Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

Revived by Microsoft, in conjunction with critically acclaimed developer Rare, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is an action-adventure, 3D sandbox game that revolves around vehicle construction. Released in November of 2008, exclusively for Xbox 360, the title retained its authenticity while tackling an unexplored genre for the franchise.

Spiraling Worlds

The main objective of the game, as previously mentioned, is to build a diverse number of vehicles. And, although vehicles are an essential part of the game, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is not exclusively a racing game, in-fact the title retains much of its platformer, sandbox origins. For those familiar with the franchise, everything that is available to do in Rare’s open-world is a simplified version of previous titles, which makes sense as this is not a traditional Banjo-Kazooie game. A clear example is that there aren’t fully-fledged combat mechanics, instead, players only have simple melee attacks available.

Progression is fairly linear as the game has five worlds and a final location, called Spiral Mountain. Each act holds six different “chapters”, that provide different challenges for players to complete. Through completion and exploration, players earn an in-game currency called “Jiggies” which are used to unlock new worlds, and parts for your vehicles. Vehicle creation is extremely varied, with over sixteen hundred parts to mix and match towards the creation of something unique.

There are four main locations of importance in the game: Boggy’s Gym, Stop N’ Swop, Humba Wumba, Mumbo’s Motors, and the Jiggy Bank. Each of these locations helps players customize and develop their characters and accessories. Boggy’s Gym, will allow players to upgrade their stamina, power, and overall experience when characters are on foot. Stop N’ Swop, is a unique shop that adds special blueprints from the online community. Humba Wumba is the store where new blueprint and vehicle parts can be purchased in exchange for musical notes or jiggies. Mambo’s Motors, is where players can use those blueprints and vehicle parts to create unique designs. And, finally, Jiggy Bank is where players are able to sell the Jiggy they have extracted during exploration.

Old Foes

The story of the game accompanies Bajoo and Kazooie, after the events of the Banjo-Tooie game, more specifically eight years later. It showcases how much our heroes let themselves go in the meantime. Coming back from the dead Gruntilda reappears at her old home, Spiral Mountain, where she swears to exact vengeance upon Banjo and Kazooie, that plan is interrupted when the Lord of Games intervenes and decides to settle the dispute by a series of challenges and trial spread among the six worlds that make up the game.

From a franchise standpoint, the story seems unnecessary and forced to say the least, yet it fits perfectly the new genre and design decisions made in the game. This harmony between the facts and the game design makes up for what could be seen as just an unnecessary story.

Verdict

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, is a fun game, targeted at a younger more childish audience. It kinda feels unique as they mix various styles, but it seems bland and with no identity at times. Gameplay and controls might please all gamers, and some of the progression is shrouded in confusion, but ultimately this is an enjoyable game.

Pros:

• Unique Fusion of Genres
• Nice Characters
• Harmony Between Narrative and Game Design
• Soundtrack
• Highly Customizable

Cons:

• Imperfect Handling
• Confusing Progression
• Bloated by Collectibles
• Wacky Physics