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{{Infobox game
{{Infobox game
|image = Banjo-Kazooie NA box cover.png
|image = Banjo-Kazooie NA box cover.png
Line 5: Line 4:
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
|designer = [[Gregg Mayles]]
|designer = [[Gregg Mayles]]
|platform = [[Nintendo 64]]
|console = [[Nintendo 64]]
|release = <small>[[wikipedia:North America|NA]]:</small> June 29, 1998<br><small>[[wikipedia:Europe|EU]]:</small> July 17, 1998<br><small>[[wikipedia:Japan|JA]]:</small> December 6, 1998  
|released = <small>{{wp|North America|NA}}:</small> June 29, 1998<br><small>{{wp|Europe|EU}}:</small> July 17, 1998<br><small>{{wp|Japan|JA}}:</small> December 6, 1998  
|genre = Platformer, Action/Adventure
|genre = Platformer
|mode = Single player
|mode = Single player
|rating = ESRB: E (Everyone)<br>ELSPA: 3+<br>OFLC: G  
|rating = ESRB: E (Everyone)<br>ELSPA: 3+<br>OFLC: G  
|media = 128 Megabit Cartridge
|media = 128 Megabit Cartridge
|input = [[Nintendo 64]] Controller
|input = [[Nintendo 64]] Controller
|accessories = N/A
}}
}}
'''''Banjo-Kazooie''''' is the first game in the [[Banjo-Kazooie (series)|''Banjo-Kazooie'' series]]. It was developed by [[Rareware]] and released in 1998 for the [[Nintendo 64]]. In this game, [[Banjo]] and his friend [[Kazooie]] must save Banjo's sister [[Tooty]] from the evil witch [[Gruntilda]] before she steals Tooty's beauty. The game was followed by a sequel called ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]'' in 2000.
'''''Banjo-Kazooie''''' is the first game in the [[Banjo-Kazooie (series)|''Banjo-Kazooie'' series]]. It was developed by [[Rareware]] and released on the [[Nintendo 64]] in 1998. The story involves the two heroes, [[Banjo]] and [[Kazooie]], going on an adventure to rescue [[Tooty]] from [[Gruntilda]], who tries stealing Tooty's beauty. The game received a sequel in 2000, titled ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]''.


==Plot==
In 2008, ''Banjo-Kazooie'' was ported to the [[Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox Live Arcade)|Xbox Live Arcade]], where it received updated textures, a newly implemented [[Stop 'n' Swop]] feature, and additional minor changes.
The evil witch of [[Spiral Mountain]], Gruntilda, is inside her [[Gruntilda's Lair|lair]], asking her cauldron [[Dingpot]] questions about who is the 'nicest and fairest of them all', to which Dingpot reluctantly answers, "''You are, mistress''". She gloats over her "beauty", until Dingpot finally breaks his 'silence' and tells the witch that Tooty, another inhabitant of Spiral Mountain, is actually the prettiest and the fairest of them all. [[Grunty]] reacts angrily and decides to kidnap Tooty in order to steal her beauty. She grabs her broom and sets off immediately.


Meanwhile, Tooty is running around [[Spiral Mountain]], when she is greeted by [[Bottles]] in front of [[Banjo's House]]. She eagerly tells Bottles that she is going on an adventure with her brother, [[Banjo]]. Inside the house, Banjo is sleeping soundly, with his breegull friend, [[Kazooie]], sleeping in his backpack, which is hanging on a nearby coat rack. Tooty and Bottles are still talking, until Bottles spots Grunty in the distance, but confuses her for Banjo (due to his short-sightedness). Grunty immediately goes for Tooty, and a struggle ensues. Kazooie, eager for action and adventure, overhears the clamor outside as well as Bottles' cries for help and tries to wake Banjo up. Banjo and Kazooie leave their house, only to discover that Grunty has gone off and kidnapped Tooty! Bottles tells the bear and bird that they must venture to [[Gruntilda's Lair]] to rescue Tooty. Bottles offers to prepare the duo to fight Gruntilda by teaching them some basic moves and repairing the bridge leading to the lair's entrance. Banjo and Kazooie set off on an adventure into the lair to save Tooty.
==Story==
[[File:Gruntilda and Dingpot BK intro.png|thumb|left|Gruntilda asking Dingpot who is "the nicest looking wench"]]
The evil witch of [[Spiral Mountain]], Gruntilda, is inside her [[Gruntilda's Lair|lair]], asking her cauldron [[Dingpot]] questions about who is the 'nicest and fairest of them all', to which Dingpot reluctantly answers, "''Why it's Grunty, any day, she really takes my breath away''". She gloats over her "beauty", until Dingpot finally breaks his 'silence' and tells the witch that Tooty, another inhabitant of Spiral Mountain, is actually the prettiest and the fairest of them all. [[Grunty]] reacts angrily and decides to kidnap Tooty in order to steal her beauty. She grabs her broom and sets off immediately.
[[File:Tooty before kidnap BK.png|thumb|Tooty is confronted by Grunty.]]
Meanwhile, Tooty is running around [[Spiral Mountain]], when she is greeted by [[Bottles]] in front of [[Banjo's House]]. She eagerly tells Bottles that she is going on an adventure with her brother, [[Banjo]]. Inside the house, Banjo is sleeping soundly, with his breegull friend, [[Kazooie]], sleeping in his backpack, which is hanging on a nearby coat rack. Tooty and Bottles are still talking, until Bottles spots Grunty in the distance, but confuses her for Banjo (due to his short-sightedness). Grunty immediately goes for Tooty, and a struggle ensues. Kazooie, eager for action and adventure, overhears the clamor outside as well as Bottles' cries for help and tries to wake Banjo up. Banjo and Kazooie leave their house, only to discover that Grunty has gone off and kidnapped Tooty. Bottles tells the bear and bird that they must venture to [[Gruntilda's Lair]] to rescue Tooty. Bottles offers to prepare the duo to fight Gruntilda by teaching them some basic moves and repairing the bridge leading to the lair's entrance. Banjo and Kazooie set off on an adventure into the lair to save Tooty.


Once inside the lair, Banjo and Kazooie find a [[Jiggy]], which is used to open and unlock levels around the lair by completing Jigsaw Puzzle pictures. They soon find a painting that fits their first Jiggy, opening the first level of the lair, [[Mumbo's Mountain]]. Banjo and Kazooie enter the first world and find that their quest is not as easy as they had anticipated. They discover that they need to rescue [[Jinjo]]s imprisoned by Grunty throughout each of the worlds as well as collect [[Musical Notes]], which are needed to open up [[Note Door]]s, to progress through the deeper areas of Gruntilda's Lair. They also meet [[Mumbo Jumbo]], a skull-faced shaman who offers his services to the bear and bird by transforming the adventurers into different animals with new abilities.
Once inside the lair, Banjo and Kazooie find a [[Jiggy]], which is used to open and unlock levels around the lair by completing Jigsaw Puzzle pictures. They soon find a painting that fits their first Jiggy, opening the first level of the lair, [[Mumbo's Mountain]]. Banjo and Kazooie enter the first level and find that their quest is not as easy as they had anticipated. They discover that they need to rescue [[Jinjo]]s imprisoned by Grunty throughout each of the levels as well as collect [[Musical Note]]s, which are needed to open up [[Note Door]]s, to progress through the deeper areas of Gruntilda's Lair. They also meet [[Mumbo Jumbo]], a skull-faced shaman who offers his services to the bear and bird by transforming the adventurers into different animals with new abilities.


