Graphics:
5 out of 5: The rich textures, skinned joints on the characters and the high polygon count make Mario 64 look like paint-by-number in comparison.
Music:
5 out of 5: High quality cartoon music with good use of wavetable samples. The music changes dynamically based on your location. For example, as you enter the room with the entrance to the Egyptian level, you’ll hear an oboe enter the mix to capture the feel of the area.
Sound FX:
5 out of 5: Excellent, high quality cartoon effects are found throughout the game. The effects are spatialized nicely to help hear that enemy sneak up from behind or a trapped bird to the left yell for your help. Instead of voice, the game uses voice sounds to accompany on-screen text. This works well, and doesn't get too annoying.
Play Control:
6 out of 10: The major problem with Banjo-Kazooie's controls is that they're more sluggish than Mario 64's. The inability to grab ledges can be a pain, and it's difficult to aim Kazooie's eggs. See the
Summary of the Banjo-Kazooie Experience for more details about the problems with the control. Even with these problems, the game is playable and enjoyable. It's just that it can be a little frustrating at times when the game doesn't respond as you want it to. On the plus side, the flight controls are very good, although you can't alter the camera during flight.
Frustration Factor:
6 out of 10 (10 being the worst):
The play control was my biggest source of frustration and disappointment with the game. See the
Summary of the Banjo-Kazooie Experience for details about the problems with the control. Other than that the game isn't too frustrating at all.
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