nuts-and-bolts
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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]
High calorie Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Pinata cakes
Looking for a festive and fun video game themed cakes to consume or just admire? Look no further than Washington based Cake Fixation, the creators of both the Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts themed cakes you see above. Note the attention to detail, expert use of royal icing and all those yellow cutout jiggies. And that Horstachio, it's pure edible genius! [Thanks, James C.]
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%
Contraption contest, earn eternal Nuts & Bolts fame
Rare just sent word that they're holding a Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts contest where they're looking for the coolest, most innovative and funkiest vehicular contraption. And they'll be rewarding those contraption creators who can impress. The Nuts & Bolts Contraption Contest is relatively simple. From now through January 4th, create the most impressive Nuts & Bolts vehicle possible. Then, once complete, upload a picture of the vehicle to the Showroom. When all entries are in, Rare will look through all submissions and pick the top seven. These seven l33t contraptors will be awarded a mystery prize that'll be something along the lines of "in-game immortalization" that "could earn you a genuine place in Banjo history." Sounds bragalicious.
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]
Video: Banjo visit the Eiffel Tower
After the break, we bring you your random video of the day. The setup: Banjo the bear (from Banjo-Kazooie, of course) has back rent piling up, so he decides to go visit Jinjo in Paris, France. While in Paris, Banjo decides to take in the sights, visit the Eiffel Towel and wander about. Then, suddenly, he spots a Jiggy and must find a way grab the golden puzzle piece while breaking free of traditional platformer restraints. Did we mention the video is live action and features a dude in a bear costume?
Rare has a change of heart, will fix Nuts & Bolts' small text problem
After hearing the collective internet vent in anger regarding the tiny on-screen text in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts not being embiggened, developer Rare has had a change of heart. Rare just announced that they will be fixing the Nuts & Bolts tiny text issue with a title update post launch. The update should be "released within the next 30 days" and "will fix it [the small text] for those with Standard Definition TVs". We say nice move Rare ... nice PR move. Now that we've won this tiny text battle, who's up for focusing our text embiggening efforts on Capcom and Dead Rising? Show of hands, please.
Rare will fix SDTV Banjo-Kazooie text issue [update]
Update: Rare is now planning to release a patch within the next 30 days.Original story:Rare has confirmed that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts' unclear text on standard definition televisions will not be fixed. The issue came to light following the release of the demo last week and now Rare states that the issue is "too expensive in terms of time, resources and money to alter."SDTV haters aside, let's accept the fact that this is a serious oversight on par with Dead Rising's tiny text. Adding insult to injury, CVG points out that Xbox Live Arcade games must be playable, which includes text being readable, on a 14" SDTV. Too bad Microsoft doesn't seem to hold its first-party retail games to that strict standard.Source - Rare community manager statement [NeoGaf]Source - No fix for Banjo SD TV issue [CVG]
No fix planned for small Nuts & Bolts text
If you've tried the Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts demo (now available on the XBLM) and played it on a SD television you may have noticed that the text is Dead Rising itty-bitty small. Heck, HD television owners claim the text is rather difficult to read. And if you think team Rare can / will fix the small text issue in the retail build of Nuts & Bolts, then you're sadly mistaken because no text embiggening will be done. Rare community manager George Kelion informed CVG that "this is an issue that doesn't look like it will get changed," confirming that "the text you see in the demo will be the same as that which you find in the retail version of the game." Our advice, get an HD television, a new pair of reading glasses or sit seven inches away from the screen. No more, no less.[Via Evil Avatar]
Nuts & Bolts slated for Nov. 14th Euro release
In news that we thought was already confirmed, Microsoft and Rare just "officially" announced that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts will be hitting European retail shelves on Friday, November 14th. So, if you were like us and were under the impression that November 14th was Nuts & Bolts' European release, then take this as a confirmation of your gaming wisdom. Also, don't forget you still have time to get your pre-order on and take advantage of the free Banjo-Kazooie XBLA offer.
Banjo-Kazooie site adds forums, diaries and more
In preparation for its release next month, the official Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts website has received a Banjo-sized overhaul, adding new community features and functionality. And we hear Kazooie did all the updating tasks while Banjo received the credit. Selfish bear.The official Banjo-Kazooie site now has its own dedicated forums, nifty new developer blog, a content-rich fan site kit, and news / press sections. And as if that wasn't enough, when the game releases there will be active leaderboard and showroom areas. We're sure you can find other delicious Banjo-Kazooie bits on the site, so start your search at the homepage and begin the website surfing process.