The two continue progressing through the lair, gathering musical notes, Jiggies, and other collectibles along the way, as well as rescuing the Jinjos of each world. They also encounter Mumbo Jumbo and Bottles several times, who continue to help the heroes by transforming them and teaching them new moves, respectively. Banjo and Kazooie also get help from Gruntilda's nicer sister, [[Brentilda]], who gossips interesting facts about her ugly sister.
The two continue progressing through the lair, gathering musical notes, Jiggies, and other collectibles along the way, as well as rescuing the Jinjos of each level. They also encounter Mumbo Jumbo and Bottles several times, who continue to help the heroes by transforming them and teaching them new moves, respectively. Banjo and Kazooie also get help from Gruntilda's nicer sister, [[Brentilda]], who gossips interesting facts about her ugly sister.


After successfully surviving through all nine worlds in her lair, Banjo and Kazooie eventually reach Gruntilda but are forced to play her quiz show, [[Grunty's Furnace Fun]]. Thanks to the information provided by Brentilda's gossips, Banjo and Kazooie win Grunty's game and save Tooty. With Tooty rescued, they return home and celebrate with a barbecue. However, Tooty reminds our heroes that Grunty had escaped shortly after the game show and was still at large, plotting her wicked schemes.
After successfully surviving through all nine levels in Grunty's Lair, Banjo and Kazooie eventually reach Gruntilda but are forced to participate in her quiz show, [[Grunty's Furnace Fun]]. Thanks to the information provided by Brentilda's gossips, Banjo and Kazooie win Grunty's game and save Tooty. With Tooty rescued, they return home and celebrate with a barbecue. However, Tooty reminds our heroes that Grunty had escaped shortly after the game show and was still at large, plotting her wicked schemes.


Banjo and Kazooie make their way back up the lair until they finally reach the roof with a little help from Dingpot. On the roof, Gruntilda challenges them to a more direct confrontation and an epic battle ensues. But, with the help of the Jinjos they rescued in the various worlds of Gruntilda's Lair, Banjo and Kazooie defeat Gruntilda and ultimately knock her off her tower. She crashes into the ground, creating a crater of her shape, which is then covered by a large boulder that falls from the tower and traps her beneath it. Banjo and Kazooie finally take a well-deserved break at the beach, where the bear and bird and their friends anticipate a sequel, ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]''. Meanwhile, Gruntilda, whose loyal minion [[Klungo]] is trying to rescue her, swears her revenge.
Banjo and Kazooie make their way back up the lair until they finally reach the roof with a little help from Dingpot. On the roof, Gruntilda challenges them to a more direct confrontation and an epic battle ensues. But, with the help of the Jinjos they rescued in the various levels in Gruntilda's Lair, Banjo and Kazooie defeat Gruntilda and ultimately knock her off her tower. She crashes into the ground, creating a crater of her shape, which is then covered by a large boulder that falls from the tower and traps her beneath it. Banjo and Kazooie finally take a well-deserved break at the beach, where the bear and bird and their friends anticipate a sequel, ''[[Banjo-Tooie]]''. Meanwhile, Gruntilda, whose loyal minion [[Klungo]] is trying to rescue her, swears her revenge.


=== From game manual ===
== Gameplay ==
At last, the dirty green and blue smog was beginning to clear. [[Gruntilda]] stood at the topmost window of her [[Gruntilda's Lair|Lair]], grinning wickedly down on her latest world.
{{cleanup|RareWiki section}}
[[File:Mumbo Mountain BK bridge.png|thumb|Gameplay showing Banjo in the first level, Mumbo's Mountain]]
''Banjo-Kazooie'' adopted many of its central game play mechanics from Nintendo's groundbreaking title ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario 64|Super Mario 64]]''. For instance, the player must similarly explore non-linear 3D levels and gather tokens in the form of jigsaws (like Super Mario 64's stars) to unlock new levels. However, Banjo-Kazooie is often considered an evolution of ''Super Mario 64'' as it introduced a number of innovative features. These included the ability for Banjo and Kazooie, with the aid of Mumbo's magical powers, to transform into other creatures such as a termite, crocodile, walrus, pumpkin, and bee; the ability for the characters to learn new moves (as taught by Bottles); the game's extensive use of textures for surfaces where other N64 games would have used plain colors, extensive lighting, and music that dynamically changes style in order to reflect the environment and dangers to the characters. The Banjo-Kazooie central theme music, heard in the main play area, changed to reflect the environment entrance (levels) the player was near, such as taking on music box instrumental-style play near the ice level entrance. The music's notes and play never changed though, producing a seamless integration into the new instruments without stopping the forever-looping song.


"Tiny creatures far below," she cackled, "which of you'll be first to go?"
Like ''Super Mario 64'' before it, the player proceeds through the game by finding tokens. There are three kinds of tokens that help the player progress through the game, namely jigsaw pieces, musical notes, and [[Mumbo Token]]s. Jigsaw pieces open doors to new levels by collecting enough to complete the corresponding jigsaw puzzle. There are ten Jiggies in each level: nine must be sought and found, and one is granted by finding all five Jinjos on each level. Unlike ''Super Mario 64'', Banjo does not have to exit the level every time he collects a [[Jiggy]].) Musical notes open magic note doors that allow Banjo and Kazooie to progress further into Gruntilda's Lair. There are 100 Musical Notes per level, meaning there are 900 in total. Mumbo's tokens grant the player magical transformations at Mumbo's hut when the player collects a sufficient amount. These transformations include termite, crocodile, walrus, pumpkin and bee.


The witch rubbed her hands in glee at the prospect of putting her favorite invention to good use. It was her pride and joy: a machine that could suck the physical beauty from its victims for Gruntilda to absorb like a sponge!
Banjo and Kazooie must collect items that are used in performing certain moves. Bottles teach Banjo and Kazooie a move in some of the earlier levels (the last one being [[Gobi's Valley]]) before the item can be utilized. These items include [[Blue Egg|Egg]]s, [[Red Feather]]s, and [[Golden Feather]]s, which can be held in quantities up to 100, 50 and 10, respectively. Blue eggs are fired as projectiles or ejected from Kazooie's rear, and bounce slowly until they either hit an enemy, or break on their own; red feathers are utilized in flight and flying attacks; and gold feathers are for the most powerful attack, [[Wonderwing]], which uses Kazooie's wings to make her and Banjo invincible and can defeat almost any enemy, or at least protect them both. Furthermore, rarer temporary items can be found which have specialized use in puzzle-solving, namely wading boots, which enable the crossing of hazardous terrain, and running shoes, which grant extra running speed, often as part of a race or a time-based puzzle. Finally, there are power-ups such as extra lives, which look like golden Banjo statues and grant one extra life each, and honeycomb energy, which incrementally increases the player's health and can be found in each level. Collecting six extra [[Honeycomb Piece]]s and gives Banjo and Kazooie a permanent increase of one honeycomb of health.


And it would certainly teach her cutesy sister [[Brentilda]] a lesson. How dare that interfering do-gooder inherit the family good looks and leave Gruntilda, well... slightly disadvantaged in that department?
A notable part of the gameplay was the speech-like sounds made by the characters as they talked. Gruntilda the witch always spoke in rhymes (which she would declare inexplicably as Banjo and Kazooie wandered about her lair), such as, "''It really does sound quite absurd, adventure of a bear and bird!''" Kazooie was always very annoyed at Bottles the Mole, and various other smaller characters made memorable appearances. Nearly every object, including wrapped presents, mines, and vegetables, had eyes.


