Impressions after two or three hours of gameplay:
Wow. This game is pretty damn good -- normally I loathe isometric games; but this proves that when done right, Isometric is pretty cool.
It plays out alot like a toned-down version of the Nintendo 64 games. I say toned down because the original Banjo Kazooie for me was a little confusing on trying to show me where to go next -- not so with this game.
The only problem I see is that in the original BK games, getting 100 notes and all five Jinjos in a level often required you to leave the level and then come back at a later time once Bottles taught you a few new moves -- in the three levels I've played I was able to nab all 100 notes and the 5 Jinjos on the first run.
Music and sound effects, while toned down from their N64 versions, are all here. Levels are expansive and non-linear, you can tackle them any way you like in any order you like, just like the Nintendo 64 games. Also sprinkled about this game are of course hints at Rare's lovely sense of humor ("Mother Clucker". Mhm.) and Kazooie still has her attitude, as always.
Graphics aren't eyepopping but they get the job done: Animation is smooth enough, and colors are pretty abundant.
The game feels short. I remember it would take people forever to track down every note and every jiggy in Banjo Kazooie, but this feels like it has maybe 4 or 5 levels -- and while very big, taking 30+ minutes to complete alot of the time, being able to land all Jinjos and Notes on the first run really sucks gameplay time down.
Either way -- if you're a fan of Banjo Kazooie, this game nails the feel, style, and gameplay right on the moneymaker. You would be a fool to miss a gaming experience this polished.
Edit: I just checked, I've barely been playing a little over an hour. Wow.
Feels like so much longer.
The Real Jdbye
Xdqwerty
BakerMan
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Psionic Roshambo:
