Graphics 10/10

Banjo-Kazooie’s graphics are not like any other game. Characters are animated well and cut-scenes are clever and funny. The levels of Banjo-Kazooie are absolutely amazing. The diversity is incredible. Each level has a unique theme and the cleverness in the design is excellent. Details are represented well, like the water-effects and the light effects. It’s very hard to compare Banjo-Kazooie to any other game, thanks to the diversity and all around polish of the game.

Audio 10/10

Yes, the voices are random sound dribble, but they’re just so funny! Each character’s sound is appropriate and suiting, from Gruntilda’s cackles to Mumbo’s odd chants. Level music is excellent capturing the character of the levels thoroughly. Instruments are varied in the level music and overall, the audio is as unique as the rest of the game.

Gameplay 10/10

This is Rareware at their absolute finest. Banjo-Kazooie completely revolutionizes the 3-D adventure-platformer. When Banjo the bear’s sister, Tooty, is kidnapped by the witch Gruntilda, it’s up to Banjo and his backpack-housed buddy Kazooie to save the day. Banjo and Kazooie combine their powers in unique ways, and even with the starting moves, all basic platforming elements are covered. Once new moves are introduced, gameplay takes off even further, combining the fluidity of platforming with the cleverness of puzzles. Banjo and Kazooie must collect golden jigsaw pieces called Jiggies to progress, along with musical notes to go through doors to move to other levels of Gruntilda’s lair. Along the way, they’ll team up with Mumbo Jumbo, who uses shamanic magic to change their form into new (though sometimes strange) creatures. The puzzles use the moves in unique ways and truly integrate adventure and platforming. Levels are massive and well-designed, each with a unique theme. The theme allows for the puzzles to be clever, but intuitive, making you be able to know what to do, even if it takes a few tries to do it. Difficulty is balanced with the puzzles and platforming. Once you complete a task, the feeling of reward is great and you truly realize the polish and design the game possesses. Rare has a legacy with games like this. Amazing this game is.

Replay Value 9/10

There is no multiplayer, but this game would be somewhat awkward with multiplayer. The game is long and collecting all 100 Jiggies does take time. Collecting all the Notes and Empty Honeycombs also will increase the replay value. But even if you finish the game, you will want to play it again. With so many puzzles and challenges, going back to complete them is much more a treat than a tribulation.

Final Verdict 10/10

Words cannot describe how great this game is, but I’ll talk anyway. Banjo-Kazooie single-handedly redefines the adventure-platformer. Taking some of the best elements from platformers like Super Mario 64 and adventure games like Zelda, Banjo-Kazooie is an incredibly-designed, graphically-spectacular, and laugh-out-loud funny experience for anyone who owns an N64. This is what Rare is known for: massive, well-designed, and clever games that create elaborate worlds and lovable characters. In case you didn’t hear me the first 100 times, this game is great. Buy it. If you don’t have an N64, buy one with this game. Beneath the whimsical exterior is a game that will be loved by everyone. Don’t question me: just buy it.