GamesRadar - Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

Nintendo Time Capsule: 1997-2001 (Feature)

Sep 18, 2009

Nintendo is known for producing unintentionally hilarious promotional videos. In the mid-to-late ‘90s the company pumped out at least one VHS tape a year, each focusing on whatever the newest, greatest release happened to be. Some have become quite famous since then, sprouting all over YouTube and message boards across the net. ...

Target holds new Xbox 360 game clearance (News)

Sep 16, 2009

Select Target Corp. stores this month began holding a new game clearance for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360.

Rare: We've been battling against the Xbox demographic (News)

Aug 25, 2009

Rare was acquired by Microsoft back in 2002 and has been at the heart of the platform holder's internal development, but only now, with the upcoming launch of Natal, does the developer feel it and Microsoft are on the same page.

Speaking to VideoGamer.com about Natal prior to gamescom, Rare design director George Andreas explained just why the motion sensing technology is such a big deal.

PathEngine SDK Updated, Licensed for Project NATAL's Milo & Kate (News)

Aug 10, 2009

PathEngine has announced the release 5.21.00 of their pathfinding and agent movement SDK, with key features of the release being the addition of functionality for projecting 3D geometry to ground shapes, significant optimisation of pre-process data structures, and 3D content processing improvements. In addition, the team have also announced a licensing agreement with Monolith, and to Nexon for Nexon Star.

Amazon Offers Free Game w/ Xbox 360 Arcade (News)

Jul 4, 2009

360-Deals writes:

"This July 4th, retail Amazon.com kicked off a special promotion on the Xbox 360 Arcade console.

Get a copy of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts free ($29.99 value) when you order an Xbox 360 arcade at Aamzon!

Promotion ends on July 11, 2009 at 11:59PST

Here are the full details..."

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts Soundtrack Out on June 30th (News)

Jun 29, 2009

GamingShogun.com writes: "Banjo-Kazooie fans be aware that the soundtrack to Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts will be released tomorrow on June 30th via retail stores, www.sumthing.com, and will be available for digital download on www.sumthingdigital.com and iTunes..."

Amazon price cuts Xbox 360 game titles (News)

May 26, 2009

Retailer Amazon.com this week price cut game titles for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 in the latest video game promotion.

This week, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts held a sale price of $17.97, 40 percent off the $29.99 MSRP.

In addition, You're In The Movies held a sale price of $14.97, 25 percent off the $19.99 MSRP.

Rare denies Blast Corps 2 and Jet Force Gemini 2 yet again (News)

May 20, 2009

MundoRare writes: "With E3 fast approaching, and the last edition of Scribes being somewhere around mid-February, good ol' Loveday saw it fit to update with yet another tantalizingly teasing edition of Scribes.

When asked about what a Banjo-Fourie would have, Loveday, besides commenting on the horribleness of the name, said that he doesn't know any more than you do on a possible sequel. Keep in mind that, before the game's release, the team originally wanted to build upon (sorry) the vehicle concept. Who knows what the plans are now, if any?

Loveday, in a rather creative manner, acknowledges, once again, the lack of a Blast Corps and a Jet Force Gemini sequel. However, he does wonder if XBLA would "be a good place to reintroduce the whimsical savagery of the originals first." In which case, yes, it would. Bring on the difficulty of Blast Corps and the painfully long Tribal fetch-quest in Jet Force Gemini to a new audience!

While the economic recession has been quite the bitch, it can safely be said that it didn't result "in the canning of entire projects."

On a similar note, when a few of Rare's staff were unfortunately compromised, an employee let slip of four projects. Loveday commented, "I don't know where and when this confirmation happened, but it must have passed me by. The actual situation here is that things are so TEH TOP SECRAT at the moment, I'm a loooong way from being in a position to spill the beans on everything that's cooking. What I will say is that there's little talk of the 'obvious choices' I've seen rumoured elsewhere." This begs the question if he considers KI3 an obvious choice, but as it stands, we hopefully won't have long to find out what Rare's been cooking."

Banjo Custom Contraption Awards + Stop 'N' Swop Details (News)

Apr 29, 2009

Quoted from the Official Banjo Blog:

"The time has come, Banjo fans, for a bit of show and tell. What does this entail, exactly? It means that we're at last ready to show you the entries we selected as the best user-created contraptions for Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts and tell you a little bit about how the fabled Stop 'N' Swop will work in Banjo-Tooie on XBLA, for those who haven't already had the surprise spoiled for them by those scamps over at the Rare Witch Project."

Stop 'n' Swop on XBLA Unveiled (News)

Apr 26, 2009

The Rare Witch Project reveals Stop 'n' Swop on Banjo Kazooie/Banjo Tooie on XBLA. The Scrapped hidden feature intended to be a transfer mode between Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie on the original N64 games.

Tooie's Easter-limited items now available on the Marketplace (News)

Apr 11, 2009

Following LOG's Lost Challenges and Klungo's gamerpics, Easter '09 continues with another bunch of Banjo items in the Xbox Marketplace.

As promised by Rare, the so-called Tooie's Splendid Theme can now be downloaded for 250 Microsoft Points, and the two packs of Stop 'n' Swop gamerpics are also available for the price of free (but just until Monday!).

Of course, the highly expected Banjo-Tooie XBLA trailer has also made its appearance.

Banjo finally gets its add-on with lots of new challenges (News)

Apr 8, 2009

LOG's Lost Challenges, the Nuts & Bolts add-on released finally today on the Xbox Live Marketplace, comes with major offerings inside: seven new multiplayer modes, a dozen of extra challenges that take place in the Test-O-Track, the exciting return of Hero Klungo Sssavesss Teh World with new levels, and 250 gamerpoints in form of new achievements. And all of it for just 400 Microsoft Points.

You must admit that, whether you liked Nuts & Bolts or not, this is clearly what can be considered as a big bargain.

Besides, if you are a Gold user of Xbox Live, today you can also get for free a new collection of Banjo gamerpics. And if all of this wasn't enough, check out the splendid aspect of the new Banjo-Tooie theme coming next Friday 10th April for 250 Microsoft Points!

Xbox Live Marketplace Update: Tuesday 7th April 2009 (News)

Apr 7, 2009

Console Monster writes: "It's been a while but today sees the return of the Xbox Live Marketplace Update, and boy is it good. Today sees the release of two sets of downloadable content. One of which is for Resident Evil 5, and the other for Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. There are also new Rock Band tracks for purchase and some free Gamerpicsss. Here is the full Xbox Live Marketplace Update for Tuesday 7th April 2009:

*Update* It appears the Resident Evil 5 content leaves an error when downloading. It may be best to wait until the problem is sorted before purchasing. *Update End*

Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Size: 2MB
Description: VERSUS is a new mode available for Resident Evil 5. Take control of Chris, Sheva and other RE5 favorites in online battles of up to 4 players! Compete for points by defeating Majini in SLAYERS or take down other players in SURVIVORS. Fight alone or in a team for a total of 4 exciting variations!?You must have an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership to go on-line and use this mode..."

Banjo/Viva Pinata 2 $20 Each, Lips $40, Scene It 2 Bundle $30 and other Xbox 360 Deals at Amazon (News)

Apr 6, 2009

gmagnus of CheapAssGamer informs the masses of a discounted games offered at Amazon.

TalkRadar 45 - The fools of April (Feature)

Apr 1, 2009

DOWNLOAD (Right-click, select "Save Link/Target As")MySpace | iTunes | TalkRadar forums 04-01-09 | 04:52 | Intro song by AnamanaguchiWARNING: Explicit ContentTalkRadar Archives

THE VOICES

Legend of Zelda MovieIt’s finally happening thanks to the folks at Fox.

Sonic in Super Smash Bros?We weigh in on the utter impossibility.

Mushroom Kingdom HeartsKeyblades clash ...

The Great, Free B-K:N&B & Tooie Goodies Giveaway (News)

Mar 31, 2009

To celebrate the addition of brand new levels as part of L.O.G.'s Lost Challenges, Rare also be giving away a set of free Limited Edition Gamerpics to give your online gaming persona a nice little makeover.
Rare will also release of two Limited Edition Banjo-Tooie themed Gamerpics. These will only be available for download from 10th – 14th April.
Lastly, Rare will also be releasing a very special Easter-themed trailer for the high-definition release of Banjo-Tooie on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. As we all know, Easter doesn't last forever and neither does this trailer – you'll only be able to get your mitts on it from 10th – 14th April, just like the Easter-themed Gamerpics.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - L.O.G.'s Lost Challenges Details (Release Date & Price Included) (News)

Mar 31, 2009

Polish up that toolkit and prepare to dive back into the vivid world of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, where invigorating new challenges await with the Lord of Games' (L.O.G) Lost Challenges Game Add-On pack! Worried that Banjo and Kazooie may be falling back into their lazy ways, L.O.G has created a fresh series of tests and seven additional multiplayer modes for players to continue building their own distinctive vehicle creations. Although Spiral Mountain has been rightfully won, L.O.G. has an enticing reward for completing his new challenges: another version of Klungo's Arcade game.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Screenshots)

Mar 31, 2009

New Banjo-Kazooie N&B achievements reveal DLC details (News)

Mar 24, 2009

Rare has revealed new achievements for their title Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts giving some insight into the upcoming DLC for the game.

The Nuts & Bolts DLC "doesn't contain the Weird West" (News)

Mar 18, 2009

MundoRare writes: "You may remember that some days ago Rare promised through their official website imminent information about some unexpected DLC content for Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, entitled "LOG's Lost Challenges".

According to Microsoft's Xbox Live Team this LOG's Challenge Game Add-on is rated PEGI+7 and doesn't have a release date yet (at least, nothing more specific than the typical "coming soon").

From the official forums we also know for sure that "the DLC contains more than just challenges" but it "doesn't contain 'the Weird West'", which was supposed to be the sixth game world, removed in the final version of the game. Rare's Mike Wilson also confirmed that "the DLC will be accompanied by the 3rd Nuts & Bolts community night"."

The SDTV Dilemma (News)

Mar 16, 2009

Article investigating why game developers make games that alienate at least 10% of their potential market by making the game text completely illegible on a SDTV.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts DLC Announced? (News)

Mar 6, 2009

From Rare.co.uk: "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts – it's not over yet. We can't offer any specifics, but it wouldn't do to let your N&B disc gather dust. To whet your appetite for what's coming, a few words from L.O.G. himself..."

Fable II, Banjo Kazooie Sales Are Chalk & Cheese (News)

Jan 28, 2009

Kotaku writes: "Microsoft released three first-party games towards the end of 2008. Gears of War 2, we know, is a smashing success. But what of the other two games, Fable II and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts?

Sales data released by the NPD Group today reveals that the games' experience on store shelves couldn't have been more diffierent. Fable II was a surprising success, by January 1 selling a respectable 1.2 million copies in the US. Not too shabby.

But Banjo? Seems Rare's stab at innovation by introducing customisable vehicles to the game was a flop with consumers, as the game had only sold a meagre 140,000 copies by new year's day."

Banjo and the inside video? (News)

Jan 15, 2009

RareWareCentral States that there's a video on the "Inside XBOX" tab on your xbox console which leads too the team members talking about Banjo!