Hah! Not any more, gloated the witch, picking her nose smugly. Not any more.
=== Stop 'n' Swop ===
{{main|Stop 'n' Swop}}
Stop 'n' Swop is an incomplete feature in ''Banjo-Kazooie''. Six colored eggs and a key made of ice were discovered in the game that would be viewable in a menu titled Stop 'N' Swop. In the 100% completion ending, Mumbo Jumbo would tell the players that secret areas would be accessible via a link with the sequel, Banjo-Tooie. Stop 'N' Swop was never fully realized in Banjo-Tooie. The special items can still be collected in Banjo-Kazooie using a cheat cartridge or in-game cheat codes, though the purpose they would have served in Banjo-Tooie, as well as how the games were meant to link, has not been specified.


Turning back to the bubbling [[Dingpot|cauldron]], Gruntilda began to cast the spell which would reassure her that she was, of course, the most wonderfully attractive creature in this bright new world...
==Characters==
*[[Banjo]] - One of the main protagonists, Banjo is a good natured and polite honey bear. He wears a blue backpack to carry Kazooie around.
*[[Kazooie]] - The other main protagonist, Kazooie is a red-crested breegull with a sassy and impolite personality.
*[[Mumbo Jumbo]] - A shaman that helps the duo by transforming them into various creatures.
*[[Bottles]] - A shortsighted mole who teaches new abilities to Banjo and Kazooie.
*[[Gruntilda Winkybunion]] - The main antagonist, Gruntilda is an evil witch who captures Tooty in an attempt to steal her beauty.
*[[Klungo]] - A large green monster and Gruntilda's servant, Klungo appears to be based on an {{wp|Igor}}.
*[[Tooty]] - Banjo's cheerful and younger sister, who was kidnapped by Grunty for her beauty.
*[[Brentilda]] - Grunty's good natured sister, who tells gossip about Grunty to Banjo and Kazooie.


Meanwhile, [[Tooty]] was skipping home through the sunny green fields of [[Spiral Mountain]]. As she reached the garden gate, a pair of blurry eyes that could only belong to her good friend [[Bottles]] popped up from a nearby molehill.
==Worlds and levels==
{| class="wikitable" width=75%
|-
!colspan=2 | Hub worlds
|-
!World
!Summary
|-
|[[File:Spiral Mountain (Banjo-Kazooie).png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Spiral Mountain]]</div>
|Spiral Mountain acts as a training level and is featured as the home to many characters, including [[Banjo]] and [[Kazooie]]. This is where a player must learn all the basic moves. Banjo's house lies on the outer part of Spiral Mountain. The area serves as a tutorial level before entering Gruntilda's Lair.
|-
|[[File:Gruntilda's Lair B-K interior.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Gruntilda's Lair]]</div>
|Gruntilda's Lair is the main hub world, meaning that each level can be accessed from here. Gruntilda's Lair is a large structure that houses a variety of ecosystems, each being based on a hub location for every level. Gruntilda's Lair also leads to the [[Top of the Tower]], which features the final boss battle against Gruntilda.
|-
!colspan=2 | Levels
|-
|[[File:Mumbos Mountain view.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Mumbo's Mountain]]</div>
|Mumbo's Mountain is the first level, and features a boss fight against [[Conga]], a termite mound with a collection of termites. Judging from the title, this might be the hometown of [[Mumbo Jumbo]]. [[Bottles]] teaches three abilities to [[Banjo]] and [[Kazooie]]: [[Egg Firing]], [[Beak Buster]], and [[Talon Trot]].
|-
|[[File:Treasure Trove Cove.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Treasure Trove Cove]]</div>
|Treasure Trove Cove is a beach island that hosts a landlocked ship, the [[Salty Hippo]], and a shark named [[Snacker]]; a lighthouse over a massive natural arch dominates the skyline. In this level [[Flying Pad]]s and [[Shock Jump Pad]]s are introduced, and a pirate hippo named [[Blubber]].
|-
|[[File:Clanker's Cavern B-K.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Clanker's Cavern]]</div>
|Clanker's Cavern is a level of flooded caves and disposal pipes. This level is home to the massive shark, [[Clanker]], who was used as Gruntilda's garbage disposal.
|-
|[[File:Bubblegloop Swamp B-K.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Bubblegloop Swamp]]</div>
|Bubblegloop Swamp is a swamp with piranha-infested waters, and also has [[Mr. Vile]] and [[Tiptup]] and his [[Tiptup Choir|choir]]. Mr. Vile can be found inside a crocodile head while Tiptup and his choir appear inside of a large turtle.
|-
|[[File:Freezeezy Peak snowman.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Freezeezy Peak]]</div>
|Freezeezy Peak is a snowy, mountainous level with a winter holiday theme whose focal point is a large [[Snowman]] statue in the center.
|-
|[[File:Gobi's Valley (B-K).png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Gobi's Valley]]</div>
|Gobi's Valley is a desert level based on Ancient Egypt. The level was named after the camel [[Gobi]], and consists of pyramids, quicksand, and a bear-modeled sphinx.
|-
|[[File:Mad Monster Mansion.png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Mad Monster Mansion]]</div>
|Mad Monster Mansion is a spooky, haunted-themed level featuring frightening themes such as haunted houses, spooky mazes, ghosts, and tombstones.
|-
|[[File:Rusty Bucket Bay (B-K).png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Rusty Bucket Bay]]</div>
|Rusty Bucket Bay is centered around an old, large cargo ship named the [[Rusty Bucket]]. The ship is docked at a port, which is surrounded by several warehouses.
|-
|[[File:Click Clock Wood (B-K).png|200px]]<br><div style="text-align: center;">[[Click Clock Wood]]</div>
|Click Clock Wood is the last level of the game. It is notable for its four seasons, based on which seasonal door that Banjo and Kazooie enter from. Click Clock Wood revolves around a [[The Large Tree|large tree]] in the center of the location. [[Gnawty]] and [[Nabnut]] are featured in this level.
|}


"Morning Tooty," he blinked, uncorking himself from the hole. "And what are your plans for this fine day?"
==Items==
===Regular items===
{| class="wikitable" width=75%
!Artwork
!Name
!Description
|-
|[[File:BK Blue Egg art.png|100px]]
|[[Blue Egg|Egg]]
|Eggs are collectible items that Kazooie can use as projectile once taught by Bottles.
|-
|[[File:BK Extra Life art.png|100x100px]]
|[[Extra Life]]
|As the name suggests, Extra Lives give another life to Banjo and Kazooie. A few of them are hidden in each level.
|-
|[[File:BK Golden Feather art.jpg|100px]]
|[[Gold Feather]]
|Gold Feathers allow Kazooie to use [[Wonderwing]] for a longer period of time.
|-
|[[File:BK Honeycomb art.png|100px]]
|[[Honeycomb]]
|Honeycombs restore a missing segment of Banjo and Kazooie's health bar, if they have previously been injured.
|-
|[[File:BK Red Feather art.png|100px]]
|[[Red Feather]]
|Red Feathers allow Kazooie to flap higher while airborne.
|-
|[[File:BK Turbo Trainers art.png|100px]]
|[[Turbo Trainers|Running Shoes]]
|Kazooie can use the Running Shoes temporarily to rapidly move around after Bottles teaches her the [[Turbo Talon Trot]].
|-
|[[File:BK Wading Boots art.png|100px]]
|[[Wading Boots]]
|Kazooie can temporarily use the Wading Boots to walk through swamp or icy water without harm.
|}


