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Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts now on demand
Though we're on record as saying that a bear with a bird in his backpack is objectively a pretty stupid thing to make a game about, we're also able to admit that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is a gem that didn't get the credit it deserved. If you had been holding off because you were worried about the GameStop clerk looking at you like a weirdo, you'll be happy to hear you can now indulge your most taboo desires as the bird-backpack wearing bear has made his way to Games On Demand. Go ahead ... your secret's safe with us. Shortcut: Purchase and add Banjo-Kazooie: N&B to your Xbox 360 download queue [via Xbox.com; $19.99 in US]
Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts DLC trailer is bumming us out
We really hope the new Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts DLC, "L.O.G.s Lost Challenges," sells a lot of units. No, we don't have any financial stake in Rare or Microsoft, we just hope they can afford a better trailer than the one we've embedded just above. Honestly, with that font and those production values, it looks more like an Olive Garden training video on making the perfect pasta than an advertisement for a game published by the world's largest company. So, on April 7th, won't you please spend 400 MS points for 250 achievement points, 12 new challenges, 7 new multiplayer games and the satisfaction of knowing an up-and-coming studio won't have to post such a depressing trailer ever again? We think it's well worth it. %Gallery-48930%
Rare hints at Nuts & Bolts 'LOG's Lost Challenges' DLC
In its own coy way, Rare is teasing that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts DLC is in the works and that we'll actually receive details next week. According to a post by the Lord of Games (L.O.G.) on Rare's official website, we're told that Nuts & Bolts "news on potential lifespan-lengthening activities will be incoming very soon" and are given a "LOG's Lost Challenges" image. We ain't no smarty-pants geniuses, but if we had to take a guess at what L.O.G. is talking about, we'd go with DLC that boasts new vehicle building and task-based challenges. Now that we think about it, the Banjo-Kazooie Contraption Contest Rare held back in December may have something to do with this content. We wouldn't be too surprised to see the winner's creation as a part of next week's announcement.
Amazon assembles $20 Banjo: Nuts & Bolts deal
Today's Amazon.com video game Deal of the Day is none other than Rare's Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, which has been reduced to $19.98. While some may see the reduction in price as a sign that Amazon.com wants to unload its unwanted Nuts and Bolts inventory, we're optimists in this situation. We predict the game has been such a success that most every 360 owner already has the title, so (to secure a few more game purchases) Rare partnered with Amazon to sell Banjo's latest adventure at a 50% discount. Hey, we never said we were logical optimists. [Via Aeropause]
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts SDTV fix released
Still playing your Xbox 360 on a non-HDTV or, like some of us at EHD, sticking out the holidays at a relative's where standard definition is the only option? Good news, the Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts title update went live earlier this week, rendering things readable, even under the most trying of circumstances. Now, getting your console online at your dial-up only, WiFi-less, out of 3G range cousin's house is the only problem left, until that's solved hit up Xbox 360 Fanboy for comparison shots of the original and newer, bigger text.
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts gets text-enlarging patch
A recent patch lets you make the text bigger in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.
