Video Games : Banjo-Kazooie (N64)

Rating: - One of the N64 classics
If you like traditional platforming games, then you must get this game if you haven't already. Banjo-Kazooie is as good as Super Mario 64, but contrary to popular opinion it is not just jumping on the Mario bandwagon - it can easily hold its own as one of the best games for the N64. The story is basically a spoof of Snow White: during the first cutscene Gruntilda the witch looks into her Magic Mirror and discovers that Tooty, Banjo's small sister, is prettier than she. Determined to be the prettiest of them all, she kidnaps Tooty so she can steal her beauty and make Tooty ugly.
Banjo-Kazooie is typical of all the Rare games because it is full of humour; don't be fooled into thinking it is just a kid's game because of the bright colours and childish storyline (not to say that it is unsuitable for children). The gameplay is complicated but it does not become repetitive or boring due to the diversity of the tasks in the game, however if you don't like collecting a lot of items (and this is a major component) you may end up rushing through and then not being able to progress much further. All in all, there is a lot to do and this game will last you a good 50-60 hours of gaming.
The graphics are colourful and the textures seamless, and the music is especially good because it is one of the first games to seamlessly incorporate different tunes depending on where you are in the game (for example if you approach an enemy).
This is a good, clean, fun game for all the family (which isn't code for "actually very boring"). It is truely one of the Nintendo classics, especially as Rare managed to pull off an equally successful sequel, Banjo-Tooie.

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Rating: - Just Fantastic
If you read the review below you'll see i'm not the only person who still enjoys playing Banjo Kazooie even now nearly 10 years after is release on the N64! What a wonderful master stroke of pure gaming fun from Rare (who at the time were partners with Nintendo).
From the moment the music starts you know you're in for a whole lot of fun! What I really love about BK is the sense of getting 'lost in the game'! Quite often i've still been playing it at 2 in the morning without realising the time and then waking up to the fact that i'm not really flying round Freezezey Peak or dive-bombing snowmen in Click Clock Wood!! Back to the game though, the controls are spot on. The music is genius. The gameplay is amazing and the actual atmosphere of the game is just so absorbing - it really takes you in! A definate 5* game and one to own if you dont already. Get that N64 out of the cupboard and re-live Banjo Kazooie. (Oh and as for enjoying it at any age, the last reviewer is 17, i'm approaching 38 and I still love it even if it is meant for the kids!!!)

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Rating: - N64 for President!
I first got my N64 when i was about 7, ohh thats 10 years ago now! lol, and the first game i got for it was Mario, the gold stars one. So that got me into the whole adventure games to begin with. I remember renting Banjo Kazooie every weekend from the video store and LOVED it. The video store then closed down, and by then i wasnt even playing the 64 anymore. Sony had taken its grip on youth and PS1 was my new thing. However, about 4 months ago, i dug out my old 64 and the fire within me was re-lit. I came on here, and immediatly bought Banjo-Kazooie. Its still as fun and exciting as i remember it.
Whether your 7 or 17, this is a great way to pass the time. N64 RULES with Banjo at its side.

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Rating: - Mario 64 rival!
The N64 needed no more platformers. Mario 64 sat on top of the pile, with nobody to challenge its greatness - until this came out. It had good graphics and superb storyline, the controls always felt perfect and to round it off it had more puzzles than Mario 64. In platformers I love puzzles and was extremely happy to find this had them in abundance. It really is a cracking game, and nowadays if you route out your old N64 you can get this game for pennies. If you love Mario 64 you WILL love this.

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Rating: - The best buddy game, Ever.
Bear and Bird. On paper it simply does not work, but add some cheesy but frankly hillarous writing, fantastic level design, a array of fun but not cheap-feeling special powers and your off to one of the best adventure games ever. Personally, I thought this surpassed Super Mario 64, as this was alot funny, a wider variety of moves, better characters and some of the music was simply genius.
The storyline is simple, a wicked witch kidnaps your sister, so you throw a bird in a backpack onto your shoulder and gear up to rescue her. Throw in some random rhyming, insults and collecting of 'Jiggies' and the action keeps on coming.
The graphics are cute, and when you get immersed into the story, you will forget that this game is not brand new. A must have for adventure game fans.