11/17/2008

Before I start my review, I have one thing to say. I did not finish this game. These opinions are solely based on my playthrough of a good chunk of it.

Banjo-Kazooie is a series that started out as a typical 3D platformer. Just like Super Mario 64 before it, the game had you exploring worlds and collecting items to unlock more. It's edge over everything else at the time was charm.

When the second game came out, things got more complex. Collecting most jiggies, the equivalents of the power stars in the Mario series, would require intense reasoning. The same is true in this, the third main installment.

The big component of Nuts & Bolts is a vehicle builder. Like on the back of the box, "if it steers, floats or flies, you can build it using over 100 unique parts and blueprints!" Just collect the parts in the hub world, Showdown Town, and you will eventually be able to tackle any challenge.

The problem with all of this is that you'll want to have everything at once. Some of the tasks would require less skill if you had the needed assets. It really breaks up the game.

Another problem for me was the need for creativity. If you want to do well at this game, you will need to use you head in order to make the machine that can do the job. For instance, one challenge has you knocking blocks off a platform. I used all of the best possible vehicles that I had, including the ones that the game gave me. However, I still fell short of the top prize. Maybe I could could have done better if the game would let me collect more parts without having to wait so long.

One plus side to the game is the music. The first two games both had their fair share of memorable tracks. This game tops the charts with orchestrated remixes mixed with new tunes to behold. It's saddening that the main composer, Grant Kirkhope, left the company for bigger and better things. I wish him luck.

The trademark humor is back as well. There are many inside jokes for longtime fans of the company. Newcomers shouldn't worry. There are plenty Monty Python style jokes and jabs that will make most gamers at the very least smirk.

Although Rare took away most of the classic platforming, what they gave us a robust and open ended experience. I really like the game. However, it can get tedious and repetitive at times. Get it only if you're ready to spend some serious time with the whole package.