90
Unfortunately, the sound is pretty much a mix of "Mario 64" and "Diddy Kong Racing" leftovers. A grunt here, a guffaw there, it's all been done to death.
80
Banjo-Kazooie isn't going to win any awards for originality, but who really cares? If you have to borrow a little to make a fun, absorbing adventure, so be it.
96
Features the best graphics we've seen on the console, it one-ups Mario 64 in terms of gameplay, it sounds astounding and it may just be the most clever title we've ever played.
9
Fun. silly, unique. A fond memory of my childhood. The creativity behind each level is great: Treasure Trove Cove, Mad Monster Mansion, Click Clock Wood, etc. Gruntilda is such a funny villain
10
GO BANJO KAZOOIE YOU ARE THE BEST EVERYONE LOVES YOU SO YOU LIKE TO PLAY IT IF YOU HAD THE N64 AS A KID.
9
Humor, charm, playful atmosphere. The worlds have identities, collectables are well placed. Pacing is great. Graphics is aging really well as well
Banjo-Kazooie
Nintendo 64
Released On:
Jun 29, 1998
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
92
User score
Universal Acclaim
9.0
My Score
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
100% Positive
19 Reviews
19 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
A breath of fresh air, a wonderful diversion, a good use of puzzle-solving energy. It’s like "Mario 64," but better. Any improvement over a game that got little but perfect ratings when it was released is an improvement to be applauded.
96
Features the best graphics we've seen on the console, it one-ups Mario 64 in terms of gameplay, it sounds astounding and it may just be the most clever title we've ever played.
User score
Universal Acclaim
91% Positive
737 Ratings
737 Ratings
6% Mixed
45 Ratings
45 Ratings
3% Negative
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
Jan 6, 2026
10
GO BANJO KAZOOIE YOU ARE THE BEST EVERYONE LOVES YOU SO YOU LIKE TO PLAY IT IF YOU HAD THE N64 AS A KID.
Dec 7, 2025
10
One of my favorite games of all time. It's all perfect. All the levels are good, and the mechanics are awesome too.
95
The kind of game that sends reviewers thumbing through their thesaurus in search of new words to describe its greatness. I can honestly say that it’s as true today as it was the day of release.
93
Brilliant, plain and simple, and another example of why Nintendo have become so dependant on Rare -- the company produces games that are every bit as good as Nintendo's own, if not better.
90
While not necessarily breaking down walls in innovation, Banjo-Kazooie takes us down a path we've been before and makes the ride a whole lot smoother.
80
While it fails to achieve the lofty status of greatest platform game of all time, still held by an overweight plumber, Banjo Kazooie is a close second, and that ain't half bad.
80
Banjo-Kazooie isn't going to win any awards for originality, but who really cares? If you have to borrow a little to make a fun, absorbing adventure, so be it.
Oct 21, 2025
7
The one technical limitation of the notes not saving when you die, and rusty bucket bay just ****.
Aug 25, 2024
7
I wanted to like this game as a kid but it lacked the substance that other platform games at the time had.
Mar 25, 2016
1
Tedious platforming, poor fighting mechanics, confusing swimming controls, horrible mini games, repetitive challenges, and an insulting pop quiz level comprise the complete failure that is Banjo-Kazooie. It is a nostalgia driven experience beyond anything else.
Dec 24, 2024
0
Tedioso, pésima jugabilidad, cámara incómoda, repetitivo, una copia barata de mejores juegos destinado al fracaso y como claro ejemplo sus siguiente títulos. Solo le podría gustar a niños de 12 años cegados por el fanatismo y sin conocimiento real de un buen videojuego
Summary[Xbox Live Arcade] The classic Nintendo platformer stars a big, goofy honey bear named Banjo who wears tight yellow shorts and carries around a raucous, red-crested breegull named Tooie in his backpack. The bear-and-bird duo must use constant teamwork to rescue Banjo's sister from the evil Gruntilda who wants to steal her beauty.
Rated Efor Everyone
