fans, but I really enjoyed the game's premise. [Dec 2008, p.95]
  3. Meristation
    85
    Banjo is back. A whole new adventure featuring several old friends and some new characters, but in a completely new world. It's great to see Banjo this well, as Nuts & Bolts is really funny, but the new gameplay is something users must get used to. Vehicles are fun, but not as much fun as they should be.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »