Banjo-Kazooie

 Xbox 360
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Console Monster
    70
    Even as I come to the end of the review, I’m still pondering whether Banjo-Kazooie is worth the 1200 Microsoft Points tag. Yes you get a fun-filled adventure which many players will enjoy, but the lack of replayability is an off-putting factor.
  2. Eurogamer Portugal
    70
    Fans have here the best version, without any flaws to point to. Still, those who aren't familiar with the game should think before buying because if some things were acceptable in 1998, today they give frustration. Problems - transited from the original - don't stop it from being among the best XBLA has to offer in the genre, but may leave you questioning the high price.
  3. Eurogamer
    50
    It's still a solid platformer with some neat ideas, but it's undone by a host of camera and control issues. If you popped your gaming cherry playing Banjo as a youngster, prepare for nostalgia tinged by disappointment, as you discover it's not quite the classic you remember.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
45
#45 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
25
#25 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 114
  3. Negative: 10 out of 114
  1. Haxxes
    Nov 17, 2012
    10
    Back in 1998 when Rare was actually a video game company, they released Banjo - Kazooie, a platformer which could compete against Super MarioBack in 1998 when Rare was actually a video game company, they released Banjo - Kazooie, a platformer which could compete against Super Mario 64 and Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time to be the best game on the system. 10 years later, this masterpiece has been re-released and it is as good as ever.

    In a quest to save your little sister Tootie from the evil which Gruntilda, you take controll of Banjo and his trusty feathered companion Kazooie to stop her. In Gruntildas Lair which serves as a hub world, you will find world gates and a corresponding portrait. In each of the 9 distinct worlds, you will find 10 jigsaw pieces - or just "jiggies" - which are used to fill up a portrait to then unlock the next world. Clever puzzle solving and mad platforming skills has to be used to acquire these jiggies in each world. While the jiggies are the main collectible, this game has so many things to collect to help in your journey.

    While the classic and marvelous soundtrack still sounds great today, the graphics has gotten an improvement. while the game still looks like an N64 game, it has gotten a very nice HD paint job. While it might not impress someone, it still looks very beautiful.

    There is not a whole lot to say anymore. This downloadable game wont break the boundaries like it did 10 years ago, but it still can be considered to be at the top of its class,even among today's standard. The gameplay is spot on, the controlls are perfect, the envoirment is creative and beautiful, a memorable soundtrack and with tons of secrets and collectibles to find makes this game one of the most complete packages of all time. With new additions to the XBLA version being leaderboards and a fully intergrates Stop 'N' Swop function, Banjo-Kazooie will last you a long time and is among the best out there!    … Full Review »
  2. CriticFrog
    Sep 7, 2011
    8
    Great N64 era game, memorable characters, great locations and a wise cracking bird.
    Only marred by a sometimes silly camera positioning...    Great N64 era game, memorable characters, great locations and a wise cracking bird.
    Only marred by a sometimes silly camera positioning...
    Recommend to All, Great game!    … Full Review »
  3. TatsMcGee
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    I know a couple years ago, I did a “review” of Banjo-Kazooie but I this time I wanted to talk about the Xbox port (plus I just really likeI know a couple years ago, I did a “review” of Banjo-Kazooie but I this time I wanted to talk about the Xbox port (plus I just really like talking about this game). It is my childhood favorite game so I love sitting down and playing the game.

    After playing through the XBox version, I can say with 100% confidence that I will never play the N64 version ever again. The Xbox version is better because its easy saves, a wireless controller and my favorite added feature the Music Notes save. One thing that I hated about the original was if I collected 52 notes and then died. My best run of that world would be 52 but if I wanted to 100% the game then I would have to recollect all of those music notes again. The Xbox version saves that, it doesn’t force me to go back through and redo the same thing if I die or just leave the world. If I’ve collected a note then its done. I don’t have to get it again and I love that.

    Typically what would happen when I would sit down and play Banjo-Kazooie, I would start out trying to 100% the game and then about half-way through I start to do the bare minimum to get through the game. This time I didn’t do that. I wanted to 100% this game because I had never done it before. Now, I can say that I have 100% one of my favorite childhood games.

    This is not a game that I would recommend to anyone. Especially anyone young but for us older gamers playing for Nostalgia. Yea, it’s still a fun game and this port makes the game better.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »