Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts Under Appreciated

When the Banjo games landed on the Nintendo 64, no one thought they could compete with the other successful platforming titles on the system. Even near the end of its life cycle, people continued to debate which was better: Mario 64, Donkey Kong 64, or either of the Banjo games. While all of the titles were excellent, in the years following my N64 days, I went back to play Banjo Kazooie and Banjo Tooie more often than I did for the other two titles. So when Microsoft announced a new Banjo game in 2008, I was excited.

Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts never really found its way with the Xbox community. I could be that Banjo titles are more for the kids – and adults in kids bodies – or that the latest title strayed too far from the original platforming mechanics. Either way, Nuts and Bolts quickly plummeted in price, and grabbing a copy for $20.00 within a few months of launch was not uncommon.

Nuts and Bolts is getting a second wind with its inclusion in Rare Replay, and I can only hope more people give it a chance. If for no other reason, hopefully people will try it out because, if the math is done correctly, consumers really only paid a dollar for it! In my opinion, Nuts and Bolts was worth the price of entry when it was originally released in 2008; therefore, it is most defintly worth the asking price this time around.

Nuts and Bolts will cater to a inventive player. Gone are the basic platforming elements found in 1 and 2, and instead, we are given a variety of vehicle based tasks. In most situation, what type of vehicle you use – or create – is up to you! Mix and match different wheels, carrying compartments, and weapons to successfully complete the intended task. Doing so quickly will net you musical notes (currency to buy blue prints, parts, jiggies, and upgrades for Banjo), a jiggy, and finally a Time Trophy. The game is definitely not easy, at least not when trying to complete it 100%.

Do yourself a favor. Go out and grab a copy of Rare Replay and begin playing Nuts and Bolts with an open mind. Forget that if you scroll left you could play one of the earlier – and admittedly better – games in the series. Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts was an under appreciated Rare title. It is time for the game to get its due credit.