Banjo-Kazooie
News, coverage and analysis tracking Banjo-Kazooie across the outlets.
Latest coverage
If the idea of an $1,800 Xbox that doesn't even run physical games horrifies you, I'd pick up an Evercade…
The Evercade Nexus offers a compelling alternative to prohibitively expensive next-gen consoles, providing a portable and affordable way to play physical retro games. While lacking some modern features, its commitment to cartridges and a growing ecosystem makes it a strong choice for players valuing ownership and approachable gaming.
The Evercade Nexus is Blaze's best retro handheld yet, but I wouldn't compare the physical cartridge champion to similarly priced rivals
The Evercade Nexus is Blaze's most advanced retro handheld, featuring a larger screen and dual thumbsticks for 3D games like Banjo-Kazooie. While it improves upon previous models and supports the full Evercade cartridge library, it retains some operating system quirks and lacks features like sleep mode and HDMI output, making it a strong contender within its ecosystem but not directly comparable to similarly priced rivals.
Asha Sharma announces Xbox Labs project to "explore new technology," which sure sounds like tinkering with old games through AI
Asha Sharma announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new R&D initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies like AI for game remixing and rejigging. While Microsoft clarified AI usage won't be mandatory, the initiative aims to turn new ideas into player experiences, potentially by decompiling and rebuilding old games or making new ones more moddable. The article expresses skepticism about the initiative's true goals, linking it to recent layoffs and a focus on existing franchises.
Claims that genAI speeds up PC ports of classic games are either "false" or missing the point, says Banjo Kazooie: Recompiled developer
A developer behind the unofficial PC port Banjo-Kazooie: Recompiled argues that claims of generative AI speeding up classic game PC ports are false or misguided. DarioSamo states that the true value lies in understanding and preserving how games were made, a process that AI shortcuts, leading to less polished and understandable code. He emphasizes that the effort to get a game running is just the first step, and the subsequent polish and sustainability are what truly matter.
Zelda and Banjo PC port devs slam new vibe-coded Banjo-Tooie recompilation: "Throwing AI at it is just…
Developers behind fan-made PC ports of classic Nintendo 64 games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Banjo-Kazooie are criticizing a new AI-generated recompilation of Banjo-Tooie. They argue that using AI for such projects is disrespectful to the original developers and the community's efforts, especially when they had plans for their own human-led ports.
Best N64 Games: 40 Essential Nintendo 64 Games — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64 by listing 40 essential games for the console. It highlights the console's innovations in 4-player local multiplayer and force feedback, and details influential titles across genres like first-person shooters, 3D platformers, and adventure games, with personal anecdotes and reflections on their lasting impact.
'We've been here for six years. We're aiming to be here for at least another six more' — Blaze Entertainment says it has a four-year-long roadmap for Evercade, and wants 'to do more work with Rare,' and has spoken with Sega, Bandai Namco, and EA
Blaze Entertainment has revealed a three-to-four-year roadmap for its Evercade retro gaming console, with plans to continue its collaboration with Rare and potentially work with other major publishers like Electronic Arts, Sega, and Bandai Namco. The company aims to remain a significant player in the market for at least another six years.
Games Inbox: What is the best Rare game?
Readers discuss Rare's best game, with opinions ranging from GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie to the more modern Sea of Thieves and Blast Corps. Other topics include criticism of the Grand Theft Auto 6 collector's edition, Microsoft's corporate strategy, and the perceived decline of Xbox first-party software.
It's 24 years since Xbox bought Rare and things have only got worse for everyone
This article analyzes the 24th anniversary of Microsoft's acquisition of Rare, arguing it was an ominous sign for Xbox's current struggles. The piece details Rare's history, its shift from Nintendo exclusivity to Xbox, and the subsequent decline in quality and sales, culminating in its current state under Activision and focus on Sea of Thieves.
Rare & World's Edge will now report to Activision following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, developers Rare and World's Edge will now report to Activision. This change impacts the studios behind franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires, with Activision also overseeing the next Halo game. The future for these studios appears uncertain amidst ongoing restructuring.
Activision was playing the long game – the Call of Duty dev lost a bidding war to acquire Rare over 20 years ago,…
Activision is now the home of Rare, 24 years after Xbox outbid the publisher for the studio in 2002. This move comes as part of Microsoft's recent reshuffling and job cuts. Rare, known for titles like Sea of Thieves and the Banjo-Kazooie series, now falls under the Activision banner alongside other classic platforming icons.
Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie on the Evercade Nexus use the original Rare source code, which included 'a load of stuff' that the studio didn't even know about, Blaze Entertainment says
Blaze Entertainment discovered hidden features, including unreleased tracks and a level editor, within the original source code of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie while developing ports for the Evercade Nexus. Rare provided the N64 source code, revealing content the studio itself was unaware of. These discoveries have been implemented in the new Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack for the Evercade Nexus.
Banjo-Kazooie predecessor Project Dream seemingly uploaded online
Rare's unreleased game Project Dream, the predecessor to Banjo-Kazooie, has reportedly been uploaded to Archive.org. The game was originally in development for the Super Nintendo before being canceled and re-envisioned as Banjo-Kazooie for the Nintendo 64. The authenticity of the uploaded build is currently unconfirmed.
The Rare SNES game that became Banjo-Kazooie has been preserved thanks to a leaker who wants you to "delete…
A leaker has released the ROM files for Project Dream, a canceled Super Nintendo pirate RPG prototype that served as the basis for Rare's Banjo-Kazooie. The leaker cited concerns about the current state of the game industry, including layoffs, anti-preservation tactics, and Microsoft's management of Rare, as reasons for the release. The leaker also expressed strong negative sentiments towards Microsoft and Sony, urging boycotts.
The Activision Super Pocket is the cutest Evercade portable yet, but I wouldn't pick it over Banjo
The Evercade Super Pocket Activision Edition is praised for its attractive retro-inspired design, making it the best-looking portable in the Super Pocket line. While it features 34 built-in Activision classics like Pitfall! and Dragonfire, the reviewer suggests that models including games like Banjo-Kazooie might be more appealing to some players. However, its compatibility with Evercade cartridges makes it a viable option for those building a collection.
In a world of Slime Rancher and Palworld, I still crave more Viva Piñata
This article reflects on Rare's 2006 title Viva Piñata, contrasting its charming life simulation gameplay with the studio's earlier, edgier titles and later Microsoft projects. Despite not being a commercial success, Viva Piñata is praised for retaining Rare's distinctive design magic and offering a surprisingly deep experience with a hidden dark side.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Banjo-Kazooie composer says "like 3 companies" have pitched a new entry in the series, but "Rare just…
Banjo-Kazooie composer Grant Kirkhope stated that multiple companies have pitched new game ideas to Microsoft and Rare, but Rare has consistently rejected them. Kirkhope expressed a desire to be involved if a new game is ever made and suggested Day 4 Night Studios or Toys For Bob as potential developers.
Grant Kirkhope knows of three studios that were possibly turned down for new Banjo-Kazooie
Composer Grant Kirkhope revealed that multiple studios have pitched new Banjo-Kazooie games to Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios, but none of the pitches were successful. He did not disclose the names of the studios involved.
New Banjo-Kazooie releases are "native ports," so devs could add cut content and "bonus features" to…
Evercade has released a new physical collection of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, utilizing brand new native ports instead of emulation. These ports allow for the addition of cut content and quality-of-life features, such as a tip-toe button, improved camera controls, and the ability to skip cutscenes. Xbox executive Matt Booty also commented on the potential for legacy IP like Banjo-Kazooie.
