Banjo-Tooie

"The Best Platform Game for the Nintendo64"

Banjo-Tooie is the hit sequel to the game Banjo-Kazooie earlier released on the Nintendo 64. With the surprising success of the first game, Rare had no choice but to make a sequel to the classic game. Was it as good as Banjo Kazooie? Hard to say but yes is the answer. Because Banjo Kazooie was a classic, the Banjo series is starting to become one of the best, and Banjo-Tooie keeps the Banjo magic rolling. Read on to see why it is the best 3 D platform the Nintendo 64 has to offer.

GRAPHICS:10

These graphics are excellent! These graphics are the best rare has ever released on a game. Banjo and Kazooie both are very well made along with Mumbo Jumbo the Shaman, and Humba Wumba the Indian magician. The most impressive things about the graphics has to be the levels. Mayhem Temple is full of color, and the temple in the middle looks beautiful while flying with Kazooie. I was speechless to see the major graphic improvements over its precedder. You will give two thumbs up to the graphics, and Rare did a wonderful job to say the least.

SOUND:10

I love the music in this game a lot. Every level has a catchy theme to it that will be humming in your head everywhere you go. You will love the music. The only level music I found annoying was Glitter Gulch Mine because I'm really not a fan of country type music. One other thing I like about this game that many people don't is the way the characters talk. They talk in a way that is how the character talks but the sounds they make. For example, Banjo says guh huh guh guh huh when he talks. I like that bur some people don't. It will be a toss up if you like it or not but I hope you do!

GAMEPLAY:9

It's pretty good for the most part. The frame rate is not the best thing In the world, but you will get used to it. Banjo is easy to move, and gets around fine for a fat bear. Some of the things that makes the gameplay frustrating to me is some of the things Humba Wumba turns you into. For example, the submarine in Jolly Roger's Lagoon is extremely hard to control, and sometimes you will spin out. Another bright spot about this game is the multi player, and the replay options. The multi player offers Goldeneye type battles, and you can play your friend in a fun mini game to see who posts the best score. The replay option was awesome for me because you can fight all the bosses again that you want, and play all the mini games you enjoyed. Very good addition my Rare. The only thing that docks the gameplay to a 9 was the frame rate.

STORY:7

Well really not that much of one. Gruntilda who was defeated by Banjo and Kazooie in the first game is still under the rock that fell on her two years ago. Klungo has failed miserably to release her until one day her two sisters come, and remove her from under the rock. Having no skin yet, and being a skeleton, Gruntilda seeks revenge on Banjo and Kazooie, and kills Bottles in the process. Banjo and Kazooie now know they must seek revenge on the evil witch for killing Bottles. Meanwhile, Gruntilda has a vile plan to suck the life force out of Isle O Hags to get her skin back. Banjo and Kazooie must stop this from happening and save the Island, and their friend. They collect jiggies to open new levels, and notes so Bottles brother Jamjars can teach them new moves to use.

CHALLENGE:8

This game is not that hard at all. The hardest thing about this game has to be the mini games that are in there. Two of them are extremely difficult and could take you a very long time. As far as the difficulty of the games goes, I would say medium, and anyone over the age of 10 could beat this game at some point. A great game for people of all ages and not to difficult either. It's just a lot of fun to get those jiggies!

REPLAY:9

I have owned this game for about 9 months, and I have played through this game 3 times. I like to keep getting those jiggies. It's a real fun game, and I guarantee you will play it more than one time if you own it. Since this game is so large you will want to keep exploring new things in the level to maybe find new things. There are some things believed to still have not be found in the game. Also, you can play through the game to try and get the best time possible in completing a level. That is always fun to try and do!

BUY/RENT:BUY

Even if you think this looks like a kiddie game, It's not and is intended for people of all ages. I am 16 and I love this game, and think it is one of the top titles for the Nintendo 64. If you see it pick it up! You will not be disappointed.

OVERALL:10

I give this game a perfect score, because it is a near perfect game. Even though It has It's flaws, It still deserves a 10. It is for sure the best platform game on the Nintendo 64, and is one of the top ever released for any system ever. I'm glad I own both games in this series, and the Banjo series Is definitely making a name for itself. If you own this game, be happy you do, and If you don't, do yourself a favor and pick up this magnificent title named Banjo-Tooie.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/18/01, Updated 08/18/01