Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts isn’t out yet, but that hasn’t stopped Rare from looking at the future of the franchise. Promising that more BK is likely on the way and that “crazy ideas” have been had, Rare suggested it may expand on the vehicular platforming that Nuts & Bolts will be delivering to the Xbox 360.
“[Nuts & Bolts] is like an introduction to what we could do,” states senior animator Ellissa Miller. “If we went on and did some more then we could push it. If it was accepted and people enjoyed it then we could definitely push it in a much bigger direction. This is like an opening to a new type of gaming I guess.”
“[Lead designer] Greg did have a few crazy ideas [for the next game]… I’ll probably get in trouble if I mention them,” adds lead technical artist Neil Harrison. “I think if [Nuts & Bolts] was successful we’ve definitely got a load of ideas for what we could do next with the same sort of concept but expand it out.“
Nuts & Bolts has been “enjoying” some controversy from BK loyalists who whined that the game wasn’t a “real” Banjo title. However, Rare is incredibly confident in this long-awaited sequel, so hopefully the risk of a new direction pays off. Anything to shut the bitching traditionalists up.
