Banjo-Kazooie-XBLA
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X3F TV - XBLA in Brief: Banjo Kazooie
We know what you're thinking. A bear? Teamed up with a bird? It sounds insane, we know. Somehow, though, somehow it works. Joining a bear with a bird seemingly creates the perfect platforming duo. Honestly though, is any stranger than an Italian plumber taking out his wrath on sadistic, sentient mushrooms? Now a bear riding a plumber, that would be weird. Find out why the bear / bird combo works very well in the latest episode of XBLA in Brief, in which we take a look at Banjo Kazooie. [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Banjo-Kazooie searches for Jiggys on the XBLA
Today, Rare's classic Banjo-Kazooie is (finally) available for purchase off the Xbox Live Arcade and brings with it a measurable amount of bear and bird dander. For 1200 Microsoft points, you'll be treated to the entire N64 Banjo-Kazooie experience, complete with the once missing Stop N Swap feature as you attempt to take down that mole wearing witch Gruntilda. A charming bear with a bird in his backpack, seriously, what's not to love? %Gallery-32726%
Banjo and Kazooie head to XBLA this week
After the title was delayed -- presumably so those who pre-ordered Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts could feel a little more special -- Microsoft has announced that the original Banjo Kazooie will finally be headed to Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. The game will be available for the price of 1200 Microsoft Points (been seeing that price a lot lately, haven't we?) and features Banjo and his pal Kazooie in the original game that launched the series way back on the Nintendo 64. Apart from being one of the more well-known platformers, Banjo Kazooie also offers connectivity with Nuts & Bolts, allowing gamers to unlock new content in the XBLA game by playing its console-bound cousin.
Banjo-Kazooie XBLA release pushed back a week
With today's SSFIITHDR Live Arcade ninja-like release, Banjo-Kazooie is no where to be found. Remember, Rare promised we'd see the XBLA release of Banjo-Kazooie today, November 26th. Well, it doesn't look like a Banjo release will happen this week, but next week is looking more plausible. According to the official Xbox.com Banjo-Kazooie page, the new release date is next Wednesday, December 3rd, which would make it seven days delayed. What kind of world do we live in where Street Fighter can bump Banjo-Kazooie from its release slot? What kind of society do we live in? Why is the sky blue? [Thanks, jarid]
Banjo-Kazooie rewrites history
For those of you that didn't really mind the news that Banjo-Kazooie would be making its way to the Xbox 360's XBLA service and not the Virtual Console, know this: the experience won't be the exact one you remember. In the XBLA version of the game, all references to Nintendo and the N64 have been removed from the game (save for the Game Boy shown), based on the video leaked above. In-game, N64 logos have been replaced with updated Rare logo and Microsoft Game Studios labels. What should be interesting is how TipTup is represented in both games, as Nintendo apparently owns that character. [Via CVG]
Banjo-Kazooie not cancelled ... so what is?
On a recent episode of the 1UP Yours podcast, EGM's Shane Bettenhausen shared the rumor that "a big Microsoft first-party title that has been in the works for a very long time, that people are very excited for, sounds like it's being canceled." That had a lot of people turning their eyes towards a new Banjo Kazooie game, which, though announced sometime in the Nixon administration has been receiving zero buzz. Now Rare has come out to confirm that, if a Microsoft title is due for the chopping block, it's not Banjo Kazooie. So that has us wondering: Was Bettenhausen off the mark? Or is there another long-in-the-works title we're just not thinking of?
Rare talks Banjo-Kazooie for 360
Lee Schuneman, head of production at Rare, had some time to sit down with GamesIndustry.biz and talk about the upcoming Banjo-Kazooie game for Xbox 360. The first thing he does is assure us that the game is in good hands, stating that the team working on the title is very passionate about it, like Gregg Mayles, the Creative Director, who had the same position for both the original Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. That being said, Banjo's latest outing will bring new elements to the table, and are noted to be unexpected by fans of the series. If you want to get the for report on the interview, including Rare's thoughts on Viva Piñata, hit up the "Read" link and have at it.
Video: Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Pi�ata sequel info
In the above video, Rare talks with GameTrailers about the potential of a Viva Piñata sequel as the direction they'd need to take it to keep it fresh, as well as their plans for the upcoming Banjo-Kazooie game. Banjo-Kazooie 3 will be a continuation of the series so it will be a safe bet that all of your favorite characters from previous iterations will be making a triumphant return. That being said, the concept artists couldn't confirm whether Gruntilda would be showing up or not. Are you looking forward to Banjo's new gen title? How do you feel about a Viva Piñata sequel? [Via QJ.net]
A Rare interview concerning Banjo Kazooie 3
Rare is in good company these days. As a part of Microsoft Games Studios, they exist under the same umbrella as Bungie -- another studio that loves to be elusive. This of course means that if they let out so much as a squeak, we listen. GameTrailers caught up with one of the crafty devils (Concept Artist, Ryan Stevenson) recently to talk about everything Rare. Banjo Kazooie 3 in particular. If you enjoyed previous entries in the Banjo Kazooie saga there will be plenty for you to love on your 360 as Stevenson says "It's still the same characters and the same thing. It's a game for the people who appreciated the game years ago and also for new people that are coming to the 360." A hint concerning the main villain of the series, Grundy, is also dropped and the Stop'N'Swop drama makes a special guest appearance. Stevenson gives the most rational idea for the infamously dropped Banjo-Tooie feature in that it was probably just a really bad idea. We, however, still believe.