Tepid Seat! Send in questions too Banjo developers! (News)

Jan 14, 2009

RareWareCentral has recently published a news story on their site about a certain new Rare feature called Tepid Seat, It's not totally new but the new thing about it is new.
RareWareCentral States that you can ask the Banjo team Developers anything about Banjo.

Nuts & Bolts going Internet styled! (News)

Jan 6, 2009

This is a story I wrote on my site.
It's all about Rare making a deal with Kraftbrands to advertise their new game.

Rare releases new Text-Enlarging update (News)

Dec 20, 2008

If you load up Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts today, you'll be prompted to download an update. If you're playing on a High-Def TV, then you won't really notice much, but those of you playing on a Standard-Def tube will be happy to see that the small text problem has been solved!

Earn A Place In Banjo History (News)

Dec 18, 2008

Microsoft and developer Rare have teamed up to kick off a contest inviting gamers to take snapshots of their personal contraptions in Banjo- Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Rare is handpicking a grand total of seven of the very best creations and will award winners with "in-game immortality."

'Halo Wars' Will Not Repeat Small-Text Sins Of 'Banjo' And 'Dead Rising' (News)

Dec 16, 2008

Stephen Totilo from MTV Multiplayer writes:

"'Halo Wars'Here's one more important "Halo Wars" fact that I learned during my recent interview with the game's lead writer, Graeme Devine:

-The Game's Text Won't Repeat The Mistakes Of "Banjo-Kazooie" - Several prominent Xbox 360 games have been programmed to display text in such small sizes that words can't be read on standard definition TVs. Pity the gamer who hadn't splurged on an HD set. This was an issue with Capcom's "Dead Rising" in 2006 (which was never fixed) and Microsoft/Rare's "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts" earlier this year (which Rare plans to be fix)."

Weekend Deals (News)

Dec 13, 2008

Black Friday may be over but discounts for many things continue, including video games. Below are two great deals for the cheap gamer. Both are great prices for fantastic games. Banjo was already being sold at $40 but has now become a steal at Amazon. Team Fortress 2 is worth the money for hours of enjoyment. Make sure to look around for the best deals as they become even more frequent.

Rare wishes everyone a fun-filled 2009 (News)

Dec 11, 2008

MundoRare writes: "No Holiday Season is complete without the traditional Rare Xmas Greeting, and this year isn't an exception! [...] The message from Rare coming along with this spiffy greeting card goes as follows: 'We wish everyone a very merry Xmas, a happy New Year and look forward to a fun-filled 2009 :)' "

"Ridiculous Deal of the Moment: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts" (News)

Dec 11, 2008

"I'm not normally the kind to clip coupons and stay up on deals, but even a dolt like me can respond when something like this is staring me in the face. Amazon is selling Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts for the criminally low price of $25.99"

Read more after the jump.

The Banjo universe meets Piñata gardens (News)

Dec 10, 2008

MundoRare writes: "After the amazing Viva Piñata cards from the Tokyo Game Show or the ones hinting at a new Killer Instinct, it's time for the Banjo universe to meet the paper maché world!

Some of the classical Banjo characters also got their own piñatesque representation in Piñata Island thanks to the exclusive cards released by Rare on three of the main Rare fansites, followed by another bunch of three at Rare's own online spot later this week."

Xbox Live Marketplace Update: Wednesday 10th December 2008 (News)

Dec 10, 2008

Console Monster writes: " Yes, it's the Xbox Live Marketplace update. Today sees two Xbox Live Arcade titles, as well as themes and game content. Here is the Marketplace update for Wednesday 10th December 2008:

Today's content has all been linked to the online Marketplace, to add it to your download queue simply click onto the content's name.

METEOS WARS
Price: 800 Microsoft Points (Trial available)
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions
Description: Take a ride through this intergalactic journey where you slide, stack and ignite your blocks to blast away the world-ending Meteos! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

PowerUp Forever
Price: 800 Microsoft Points (Trial available)
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions except Korea
Description: PowerUp Forever, the next-gen, next-level evolution of the top-down arcade shooter, offers limitless levels, enemies and options. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts..."

TalkRadar 30 – co-starring Jeff Gerstmann! (Feature)

Dec 5, 2008

In case you missed TalkRadar 28 (and shame on you if you did), we couldn’t fathom why Giant Bomb awarded MK vs DCU a five star rating (their highest score). That led to forumites on both sites to start a-feudin’ an’ a-fussin’ about integrity and other such nonsense, so we simply called Jeff Gerstmann up and now you can hear the results of said conversation. Hint: we’re bitter enemies now. ...

$25.98 buys you Banjo Kazooie says Amazon's 15 day sale (News)

Dec 5, 2008

Now is the time of year when anticipation builds more with each passing day. It's also the time of year when Amazon Video Games has scores of fantastic deals happening all at once. There is no better way to celebrate the season than with a mashup of daily anticipation and fabulous deals!

Starting Tuesday, December 2 and continuing for 15 consecutive days, Amazon Video Games will be featuring one new, terrific deal for your gaming pleasure. Quantities will be limited!

Todays deal is for Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts for the Xbox 360.

Banjo-Kazooie Launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday with Original Adventure (News)

Dec 1, 2008

Fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy platforming with Rare's famous honey bear Banjo and breegull Kazooie as they fight to save Banjo's little sister Tooty from the evil witch Gruntilda in their original classic adventure. "Banjo-Kazooie" launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, December 3 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Microsoft Admits to Banjo-Kazooie Preorder Code Problems, Delays XBLA Release to December 3 (News)

Nov 20, 2008

1UP contacted Microsoft to see if they knew what was going on and received the following official response:

"We are aware that some consumers who preordered Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts have not received their redeem code for Banjo-Kazooie on Xbox Live Arcade. We are currently investigating the scope of this situation, but we believe it represents a small fraction of the total number of preorder customers. We encourage anyone who preordered Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts and did not receive a redeem code to follow up directly with your retailer's customer service team for resolution."

