BanjoKazooie Nuts & Bolts Launches in North America

Microsoft announced today that Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is available in North American retailers. Additionally, the company announced that on November 23 players will get the opportunity to go head-to-head against the developers of the game at Rare. Below is the press release with the announcements:
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts launches in North America today with Rare developers inviting players to a special Xbox LIVE session on Nov. 23

Break out your magic wrench and start sketching those blueprints. More than 10 years after the launch of “Banjo-Kazooie,” Microsoft Game Studios and Rare Ltd. are proud to renew the beloved franchise with “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.” Landing at North American retailers today, this Xbox 360 exclusive is rated “E 10+” (for Everyone 10 and older) and retails for $39.99. Starring a honey bear, Banjo, and his wise-cracking breegull companion, Kazooie, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” encourages players to use their imaginations as they embark on an adventure to claim ownership of Spiral Mountain.

In their third adventure, Banjo and Kazooie face off against their evil witch rival Gruntilda, with nothing less than the deed to Spiral Mountain on the line. The mysterious Lord of Games (or L.O.G.), creator of all video games, has decided to step in to settle the feud between them once and for all. The winner of L.O.G’s challenges will be deemed the sole possessor of Spiral Mountain and it’s up to players to ensure Banjo and Kazooie’s success.

Players navigate six different worlds created by L.O.G., each with their own unique set of challenges. Players create their own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, sea and air. Although L.O.G’s challenges have one end goal, each player can develop their own unique solution by either building a vehicle from a myriad of parts they’ve collected, or by expanding on a pre-made vehicle.

For those who enjoy a little competition, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” comes equipped with a gripping multiplayer mode for the first time in the franchises’ history. Using Xbox LIVE, up to eight players can engage in various multiplayer competitions including Sumo, Soccer and Queen of the Knoll, where they can test out and show off their creations and driving skills. Players can also share their designs with the world by uploading their blueprints to the Banjo-Kazooie community Web site.

As a special treat, on November 23, players will get the opportunity to go head-to-head against the developers of “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” at Rare. A dozen artists and designers will join in the multiplayer competitions from 3-5 p.m. EST on Xbox LIVE, including Gregg Mayles, Rare’s head of design, and Salvatore Fileccia, Rare’s lead software engineer. All members of the “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” development team will be distinguishable by their unique Banjo characters, which will be sporting a stylish pair of sunglasses, and those who get the chance to battle against Rare team members will unlock a special Achievement.

More information on “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is available at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/splash/b/bknutsandbolts.


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