Review: Banjo-Kazooie (N64)

Graphics- 10/10
Sound- 10/10
Gameplay 9/10
Replay Value- 7/10
Overall-9/10

A great game for the N64, that while seems to appeal to little kids, should not be overlooked by older gamers. Some have compared this game to Super Mario 64, and while similar it adds its own unique features, and it is really well done.

Many people say that this is Super Mario 64 only with minor changes. While the two are very similar they are not the same game. Super Mario 64 redefined gaming as we know it and Banjo-Kazooie simply did not. However don't misinterpret that to mean it's a bad game, it's still a great game. This game adds many of its own features and of course bumps up the graphics, which by the way are stunning. The graphical style is similar to Super Mario 64 in the cartoonish sense, but you can just see the improvements. Not only are graphics bumped up but the environment it decidedly bigger, almost rivaling Ocarina of Time, it's huge and well laid out. The general idea of this game also appears to be borrowed from Mario 64, you have go through levels and collect jigsaw pieces... stars anybody? There are, however, new things that you have to collect in order to proceed in the game. There are musical notes which open up new sections of the game which is where you use jigsaw pieces to open up new worlds (it makes sense when you play it.) With new a collecting style, unfortunately comes a problem - there is too much to collect. There are Mumbo's Tokens, Jinjos, Eggs, Red Feathers, Gold Feathers, Extra Lives, and Honeycomb Energy. All that in addition to the required notes and puzzle pieces, this can lead to pre-stage planning, which can sometimes restrict you from exploring.

The only other problem with this game is its difficulty. The first two or three levels are a snap, but from there the difficulty races skyward at an ungodly pace. While some elements remain easy, some of the things required for jigges (jigsaw pieces) are really hard, especially collecting all the notes in each world. However you might not mind because of the discovery aspect. At first some of the stages may appear simply mapped and straight forward, you will soon discover many unfound gems that will keep you coming back. That being said, the last level is an amazing concept, well laid out, and brilliantly done. Part of the reason that it's done so well is your transformation in that stage. You see, the reason you collect Mumbo's Tokens is because good old Mumbo himself will transform you into various animals in certain stages; these include termite, crocodile, walrus, a pumpkin, (the exception to the animal thing) and a bee. That isn't the best feature of the game however. Some might argue that it's the graphics, but I say the sound by a mile. While there is no voice acting, none is needed - the music speaks for itself. This music sets the tone so well, it could be compared to Ocarina of Time. I could try and describe but I would deem it indescribable and not only is the music good, the sound effects are on the same remarkable level. Bottom line: buy this game... it's a shame it won't be on the VC.

Pros: Sound, Graphics, Gameplay, Mapping, Transformations.

Cons: Difficulty level rises too quickly, lots of collecting.

Review: Dan