Rare: Our future products will "surprise" people (News)

Nov 17, 2008

Rare's studio manager, Mark Betteriedge, has told GamesIndustry.biz that some of the company's future products will "surprise a lot of people, both in terms of what they are and the different styles".

Talking in an interview, the first part of which will be published tomorrow, he explained that one of the studio's roles as a first party developer was to change the perception of the Xbox 360 from just being a "shooter box, or a hardcore box," and "change the conventional thinking of games and entertainment".

Rare drop a massive bombshell hidden in Banjo Kazooie! (News)

Nov 16, 2008

CrankyGamersUK writes: Been playing through Banjo Kazooie on 360 and have found a nice secret that i'm sure lots of you are going to go crazy for!

2009 just got a whole lot sweeter!

Banjo Dev Diary 6: Closing Comments (News)

Nov 13, 2008

According to the newest Dev Diary on BanjoKazooie.com, the team is going to be working on more Banjo games.

"Lastly, let's spare a thought for our local pizza delivery company, who are now at risk of going out of business. They told me that at first they thought it was because of the credit crunch biting in, but they soon realised it was because we'd finished Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. There's only one solution to their woes...

...more Banjo games!"

Play Banjo-Kazooie with Rare (News)

Nov 12, 2008

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is out in Europe this Friday (and on sale now in the US) and to celebrate developer Rare is throwing down a block-building gauntlet.

On November 23 a dozen artists and designers from the UK dev, including head of design and 'Mr. Banjo' Gregg Mayles, will descend on Xbox Live multiplayer competitions between 3 and 5 pm.

Members of Banjo's dev team will be recognisable by their characters' stylish sunglasses and you'll also unlock a special Achievement just for battling them.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Launches Today (News)

Nov 11, 2008

More than 10 years after the launch of "Banjo-Kazooie," Microsoft Game Studios and Rare Ltd. are proud to renew the beloved franchise with "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts." Landing at North American retailers today, this Xbox 360 exclusive is rated "E 10+" (for Everyone 10 and older) and retails for $39.99.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Review)

Nov 11, 2008

Nuts & Bolts truly is the return of Rare. Enough with the papery menagerie, let’s get back to N64 basics: the wordplay, the self-deprecating humor (pops are taken at their own distastr-o-game Grabbed by the Ghoulies), the design philosophy that states ‘object + googly eyes = endearing thing’. And in a winter of bleak, dreary games, the lightness of touch is very, very welcome indeed. ...

Rare apologises over Banjo SD text issue (News)

Nov 10, 2008

Rare's issued an apology over last week's favourite storm dan le teacup, the issue of whether or not players with SD TVs would be able to read text in Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.

A font size fix for Banjo is in the works (News)

Nov 8, 2008

While playing the recently released Nuts & Bolts demo, you may have noticed the rather small font size. Or, more appropriately, you might have not, given the stalwart backlash from the community after giving up squinting at their small CRT sets.

While it's disappointing nevertheless that this issue wasn't caught in earlier focus testing, [...] a fair and quick rectification from Microsoft Game Studios PR, that Rare's very own George Kelion gently forwarded to MundoRare today to clarify the issue:

"It has come to our attention that people are exmeperiencing subtitle readability issues with Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts on Standard Definition TVs. We would like to assure you that contrary to earlier reports, we are aware of the issue and currently working on a title update to be released within the next 30 days that will fix it for those with Standard Definition TVs. We're committed to ensuring all fans of the franchise are able to have the best experience possible with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts."

Rare Posts a New Edition of Scribes (News)

Nov 5, 2008

Official Rare Banjo Blog:

"With only a week to go before the release of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, the editor has posted a brand new edition of everyone's favourite Q&A, Scribes!

With help from a few dev team members, the editor answers all your pressing questions including these:

I was just wondering if the feathers on Mumbo's head had flying properties like Kazooie's? I mean did he rip them from Kazooie or something?
Bryner

Editor Answer - Possibly. Maybe he sliced her head open like Sylar and now he can do a Flap Flip jump as well.

I can't wait for Banjo-Kazooie! I literally crapped my pants when I heard the big news. I'm also looking forward to Nuts & Bolts but I want to try the demo first (make it happen please).
Christopher 'Chito' Escobar

Editor Answer - Everyone's having accidents in their pants today. Demo's up now, stop cacking yourself and play it.

Click the link for more questions and answers."

Banjo and Kazooie in 'For HD Eyes Only' (News)

Nov 4, 2008

Kombo writes: Congratulations, Rare. You've just lost a customer.

Word has gotten around that the demo of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is rather hard to read on a standard-definition TV. As such, there have been complaints about it in places such as the NeoGAF forums, and as such, Rare Community Manager George K. told everyone that they were looking into the text issue for the retail version of the game. So that was good. Until this came back...

Ones to Watch: Xbox 360 Releases for November 2008 (News)

Nov 3, 2008

Aeropause writer Jeremy Yerby looks at the best titles coming out for the Xbox 360 in the month of November. Some of the hightlights include Gears of War 2 and Mirror's Edge.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Facebook Character Q&A Closes (News)

Oct 31, 2008

Taken from the Official Banjo Blog:

'Today is 31st October and at midnight, we will not be accepting anymore questions on the character Facebook pages. There has been a great response and I look forward to seeing each character's answers.'

Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts demo available now on XBM (News)

Oct 29, 2008

Major Nelson reports that a demo for Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Build awe-inspiring vehicles and tackle the Jiggy challenges in any way you see fit! Show your creations off over Xbox LIVE.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts set for release on 14th Nov in Europe (News)

Oct 22, 2008

Microsoft announced today that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts will be released across Europe on November 14th.

