PlatformOVERALL
Xbox Live Arcade8.70
Overall 8.70
I never owned an N64 so I totally missed out on the Banjo games. Thanks to XBLA I got to play a beautiful HD version, I can say that yeah this game is awesome. The game is simply magical in all the right ways for a platformer. You want to find every object, you want to see every new world, you cant wait to see what new platforming element you will experience next.

I loved how finding all the puzzle pieces was like solving a bunch of miny puzzles. All you got was a large level to explore and you basically had to figure out what needed to get done to get the pieces. It is that great blend of exploration, puzzle solving and platforming skills.

The only problems I had with the game are really problems from that era mostly the camera. It hates you, it wants you dead and makes certain jumps and movements a pain. Almost every time I died was because the stupid camera wanted to spin or change views at the wrong moment. The platforming is also second rate as most of the game isnt about making precise jumps as it is just exploring a 3D world. Mario 64 was similar but that game had far better platforming. Then there is the ending which is uhh strange to say the least, what the hell was that. Oh and I hate the checkpoint/death system, when you die everything resets in a level, so whats the point of having lives?

Outside of those issues this game is pretty much a gem from the early days of 3D gaming. I can see why people miss old Rare so much. This game has a level of charm only Nintendo games have.
Posted by Dvader Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:57:29
 
Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:16:38
If you like this I think you'll probably dig Lego City as the city is laced with jiggy pieces to find and minor puzzles or platforming elements to get to them.

Is Banjo Tooie on XBL too?
 
Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:30:09
Yeah you missed Rareware when they were one of the top 5 developers in the world.
Banjo 2 IS on XBL...and its just as good.
 
Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:57:19
Did you phone in this review?  Because I don;t have call-waiting, so I probably missed you.
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