Xbox Has Ignored This Fan Favorite Series for Too Long

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Certain video game characters become iconic, representing entire eras for players. They’re more than just recognizable faces; they’re linked to cherished childhood memories, exciting late-night gaming sessions, and the wonder of early 3D game experiences. These games don’t just achieve commercial success—they influence how players think about exploration, creativity, and fun. When a beloved series ends, it feels deeply personal, like losing a piece of gaming history that stays with fans for years.

For twenty years, fans have been hoping to see a new Banjo-Kazooie game, a classic 3D platformer originally popular on the Nintendo 64. Now owned by Xbox, the series has remained untouched, but the desire for a return isn’t just about fond memories. The platforming genre has improved and changed, showing there’s still a place for imaginative worlds, creative levels, and well-designed adventures. Now is the perfect time for Banjo and Kazooie to make a comeback.

Banjo-Kazooie Is One of the Best 3D Platformers of All Time

Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Banjo-Kazooie quickly became the standard for 3D platforming games. Created by Rare, the game combined precise controls, creative level design, and a unique sense of humor. Finding notes and puzzle pieces didn’t feel like a chore, because each level was filled with hidden secrets, clever shortcuts, and characters you wouldn’t forget.

Banjo-Tooie built upon the original game in every way. Levels were bigger and more connected, puzzles were more challenging, and the overall feel became a bit more grown-up while still remaining fun and appealing. These two games represent Rare at their most inventive and successful, placing them among the best in the genre while still offering a distinctive experience focused on character and discovery.

The series stood out because it let players discover things on their own, without holding their hand, and it always made exploration worthwhile. The music changed with each level, making the experience even more captivating. Even now, the design choices in Banjo-Kazooie continue to inspire today’s 3D platforming games.

People still deeply love this series, and its popularity hasn’t waned over the years. Dedicated fans, modders, and speedrunners continue to enjoy it, even decades after its release. Its reputation as a top-tier 3D platformer isn’t just based on fond memories – the games were genuinely well-made and still play great, which makes its long hiatus all the more surprising.

Microsoft’s Acquisition and Failure

When Microsoft bought Rare in 2002, it seemed like a great opportunity for the Banjo-Kazooie series. Fans hoped Microsoft’s support would help the games succeed on Xbox. However, things didn’t go as planned. Although Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts tried something new, it turned off many longtime fans and effectively ended the series.

While not a terrible game, Nuts & Bolts just didn’t quite work for fans of the series. It swapped the classic platforming gameplay for building challenges using vehicles and physics. Although inventive, this removed the elements that players enjoyed most. This change was part of a larger pattern at Rare during the early Xbox era, where trying new things sometimes meant sacrificing what the company did best. If the game had been released as a completely new title, it might have been much more successful.

Over time, the series mostly appeared in brief cameos and relied on fans’ fond memories. Its inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate demonstrated its lasting appeal, reaching a new audience. The enthusiastic reaction proved that interest hadn’t faded, sparking hope for a full remake—which never materialized. Microsoft didn’t lack the chance to revive the franchise, but rather the dedication. Despite renewed interest, the company didn’t follow through with a proper relaunch. While other forgotten series were successfully revived, this one remained stalled, its potential unrealized.

Microsoft Needs to Bring Banjo Back

Honestly, it feels like a great time to be a 3D platformer fan! We’re finally seeing games like Astro Bot show everyone just how much people want those classic, well-made, and character-focused experiences. And it’s not just us fans who think so – these games are getting awesome reviews and selling really well. It’s proof that platformers are seriously making a comeback, and I’m here for it!

Okay, as a gamer, I’m really seeing Microsoft set things up right for a potential comeback of a beloved franchise. Game Pass is a huge deal because it means they can take risks on cool, creative ideas and get them in front of tons of players right away. I’m hoping they tap studios like Toys for Bob or even bring Rare back into the mix – they seem like the kind of teams that would really get it and treat the series with respect. Honestly, what I’m really craving is a return to that classic exploration-focused platforming style. It would be amazing for those of us who grew up with it, but also totally accessible and fun for new players.

Bringing back the Banjo-Kazooie series would give Xbox more popular, exclusive games. While Xbox has strong shooting and role-playing games, it doesn’t have a well-known character to represent the brand like some other consoles do. Reviving this franchise would broaden Xbox’s offerings and show its dedication to classic games. It’s been a long time since a new Banjo-Kazooie game, and fans are clearly eager for one. The market is ready, and Microsoft simply needs to recognize the value of this beloved series and bring it back.

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2025-12-27 19:14