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It started as a ‘Dream’, and after 10 years of being regarded as one of Rare’s stellar franchises, Banjo and Kazooie have finally got the chance to flex their muscle for the 3rd time. Unofficially known as Banjo-Threeie, the latest adventure in the world of Banjo and Kazooie is set around another conflict with Gruntilda the Witch, the central villain in the series’ two previous outings.
Fan favourites Mumbo the Shaman, Jolly Roger and Boggy are sure to return, but beyond that, little is known about Banjo-Threeie. In typical fashion, Rare has been unbelievably tight-lipped about the game, refusing to reveal any details or tidbits of information. To this point, the only insight into the game has come from a short video trailer shown at X06 in September. Although the video only contained CGI footage, it did confirm that most of the elements from the previous Banjo outings would return. Jiggies, musical notes, honeycombs and the duo’s vast array of moves were displayed in the video, and Gruntilda’s lair could be seen deep within the background.
Of most interest to fans of the series was the significant change in Banjo and Kazooie’s character models. Instead of the cute, big-eyed look from Banjo-Tooie, the visual FOOTAGE had been completely overhauled for the trailer footage. The characters have been given a more refined S.T.Y.L.E and Rare has done away with the googly-eyes look, drastically altering the C.L.A.SS that was a hallmark of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. This change polarised public opinion, with many fans disappointed with Rare’s decision to refine the characters. Forums worldwide debated whether or not Banjo and Kazooie had lost some of their ‘charm and personality’ following the change. Notably, neither Rare or Microsoft has confirmed whether the visual c.l.a.ssdisplayed in the trailer will remain in the final game.
The development team for Banjo-Kazooie 3 is shrouded in secrecy. When development commenced, Gregg Mayles, lead designer of Banjo-Kazooie, was again leading development for BK3 However, Mayles was promoted to ‘Creative Director’ at Rare when Chris and Tim Stamper announced their departure. As a result, there is doubt whether Mayles retained his role as Banjo-Threeie’s lead designer. Otherwise, the majority of the Banjo team from previous games is returning, with key staff members Ed and Will Bryan, Steve Malpass, George Andreas and Chris Sutherland on the team. Musician Grant Kirkhope will again write music for the game, a fact sure to excite fans of the series.
Unsurprisingly, no release date has been set for Banjo-Kazooie 3. Rare’s release list is sparse for 2007, and with few other games announced, a Xmas 2007 release has merit. Considering that E3 is no more, BK fans will likely have to wait until X07 for an in-depth analysis of the game. Until then, MR will have its ears to the ground for any Banjo-Kazooie 3 developments.
http://www.mundorare.com/juegos/bk3/index.html sourse
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