Boss Rush Banter: Which Banjo-Kazooie World is the Best?

Banjo-Kazooie has come to Nintendo Switch Online, and we are THRILLED. I’m so excited to dive back in and play as my favorite bear-and-bird duo again. Even now as I’m writing this, I’m listening to the game’s soundtrack, getting myself ready to explore Gruntilda’s Lair and save Banjo’s sister Tooty from the evil witch.

Banjo-Kazooie originally came out in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 and has also been playable on Xbox in many forms since the Xbox 360 in 2008. The game is similar to some 3D Mario games in that it focuses on exploring multiple worlds, collecting different items, and unlocking more worlds and abilities the further you go. These worlds you visit are one of the most iconic parts of Banjo-Kazooie. From Mumbo’s Mountain to Mad Monster Mansion, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Which world offers the best gaming experience for you, or which level do you enjoy playing? Plainly put, which world is the best?

Personally, I think Mumbo’s Mountain is a great introductory level. It teaches you basic mechanics that you use for the rest of the game, is simple without being boring, and most importantly, introduces one of my favorite characters, Mumbo himself! If you’re new to the game, you’ll get a fantastic taste for what else this game has in store while climbing Mumbo’s Mountain.

One level that stands out to me so clearly whenever I think back to Banjo-Kazooie is Bubblegloop Swamp. The geography of the level, with it’s poisonous water, intersecting pathways, and significant landmarks, do such a good job embodying what a level in this game needs to be: vast, busy, and thematic. On your next playthrough, take some time to enjoy this great world.

But, who are we kidding, can we really NOT mention Click Clock Wood? One of the last levels in the game, Click Clock Wood is a fan favorite for the obvious reason that it’s really four worlds rolled into one. The world shows the same forestry landscape, but you can choose to enter the world during spring, summer, fall, or winter. Each different season adds (or takes away!) opportunities, and there’s multiple reasons to re-explore seasons that you may have visited before. Plus, the background music has four different variations based on the theme, and is my #1 song from the sound track. It may take a while to get to, but Click Clock Wood is worth the wait.

What about you? What worlds from Banjo-Kazooie are you dying to get to? What makes your favorite world your favorite world? Let us know below, or join the conversation at the Boss Rush Discord (you can also join via the QR code below).