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[dslgunstar]

Where did you play it at?

E3. It was demoed hands-off save for the multiplayer mode at the pre-E3 showcase. I wasnt a huge fan of the multiplayer, but I liked the idea of every challenge having a leader board so players could see which of their friends are more creative as far as problem-solving. If you see a guy that beat a challenge in 30 seconds, and you're stuck around 2 minutes, then obviously thats a hint that they've discovered a completely different way to do it using a totally different contraption.

At E3 they set up a huge open-ended demo level full of challenges, let us mess around in the vehicle-creator mode. Challenges were pretty creative, controls were solid if a little floaty (especially in the vehicles - they call the physics 'cartoon physics' so everything is exaggerated somewhat). Only problems gameplay wise was that combat in the demo (be it from inside a vehicle or outside one) is barely-there, and even when you do encounter an enemy, they're not much fun to dispatch. About as thrilling as negotiating an environmental obstacle. Secondly, the rewards for completing all these challenges? Collectibles! Ugh. There's definitely less of a focus on them, thank god, but my god Im sick of collecting Jiggys and other random widgets.

I REALLY like the car-creation, because the physics are lenient enough that you dont have to know the intricacies of how a car works to make one. You dont have to connect the motor to a drive-train or gears before they head to the wheels or any of that BS. Build a shell, slap on whatever motor you want, but props, jets, wings and/or wheels wherever you want, put a fuel tank on, and you're good to go. No guarantees what you made actually drives particularly well, but thats where the fun of messing around in the lab comes from.

 

[Manager]

Secondly, the rewards for completing all these challenges? Collectibles! Ugh. There's definitely less of a focus on them, thank god, but my god Im sick of collecting Jiggys and other random widgets.

WHAT?! B-b-b-but that's Banjo.

I loved collecting stuff and building puzzles and whatnot in the first games so that just sound good, I'm not expecting to get any new rifles or kinds of granades anyway.

Does anyone know how you get new parts for vehicles?

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

WHAT?! B-b-b-but that's Banjo.

I loved collecting stuff and building puzzles and whatnot in the first games so that just sound good, I'm not expecting to get any new rifles or kinds of granades anyway.

Does anyone know how you get new parts for vehicles?

They are earned and collected throughout the game. You can also buy new blueprints as well.

RE: combat being almost non-existent

That's how Banjo is.

Yeah, I know, this is Banjo.

 

[JSnake]

RE: combat being almost non-existent

That's how Banjo is.

 

[dejay]

Why did I miss this vid ? http://www.gametrailers.com/player/37160.html?type=

I could make Banjo fall on his belly all day long just to hear the noise.

I haven't seen that vid either. I downloaded the vid and forgot about your noise comment until it happened It made me laugh, which turned into a coughing frenzy (stupid flu).

Anyway, that twin rotor chopper footage sold me (again). Being able to cart stuff around reminded me of that mission in GTA SA with the chopper that had a retractable magnet. I kinda wish the aircraft were a little less forgiving, as they seemed to take plenty of pounding, but I understand that it's not possible in a game like this.

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=217499

Given the choice between yet another 3D platform game where you collect stars or jigsaw pieces or bolts, performing the same tired old rituals in high definition and hoping against hope for a bit of innovation, and Rare's alternative, we'll take this for now. We can always play Banjo-Kazooie again on Xbox Live Arcade, after all. And while Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts may not be what Rare's ardent fan-base thinks it wants, it's different, the sections we've played are compelling, and it appears to be very well thought out. Speaking to the developers about the game's origins, we discover that designer Gregg Mayles' original pitch didn't even mention Banjo, and may not even have had the studio's famous honey-bear in mind. It was just an idea they had. It's a good one. We hope it works.

 

[watkinzez]

Haha, the giant screen in the Jiggoseum says "Message here".