Rare releases text enlarging Nuts & Bolts update
Without much of an announcement, Rare just released a Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts title update that fixes the game's smallest biggest problem, the small text. Yes sir, the Nuts & Bolts small dialog text issue has been resolved! After the title update is installed, a new "Large Dialogue Text Option" is available under the game display options on the main screen. Once this box is checked, the game's dialog text is embiggened. Or, if you're a purist, you can keep the small text by keeping the option unchecked. You can see the difference in text sizes in our nifty screen comparison gallery below. Thanks Rare! %Gallery-39816%
Deal time: Snag Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts for $26
Considering Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts debuted at $39.99, it was already quite a bargain as far as Xbox 360 games go. Gamers are frugal people, though. They have to be, as gaming is an expensive hobby, after all. With this in mind, we present you with one heckuva deal on Banjo's latest adventure. Amazon currently has the game on sale for a paltry $25.99. Even better, it qualifies for free shipping. If you've been waiting to get your hands on the generally well received build-em-up / platformer, now's your chance.[Via Evil Avatar]
Battletoads and Killer Instinct jokes in Nuts & Bolts
Ah, those yuksters at Rare are at it again. After teasing fans only a month ago with Killer Instinct themed Piñata Vision cards, now they've gone and dropped pure fanboy flamebait into Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Note the image above, in which sequels to several favorite (and not so favorite) Rare franchises are mentioned, including Killer Instinct, Jet Force Gemeni, Battletoads, and Grabbed by the Ghoulies. Now, we could live without most of them (okay, technically we could live without all of them), but we have to admit a new Battletoads would be more than welcome. Unfortunately, the text itself is relatively clear, the sequels are mentioned merely as a joke. Unless, of course, a sequel to an old franchise counts as Rare's upcoming "surprise."We're not holding our breath.[Via Joystiq]
Rare drops Battletoads, Killer Instinct gags in Banjo-Kazooie
You're going to be seeing this picture circulated a lot in the coming days, so we just wanted to get out in front of it for you. Yes, the above image, which hints at new Battletoads and Jet Force Gemini games, can be found in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. But no, you should absolutely not take that to mean that any of those games are actually coming. It says as much in the image itself, but that won't stop the internet from crushing itself under the weight of its own excitement. As recently as today, Rare talked about how its next project is going to surprise people. We're not sure that points to a lot of its franchises being revived. ... We can still hope though, right? [Thanks, Justin; via GameTrailers]
Shipping this week: Banjo's Edge at War edition
The holiday onslaught continues as we are once again greeted by numerous heavy hitters. We've got your Mirror's Edge, your Banjo, your Call of Duty, your Command & Conquer. Please let us remind you that we are only two weeks into November and the gaming bonanza has yet to be fully unearthed. So, choose and choose wisely. Unless you're filthy rich, of course (and if you are, could you spare us a few bucks?). Call of Duty: World at War Mirror's Edge Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Pro Evolution Soccer 09 WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 Rock Revolution [Via Joystiq]
Metareview -- Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (360)
We were admittedly cynical about Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts before we actually got our hands on it at E3, when we fell and fell hard. It seems like most reviewers are having the same response, even though some are pining for the simpler days of Banjo. 1UP (A-): "To all the Rare-haters out there: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (the latest in a series that's scarcely been heard from since the Nintendo 64 days, barring a pair of Game Boy Advance spin-offs) puts the ailing developer on the road back to relevancy. Nuts & Bolts' single-player structure, addictive multiplayer, and intricate vehicle-crafting system handily show that this isn't just another generic cute-n-furry platformer." IGN (83/100): "A game that never stopped being fun for me. It's an odd duck that doesn't fit into any conventional game genres and probably isn't right for everybody. Despite its friendly appearance, Nuts & Bolts isn't exactly easy to pick up and play and might be over the head of some small children. There's a lot of depth here and the vehicle creation tools allow you to flex your mind and your fingers at the same time. " Eurogamer (70/100): "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is not a platform game. The game it has become instead demands thoughtful, exciting challenges that inspire the player to pitch in and help get the most out of each level, but it fails to provide them, and even though it's worth persevering with for the occasional hurdles race, egg-and-spoon and a game-world in aptly Rare form, ultimately it's a brilliant shell with a mostly hollow centre. "
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts demo on the XBLM
We woke up this morning and thought, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could build some kind of flying car?" As though they read our minds, Microsoft has released a demo for Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Clocking in at a hefty 1.07GB the demo allows gamers to play with the unique vehicle creation system that is the basis for many of the challenges in the upcoming platformer. Looking to flex your creative muscle? Hit the Marketplace and download the demo now. Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts ships on November 11, exclusively on the Xbox 360.