The Nuts & Bolts demo might be online very soon (News)

Oct 18, 2008

In addition to the new Banjo Gamerpics, a Nuts & Bolts demo is on the way. And unlike every other Rare 360 title to date, it'll actually be before the game's release. At least, that's what BK.com's forum moderator, Mike Wilson, says. Take it away! "As far as I am aware, the demo is completed or is in certification. A 'demo coming soon' image on Xbox Live is fair enough. I doubt it will be here before the end of October. The team are hoping to get it out before release but there are no promises." And as for what this demo will be offering, Wilson adds: "It's awesome, I am sure you guys will love it. I don't think playing the demo will spoil much and it will give everyone a little taste of what is to come."

Banjo Dev Diary 4: Building the Hub, Pt. 1 (News)

Oct 7, 2008

Taken from the article:

"We have a fantastic treat for you this time - a detailed look into the creation of one of the game's key elements, and a hallmark of the Banjo series: the hub world. Steve Malpass, one of the main designers on the Banjo team, has lifted the metaphorical garage door of his mind to reveal the genesis of Showdown Town to you, our gentle readers. You may also know Steve from his work in Banjo-Tooie, Perfect Dark, and Grabbed by the Ghoulies (a personal favourite of mine). He was also the voice of Fox McCloud in Star Fox Adventures (which is rather exciting, wouldn't you say?). But enough from me, I'll let Steve take the floor..."

Why do you wear yellow shorts but no top? (News)

Oct 3, 2008

Taken from the Banjo Blog:

"Ever wanted to ask Banjo about his questionable fashion sense? Or ask Mumbo about what he was like as a child? Well if you have, then you are in luck! Banjo & Kazooie, Mumbo, L.O.G. and Grunty will be answering your questions on their Facebook profile pages."

Rare Reveals Two Unique, Scuttled Versions Of 'Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts' (News)

Sep 29, 2008

MTV Multiplayer's Patrick Klepek reports:

"When you play "Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts" in November, you won't be playing what Rare initially set out to make with their revival of "Banjo Kazooie."

Series creator Gregg Mayles told me last week at a review event for the game in San Francisco that Rare went through several iterations of a new "Banjo Kazooie" before settling on their current path.

One of them even included a pseudo-remake of the original Nintendo 64 platformer produced alongside Nintendo. Keep reading to discover the three iterations (two of them now dead) of a next-generation "Banjo Kazooie.""

Banjo-Kazooie XBLA Video Leaked, Nintendo references removed from the game (News)

Sep 25, 2008

A video of the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade remake of Banjo-Kazooie, which was announced for a November 26th release yesterday, has been leaked onto YouTube. The video is over nine minutes long and contains gameplay footage from the start of the game.

Banjo-Kazooie remake appearing on XBLA November 26th (News)

Sep 24, 2008

Microsoft announced today that Banjo-Kazooie, remake of the original Nintendo 64 game, is to be released on the Xbox Live Arcade on November 26th, 2008. The game will be priced at 1200 MS points and will contain graphical enhancements, along with achievements and gamerscore support.

X3A: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Achievements (News)

Sep 22, 2008

There are 50 achievements with a total of 1000 points.

Rare laughed at Banjo motion control rumours (News)

Sep 20, 2008

From GAMER.tm: "Rare has said that Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts would never have worked with motion sensing control, and that it laughed when rumours emerged that the game would use such a system.

"Recalling the incident [where a Microsoft executive appeared to confirm motion control for Banjo] with GAMER.tm recently, Rare literally laughed off suggestions that it ever intended to use motion control, and went on to explain that Nuts & Bolts is too complex to work effectively with such a control system.

"[When the rumours first emerged] we were like, 'haa haa ha!'" Rare senior animator, Elissa Miller recalled.

"Lead artist Neill Harrison then went on to explain that while a few elements could have worked using a device such as the Wii Remote, it would have been impossible to use it with some of the game's major elements.

GameBrit reveal the achievements for Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (News)

Sep 12, 2008

Fresh from a hands-on with the game, GameBrit list all the achievements from the upcoming Banjo Kazooie sequel.

Videogamer: 'Barely a quarter' of Banjo revealed (News)

Sep 11, 2008

Rare says the game is 'immense' and they've only touched on what it has to offer:

Speaking to VideoGamer at a recent Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts press day, Rare's lead technical artist Neill Harrison and senior animator Elissa Miller have teased fans with news that there's plenty of the game still to reveal.

"There are two entire game worlds that nobody has seen yet - we might be revealing those at Tokyo," said Miller. "The thing is, it's such a massive game that what we've shown so far is barely a quarter of the actual experience. It's an immense game, which makes it quite hard to develop, but it also means there's loads to see and do... we've barely touched on it."

Harrison added: "There are lots of components we've not shown off yet. And there are over 100 challenges - we've only ever shown off a handful of them."

Banjo dev: Game play through time 'almost irrelevant' (News)

Sep 11, 2008

Speaking to VideoGamer.com at a recent Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts press day at Microsoft's Reading HQ, Rare's senior animator Elissa Miller said that the time it takes gamers to play through a modern video game is pretty much "irrelevant".

Asked about the apparent move away from linear gaming to much more free experiences - LittleBigPlanet, Spore, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts - Miller said this is the kind of gaming she enjoys most.

"For some people, that's the most interesting part. I know it's what I enjoy the most. Rather than play a game through from start to finish, I like to get lost in it," said Miller.

She added: "The amount of time it takes to actually complete a game is almost irrelevant, nowadays."