We see beautiful graphics, bop our heads to the catchy music, and smile at the jokes, many of which are interactive: last time we mentioned the crates full of unsold Ghoulies, and this time we get to play Klungo's 2D platform game (Klungo Saves Teh World), a throwaway 2D platform game with constant scrolling where you have to try and time your jumps, complete with its own leaderboard.

GAME OF THE YEAR 2008

Spoiler

Nuts & Bolts or Klungo Saves Teh World? You decide.

 

[Sean]

But it's not just the promise of a better time and maybe a medal that will encourage players to explore these activities; the requisite Xbox Live leaderboards post new times, and replays, but most interestingly, as long as the player hasn't deselected the option, they post blueprints for the leading vehicle and allow others to download them. Unlike PGR4, where an average player might view a top time and realise he or she can never perform at that level, an average Banjo player will be able to act as mechanic instead and top the charts not by weight of skill, but by weight of imagination. Even if the blueprint is withheld, a quick scan of the replay video should give away the secrets.

That is pretty rad.

 

[Bodom78]

The building vehicles is not really my thing but after seeing this game in motion I'm willing to give it a go as the visuals are amazing and it actually looks like it could be quite fun.

 

[Francias Castiglione]

Haha, the giant screen in the Jiggoseum says "Message here".



GAME OF THE YEAR 2008

Spoiler

Nuts & Bolts or Klungo Saves Teh World? You decide.

GOTY and GIAGOTY

 

[mm04]

That article sounds pretty promising. November once again is going to be an expensive month in gaming. But less so since I pre-ordered this for $39.99!

 

[Kafel]

Awesome.

 

[dejay]

The building vehicles is not really my thing but after seeing this game in motion I'm willing to give it a go as the visuals are amazing and it actually looks like it could be quite fun.

There will be pre-made vehicles that cover all the basics for those who just want to play. I think you'll still need to collect and add upgrades though in order to explore new areas.

 

[Bodom78]

There will be pre-made vehicles that cover all the basics for those who just want to play. I think you'll still need to collect and add upgrades though in order to explore new areas.

Even better, nice to know your not forced to go hardcore into the building mechanics to enjoy the game.

 

[Francias Castiglione]

Even better, nice to know your not forced to go hardcore into the building mechanics to enjoy the game.

That's like buying a Lego kit and just building what's on the box though!

 

[watkinzez]

Demo before game's release confirmed, despite contradicting George K.

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=217519

"A Marketplace demo? Yes," lead programmer Salvatore Fileccia told Eurogamer when we popped round last week for our Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts hands-on preview, published today. "We've got various different ideas. I think all the leads on the team all have their own idea what the demo should be, and it obviously makes sense for the demo to happen before the game ships. We all feel that it's essential because the game is so different."

 

[George K.]

Demo before game's release confirmed, despite contradicting George K.

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=217519

Yes, I'm well aware of the contradiction - I try to be a little conservative when stating what we plan to do. I had a chat with Sav at lunch and he said that they're gonna try and get a demo out ahead of release. If they can, I'll be ecstatic as it's an obviously good thing to do. It'll mean some people delaying their RTM break, though - all for your enjoyment, so I hope you're bloody grateful if we do push one out prior to release

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Yes, I'm well aware of the contradiction - I try to a little conservative when stating what we plan to do. I had a chat with Sav at lunch and he said that they're gonna try and get a demo out ahead of release. If they can, I'll be ecstatic as it's an obviously good thing to do. It'll mean some people delaying their RTM break, though - all for your enjoyment, so I hope you're bloody grateful if we do push one out prior to release

We love you, George! For reals!

We can send you our Facebook pictures and you can hang them up around the office like on The Simpsons.

"WE'RE DOING IT FOR THEM"

 

[Ramenman]

That is pretty rad.

Awesome.

This will force the winner to come up with something better everytime if all the others can have his vehicle and make it better.

 

[Raide]

Good news GK!

All we need now is a range of Banjo toys to go along with the launch and the world will be complete!

