In the most basic sense, Banjo-Tooie is a direct port of the Nintendo 64 version of the game released nine years ago. As a sequel to Banjo-Kazooie, it improves upon some of the aspects of the original, while keeping everything that worked.
The graphics are not completely remade like we saw in Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. However, they are retooled for widescreen displays. Compared to games designed from the ground up for XBLA, the graphics are ugly, especially parts of the environment. With a unique visual style Banjo-Tooie is recognized because of its great platforming, not graphics.
An extremely lengthy opening cinema may annoy some players as there is no dialogue. Characters only make noises, with text boxes (that cannot be skipped) providing the written story. But for $15, you are going to get your money's worth with this game. The story mode takes 8-12 hours to complete and collecting jiggies will provide additional hours of gameplay. Each of the huge nine levels has 10 jiggies available for the taking. They are earned by beating quests. Other unlockables and extra abilities can be achieved in each level as well.
By playing Banjo-Tooie, you can get a sense of what platformers used to be like. Besides Nintendo with Mario, no one pulls them off better than Rare and this is no more evident than in this well-made remake of the classic Banjo-Tooie.
Pros: Amazing amount of gameplay for a downloadable title, Controls work well
Cons: Ugly graphics, Game is slow to start off
Sound: 4.0
Control: 4.5
Graphics: 2.75
Fun Factor: 4.0
The Info - Platform: XBLA, Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios, Developer: 4JStudios/Rare, ESRB: E, Players: 1, Price: 1200 MS Points ($15)
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