Banjo-Kazooie-Nuts-and-Bolts
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Rare to fix Banjo-Kazooie's text issues after all
Hastily abandoning an ill-advised plan to include a magnifying glass with every purchase of the game, Rare has resolved to solve reported text issues in its build-a-bear's-car adventure, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. After stating that the in-game text, allegedly illegible on standard-definition television sets, would be "too expensive in terms of time, resources and money to alter," the company has committed to releasing a correctional title update within the next 30 days.This is "good news for everyone," according to a post on the developer's website. "Including us, as we would actually like people to enjoy our game and not revile us with a fiery passion." There you have it, internet. You may now return to being angry about other things, like Banjo's square nose.
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.
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. "
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]
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.
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts demo on Xbox Live
There's now a demo for Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts on Xbox Live and you may just want to prepare yourself. Even if you've never had any patience for a game about a bear wearing a bird-stuffed backpack (which is still not a good idea for a game, bee-tee-dub) you might just find yourself, as we did, happily slapping together vehicles with a stupid grin on your face.Go ahead, ignore our warnings and download the 1 gigglebyte slice of joy. Just don't come crying to us when everyone you know starts judging you. Harshly.[Thanks, Travis!]
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.
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]
TGS 08: Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts sharing detailed: blueprints, replays (and bears!)
Many of us at Joystiq are still torn on Rare's upcoming Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, the build-a-bear's-car platformer heavy on vehicle creation. This morning's demo of the game at Xbox Tokyo, steered by Rare's Neill Harrison, once again reinforced our positive appraisal of the game's creative possibilities while leaving this writer as-yet-unconvinced of the game around the toy.Preaching a message of replayability and open-endedness, Harrison detailed some of the game's "sharing" functionality: Blueprints and replays. Particularly cool vehicles can be shared amongst friends by "gifting" blueprints to them. Spent twelve hours making the absolute perfect jet/boat/car with detachable helicopter and torpedo attachments? Want to share it with Grandma? Gift it to her and go head-to-head in a multiplayer grudge match. Or challenge her to beat your best time in one of the game's Challenge Modes.%Gallery-22741%
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.
Get Jiggy with new Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts video and screens
We got to spend a little more time behind the controls of Rare's re-invention of its Mario-esque N64 platforming series and ... it was pretty much a more polished version of what we tried out at E3. The vehicle creation element of the game is still its most endearing aspect by far, and we continue to be struck by the non-platform-game-ness of it all. (What with Kazooie being relegated to wielding a wrench and the fact that most of the game is based around purpose-built vehicles.) It's no longer a hardcore platformer; the game instead feels skewed toward a younger (or at least wider) audience -- although we're pretty confident that series diehards will still find it enjoyable (especially the vehicle creation). We'll have multiplayer impressions next week; until then, check out these latest screens and video of wild bear-bird (or is it bird-bear?) action.%Gallery-33511%
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.
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)
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%
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