 

[bigmakstudios]

George, will there be any pre-order bonus items or some sort of special edition? I don't really expect anything more than the game at a $40 price, which is fine, but I'm just wondering.

 

[[Nintex]]

George, will there be any pre-order bonus items or some sort of special edition? I don't really expect anything more than the game at a $40 price, which is fine, but I'm just wondering.

A Steelbook case would be awesome

 

[Ramenman]

Yes, I'm well aware of the contradiction - I try to a little conservative when stating what we plan to do. I had a chat with Sav at lunch and he said that they're gonna try and get a demo out ahead of release. If they can, I'll be ecstatic as it's an obviously good thing to do. It'll mean some people delaying their RTM break, though - all for your enjoyment, so I hope you're bloody grateful if we do push one out prior to release

OH YES IM BLOODY ALL BLOODY.

Just release a "Contraption Creator" like Spore's creature creator and it'll be huge

 

[Francias Castiglione]

Good news GK!

All we need now is a range of Banjo toys to go along with the launch and the world will be complete!

In the collectible vinyl doll style and I wouldn't be able to resist.

 

[Bodom78]

That's like buying a Lego kit and just building what's on the box though!

lol, nice analogy. Some of use like just building whats on the box.

 

[Captain N]

A demo before would be ideal. I'll be picking it up on day 1 for sure, but it should help give a nice push to those still sitting on the fence with this game.

 

[George K.]

George, will there be any pre-order bonus items or some sort of special edition? I don't really expect anything more than the game at a $40 price, which is fine, but I'm just wondering.

There might be some sort of cross-promotional deal with the XBLA game, I dunno.

 

[FrankT]

Yes, I'm well aware of the contradiction - I try to be a little conservative when stating what we plan to do. I had a chat with Sav at lunch and he said that they're gonna try and get a demo out ahead of release. If they can, I'll be ecstatic as it's an obviously good thing to do. It'll mean some people delaying their RTM break, though - all for your enjoyment, so I hope you're bloody grateful if we do push one out prior to release

Awesome stuff, anyone have a chance to check out the inside Xbox BK video, good stuff. Anyhow, more and more I see of this game the more and more I like.

 

[Guybrush Threepwood]

There might be some sort of cross-promotional deal with the XBLA game, I dunno.

Wait, I haven't really been following the N64 games on XBLA. Are you going to incorporate Stop 'N' Swap?

(Also, what are you going to do about the giant 3D N that walks around at the very beginning? Turn it into an M?)

 

[VGChampion]

Sweet, a possibility of a demo.

I. Can't. Wait.

Even if it's a bad demo, I'll be buying the game, anything Banjo-Kazooie = mine.

 

[MCD]

Wait, I haven't really been following the N64 games on XBLA. Are you going to incorporate Stop 'N' Swap?

(Also, what are you going to do about the giant 3D N that walks around at the very beginning? Turn it into an M?)

One other item that possibly caught your attention is the announcement of the original Banjo-Kazooie coming to Xbox Live Arcade, something that you sassy punters have been demanding on a regular basis for some time now. Quick info dump: it's being handled by 4J Studios up in Dundee, and will be brought to you in 1080p hi-def glory with all the expected XBLA accoutrements such as built-in Achievements and Leaderboards. It'll even include yet another iteration (hopefully a successful one this time) of the fabled Stop 'n' Swap system, now intended to unlock stuff in Nuts & Bolts.

http://www.rare.co.uk/company/news2.html

Xbox Live Arcade:

It was announced at Microsoft's E3 2008 press conference that Banjo-Kazooie will be made available for download on Xbox Live Arcade in the future.[2] Properties of Nintendo would remain intact throughout the game, including the company logo on the xylophone that Mumbo plays in the title sequence.[3] Characters who have appeared in other Nintendo-published games will be unchanged, including Bubblegloop Swamp's Tiptup and Click Clock Wood's Gnawty the Beaver. On their website, Rare revealed that the port is being handled by 4J Studios.[4]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjo_kazooie

Tooie is also coming to XBLA.