Banjo-Kazooie DLC is possible (News)

Sep 11, 2008

Speaking to VideoGamer.com at a recent Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts press day at Microsoft's Reading HQ, Rare's lead technical artist Neill Harrison has confirmed DLC for the upcoming Xbox 360 title is possible, but they haven't "really thought about it yet".

Regarding DLC Harrison said: "We haven't announced anything, or even really thought about it yet, but it's certainly possible... People always assume we're not allowed to say, but actually most of the time we don't even know! But yeah, we'll finish this and then we'll think about what's next."

9 things you didn't know about Banjo-Kazooie Nuts and Bolts (Feature)

Sep 11, 2008

Did you know these nine facts about Banjo and Kazooie's next adventure? Feed your brain cells! ...

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Preview)

Sep 9, 2008

The new Banjo-Kazooie is not a racing game. It is, despite appearances, very much a platformer. Even for a Rare title, the blend of concept and gameplay is a bizarre one, and, we’re not going to lie to you, it doesn’t feel much like the comparatively simple Banjo games of the N64 era. Nuts & Bolts is a brand new start for the franchise, and based on what we’ve seen, we reckon its quirky approach might just work... ...

Next Banjo will "expand" N&B concept (News)

Sep 8, 2008

CVG writes: "The next Banjo-Kazooie game could expand upon the vehicle-building concept of upcoming sequel Nuts & Bolts - provided the new game goes down well with the public, Rare has told CVG.

"[Nuts & Bolts] is like an introduction to what we could do," senior animator Ellissa Miller told CVG. "If we went on and did some more then we could push it. If it was accepted and people enjoyed it then we could definitely push it in a much bigger direction. This is like an opening to a new type of gaming I guess."

New Banjo Kazooie was originally a platformer (News)

Sep 8, 2008

OXM reports that Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts did originally start life as a platformer.

However, Rare's Neil Harrison admits that it felt stale and didn't fit in with today's market.

"We thought well, we'll just do another platform game as Banjo Kazooie," Harrison explains. "We did that for a bit and as gamers and as developers, it just felt a little bit stale. It felt like it didn't fit in today's market. With the 360, there's just so much more we can do, we thought we'd try something different."

Banjo 64 coming to VC? (News)

Aug 30, 2008

In the latest issue of OXM there is a small segment on Nuts and bolts. It states that the Banjo 64 coming to XBLA will be an exact port and specifically states "will include the Nintendo logo on the title screen". It then says that Microsoft made a deal with Nintendo...

Belgians, Dutch jipped by Banjo, VP2 translations (News)

Aug 29, 2008

From GAMER.tm: "Gamers in Belgium and Holland will be paying more than other European countries for Banjo Kazooie Nuts & Bolts and Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise, due to the cost of translating both games.

"While both titles are widely expected to go on sale for around EUR 39 in most major markets, it seems that gamers in Holland and Belgium will be paying EUR 59 for Pinata 2 and Banjo Nuts & Bolts respectively.

"When asked by Dutch site Perfect-Rare why this was the case, a Microsoft Benelux spokesperson blamed the cost of translating both games and the relative size of both markets for the decision."

Nuts & Bolts and BK XBLA's European release date (News)

Aug 22, 2008

When MundoRare yesterday asked Rare about Nuts & Bolts' European release, the answer they gave was "around a week after the US' release." Thankfully someone over there saw it differently for you guys, and today MundoRare got a new answer.

As opposed to a week after November 14th, now the official release date for Europe is... November 14th. That's right, for the first time in... well, ever, a Rare retail game will be released on the same day for both North America and Europe.

As for Banjo XBLA? ...

Banjo-Kazooie Xbox 360 pre-orders soar at retailer (News)

Aug 21, 2008

Advanced orders for Microsoft Corp.'s Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts for the Xbox 360 upon availability at Amazon.com this week.

On Wed., Nuts & Bolts held a 17,850 percent sales increase to rank at No. 4 in Amazon's Video Games division.

Banjo Kazooie Nuts & Bolts Demo Confirmed (News)

Aug 20, 2008

Addict Gaming Writes ""A Marketplace demo? Yes," lead programmer Salvatore Fileccia told Eurogamer when they visited their studios last week for a Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts hands-on preview, published today. "We've got various different ideas. I think all the leads on the team all have their own idea what the demo should be, and it obviously makes sense for the demo to happen before the game ships. We all feel that it's essential because the game is so different.""

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts $39.99 with FREE Banjo XBLA code when preordering (News)

Aug 19, 2008

Ready your spring-loaded propeller boat and fasten your seatbelt, "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts" is hitting U.S. store shelves on November 14, and pre-orders begin today. For the retail price of $39.99, those who pre-order at participating retailers will get in on all the Banjo fun right off the starting line, and as a special bonus, will also receive a free download code for the original "Banjo-Kazooie," launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this fall.

As Kazooie likes to say, "The early bird gets the worm." Since the original "Banjo-Kazooie" will not debut on Xbox LIVE Arcade until a couple weeks after "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts" releases, pre-ordering the game gives you a two-week head start on the Arcade title and the opportunity to take advantage of "Stop N' Swop" before anyone else. "Stop N' Swop" rewards players' accomplishments in the new game with extra content and features in the Xbox LIVE Arcade game, giving fans who pre-order "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts" the chance to experience more Banjo action than ever.

Pre-order Banjo N&B, get Banjo XBLA early (News)

Aug 19, 2008

From CVG: Banjo-Kazooie dated Nov 14 but if you pre-order before Nov. 14 you get Xbox Live Arcade game free and first.

Rare to deploy all their Fall offerings on Leizpig's GC (News)

Aug 18, 2008

The german Games Convention of Leizpig has progressively gained relevance as one of the main events of the gaming industry each Summer to the detriment of the dying E3. And despite Rare not likely showing anything new, this year Rare will find it the perfect place to deploy all their offerings for this Fall, including updated versions of the recent demos from the American showcases.