Video: Cruising around the lands of Nuts & Bolts
Team Rare posted a new Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts trailer and it's all about the various locations you'll be visiting in the Nuts & Bolts world come November. The trailer (embedded above) is a quirky fun look at the Banjo world, showing off landmarks including the Jiggy collector, Klungos Arcade and some watery looking water effects. Take it all in, kids and enjoy!
Rare confirms Nuts & Bolts pre-order locations for XBLA Banjo bonus
Rare just released a list of retailers who would be offering the recently announced pre-order bonus for Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Those who reserve the title at the participating locations (the complete list of which is located below) will receive a code which will allow them to download the XBLA re-release of the original Banjo Kazooie free of charge -- and two weeks earlier than its official launch date. We're usually pretty stringent with our Lincolns, but we're not sure we'll be able to resist that bird-filled-backpack-wearing-bear's siren call. UK: Amazon, Play.com, Game and Gamestation USA: Amazon, EBGames, GameStop and GameCrazy FRANCE: Micromania and Game SPAIN: Game ITALY: GameStop SCANDINAVIA: Game and GameStop CANADA, JAPAN, IRELAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, BENELUX, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND are participating, but participating retailers have yet to be confirmed.
Nuts & Bolts retailer pre-order info for free Banjo
The Rare crew just sent us information regarding the Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts pre-order program where you can score a free copy of the XBLA title Banjo-Kazooie. We guess there was some confusion among eager pre-orderers who weren't exactly sure which retailers were offering Banjo-Kazooie redemption codes with Nuts & Bolts pre-orders. Well, Rare came to the rescue and created a handy list of participating retailers for every country. That list is below. Happy pre-ordering. UK: Amazon, Play.com, Game and Gamestation USA: Amazon, EBGames, GameStop and GameCrazy FRANCE: Micromania and Game SPAIN: Game ITALY: GameStop SCANDINAVIA: Game and GameStop CANADA, JAPAN, IRELAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, BENELUX, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND are participating, but participating retailers have yet to be confirmed.
Banjo-Kazooie headed to the XBLA Nov 26th, Banjo-Tooie in 2009
Earlier this morning, Microsoft officially confirmed that the N64 remade Banjo-Kazooie will release to the Xbox Live Arcade on Wednesday, November 26th for 1200 Microsoft points. But remember, those who pre-order Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts can download the XBLA version earlier and for free. If you're willing to plop down Nuts & Bolts pre-order cash, you'll receive a redemption code to download Banjo-Kazooie XBLA two weeks prior to its official XBLA release, which would be on or around November 12th. Also, tucked in towards the end of today's Banjo press release, is news that Banjo-Tooie will be releasing to the Arcade sometime in early 2009. Huzzah!%Gallery-22579%
Banjo-Kazooie XBLA remake dated for Nov 26, sequel in 2009 [update]
Microsoft today released -- and promptly pulled -- a press release via Gamerscore blog (original link; via TeamXbox) announcing that the Banjo-Kazooie Nintendo 64 remake is coming "exclusively" (i.e. we're guessing no Virtual Console release) to Xbox Live Arcade on November 26 for 1200 ($15). Additionally, Microsoft announced a Banjo-Tooie remake is coming in early 2009. Those who pre-order Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts will get it about two weeks early (the game launches just under two weeks prior on November 14). Achievements in Banjo-Kazooie will unlock content in Nuts and Bolts via the "Stop n Swop" mode. We don't know why Microsoft pulled the press release, but we'll let you know when it's back up. Update: It's back up.
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.
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%
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts pre-order packs free code, early access to Banjo-Kazooie XBLA
We pretty much crammed the need-to-know right up there in the headline, but here it is again: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts pre-orders (confirmed: the game's only $40) will include free download codes for the original Banjo-Kazooie on Xbox Live Arcade at "participating" retailers (read: not the little game store up the block). The code apparently will be redeemable on Nuts & Bolts' launch day, giving players a "two-week head start" on the XBLA game, which won't be released to the masses until a couple weeks later.But why would you put down the new thing for the old one? Good question. For the answer we'll point you to "Stop 'N' Swop," a slice of Banjo lore that has intrigued completists of the original N64 games for years, now fully realized for the first time. (Spoiler: Certain accomplishments in Nuts & Bolts unlock <gasp>new content in the decade-old XBLA re-release</gasp>.)Speaking of bonuses, we've got a little something special for you today. Hit up the gallery below for the first screens of the newly revealed Nuts & Bolts game world: Jiggoseum. It's like the Olympics ... but with cah-razy vehicles!%Gallery-29956%