Tooty jumped up and down excitedly, remembering [[Banjo|Banjo's]] promise. "Oh!", she squealed. "When my lazy brother gets out of bed, we're going on an adventure! , an adventure usually means i get to "play" with all the characters in a "nice....." way"
===Collectibles===
{| class="wikitable" width=75%
!Artwork
!Name
!Description
|-
|[[File:BK Extra Honeycomb Piece art.png|100px]]
|[[Hollow Honeycomb|Empty Honeycomb Piece]]
|Items that are hidden in every level. By collecting a certain number of them, an extra honeycomb is added into Banjo and Kazooie's health bar.
|-
|[[File:BK Jiggy art.png|100px]]
|[[Jiggy]]
|Jiggies are the main collectible item, and are required to finish the incomplete [[Jigsaw Picture]]s throughout Grunty's Lair. If the duo complete a picture, its corresponding level is unlocked.
|-
|[[File:BK Green Jinjo art.png|100x100px]]
|[[Jinjo]]
|Jinjos are small, colorful creatures, and five of them are located throughout each level. By rescuing all of them in a level, Banjo and Kazooie are rewarded with a Jiggy.
|-
|[[File:BK Mumbo Token art.jpg|100px]]
|[[Mumbo Totem|Mumbo Token]]
|By collecting a certain number of Mumbo Tokens, Banjo and Kazooie can go to a [[Mumbo's Hut]] where Mumbo transforms Banjo into another creature or vehicle.
|-
|[[File:BK Musical Note art.png|100px]]
|[[Musical Note]]
|Each level features 100 Musical Notes. Collecting them adds up to a best score within the level, and the combined total allows Banjo and Kazooie to open [[Note Door]]s throughout [[Gruntilda's Lair]]. If the duo lose a life or leave the level, all Musical Notes are reset back to their original positions.
|}


"That's nice." Bottles squinted up into the sky. "Hang on, isn't that your brother up there?"
===Objects===
{| class="wikitable" width=75%
!Artwork
!Name
!Description
|-
|[[File:BK Beehive art.png|100x100px]]
|[[Beehive]]
|Beehives are breakable objects containing three Honeycombs inside.
|-
|[[File:BK Exit Pad art.png|100px]]
|[[Exit Pad]]
|Each level has an Exit Pad, which is how Banjo and Kazooie enter and leave the area.
|-
|[[File:BK Flight Pad art.png|100px]]
|[[Flight Pad]]
|A Flight Pad springs up Banjo and Kazooie, who then spreads out her wings and flies in the air.
|-
|[[File:BK Molehill art.jpg|100px]]
|[[Molehill]]
|By approaching a Molehill, Banjo and Kazooie can speak to Bottles, who teaches them a new ability from each Molehill.
|-
|[[File:BK Shock Jump Pad art.png|100px]]
|[[Shock Jump Pad]]
|These pads allow Banjo and Kazooie to perform the [[Shock Spring Jump]] to reach some higher areas.
|-
|[[File:BK Witch Switch art.png|100px]]
|[[Witch Switch]]
|There is a Witch Switch in each level. Banjo and Kazooie can use [[Beak Buster]] on it, causing a Jiggy to spawn in the level's corresponding room within Grunty's Lair.
|}


Tooty turned, and saw an odd shape swooping down towards them of high speed.
==Spells==
In each world that Mumbo Jumbo appears in, he can transform Banjo into a different creature or object if he has enough [[Mumbo Token]]s.


"No, that can't be Banjo," she said, frowning. "I wonder who it is...".
*[[Mumbo's Mountain]] - A termite, which can't attack, but can sneak past other termites and can scale steep surfaces.
*[[Bubblegloop Swamp]] - A crocodile which is resistant to (or at least scares away) the piranhas that infest the water, as well as being able to bite.
*[[Freezeezy Peak]] - A walrus, resistant to the icy waters of the area.
*[[Mad Monster Mansion]] - A pumpkin, which bounces around to move, can go into small spaces,and will not be hurt by the thorns on top of the hedges.
**[[Grunty's Lair]] - Mumbo appears inside a small hut near the entrance to Mad Monster Mansion. Here, his purpose is to transform Banjo back to his normal form, which enables him to hit a switch in the room, before being re-transformed into a pumpkin in order to leave.
*[[Click Clock Wood]] - During Spring, Mumbo will offer his services and transform the duo into a bee, which can fly very high altitudes, and can sneak into the Zubbas' hive.
**During Summer, however, it's too hot to perform the spell.
**During Autumn, however, he's too busy raking up leaves.
**During Winter, he's gone on holiday and has gotten a [[Beehive]] to watch over his hut.


"Sweeter than me? Prettier than me? Impossible!"
His hut is absent from [[Treasure Trove Cove]], [[Clanker's Cavern]], [[Gobi's Valley]] and [[Rusty Bucket Bay]]; as such, those levels don't have transformations.


Gruntilda was so furious at the cauldron's words that she could barely control her [[Gruntilda's Broomstick|broomstick]], screeching with the treetops.
Very rarely, he mistakenly turns Banjo into a washing machine, before going on to turn him into the correct transformation. Also he mentions he would turn Banjo into a [[T-Rex]] but changes his mind, saying that the transformation is meant for the [[Banjo-Tooie|next game]].


"As cute as me, you stupid pot? For her own sake, I hope she's not!"
==Music==
 
The music was composed by [[Grant Kirkhope]]. A [[Banjo-Kazooie: The Soundtrack|CD soundtrack]] was exclusively sold to Nintendo Power subscribers or a pre-order bonus at Best Buy stores. According to an interview with OC Remix, Kirkhope stated that ''Banjo-Kazooie'' was his favorite work that he composed.
The witch sped recklessly on until her target finally came into view: staring up at her from a field far below was the innocent young Honey Bear she'd seen in the depths of that treacherous cauldron.
 
Gruntilda cackled. "I need those looks far more than she, and finally perfect I shall be!" she cried, and sent the broomstick into a steep dive.
 
[[Kazooie]] popped out of the backpack as noise erupted just outside the window.


"[[Banjo]]!" she squawked in alarm. "Banjo, wake up!"
==Reception==
''Banjo-Kazooie'' was highly successful when it was released, selling over 1.8 million copies in the United States.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215431/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml US Platinum Videogame Chart - The Magic Box]</ref> At the 1999 Interactive Achievement Awards, ''Banjo-Kazooie'' won in the Console Action/Adventure and Art Direction categories, and was a nominee for the "Console Adventure Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year" categories.


