Unlike most games from the late 90's and early 2000's I feel very passionately about, I didn't play this one as kid. I came around to Banjo-Kazooie due to the almost unanimous praise it received from Youtube game reviewers, and since I had a love of 3D platformers from the mainline Mario games, I figured I had to take a chance on it.
Banjo-Kazooie is a game I would consider one of the aesthetic marvels of gaming - not due to technical prowess, but instead extreme control and polish. Every level in this game is unique and memorable to a tee; Mumbo Mountain, Treasure Trove Cove, Freezeezy Peak, Mad Monster Mansion and Click Clock Wood are just a selection that are unrivalled in visual flare and environmental design. Nevermind the music composed by Grant Kirkhope, some of the most sticky melodies and pitch perfect choices for each level imaginable. The main theme, Click Clock Wood and Treasure Cove are routinely stuck in my head; and the way that each one of them morphs and changes depending on where in the level you are is exquisite.
Outside of the aesthetics, the core gameplay is still an amazing time too. Controls are tight, and the platforming rides a fine line between actually being challenging and not aneurism inducing. Each Jiggy requires a combination of your platforming prowess, your logical deduction skills and some commitment to get, making the whole experience quite rewarding.
This is a Doom (2016) situation where I am enamoured with this game for its perfection of its craft, but due to it not feeling like a profound experience it's not a personal 10/10. Still, if you have any interest in this game, please please play it.
Banjo-Kazooie is a game I would consider one of the aesthetic marvels of gaming - not due to technical prowess, but instead extreme control and polish. Every level in this game is unique and memorable to a tee; Mumbo Mountain, Treasure Trove Cove, Freezeezy Peak, Mad Monster Mansion and Click Clock Wood are just a selection that are unrivalled in visual flare and environmental design. Nevermind the music composed by Grant Kirkhope, some of the most sticky melodies and pitch perfect choices for each level imaginable. The main theme, Click Clock Wood and Treasure Cove are routinely stuck in my head; and the way that each one of them morphs and changes depending on where in the level you are is exquisite.
Outside of the aesthetics, the core gameplay is still an amazing time too. Controls are tight, and the platforming rides a fine line between actually being challenging and not aneurism inducing. Each Jiggy requires a combination of your platforming prowess, your logical deduction skills and some commitment to get, making the whole experience quite rewarding.
This is a Doom (2016) situation where I am enamoured with this game for its perfection of its craft, but due to it not feeling like a profound experience it's not a personal 10/10. Still, if you have any interest in this game, please please play it.