Banjo-Kazooie Review: Rare's Collectathon Masterpiece

Banjo-Kazooie is the game that made me fall in love with collectathons. I'd played Super Mario 64, but Banjo-Kazooie took the concept and perfected it. It's charming, it's funny, and it's absolutely packed with things to do.

The Charm is Real

From the moment you start Banjo-Kazooie, you know you're in for something special. The opening cutscene is hilarious, the characters are memorable, and the world feels alive. Gruntilda is one of gaming's best villains—she's evil, but she's also funny.

The game doesn't take itself too seriously. There are jokes everywhere. The characters talk in gibberish (with subtitles), and it's endearing. Banjo and Kazooie have personality, and it shows in every interaction.

The Collecting Loop is Perfect

Banjo-Kazooie has a lot of collectibles: Jiggies (puzzle pieces), Musical Notes, Jinjos, Mumbo Tokens, and more. But unlike some collectathons, everything feels meaningful. Every Jiggy opens up new areas. Every Note unlocks new moves. Every Jinjo saves a friend.

The game rewards exploration without feeling like a chore. You'll find yourself wanting to collect everything, not because you have to, but because it's fun. That's the mark of a great collectathon.

The Worlds Are Memorable

Every world in Banjo-Kazooie has personality. Treasure Trove Cove feels like a pirate adventure. Clanker's Cavern is dark and industrial. Bubblegloop Swamp is gross but fun. Freezeezy Peak is a winter wonderland.

Each world has its own theme, its own music, and its own challenges. You'll remember these worlds long after you've finished the game. That's rare in gaming.

The Moveset is Incredible

Banjo and Kazooie learn new moves throughout the game, and each one feels meaningful. The Talon Trot, the Beak Barge, the Wonderwing—every move opens up new possibilities.

The move progression is perfect. You start with basic moves, and by the end, you're doing complex combinations. The game teaches you gradually, and by the time you're using all the moves, it feels natural.

The Music is Catchy

Grant Kirkhope's soundtrack is legendary. Every world has its own theme, and they're all catchy. The main theme, "Spiral Mountain," is one of the most memorable video game tracks ever composed.

The music adapts as you explore. Different areas have different variations of the same theme. It's subtle, but it adds to the atmosphere. I've had these songs stuck in my head for 25 years.

Why It Holds Up

Banjo-Kazooie holds up because it's fun. The graphics are charming, the gameplay is tight, and the world is engaging. It doesn't need modern graphics or complex mechanics—it just needs to be fun, and it is.

The game respects your time. There's no filler, no padding. Every moment feels meaningful. That's rare in modern gaming.

For Collectors

Banjo-Kazooie is essential for N64 collectors. It's not the rarest game (loose $25-$40, CIB $70-$130), but it's one of the best. Every N64 collection needs this game.

The game has held its value well, and complete-in-box copies are getting harder to find. If you see one in good condition, grab it.

Final Thoughts

Banjo-Kazooie is a masterpiece. It's charming, it's fun, and it's absolutely packed with content. If you've never played it, you're missing out on one of the best platformers ever made.

Rare was at their peak when they made this game, and it shows. Every detail is polished, every moment is fun, and every world is memorable. This is a game that deserves its legendary status.

Experience Banjo-Kazooie. Find authentic N64 copies on MainMarket.com marketplace.