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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)
Video: Banjo-Kazooie XBLA and some screens too
Today, Microsoft is sharing all kinds of Banjo-Kazooie XBLA assets with us, including a brand new trailer and a few freshly taken screenshots. The trailer (embedded above) is a great look at how an N64 created Banjo looks on a next-gen system and the screenshots are simply polygonial bliss. Suddenly, Banjo-Kazooie nostalgia hased kicked in and we're loving it.%Gallery-32726%
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 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 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 won't be straying to Virtual Console
Oh, woe is us. Microsoft just dispatched (and then pulled) a press release boasting about the imminent arrival of Banjo-Kazooie on Xbox Live Arcade, describing the game as an XBLA "exclusive." We can safely assume this means the bird and bear won't be made available on the Virtual Console, news that conclusively crushes whatever slim hopes we had for the game appearing on Nintendo's service. We suppose $540 million buys you these kind of perks, eh?To rub salt in our open wounds, Microsoft also disclosed that sequel Banjo-Tooie would be made available on XBLA early next year, "making Xbox 360 the new home of the beloved Banjo-Kazooie franchise." We think we're going to sigh sadly now, reader. Feel free to join us.* sigh *[Via Joystiq]
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.
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%
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%
Hands on: Banjo Kazooie Nuts & Bolts vehicle creation
During a special reception last night -- held at the same venue as the Gears of War 2 reception -- Microsoft allowed the press to get their grubby mitts on Rare's upcoming Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. The game has already been the center of some criticism from gamers, especially fans of the Banjo Kazooie series. Most of the coverage of the game thus far has dealt with the game's unique vehicle creation system, which allows players to build vehicles from dozens of mix and match parts, LEGO style. For those hoping this article contains a revelation regarding the platforming in Nuts & Bolts, we regret to inform you that the game's hub world -- where most of the platforming takes place -- was not available for play at the event. Here's the good news though, the vehicle creation is really, really fun.
E308: Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts media attack!
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts marks the return of the beloved N64 platform duo, exclusively on the Xbox 360. Today during the Microsoft press conference, Rare unveiled a new trailer (embedded above) for the title and Microsoft released a stockpile of screenshots and rendered artwork. Could Banjo Kazooie answer Microsoft's platformer mascot questions? Wait, did Microsoft have platformer mascot questions? Anyway, the game looks great so far but we must repeat something we mentioned earlier that's twice as awesome -- the original Banjo Kazooie is coming to Xbox Live Arcade! Sweet.%Gallery-27635%%Gallery-27634%
Banjo Kazooie coming to XBLA later this year
The original N64 classic, Banjo Kazooie, will be coming to Xbox Live Arcade this Holiday season. Along with Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Rare fans will now have two platforming games to look forward to. Though one will include a little more vehicles than the other.
Microsoft: 'no truth' to Banjo-Kazooie motion control speculation [update]
Back to button mashing for Kazooie. Microsoft has sent along a brief statement allegedly clarifying what Microsoft Game Studios creative director Ken Lobb meant when he said, "you twist the controller around and it'll move different things in [Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts]." The explanation goes a lil' something like this: "There is no truth to this speculation. Ken's comment is in reference to rotating the left analog stick while hitting the X-button to move different things in the game."While the statement seems to confirm that Banjo-Kazooie will stick to conventional controls, it by no means denies that Microsoft is preparing a magic show for E3. Will the wand be waved? Stay tuned.Update: Rare has this to say: "There's no truth to the Banjo motion control rumor. Banjo has been designed to be played using a gamepad from the outset. People shouldn't take rumors that gestate in comments sections so seriously. They can often turn out to be red herrings, as is the case with Banjo and motion controls."
New Banjo-Kazooie vid fuels Xbox 360 motion controller speculation [update]
About 4 minutes into a new Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts developer commentary video, Microsoft Game Studios creative director Ken Lobb drops the line, "So you basically grab with the wrench and then you twist the controller around and it'll move different things in the game." Twist, you say? Earlier, we catch Kazooie doing just that: twisting an Xbox 360 controller (recreated above; full video embedded after the break). So what do we make of all this?Well, there's that nagging rumor of some Abracadabra action going on behind closed doors at Microsoft, with Rare allegedly being one of the first studios to waggle the magic wand before passing it up for Vision cam support in the upcoming XBLA title, The Fast & The Furriest. It's not much of a stretch to assume that if Microsoft is to unveil a motion controller (say, next week!), Banjo-Kazooie could be one of the first titles to support the new feature. Waggletech® isn't exactly cutting edge or expensive, so a hardware manufacturer can essentially tack on motion sensitivity at any point (to varying degrees of success).One theory suggests that Microsoft could install motion control into preexisting gamepads with an add-on device; perhaps a modified battery pack that also plugs into the headset port. Bundle the gizmo with Banjo-Kazooie, and you've got yourself a tried and true practice. Case closed? Certainly not.Update: Microsoft has this to say.
New Banjo Kazooie videos and screens
After the Microsoft Gamers Day a while back, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts was seen by many in the community as too much of a departure from the older formula. The addition of vehicles, parts, and the creation of the former using the latter wasn't exactly traditional to the series' formula. Despite the fact that what we saw and played was fun, we can definitely say that the bits we had time with weren't exactly reminiscent of the N64 days.Rare looks to have anticipated the outcry and saved much of the more traditional stuff for later reveal. IGN recently got some media out of Rare that seems designed just for that reveal, the first video introduces you to Showdown Town, the game hub, and where most of the more traditional platforming happens. The second video showcases Banjo Land and displays some of the vehicle creation and editing, as well as some of the quirky world exploration. Get watching! By the way, listen closely around 4:00 into the first video for what could be a possible mention of a long rumored item. %Gallery-22579%