Banjo-Tooie also coming to XBLA (News)

Aug 10, 2008

"MundoRare has confirmed through different insider sources that, apart from Banjo-Kazooie XBLA, external developer 4J Studios is also working on its sequel, Banjo-Tooie, which will hit our consoles sometime in the future.

Therefore, the idea is not only to provide players with a new connection between BK XBLA and Nuts & Bolts, but also -quite possibly- bring back the original (or, at least, similar) feature between BK and BT that Rare wasn't able to add on Tooie due to later revisions of the N64 circuitry."

Banjo & Kazooie: NAB and Viva Pinata 2 to be Priced at $39.99? (News)

Aug 9, 2008

Endsights writes:

Two of Microsoft's key family-friendly titles might be discounted when they ship this Fall. On a number of online retailers, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts and Viva Pinata 2 have been mysteriously priced at $39.99

No Rare IP is dead suggests developer (News)

Aug 8, 2008

Speaking to VideoGamer.com at Develop last week, Rare senior software engineer Nick Burton, an employee at Rare for over 10 years, has revealed that when talking about the studios' owned intellectual property "there's a good chance of seeing any of it again".

"You might see Killer Instinct, you might see Battletoads. Or as I said the other month Killer Instinct meets Battletoads in the GoldenEye universe!" joked Burton.

The titles the Microsoft owned studio is currently working on is something that's constantly debated on internet forums, and speculation isn't helped by Rare's constant teasing. Do you remember the Rare 2007 Christmas card that hinted at a new Killer Instinct? Burton was all too happy to reveal the story behind the card.

"You'll probably have to rephrase this, we're just fu!$ing with you!" he joked. "Have you not noticed a theme in our Christmas cards? We do it every year! It's just sometimes people don't notice it because it's that subtle.

"Ryan (Stevenson, senior concept artist), when he was doing it said, oh I'm putting Killer Instinct in that, I am. The conversation was, put Battletoads in as well! Or Snake Rattle and Roll, come on do it! We have a reputation for teasing. Sometimes we do it for good reasons and other times it upsets people. We're English, we're allowed to!"

Burton wouldn't be drawn on confirming the existence of a new Killer Instinct title, but say that "you could pick anything in our back catalogue and then turn it into something new".

"Fresh" Banjo stuff behind closed doors at Leipzig, new screens released (News)

Aug 8, 2008

Rare's George Kelion's confirmed that "fresh" Banjo stuff will be shown behind closed doors at Games Convention.

Rare dev: 'I don't think 360 has reached its limit' (News)

Aug 5, 2008

Speaking to VideoGamer.com at the Develop conference in Brighton last week, Nick Burton, a senior software engineer at Rare, has assured Xbox 360 gamers that there's plenty more to come from the console.

"You never can push them as far as they can go. The reality of the peak performance of the console is yes, you could look to a generation beyond where we are now and think, yeah, I could use that power. But the reality is in 360 and the PS3 and the latest generation PC graphics, the amount of power in the GPUs is such that you're more bound by your creativity and the aesthetic you're going for than you're really bound by polygon pushing power," said Burton. "You're probably actually more bound maybe by art authoring and the amount of data throughput that, just the amount of memory you'd need, but I don't think 360 has reached its limit."

Rare: Half the studio working on secret projects (News)

Aug 5, 2008

Speaking to VideoGamer.com at the Develop conference in Brighton last week, Nick Burton, a senior software engineer at Rare, revealed that currently announced Rare titles only account for half the development studio.

Asked directly if Rare would be making a second Kameo title Burton replied: "This is where I have to be enigmatically vague. Never say never. I'll say that I'm not working on one at the moment. I'm not working on one at the moment. Doesn't mean nobody else is, but that doesn't mean they are either. Sorry. For the obvious PR reasons we can't talk about what we're doing now."

He went on to suggest that there's plenty going on behind closed doors at Rare that should have gamers getting very excited.

"All I can say is, you know about VP2 (Viva Piñata Trouble in Paradise), Viva Piñata on DS, Banjo obviously. There's a couple of things on the roster that are going to be pretty cool as well. Obviously you do the math. Look at the size and how big the Banjo team currently needs to be, how big our shared technology group and asset group are. Look at the number of games and how they're staggered and how many teams we have. There's about half the studio missing from the release schedule at the moment (laughs)," said Burton.

Xbox Developer Dead in Murder-Suicide (News)

Aug 3, 2008

Very sad news from Redmond, Wash. Melissa Batten, 36, a software development engineer in Microsoft's Xbox division, was murdered by her estranged husband, who then shot himself to death, earlier this week.

Banjo-Kazooie vehicle sharing a 'possibility' (News)

Jul 25, 2008

Videogamer writes: "But only if Rare deems it a 'definite worthwhile improvement'.

There is a "possibility" that players will be able to share complete vehicles in upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive platformer Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, developer Rare has revealed.

As the title suggests, Nuts & Bolts, Rare's follow up to the N64's Banjo-Tooie, features vehicle creation using parts discovered by players during exploration of the game world.

Currently players will only be able to share vehicle blueprints with players, both friends and strangers. These blueprints tell players what parts are needed to construct a particular vehicle. They do not provide them."

Creativity Should Be Part of the Game, Says Lobb (News)

Jul 23, 2008

The future of user-gen includes some noteworthy players, not the least of which is developer Media Molecule and LittleBigPlanet, which has become a hype machine for the PS3. But this piece of work looks like it just might live up to the hype. Already people have witnessed the flexibility of the level-creation system (At E3, Sony used LittleBigPlanet to great effect to present what would've been a boring slog through sales figures), and the community aspects attached to this title are just as promising.