The Honey Bear groaned and pulled a pillow over his head. "Aww, Kazooie, it's too early," come his muffled voice.
It also received the following ratings:


"This is no time to be lazy, furface!" trilled the Breegull, swinging anxiously to and fro. "We've got trouble!"
Banjo yawned, rolled over - and fell out of bed in surprise as Kazooie's struggles suddenly toppled both the backpack and its stand onto the floor with a crash.
At the same time a sudden gust of wind blew open the curtains, and beneath the
peals of manic laughter fading into the distance, Banjo heard the helpless cries
of a voice he recognized...
Tooty!
The bear gulped, realising that this was definitely going to be one of those
days.
"Uh, Kazooie, what are you doing down there?" he said in confusion, grabbing the backpack as he bolted for the door.
"This is no time to be lazy - we've got trouble!"
==Main Characters==
*[[Banjo]] - A good hearted, well mannered and sweet natured honey-bear. He's always seen wearing bright yellow shorts and a blue packpack for carrying Kazooie around. As seen in the opening scene, he's an experienced banjo player, he cares a lot for his best friend and those in need and sometimes shares a bond or two with his little sister, Tooty. Unlike his sister, Banjo's not really into adventuring. Banjo first appeared in [[Diddy Kong Racing]].
*[[Kazooie]] - A sassy, foulmouthed, wise-cracking red-crested Breegull and Banjo's best friend. She loves to insult people out of the blue which causes conflicts and fights, Kazooie loves to explore and go adventuring. She also plays a namesake instrument; in this case: the kazoo.
*[[Gruntilda Winkybunion]] - The main antagonist, Gruntilda or Grunty for short is an evil and stereotypical Witch who sets out to capture Banjo's sister to steal her beauty. She always speaks in rhyme and also happens to own a broom that follows her when needed.
*[[Tooty]] - Banjo's cheerful and younger sister. Tooty is somewhat a bit of an outgoing lass and loves adventuring, she's a bit cowardly but did vow that Banjo would come and save her from Grunty after being kidnapped.
*[[Bottles]] the Mole
*[[Mumbo Jumbo]] the Shaman
*[[Brentilda]]
*[[Klungo]]
==Worlds==
There are nine main worlds, one overworld/hub world, one starter world and three worlds that were unfinished so were not featured in the game. This comes to a total of eleven worlds featured in ''Banjo-Kazooie''.
===Starter World===
*[[Spiral Mountain]]
===Hub World===
*[[Gruntilda's Lair]]
===Main Worlds===
*[[Mumbo's Mountain]]
*[[Treasure Trove Cove]]
*[[Clanker's Cavern]]
*[[Bubblegloop Swamp]]
*[[Freezeezy Peak]]
*[[Gobi's Valley]]
*[[Mad Monster Mansion]]
*[[Rusty Bucket Bay]]
*[[Click Clock Wood]]
==Game Reaction==
''Banjo-Kazooie'' was highly successful when it was released, selling nearly two million copies in the United States. It also received the following reviews:
*IGN: 9.6
*IGN: 9.6
*GameSpot: 9.5
*GameSpot: 9.5
*GameStats: 9.2
*GameStats: 9.2
*1Up.com: 9.2
*1Up.com: 9.2
*Metacritic: 23 of 25 (Based on 19 reviews)
*Metacritic: 23 of 25 (based on 19 reviews)
*Game Rankings: 91% (Based on 14 reviews)
*Game Rankings: 91% (based on 14 reviews)


==''[[Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox Live Arcade)]]''==
==Development==
:''See main article: [[Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox Live Arcade)]]''
[[File:Spiral Mountain preliminary.png|thumb|A screenshot of an early build of ''Banjo-Kazooie'', when it became a 3D platformer.]]
''[[Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox Live Arcade)|Banjo-Kazooie]]'' was re-released on the [[Xbox 360]] in late 2008. It currently costs 1200 Microsoft Points on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game has also been inputted with various items that were originally found in ''Banjo-Kazooie'' and used in the new game ''[[Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts]]''.
''Banjo-Kazooie'' started development in the mid-1990s as a completely different game for the Super Nintendo, ''[[Dream: Land of Giants]]''. Most details regarding the game's development were unknown until 2015, when Rare discussed the game in their Rare Revealed series, "A Rare Look at Dream".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w72kj20YNA0 Rare Revealed: A Rare Look at Dream - YouTube]</ref> and "Five Things You Didn't Know About Banjo-Kazooie".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-fpnnGzyU Rare Revealed: Five Things You Didn't Know About Banjo-Kazooie - YouTube]</ref> An unlockable video on ''Rare Replay'' named "Dreaming of Banjo" also revealed more information about the game's development.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds22dv3KrPY Rare Replay - The Making of Banjo Kazooie]</ref>


The game was updated with improved graphics and several new additional features:
Sometime during its development, ''Dream'' shifted its development to Nintendo 64. After a few months of development, the team felt that [[Edson]] was a weak character and began searching for a replacement. A rabbit was considered at first before the team decided on a bear, who would become Banjo. The team scrapped ''Dream'' entirely and reworked it into a 2.5D platformer similar to ''[[mariowiki:Donkey Kong Country|Donkey Kong Country]]'', which had a gameplay style more familiar for them. This was the earliest form of ''Banjo-Kazooie'', where Banjo would move along linear path collecting fruit. In the "A Rare Look at Dream" video, [[Gregg Mayles]] called it the "connecting piece" between the ''[[mariowiki:Donkey Kong (series)|Donkey Kong]]'' games they developed and the final version of ''Banjo-Kazooie''. Kazooie was created during this phase so that Banjo could perform a double jump. The team designed some more moves that involved both characters.<ref>"The Making of Banjo-Kazooie". ''Retro Gamer'' issue 36, pages 21–22.</ref>
*Fully working Achievements.
*Working Leaderboards that also show Online Worldwide Leaderboards.
*All of the Nintendo references, including the [[Nintendo 64]] logo, have been removed and some of the logos of Nintendo are replaced with Microsoft logos, although on the screen for the third save file, Banjo is still seen playing a Nintendo GameBoy.
*Fully compatible with HD, including an Xbox One loading screen.
*Many bug fixes from the original N64 version and glitches have been removed.
*Musical Notes and Jinjos no longer regenerate; once collected, they are permanently saved.
*A remade Main Menu (The three Save Files are still in the game).


==Awards==
One day, the developers saw an early version of ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario 64|Super Mario 64]]'', making their project looked obsolete in comparison. The project was scrapped again, and the team began a fourth and final attempt at making the game in the style of ''Super Mario 64''. This version would be finalized and released as ''Banjo-Kazooie''. The game was in development for 17 months after ''Dream'' was scrapped.<ref>"The Making of Banjo-Kazooie". ''Retro Gamer'' issue 36, page 20.</ref>
At the 1999 Interactive Achievement Awards, ''Banjo-Kazooie'' won in the Console Action/Adventure and Art Direction categories, and was nominated for Console Adventure Game of the Year and Game of the Year. In an episode of ''Reviews On The Run'', ''Banjo-Kazooie'' was ranked number 1 on the list of the "5 classic Rare games you should try", beating out ''Sabre Wulf'', ''Conker's Bad Fur Day'', and ''Kameo: Elements of Power'', which were also running for the same award.


==Music==
==Pre-release and unused content==
The music from the game was composed by [[Grant Kirkhope]]. A [[Banjo-Kazooie: The Soundtrack|CD Soundtrack]] was also available exclusively to Nintendo Power Subscribers and sold at Best Buy stores. Two additional tracks were included on the CD that Nintendo Power Subscribers received.
{{Main|List of Banjo-Kazooie pre-release and unused content}}


During an interview with OC Remix, Kirkhope had stated that Banjo-Kazooie was his favourite work he ever composed, he even got teary eyed when he saw the follow up [[Banjo-Tooie]] again after ten years.
==Gallery==
 
{{main-gallery}}
==Development from Dream: Land of Giants==
After Rare scrapped the idea of [[Project Dream|Dream]] (after Rare saw a early version of the 3D-Platformer pioneering game, Super Mario 64), they shifted their focus onto a 3D Platformer which is know as Banjo-Kazooie. Within the first week of changing their idea, they built the first "recognisable Banjo-Kazooie level" (It is inferred as 'Spiral Mountain' from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w72kj20YNA0 this video]). From this point, they developed the game into what it is today. They built a test level (Known as the 'Temple Test Level') for which they tested their mechanics. As well as this, the Talon Trot (possibly the most signature move in Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie) was not implemented until after the design of the levels (unless they did not add the variable which deduces if a slope needs Talon trot to be scaled).


