Interests
An Unforgettable Classic GAME REVIEW
By DANIEL O’LOUGHLIN There have been many gaming mascots catered to children over the years Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario being the most well known. One, or more specifically two mascots that In my opinion didn’t get their time to shine were Banjo-Kazooie. Originally released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998 Banjo-Kazooie tells the simple story of Banjo the bear and Kazooie the Breegul. Gruntilda the Witch, who bears a striking resemblance to the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, kidnaps Banjo’s sister attempting to steal her beauty with a contraption when a magic cauldron tells her
Kazooie takes flight, not her only ability too. so, clearly inspired by Snow White. The influence of Fairy Tales goes beyond its story. The excellent musical score by Grant Kirkhope, which changes depending where Banjo-Kazooie are in the level. The funny and weird characters the bear and bird meet along the way and the well aged colourful visuals all contribute to a delightfully whimsical atmosphere that is a complete breath of fresh air compared to the modern trends in the Gaming Industry. Since Kazooie is a 3D platformer collecting objects is the name of the game. The main collectible Jiggies, which are jigsaw pieces unlock levels in
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The duo are named after musical instruments Gruntilda’s lair. The musical notes Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in unlock doors throughout her lair. 2019 proves how much their legacy A lot of complaints have been has prevailed. Banjo’s good natured made over the huge amount of attitude and Kazooie’s sarcastic items collected in the game. Is it wit have made the pair one of the tedious, no, at least I don’t think most enduring and beloved. Banjoso. The collectibles are fun to Tooie (2000) is considered better collect and encourage exploration. than the original by fans or worse One label on the game I am not depending on who you ask. Banjofond of is; Super Mario 64 clone. Kazooie; Nuts and Bolts (2008) is Is Banjo-Kazooie in the same even more polarising. The main genre as Mario 64? Absolutely. issue being how it deviates from the Is it the same game? Definitely established platforming formulae in not. Even the Microsoft acquisition favour of vehicle construction and of Rare in 2002 couldn’t hinder driving missions. their popularity. Its spiritual successor Yooka Laylee, released in 2017 on the PS4,Switch, XBOX ONE and PC divided journalists and gamers alike. Some claimed it captured the spirit of Banjo Kazooie while others called the game disapointing. Personally I am in the latter camp. I tried, oh how I tried to like it. The game simply has too many fundamental design Banjo surveys his surroundings. and technical issues to be considered a worthy successor. Will the Bear and Bird duo ever Banjo Kazooie did everything in the make a proper return? It is unlikely game better nearly twenty years but never say never. prior. The overwhelming reaction Available on N64,XBOX Game gamers felt when the duo were Pass and Nintendo Switch added to star studded fighting game Online.
DiscoverDuhallow@irdduhallow.com
Issue 70 August 12th, 2022