But there is another user-gen game, one that people didn't know was user-gen-centric until a few months ago: the Rare-developed Xbox 360 title, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, a game whose hook is allowing users to create and share vehicles to traverse virtual landscapes. Is this Microsoft's mass market, user-gen answer to LittleBigPlanet?

Rare: Banjo 3 Multiplayer Mostly Finished (News)

Jul 18, 2008

"The highly anticipated return of Banjo to the Xbox 360 is drawing ever closer and the boys (and girls) over at Rare have decided to let us in on some juicy development information regarding Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. In the first of many dev diaries, Rare explains that the Banjo team is squarely focused on the single player campaign, with multiplayer nearly complete."

E3 08: Why wait? E3's biggest games reviewed NOW (Feature)

Jul 15, 2008

You know the problem with E3? You have to wait months before you find out if a game that looked great in July is going to kick ass or blow goats when it finally arrives in November. And it it sucks, you feel deflated. If only you could read, right here and right now, which games are really worth eagerly anticipating and which you should just start fitting for cement shoes right now. Wouldn't that make the world a better place?

Here, for the very first time, are the exclusive first reviews for all of the games you're most excited about this very E3. ...

E3 08: Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts - B-Roll footage (Video)

Jul 15, 2008

While Nuts & Bolts' vehicle based gameplay is a bit different from the Banjos of old, this is as good as the old ones with enough things to collect to choke 1,000 Piñatas.

E3 08: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts - Trailer (Video)

Jul 14, 2008

While Nuts & Bolts' vehicle based gameplay is a bit different from the Banjos of old, this is as good as the old ones with enough things to collect to choke 1,000 Piñatas.

Rare slams Banjo motion control rumours (News)

Jul 10, 2008

Rare just told VG247 that rumour of Banjo motion control is completely incorrect.

Microsoft: 'no truth' to Banjo-Kazooie motion control speculation (News)

Jul 9, 2008

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.

Aw Nuts (and Bolts)! No Motion Controller in Banjo (News)

Jul 9, 2008

Kombo writes: Gamerscore Blog's Chris Paladino who, along with having the coolest last name ever, is a trustworthy source.

"All of the motion controller hopes and complaints regarding the Banjo video on IGN are false," he said. So long, rumor.

Rumor: Ken Lobb Confirms Motion Controller for 360? (News)

Jul 9, 2008

Kombo Reports :"In a walkthrough video of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Lobb clearly states at the 4 minute mark: "So you basically grab with the wrench, and then you twist the controller around."

Shane Kim: 360 Predicitions for 2008 (News)

Jun 13, 2008

Microsoft's Shane Kim has suggested that the 360's gaming line-up for 2008 could surpass last year's success. Kim stated this year's line up is "just as strong, if not stronger" than last year's

Rare on Banjo: "We're not competing with LittleBigPlanet" (News)

May 28, 2008

VG247: Salvatore Fileccia, lead programmer of Rare's Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, has said his game isn't in direct competition with Media Molecule's LittleBigPlanet, despite the two platformers sharing a passion for furthering the genre.

"I don't think we're a competitor," he said. "I think, obviously, we compete in a completely different dimension; we're 3D, they're 2D. I mean, I don't know the complete details of LittleBigPlanet, obviously, but I'm pretty sure the two games are going to be pretty different."

MS chest thumps over "flood of brilliant 360 games" (News)

May 23, 2008

Microsoft has begun chest thumping over it's 2008 line-up of games, saying its invention of Xbox has led to a "Christmas Eve like never before" every week of the year.

In an update on its official website the company cites Gears of War 2 (Nov 2008), Ninja Gaiden 2 (June 6), Too Human (August 29), Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (Sep 2008), Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Holiday 2008), Fable 2 (2008) and Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One (out now).

It says: "It's going to be very tough sleeping at night with this amazing haul coming so soon."

Videogamer: Rare explains Banjo's blocky look - The designers made a conscious effort to retain an angular look (News)

May 21, 2008

Videogamer writes: "In a post over on the Xbox.com forums, Rare community manager George Kelion (under his XBL gamertag Monkeythumbz) has offered an insight into the "blocky" visual style seen in the developer's upcoming Xbox 360 video game Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.

"Banjo's new look is meant to be self-referential," explained Kelion. "Videogames have developed their own visual language - from the pixels of 8-bit gaming, through the parallax backgrounds of 16-bit to the blocky, low-poly designs of 32 and 64 bit gaming. We reckon it's fun (and a little bit cool) to purposefully incorporate and celebrate these themes as an artistic endeavour."

Kelion also shared the thoughts of Steve Mayles, Banjo team's lead creative artist and brother of Gregg Mayles."

Rare: Original Banjo still holds up (News)

May 17, 2008

CVG Writes: "During our exclusive sit down with Rare's head of design Gregg Mayles, we asked him if, looking back, there was anything he wished he'd change about Banjo?"

Rare: Original Banjo still holds up (News)

May 17, 2008

CVG writes: During our exclusive sit down with Rare's head of design Gregg Mayles, we asked him if, looking back, there was anything he wished he'd change about Banjo?

Two previous Banjo 3 concepts were scrapped (News)

May 15, 2008

Speaking in a live chat with some Rare fan sites, Rare's head of design Gregg Mayles revealed that that Banjo-Kazooie 3 as we see it today is actually the third iteration, with the two previous concepts having been scrapped.

"This is actually the 3rd Banjo 3! We scrapped two other approaches, didn't think they offered a big enough step forward," said Mayles. "So I would say it started after Ghoulies. But then got scrapped a couple of times. Then I worked on Piñata. Then came back to Banjo again! Oh, and I think I did some puzzles for Mr. Pants too!"