Banjo-Kazooie
News, coverage and analysis tracking Banjo-Kazooie across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
Six Nintendo 64 Classics That Are Still Flawless — No Notes Needed
This article highlights six enduring Nintendo 64 titles that remain flawless nearly three decades after the console's release. Games like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64, Banjo-Kazooie, GoldenEye 007, Paper Mario, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are praised for their timeless design and gameplay.
Vi tar spelhelg med Nokia 3310, maffia och pirater
Several members of the editorial team shared their gaming plans for the weekend, which include a mix of new releases and classic titles. Plans range from continuing Halo with family and exploring Mafia: The Old Country, to repairing Nokia 3310s in Restory and managing pirate islands in Corsair Cove. Other titles mentioned include Low Budget Repairs, Assassin's Creed Unity, Syndicate, Banjo-Kazooie, Ridge Racer, Marvel Snap, Defender of the Crown, and Big Walk.
The Evercade will soon run DOOM, and it's even getting its own limited edition Nexus handheld
Blaze is releasing a new DOOM collection for the Evercade on October 30, featuring the original DOOM, its sequel, and mission packs. A limited edition Evercade Nexus handheld with a DOOM-themed design will also be available for pre-order, limited to 3,000 units. The collection will also be playable on the Super Pocket handheld.
Vilka är det som jobbar med FZ?
This article introduces the staff behind the Swedish gaming website FZ, describing them as passionate gamers with diverse tastes and strong opinions. It highlights their backgrounds, favorite games, music, films, and books, aiming to connect them with the FZ community.
New footage emerges of Conker 64/Twelve Tales before it became Conker’s Bad Fur Day, plus an early look at Banjo-Kazooie
New development footage has surfaced for Rare's Nintendo 64 titles, including early versions of Conker's Bad Fur Day (originally Conker 64/Twelve Tales) and Banjo-Kazooie. The Video Game History Foundation released the materials, showcasing significant differences in design, music, and gameplay compared to the final releases.
The Xbox Characters That Defined 25 Years of Gaming
This article examines the iconic characters that have defined Xbox's 25-year history, from Master Chief and Marcus Fenix to Minecraft Steve and Ori. These characters represent the evolution of Xbox from a console newcomer to a multi-platform gaming brand, highlighting shifts in game design, company acquisitions, and the importance of personality in brand identity.
Games Inbox: What new Fallout game will be the best?
Readers discuss the future of the Fallout franchise, expressing excitement for potential remasters and a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, while also lamenting the long wait for new entries. The conversation touches on Microsoft's influence, studio management, and the broader state of game development and preservation.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Studio “Couldn’t be Happier” About Resurgence of 3D Platformers
Toys for Bob studio head Paul Yan and associate creative director Lou Studdert discussed the resurgence of 3D platformers, with Studdert calling Astro Bot his game of the year. They also touched on the potential for a new Banjo-Kazooie game, though their current focus is Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set for a Spring 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Studio Says it Would Love to Make a Banjo-Kazooie Game
Toys for Bob, known for the Spyro the Dragon remakes, has expressed a strong desire to develop a new Banjo-Kazooie game, citing the franchise's timeless appeal. Studio heads Lou Studdert and Paul Yan believe their studio's expertise in 3D platformers aligns perfectly with the series. While rumors previously linked Toys for Bob to a Banjo-Kazooie project, the studio is currently developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, set for a Spring 2027 release.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond team says working on a Banjo-Kazooie game would be “amazing”
The developers at Toys for Bob, currently working on Spyro: A Realm Beyond, have expressed interest in developing a new Banjo-Kazooie game. This comes as Banjo-Kazooie is a highly requested title among Xbox fans.
Xbox has lost five studios – so who is left to make new video games?
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 staff members and leading to five studios divesting from the company. Xbox leadership aims to refocus on core franchises and expand its daily audience to over a billion people through its services. The article details the remaining studios, their current projects, and their future prospects under this new strategy.