Video: Banjo-Kazooie 360 vs. Banjo N64
The Gametrailers folks posted a comparison video that pits upcoming Banjo-Kazooie on the Xbox 360 versus old-school Banjo-Kazooie on the N64. After our expert analysis (watching the video) we can attest that the 360 version is nearly identical to the N64 version in terms of content, but has the added benefit of crisper models and a deeper color palette. The other bonus is the replacement of all Nintendo references with Microsoft Game Studios logos. Huzzah! [Via Game Stooge]
Banjo-Kazooie looking sharp on XBLA
Not to berate or belittle the big, bouncing buffoon's bygone birth, but the backpack-packing bear (from Rare) clearly benefits from blatantly bettered visuals in his XBLA bash. Whether you're a boy bedridden or babe bored in your boudoir, you'd best be aware that this bear with a bird in his backpack is worth both a care and a stare.(Also, alliterations are annoying.) Gallery: Banjo-Kazooie (XBLA)
New Banjo interview talks balance, challenges
Gamerscore Blog has posted a brand new video interview with Rare's Salvatore Fileccia on Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Well, when we say brand new, we mean recorded back in May during Microsoft's Spring Showcase. Even so, we can confidently say that this is the best Banjo interview yet recorded. Why? Because Gamerscore Blog's own Chris Paladino asks our question. Our question: how do you balance the game to keep it fresh and entertaining for both hardcore and casual players (Banjo is kid friendly, after all)? Find the answer to our brilliant question the video above.
Rumor: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts achievements
Fresh from a visit to Rare HQ for some hands-on with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, the Xbox 360 Online Center folks came back with a supposed list of Nuts & Bolts achievements. Though, they came back without any of the pretty achievement artwork. Boo! You can view the "rumored" list of achievements after the jump and even though there aren't any achievements quite as good as Gears 2's "Beat the Meatflag", Nuts & Bolts' "BBQ Beef" achievement is pretty yummy. Or maybe we're just hungry.
Nuts & Bolts is $39.99, pre-orders get XBLA Banjo early
Microsoft announced today that gamers can now pre-order Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Much more exciting is the fact that the rumored price of $39.99 is true, making Nuts & Bolts a real bargain. Making the deal even sweeter, gamers that pre-order the game will receive a download code for the Xbox Live Arcade version of the original Banjo Kazooie. Even better than that, the code will work starting on November 14, the day of the Nuts & Bolts launch, a full two weeks before the XBLA game hits Xbox Live Marketplace. The XBLA release will include a feature called "Stop N' Swop" which allows players to unlock new features in XBLA game by playing Nuts & Bolts.Finally, a new Nuts & Bolts world called Jiggoseum was revealed. You can check out the first images of Jiggoseum in the gallery below.[Via Joystiq] Gallery: Banjo-Kazooie: Jiggoseum
Rare promises Banjo-Kazooie demo before its November release
Talking with Eurogamer, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts lead designer Salvatore Fileccia confirmed their plans to release a Banjo demo to the Xbox Live Marketplace prior to the game's release. "We've got various different ideas" Fileccia explained, saying that the demo will most likely include the four challenges as seen in the E3 demo as well as an editor "because that's a whole different part of the game - building things and seeing how they perform, and taking part in challenges."So, there you have it. You can expect colorful Banjo-Kazooie demo goodness prior to the game's release this November. Huzzah!%Gallery-22579%
E308: Fable 2 and Banjo reception in pictures
Here at X3F, we're party animals. No, no, no, scratch that, we're PAAARRRTAY ANIMALS! That's just how we roll and that's why we traveled back into Los Angeles last night to attend Microsoft's Fable 2 and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts reception. So, as part of the umbrella of news coverage we're churning out of E3, we thought we'd offer up all the pictures we took from the event similar to our Gears 2 reception pics. Which, coincidentally, was in the same venue. Enjoy the picture show and make your way to the break for a short (super short) off screen video of one of the Fable 2 Pub Game's "Wizard's Tower".%Gallery-27887%
