Banjo Kazooie | Xbox Game Pass Review cloudgaming
November 29th, 2023
Banjo-Kazooie, the nostalgic platformer game that charmed millions of players in the late 90s, is now available on Microsoft Xbox Game Pass cloudgaming! This means that you can enjoy this Nintendo 64 masterpiece on any device that supports the service, without having to download or install anything. Whether you want to relive your childhood memories or experience this game for the first time, you will not be disappointed by the adventures of Banjo and Kazooie, the lovable bear and bird duo.
The game’s story revolves around the rescue mission of Banjo’s sister Tooty, who has been kidnapped by the wicked witch Gruntilda. Gruntilda plans to steal Tooty’s beauty and transfer it to herself, using a sinister machine in her lair. Banjo and Kazooie must enter the lair and explore the various worlds that are hidden inside, collecting items and fighting enemies along the way. They also have to face Gruntilda’s minions, such as her loyal henchman Klungo and her sisters Mingella and Blobbelda.
The game’s gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with a lot of variety and challenge. Banjo and Kazooie can use their different abilities to overcome obstacles and enemies, such as running, jumping, swimming, flying, shooting eggs, rolling, pecking, and more. They can also learn new moves from their mole friend Bottles, who teaches them how to use Kazooie’s talons, beak, and wings in creative ways. Some of these moves require the use of special items, such as eggs, feathers, and honeycombs, which can be found or bought throughout the game.
One of the most unique features of the game is the transformation mechanic, which allows Banjo and Kazooie to change into different animals or objects, with the help of their shaman friend Mumbo Jumbo. Mumbo Jumbo can use his magic to turn the duo into a termite, a crocodile, a walrus, a pumpkin, a bee, and a dragon, depending on the world they are in. Each transformation has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is necessary to access certain areas or complete certain tasks.
The game’s main collectibles are musical notes and jigsaw pieces, also known as jiggies. Musical notes are used to open the doors that lead to the different worlds, while jiggies are used to complete the jigsaw puzzles that unlock the worlds. There are 100 notes and 10 jiggies in each world, and some of them are hidden or require solving puzzles or completing mini-games. Another collectible is the Jinjo, a small colorful creature that has been scattered by Gruntilda. There are five Jinjos in each world, and collecting them all rewards the player with a jiggy.
The game’s graphics, sound, and music are all outstanding, and have aged well over the years. The game’s visuals are colorful, vibrant, and detailed, with a lot of personality and charm. The game’s sound effects are humorous and expressive, with each character having their own voice, which is represented by a series of gibberish noises. The game’s music is catchy, varied, and dynamic, with each world having its own theme, which changes depending on the situation or location. The game’s composer, Grant Kirkhope, is also known for his work on other games, such as GoldenEye 007 and Donkey Kong.
Banjo-Kazooie is a game that deserves to be played and appreciated by anyone who loves a fun and engaging platformer game, with a lot of humor, creativity, and nostalgia. The game is a masterpiece of its genre and era, and has influenced many other games that followed. The game is now available on the Xbox Games Pass, a subscription service that gives access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. This is a great opportunity for those who want to revisit or discover this gem of a game, as well as its sequel Banjo-Tooie and its spin-off Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Banjo-Kazooie is a game that will make you smile and laugh, and will never get old.
Rating: 10/10