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{Foreign names
{{Foreign names
|Fra=Banjo-Kazooie
|Jap=バンジョーとカズーイの大冒険
|FraM=-
|JapR=Banjo to Kazooie no Daibouken
|Ger=Banjo-Kazooie
|JapM=Banjo and Kazooie's Big Adventure
|GerM=-
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*This was Grant Kirkhope's favorite game to work on, as stated in an interview with OCRemix.
*On December 29, 2020, both ''Banjo-Kazooie'' and ''[[rarewiki:Blast Corps|Blast Corps]]'' were mistakenly listed as upcoming games for the {{wp|Wii U}} Virtual Console, both having a set release date of December 30, 2020. The error was fixed that same day, and both titles were removed from the list.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/schedule/index.html Nintendo's Japanese release schedule] (Retrieved on December 30, 2020). [https://web.archive.org/web/20201230081243/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/schedule/index.html Wayback link] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20201230205001/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/schedule/index.html Screenshot])</ref>
*''Banjo-Kazooie'' is considered the most praised platformer on the N64, right next to ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''.
*The xylophone that [[Mumbo Jumbo|Mumbo]] was playing at the intro was the same xylophone in Candy Kong's Music Shop in ''Donkey Kong 64''.


==See also==
==References==
*[[List of Characters#Minor Characters in Banjo-Kazooie|List of Minor Characters from ''Banjo-Kazooie'']]
<references/>
*[[List of Enemies#Banjo-Kazooie|List of Enemies from ''Banjo-Kazooie'']]
*[[List of Items and Objects#Banjo-Kazooie|List of Items and Objects from ''Banjo-Kazooie'']]


==Gallery==
==External links==
{{Main|Banjo-Kazooie/gallery}}
*''{{wp|Banjo-Kazooie}}'' on Wikipedia
{{Games}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20000229065235/http://banjo-kazooie.com/ Official North American website] (Wayback Machine)
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nbkj/index.html Official Japanese website]
 
{{Banjo-Kazooie series}}
{{BK}}
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Banjo-Kazooie]]
[[Category:Banjo-Kazooie]]
[[Category:Banjo-Kazooie series]]
[[Category:Banjo-Kazooie series]]

Revision as of 06:44, January 1, 2021

Banjo-Kazooie is the first game in the Banjo-Kazooie series. It was developed by Rareware and released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998. The story involves the two heroes, Banjo and Kazooie, going on an adventure to rescue Tooty from Gruntilda, who tries stealing Tooty's beauty. The game received a sequel in 2000, titled Banjo-Tooie.

In 2008, Banjo-Kazooie was ported to the Xbox Live Arcade, where it received updated textures, a newly implemented Stop 'n' Swop feature, and additional minor changes.

Story

Gruntilda asking Dingpot who is "the nicest looking wench"

The evil witch of Spiral Mountain, Gruntilda, is inside her lair, asking her cauldron Dingpot questions about who is the 'nicest and fairest of them all', to which Dingpot reluctantly answers, "Why it's Grunty, any day, she really takes my breath away". She gloats over her "beauty", until Dingpot finally breaks his 'silence' and tells the witch that Tooty, another inhabitant of Spiral Mountain, is actually the prettiest and the fairest of them all. Grunty reacts angrily and decides to kidnap Tooty in order to steal her beauty. She grabs her broom and sets off immediately.

Tooty is confronted by Grunty.

Meanwhile, Tooty is running around Spiral Mountain, when she is greeted by Bottles in front of Banjo's House. She eagerly tells Bottles that she is going on an adventure with her brother, Banjo. Inside the house, Banjo is sleeping soundly, with his breegull friend, Kazooie, sleeping in his backpack, which is hanging on a nearby coat rack. Tooty and Bottles are still talking, until Bottles spots Grunty in the distance, but confuses her for Banjo (due to his short-sightedness). Grunty immediately goes for Tooty, and a struggle ensues. Kazooie, eager for action and adventure, overhears the clamor outside as well as Bottles' cries for help and tries to wake Banjo up. Banjo and Kazooie leave their house, only to discover that Grunty has gone off and kidnapped Tooty. Bottles tells the bear and bird that they must venture to Gruntilda's Lair to rescue Tooty. Bottles offers to prepare the duo to fight Gruntilda by teaching them some basic moves and repairing the bridge leading to the lair's entrance. Banjo and Kazooie set off on an adventure into the lair to save Tooty.

Once inside the lair, Banjo and Kazooie find a Jiggy, which is used to open and unlock levels around the lair by completing Jigsaw Puzzle pictures. They soon find a painting that fits their first Jiggy, opening the first level of the lair, Mumbo's Mountain. Banjo and Kazooie enter the first level and find that their quest is not as easy as they had anticipated. They discover that they need to rescue Jinjos imprisoned by Grunty throughout each of the levels as well as collect Musical Notes, which are needed to open up Note Doors, to progress through the deeper areas of Gruntilda's Lair. They also meet Mumbo Jumbo, a skull-faced shaman who offers his services to the bear and bird by transforming the adventurers into different animals with new abilities.

The two continue progressing through the lair, gathering musical notes, Jiggies, and other collectibles along the way, as well as rescuing the Jinjos of each level. They also encounter Mumbo Jumbo and Bottles several times, who continue to help the heroes by transforming them and teaching them new moves, respectively. Banjo and Kazooie also get help from Gruntilda's nicer sister, Brentilda, who gossips interesting facts about her ugly sister.

After successfully surviving through all nine levels in Grunty's Lair, Banjo and Kazooie eventually reach Gruntilda but are forced to participate in her quiz show, Grunty's Furnace Fun. Thanks to the information provided by Brentilda's gossips, Banjo and Kazooie win Grunty's game and save Tooty. With Tooty rescued, they return home and celebrate with a barbecue. However, Tooty reminds our heroes that Grunty had escaped shortly after the game show and was still at large, plotting her wicked schemes.

Banjo and Kazooie make their way back up the lair until they finally reach the roof with a little help from Dingpot. On the roof, Gruntilda challenges them to a more direct confrontation and an epic battle ensues. But, with the help of the Jinjos they rescued in the various levels in Gruntilda's Lair, Banjo and Kazooie defeat Gruntilda and ultimately knock her off her tower. She crashes into the ground, creating a crater of her shape, which is then covered by a large boulder that falls from the tower and traps her beneath it. Banjo and Kazooie finally take a well-deserved break at the beach, where the bear and bird and their friends anticipate a sequel, Banjo-Tooie. Meanwhile, Gruntilda, whose loyal minion Klungo is trying to rescue her, swears her revenge.

