Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts  - Review

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts
Ages: Everyone 10+

Forget about Banjo-Kazooie as a platformer - The bear and bird are back as builders and engineers - and I think it is a good thing. The game is big, the lands enormous and players will be happy to have TRANSPORTATION - even if it is as simple as an engine, fuel and a seat.

The story starts back at Spiral Mountain - our duo leading lives consisting of pizza and video games have become lazy, fat and out of shape. At this inopportune time, Grundy - head only, appears and the fight for Spiral Mountain begins once more. In the middle of this altercation, Lord of Games - LOG appears, a green monitor wearing a cape, and offers to resolve the dispute. If these two will accept his challenge - the winner will be the owner of Spiral Mountain and the loser will work in his game factory. To win, Banjo must complete all of the challenges - and they are all timed. Gruntilda will try to stop him.

The game takes place in six different levels:

Much of the humor in this game is self referential and old debacles are poked fun at - remember Grabbed by the Ghoulies? Rare has a unique sense of humor.

Most of the game involves making vehicles for land, sea and sky, and the most fun comes from making instead of buying them, although starting with a prefab might be an easy start. Like most games that involve construction on the part of the player, Little Big Planet, Blast Works, Monster Maker, even Spore, some will find this an enjoyable and satisfying activity, others will find it too much work. Online multiplayer will let you show off your custom vehicles.


Fun Factor: Plenty
Female Factor: Kazooie the wit, Gruntilda the witch.
Player Friendly: Yes - double jumps done by holding down the button

Reviewed by: Editor - 12/08

  • Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts
  • © Microsoft
  • Platform(s): XBox360
  • To Order: XBox360 http://www.amazon.com/ $36.99