For those who are not aware, the platforming genre is in its decline. Many kids these days love their shooting games and end up leaving Sonic and Mario in the dust. It really is a shame though, because every so often a title like "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts" comes along and reminds us why the platforming genre is so versatile and everlasting.
Despite the fact that Rare has done next to nothing since moving from Nintendo to Microsoft, this game is a testament to their excellent reputation in game development. "Nuts and Bolts" picks up some years after the last Banjo game ("Banjo-tooie") and we find our resident bear and bird a little out of shape. But instead of going on a mission with your typical collectathon objectives we are gifted by a talk television sending us into a wide world of vehicle creating and creative boss fighting. The plot is really not that important and this game is even self aware of that fact. The dialogue and writing is so funny and witty that any gaming aficionado will appreciate snide remarks talking about "that Italian gentleman." (Mario guys, they are talking about Mario.)
The reason the game is called "Nuts and Bolts" is because the game has added this excellent new vehicle making feature that will make or break your experience with the game. Admittedly it is very hard to get used the extremely deep mechanics (pun intended) of the feature but once you wrap your head around it, you will swear by it. The satisfaction involved in placing the right engines and wheels together to making your next super plane is unmatched. Engineering majors, "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts" should be love at first sight for you guys.
The game is full of six huge worlds with tons of mission-based activities for you to tackle. Even after you have collected the requisite 75 jiggies needed to make it to the final showdown with Gruntilda you can still go back to the workshop to make more vehicles and tackle more new missions. There are enough things to do here long after the final showdown since there are a total of 131 jiggies players can gather.
Now before you think that this game only has one-player replay value, think again. 'Nuts and Bolts' has an excellent online multiplayer option that has you using your well crafted vehicles in sports-and-racing-themed matches. The interface is seamless and easy to use and you might just find yourself addicted to tweaking your plane, car, or boat to beat your rivals online.
In addition to all this excellent gameplay, Rare has turned in a graphically astounding title. The images are gorgeous and the frame rate is as smooth as the metal trees players might run into during the game. The environments are huge, lush and perfect for the open world gameplay this game has mastered. There is little going against this game besides the rather difficult learning curve. Players who find themselves getting frustrated early on should stick with it because the payoff is as good as it gets.
At $40, this game is an absolute steal for the Xbox 360 and is the closest to platforming perfection Microsoft fans are bound to get unless Nintendo decides they want to hand over Mario.
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