Gameplay

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Gameplay showing Banjo in the first level, Mumbo's Mountain

Banjo-Kazooie adopted many of its central game play mechanics from Nintendo's groundbreaking title Super Mario 64. For instance, the player must similarly explore non-linear 3D levels and gather tokens in the form of jigsaws (like Super Mario 64's stars) to unlock new levels. However, Banjo-Kazooie is often considered an evolution of Super Mario 64 as it introduced a number of innovative features. These included the ability for Banjo and Kazooie, with the aid of Mumbo's magical powers, to transform into other creatures such as a termite, crocodile, walrus, pumpkin, and bee; the ability for the characters to learn new moves (as taught by Bottles); the game's extensive use of textures for surfaces where other N64 games would have used plain colors, extensive lighting, and music that dynamically changes style in order to reflect the environment and dangers to the characters. The Banjo-Kazooie central theme music, heard in the main play area, changed to reflect the environment entrance (levels) the player was near, such as taking on music box instrumental-style play near the ice level entrance. The music's notes and play never changed though, producing a seamless integration into the new instruments without stopping the forever-looping song.

Like Super Mario 64 before it, the player proceeds through the game by finding tokens. There are three kinds of tokens that help the player progress through the game, namely jigsaw pieces, musical notes, and Mumbo Tokens. Jigsaw pieces open doors to new levels by collecting enough to complete the corresponding jigsaw puzzle. There are ten Jiggies in each level: nine must be sought and found, and one is granted by finding all five Jinjos on each level. Unlike Super Mario 64, Banjo does not have to exit the level every time he collects a Jiggy.) Musical notes open magic note doors that allow Banjo and Kazooie to progress further into Gruntilda's Lair. There are 100 Musical Notes per level, meaning there are 900 in total. Mumbo's tokens grant the player magical transformations at Mumbo's hut when the player collects a sufficient amount. These transformations include termite, crocodile, walrus, pumpkin and bee.

Banjo and Kazooie must collect items that are used in performing certain moves. Bottles teach Banjo and Kazooie a move in some of the earlier levels (the last one being Gobi's Valley) before the item can be utilized. These items include Eggs, Red Feathers, and Golden Feathers, which can be held in quantities up to 100, 50 and 10, respectively. Blue eggs are fired as projectiles or ejected from Kazooie's rear, and bounce slowly until they either hit an enemy, or break on their own; red feathers are utilized in flight and flying attacks; and gold feathers are for the most powerful attack, Wonderwing, which uses Kazooie's wings to make her and Banjo invincible and can defeat almost any enemy, or at least protect them both. Furthermore, rarer temporary items can be found which have specialized use in puzzle-solving, namely wading boots, which enable the crossing of hazardous terrain, and running shoes, which grant extra running speed, often as part of a race or a time-based puzzle. Finally, there are power-ups such as extra lives, which look like golden Banjo statues and grant one extra life each, and honeycomb energy, which incrementally increases the player's health and can be found in each level. Collecting six extra Honeycomb Pieces and gives Banjo and Kazooie a permanent increase of one honeycomb of health.

A notable part of the gameplay was the speech-like sounds made by the characters as they talked. Gruntilda the witch always spoke in rhymes (which she would declare inexplicably as Banjo and Kazooie wandered about her lair), such as, "It really does sound quite absurd, adventure of a bear and bird!" Kazooie was always very annoyed at Bottles the Mole, and various other smaller characters made memorable appearances. Nearly every object, including wrapped presents, mines, and vegetables, had eyes.

Stop 'n' Swop

Main article: Stop 'n' Swop

Stop 'n' Swop is an incomplete feature in Banjo-Kazooie. Six colored eggs and a key made of ice were discovered in the game that would be viewable in a menu titled Stop 'N' Swop. In the 100% completion ending, Mumbo Jumbo would tell the players that secret areas would be accessible via a link with the sequel, Banjo-Tooie. Stop 'N' Swop was never fully realized in Banjo-Tooie. The special items can still be collected in Banjo-Kazooie using a cheat cartridge or in-game cheat codes, though the purpose they would have served in Banjo-Tooie, as well as how the games were meant to link, has not been specified.

Characters

  • Banjo - One of the main protagonists, Banjo is a good natured and polite honey bear. He wears a blue backpack to carry Kazooie around.
  • Kazooie - The other main protagonist, Kazooie is a red-crested breegull with a sassy and impolite personality.
  • Mumbo Jumbo - A shaman that helps the duo by transforming them into various creatures.
  • Bottles - A shortsighted mole who teaches new abilities to Banjo and Kazooie.
  • Gruntilda Winkybunion - The main antagonist, Gruntilda is an evil witch who captures Tooty in an attempt to steal her beauty.
  • Klungo - A large green monster and Gruntilda's servant, Klungo appears to be based on an Igor.
  • Tooty - Banjo's cheerful and younger sister, who was kidnapped by Grunty for her beauty.
  • Brentilda - Grunty's good natured sister, who tells gossip about Grunty to Banjo and Kazooie.

Worlds and levels

Hub worlds
World Summary
Spiral Mountain (Banjo-Kazooie).png
Spiral Mountain acts as a training level and is featured as the home to many characters, including Banjo and Kazooie. This is where a player must learn all the basic moves. Banjo's house lies on the outer part of Spiral Mountain. The area serves as a tutorial level before entering Gruntilda's Lair.
Gruntilda's Lair B-K interior.png
Gruntilda's Lair is the main hub world, meaning that each level can be accessed from here. Gruntilda's Lair is a large structure that houses a variety of ecosystems, each being based on a hub location for every level. Gruntilda's Lair also leads to the Top of the Tower, which features the final boss battle against Gruntilda.
Levels
Mumbos Mountain view.png
Mumbo's Mountain is the first level, and features a boss fight against Conga, a termite mound with a collection of termites. Judging from the title, this might be the hometown of Mumbo Jumbo. Bottles teaches three abilities to Banjo and Kazooie: Egg Firing, Beak Buster, and Talon Trot.
Treasure Trove Cove.png
Treasure Trove Cove is a beach island that hosts a landlocked ship, the Salty Hippo, and a shark named Snacker; a lighthouse over a massive natural arch dominates the skyline. In this level Flying Pads and Shock Jump Pads are introduced, and a pirate hippo named Blubber.
Clanker's Cavern B-K.png
Clanker's Cavern is a level of flooded caves and disposal pipes. This level is home to the massive shark, Clanker, who was used as Gruntilda's garbage disposal.
Bubblegloop Swamp B-K.png
Bubblegloop Swamp is a swamp with piranha-infested waters, and also has Mr. Vile and Tiptup and his choir. Mr. Vile can be found inside a crocodile head while Tiptup and his choir appear inside of a large turtle.
Freezeezy Peak snowman.png
Freezeezy Peak is a snowy, mountainous level with a winter holiday theme whose focal point is a large Snowman statue in the center.
Gobi's Valley (B-K).png
Gobi's Valley is a desert level based on Ancient Egypt. The level was named after the camel Gobi, and consists of pyramids, quicksand, and a bear-modeled sphinx.
Mad Monster Mansion.png
Mad Monster Mansion is a spooky, haunted-themed level featuring frightening themes such as haunted houses, spooky mazes, ghosts, and tombstones.
Rusty Bucket Bay (B-K).png
Rusty Bucket Bay is centered around an old, large cargo ship named the Rusty Bucket. The ship is docked at a port, which is surrounded by several warehouses.
Click Clock Wood (B-K).png
Click Clock Wood is the last level of the game. It is notable for its four seasons, based on which seasonal door that Banjo and Kazooie enter from. Click Clock Wood revolves around a large tree in the center of the location. Gnawty and Nabnut are featured in this level.

