Banjo-Kazooie was a platformer video game released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 gaming console. The original Banjo-Kazooie was conceived as an expansion pack idea for Mario Kart 64, but it turned into its own stand alone title due to ‘time constraints with developing Kazooie’s AI’. Banjo-Kazooie features Banjo, a laid-back honey bear living an ordinary life in the Banjo house until Gruntilda, an evil witch who happens to be Banjo’s next door neighbor digs up Banjo’s lazy sister Tooty.
The game begins when Banjo and Kazooie set out on their adventure when Gruntilda kidnaps Tooty. Banjo and Kazooie must travel across the Isle O’ Hags, collecting notes and musical melodies to learn new moves to fight Gruntilda’s evil sister Mingella and her other brother Blingdenstone. Banjo-Kazooie was received well by critics for its fun level design and Banjo’s (and Kazooie’s) amusing catchphrases. Banjo-Kazooie was rereleased for the Xbox 360’s ‘Xbox Originals’ on December 12, 2008 and also Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts on November 11th, 2008.
