The Enduring Influence of Banjo-Kazooie: Unleashing a Timeless Legacy in Zelda, Ratchet and Clank, and Beyond

Banjo-Kazooie commemorates its 25th anniversary since its release on June 29, 1998. Developed by the renowned British studio, Rare, which had a series of successful games at the time, including the critically acclaimed Donkey Kong Country series and the influential FPS game, Goldeneye 007. Despite competing against the towering presence of Super Mario 64, another groundbreaking platformer released two years earlier, Banjo-Kazooie managed to establish its distinct identity. Many argue that it is a more well-rounded and polished platformer compared to Mario's first foray into 3D.

Featuring the lovable and brave bear, Banjo, along with his foul-mouthed avian companion, Kazooie, the game captivated players of all ages due to its broad appeal. Although the plot revolves around Banjo's mission to rescue his sister from an evil witch's castle, hinting at a target audience of young children, Banjo-Kazooie surprises with its nuanced difficulty, adult humor, and intricately designed levels. It is often credited as the pioneer of the "collect-a-thon" genre, as players are challenged to discover various items with unique purposes in each level.

Banjo-Kazooie Made a Huge Mark on the Platforming Genre

Banjo-Kazooie was clearly ahead of its time and this is evident when playing it today. It has aged incredibly well after twenty-five years and its influence on later games is evident. The game introduced new moves and the ability to revisit previously inaccessible areas, as well as shortcuts and interconnected levels, setting a new standard for the genre. Its success paved the way for other iconic platforming duos like Jak and Daxter and Ratchet and Clank, with the latter being a popular franchise that is still thriving today. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the best exclusives for the PS5.

While some games directly show their inspiration from Banjo-Kazooie, others are more subtle. When Microsoft acquired Rare and fans were anticipating a third and final platforming title to complete the highly acclaimed trilogy, Rare surprised everyone with the release of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. This unexpected move shifted the focus to vehicular construction rather than platforming, inspiring games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom years later.

The vehicle construction in Nuts & Bolts was highly detailed, allowing for creative builds thanks to its advanced physics engine. Interestingly, Nintendo's Tears of the Kingdom drew comparisons to Nuts and Bolts due to its robust physics engine and Link's Ultrahand ability, which allows him to fuse any items together. Although initially unexpected, spending time experimenting with Tears of the Kingdom's building mechanics makes the comparison much more understandable.

Many fans are eager for a new Banjo-Kazooie game, and their 2019 inclusion as downloadable characters in Super Smash Bros Ultimate sparked renewed interest in the beloved duo. The future of Banjo-Kazooie is uncertain, but it is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest platforming games of all time.

Banjo-Kazooie is available now for Nintendo Switch Online - Expansion Pack owners.