Items

Regular items

Artwork Name Description
BK Blue Egg art.png Egg Eggs are collectible items that Kazooie can use as projectile once taught by Bottles.
BK Extra Life art.png Extra Life As the name suggests, Extra Lives give another life to Banjo and Kazooie. A few of them are hidden in each level.
BK Golden Feather art.jpg Gold Feather Gold Feathers allow Kazooie to use Wonderwing for a longer period of time.
BK Honeycomb art.png Honeycomb Honeycombs restore a missing segment of Banjo and Kazooie's health bar, if they have previously been injured.
BK Red Feather art.png Red Feather Red Feathers allow Kazooie to flap higher while airborne.
BK Turbo Trainers art.png Running Shoes Kazooie can use the Running Shoes temporarily to rapidly move around after Bottles teaches her the Turbo Talon Trot.
BK Wading Boots art.png Wading Boots Kazooie can temporarily use the Wading Boots to walk through swamp or icy water without harm.

Collectibles

Artwork Name Description
BK Extra Honeycomb Piece art.png Empty Honeycomb Piece Items that are hidden in every level. By collecting a certain number of them, an extra honeycomb is added into Banjo and Kazooie's health bar.
BK Jiggy art.png Jiggy Jiggies are the main collectible item, and are required to finish the incomplete Jigsaw Pictures throughout Grunty's Lair. If the duo complete a picture, its corresponding level is unlocked.
BK Green Jinjo art.png Jinjo Jinjos are small, colorful creatures, and five of them are located throughout each level. By rescuing all of them in a level, Banjo and Kazooie are rewarded with a Jiggy.
BK Mumbo Token art.jpg Mumbo Token By collecting a certain number of Mumbo Tokens, Banjo and Kazooie can go to a Mumbo's Hut where Mumbo transforms Banjo into another creature or vehicle.
BK Musical Note art.png Musical Note Each level features 100 Musical Notes. Collecting them adds up to a best score within the level, and the combined total allows Banjo and Kazooie to open Note Doors throughout Gruntilda's Lair. If the duo lose a life or leave the level, all Musical Notes are reset back to their original positions.

Objects

Artwork Name Description
BK Beehive art.png Beehive Beehives are breakable objects containing three Honeycombs inside.
BK Exit Pad art.png Exit Pad Each level has an Exit Pad, which is how Banjo and Kazooie enter and leave the area.
BK Flight Pad art.png Flight Pad A Flight Pad springs up Banjo and Kazooie, who then spreads out her wings and flies in the air.
BK Molehill art.jpg Molehill By approaching a Molehill, Banjo and Kazooie can speak to Bottles, who teaches them a new ability from each Molehill.
BK Shock Jump Pad art.png Shock Jump Pad These pads allow Banjo and Kazooie to perform the Shock Spring Jump to reach some higher areas.
BK Witch Switch art.png Witch Switch There is a Witch Switch in each level. Banjo and Kazooie can use Beak Buster on it, causing a Jiggy to spawn in the level's corresponding room within Grunty's Lair.

Spells

In each world that Mumbo Jumbo appears in, he can transform Banjo into a different creature or object if he has enough Mumbo Tokens.

  • Mumbo's Mountain - A termite, which can't attack, but can sneak past other termites and can scale steep surfaces.
  • Bubblegloop Swamp - A crocodile which is resistant to (or at least scares away) the piranhas that infest the water, as well as being able to bite.
  • Freezeezy Peak - A walrus, resistant to the icy waters of the area.
  • Mad Monster Mansion - A pumpkin, which bounces around to move, can go into small spaces,and will not be hurt by the thorns on top of the hedges.
    • Grunty's Lair - Mumbo appears inside a small hut near the entrance to Mad Monster Mansion. Here, his purpose is to transform Banjo back to his normal form, which enables him to hit a switch in the room, before being re-transformed into a pumpkin in order to leave.
  • Click Clock Wood - During Spring, Mumbo will offer his services and transform the duo into a bee, which can fly very high altitudes, and can sneak into the Zubbas' hive.
    • During Summer, however, it's too hot to perform the spell.
    • During Autumn, however, he's too busy raking up leaves.
    • During Winter, he's gone on holiday and has gotten a Beehive to watch over his hut.

His hut is absent from Treasure Trove Cove, Clanker's Cavern, Gobi's Valley and Rusty Bucket Bay; as such, those levels don't have transformations.

Very rarely, he mistakenly turns Banjo into a washing machine, before going on to turn him into the correct transformation. Also he mentions he would turn Banjo into a T-Rex but changes his mind, saying that the transformation is meant for the next game.

Music

The music was composed by Grant Kirkhope. A CD soundtrack was exclusively sold to Nintendo Power subscribers or a pre-order bonus at Best Buy stores. According to an interview with OC Remix, Kirkhope stated that Banjo-Kazooie was his favorite work that he composed.

Reception

Banjo-Kazooie was highly successful when it was released, selling over 1.8 million copies in the United States.[1] At the 1999 Interactive Achievement Awards, Banjo-Kazooie won in the Console Action/Adventure and Art Direction categories, and was a nominee for the "Console Adventure Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year" categories.

It also received the following ratings:

  • IGN: 9.6
  • GameSpot: 9.5
  • GameStats: 9.2
  • 1Up.com: 9.2
  • Metacritic: 23 of 25 (based on 19 reviews)
  • Game Rankings: 91% (based on 14 reviews)

Development

A screenshot of an early build of Banjo-Kazooie, when it became a 3D platformer.

Banjo-Kazooie started development in the mid-1990s as a completely different game for the Super Nintendo, Dream: Land of Giants. Most details regarding the game's development were unknown until 2015, when Rare discussed the game in their Rare Revealed series, "A Rare Look at Dream".[2] and "Five Things You Didn't Know About Banjo-Kazooie".[3] An unlockable video on Rare Replay named "Dreaming of Banjo" also revealed more information about the game's development.[4]

Sometime during its development, Dream shifted its development to Nintendo 64. After a few months of development, the team felt that Edson was a weak character and began searching for a replacement. A rabbit was considered at first before the team decided on a bear, who would become Banjo. The team scrapped Dream entirely and reworked it into a 2.5D platformer similar to Donkey Kong Country, which had a gameplay style more familiar for them. This was the earliest form of Banjo-Kazooie, where Banjo would move along linear path collecting fruit. In the "A Rare Look at Dream" video, Gregg Mayles called it the "connecting piece" between the Donkey Kong games they developed and the final version of Banjo-Kazooie. Kazooie was created during this phase so that Banjo could perform a double jump. The team designed some more moves that involved both characters.[5]

One day, the developers saw an early version of Super Mario 64, making their project looked obsolete in comparison. The project was scrapped again, and the team began a fourth and final attempt at making the game in the style of Super Mario 64. This version would be finalized and released as Banjo-Kazooie. The game was in development for 17 months after Dream was scrapped.[6]

Pre-release and unused content

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Banjo-Kazooie.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Japanese バンジョーとカズーイの大冒険
Banjo to Kazooie no Daibouken
Banjo and Kazooie's Big Adventure

Trivia

  • On December 29, 2020, both Banjo-Kazooie and Blast Corps were mistakenly listed as upcoming games for the Wii U Virtual Console, both having a set release date of December 30, 2020. The error was fixed that same day, and both titles were removed from the list.[7]

References

External links