Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie: The 90s Platformer That Still Holds Up

Ah, Banjo-Kazooie. If you were around in 1998 and had a Nintendo 64, you probably remember it as one of the first games to make you think, “This is next-level stuff.” Developed by the legendary Rare (the same folks who gave us GoldenEye and Donkey Kong Country), this game was like a gift from the video game gods—a platformer that had it all: charm, humor, and enough jiggies to make even the most seasoned gamers go “just one more level.”

If you’re unfamiliar with this N64 classic, let me just say: Banjo-Kazooie wasn’t just another 3D platformer. It was the 3D platformer that made Mario look like he could take a few notes on personality and level design. Don’t believe me? Let’s dive in.

Release Date & Platform: Back to 1998

Released on June 29, 1998, Banjo-Kazooie was the title that made many of us say, “Wait, I think I’m going to need more hours in the day.” If you had an N64, this was the game you had to own. Along with Super Mario 64, it basically defined 3D platforming on the console. You didn’t just jump and collect coins; no, you were hunting for jiggies (the golden puzzle pieces), chasing musical notes, and figuring out how to transform into a pumpkin (because why not?).

What made this game so special was its perfect blend of exploration, quirky characters, and genuinely fun platforming mechanics. You weren’t just running around collecting stuff; you were exploring vibrant, weirdly charming worlds filled with puzzles, secrets, and, of course, tons of weird stuff to laugh at.

The Graphics: Looking Back, Still Kind of Amazing

Let’s be honest. The N64’s graphics weren’t exactly “cutting-edge” by today’s standards (ahem, Crysis). But when Banjo-Kazooie came out, it felt like the future. The world of Banjo-Kazooie was colorful, imaginative, and surprisingly detailed for the time. From the lush greenery of Mumbo’s Mountain to the industrial spookiness of Clanker's Cavern, every environment felt alive and packed with charm.

Banjo and Kazooie themselves were perfectly designed, too. Banjo was a lovable, somewhat dopey bear with a heart of gold, while Kazooie, the sharp-tongued bird, was the real star of the show—sassy, sarcastic, and always throwing shade. Together, they made an unlikely but incredibly fun team. And I’ll say it: Kazooie is the real reason we all stuck with the game. You can’t forget her one-liners.

Fun Facts: Rare Really Knew What They Were Doing

A few things you might not know about Banjo-Kazooie:

• The game was directed by Gregg Mayles, who also worked on Donkey Kong Country. This guy knew platformers, and it shows in the level design. Every level feels distinct, not just in its visuals but in its challenges and secrets.

• Grant Kirkhope, the composer, gave us one of the catchiest soundtracks in gaming history. Go ahead—try to get the theme from Gruntilda’s Lair out of your head after hearing it. You can’t. I still find myself humming it to this day, and it’s been, what, 20+ years?

• Oh, and Gruntilda? Best villain ever. A rhyming, insulting witch who would roast you with the kind of zingers you’d expect from a character voiced by someone who clearly had too much fun in the recording booth. You’re probably remembering her “You’re so ugly, you make onions cry” line right now. You’re welcome.

Gameplay: Platforming with a Twist

The gameplay in Banjo-Kazooie is classic platformer stuff, but it’s done really well. You have your typical running, jumping, and collecting, but then there’s the flying (oh yes, Kazooie lets you fly at some points), the ability to turn into different creatures (thanks to the magic of Mumbo Jumbo), and a whole lot of puzzles that require you to think outside the box. I mean, come on—there was a level where you had to turn Banjo into a crocodile so he could dive underwater. It was like Rare said, “Okay, let’s see how weird we can make this.”

The levels were enormous, packed with secrets and fun challenges. My personal favorite had to be Click Clock Wood, a level where the world changes with each season, and you had to time your progress perfectly. But there was something about every level—it didn’t matter if you were solving puzzles or chasing after collectible notes; it all just felt satisfying.

And let’s not forget the humor! Banjo-Kazooie was packed with goofy, often silly jokes. From Mumbo’s Mountain to Gruntilda’s Lair, every nook and cranny was designed to make you smile. The characters’ interactions were hilarious, and the whole game just felt like it was having fun with itself. A lot of games take themselves too seriously, but Banjo-Kazooie had that rare mix of humor and heart that makes it still stand out today.

Has It Been Remastered? Kind Of

Now, before you get all excited, no, we haven’t had a full remaster of Banjo-Kazooie yet (though honestly, the Rare Replay version for Xbox One does a good enough job at scratching that nostalgic itch). But if you’re looking to play it in its original N64 glory, you’re going to have to dig out your old console or pick up a copy of Rare Replay. It’s still a blast to play, and it holds up surprisingly well, even if the graphics are a little pixelated by today’s standards.

Why It Still Holds Up

The reason Banjo-Kazooie is still so great, even after all these years, is simple: it’s fun. It’s not trying to be the most realistic or technically advanced game ever made—it’s just trying to be a good time, and it delivers on that front in spades. The worlds are packed with personality, the characters are unforgettable, and the gameplay is as solid as it gets.

Plus, it has that rare combination of humor and heart that makes it easy to jump into, even if you’ve never played it before. So yeah, it might not have gotten the modern-day remaster it deserves (yet), but Banjo-Kazooie is still one of the best platformers ever made, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.

Fun Fact to End On:

Did you know Banjo was originally supposed to be a rabbit? But then Rare decided a bear was a better fit. I mean, sure, rabbits are cute, but nothing beats a bear with a sassy bird on his back, right?

If you haven’t played Banjo-Kazooie yet, what are you doing with your life? Pick up a copy, boot up your console, and get ready for one of the most fun platformers of all time. This game isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a solid gaming experience that still stands the test of time.