 

[Sean]

Hopefully the N64/XBLA port gets released at least 3 weeks before Banjo 360 to build hype and stuff. I'm afraid it'll get released simultaneously (or afterwards).

 

[FrankT]

Just saw this on Worth Playing;

Ready your spring-loaded propeller boat and fasten your seatbelt, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is hitting U.S. store shelves on November 14, and pre-orders begin today. For the retail price of $39.99, those who pre-order at participating retailers will get in on all the Banjo fun right off the starting line, and as a special bonus, will also receive a free download code for the original “Banjo-Kazooie,” launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this fall.

http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=54925

If correct, as I've said before this is going to be the biggest steal this holiday season even more so with the code for the original Banjo-Kazooie.

 

[Manager]

Nice, 1080p. 4J also did the ports of Oblivion and Overlord to PS3.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Just saw this on Worth Playing;



http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=54925

If correct, as I've said before this is going to be the biggest steal this holiday season even more so with the code for the original Banjo-Kazooie.

Aw man, are they getting the Viva spot from Gears One?

 

[backflip10019]

I own both N64 games for the original system, but will definitely gobble up the XBLA releases as well as Nuts and Bolts. I've been waiting YEARS for Banjo to return (Kazooie, not so much, but w/e).

 

[Manager]

Here are some new(?) images of the Jiggoseum:

Sauce

 

[watkinzez]

$40 AND the original for free? I like this expanded audience endeavour MS is planning.

 

[Princess Skittles]

If correct, as I've said before this is going to be the biggest steal this holiday season even more so with the code for the original Banjo-Kazooie.

HOT DAMN that is a great deal. I've already preordered with New Egg, I hope I get a download code or else I'll have to cancel and hit up another vendor (even though I preordered at a few dollars under the retail cost). Have they said who will have the preorder codes?

Also, 1080p!

NOW DO JET FORCE GEMINI IN 1080p!

 

[backflip10019]

I guess this means pre-order confirmed.

Spoiler

I LOVE BANJO KAZOOIE

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

$40 AND the original for free? I like this expanded audience endeavour MS is planning.

Note, if your local GS is wack and always spaces on the preorder cards, you can most likely at least get it for five bucks in a Best Buy preorder box a la Pub Games right now.

 

[burgerdog]

OMG Great pictures, I can't wait to play this game. I NEED IT.

 

[Skilotonn]

Yes, I'm well aware of the contradiction - I try to be a little conservative when stating what we plan to do. I had a chat with Sav at lunch and he said that they're gonna try and get a demo out ahead of release. If they can, I'll be ecstatic as it's an obviously good thing to do. It'll mean some people delaying their RTM break, though - all for your enjoyment, so I hope you're bloody grateful if we do push one out prior to release

YES!

 

[PhatSaqs]

Just saw this on Worth Playing;



http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=54925

If correct, as I've said before this is going to be the biggest steal this holiday season even more so with the code for the original Banjo-Kazooie.

That's pretty damn awesome.

 

[CitizenCope]

Holy Crap $40 is for real!?!!?
If VP2 is the same I'm in for both.
Wow!

This game looks outstanding!!

 

[JSnake]

I hope buy.com gets the preorder bonuses.

 

[abacab driver]

Excellent!

 

[backflip10019]

Note, if your local GS is wack and always spaces on the preorder cards, you can most likely at least get it for five bucks in a Best Buy preorder box a la Pub Games right now.

I'm sure Amazon will get codes too.

 

[bigmakstudios]

There might be some sort of cross-promotional deal with the XBLA game, I dunno.

I lol'd at the announcement being an hour and 15 minutes later.

 

[JSnake]

I'm sure Amazon will get codes too.

What about buy.com?