Banjo-Kazooie is one of those series that has found its way into the retro hall of fame. The series first debuted in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, where the colorful character duo became Nintendo mascots. Afterward, Microsoft bought the developer of the game Rare, and the franchise switched hands.
Before all of that, though, the game got a direct sequel named Banjo-Tooie that has a massive open world, especially for the days of the Nintendo 64. Now, twenty years after the second entries release, fans are still begging for the third game. To celebrate this massive sequel, we have listed the ten best levels in the game.
10 Isle o' Hags
Isle O' Hags is the overworld level for the sequel that will force players to explore a huge interconnecting map to find secrets and reach new areas. While the overworld level may not have the most exciting platforming in the game, it features plenty of charming areas and secrets for players to find.
It is also linked to the long-fabled Stop N' Swap that, once upon a time, was a notorious gaming mystery. You can also find other bonuses in this level, like an extra Humba Wumba hut that allows Kazooi to become a dragon.
9 Jolly Rogers Lagoon
When you first think about Jolly Rogers Lagoon, you may have fond flashbacks of the fun pigs playing ball or the saloon. Sadly, the level has to rank low on the list simply because it was extremely confusing in design. While the levels and overall design are wonderful, the underwater section was often confusing to players, and even with the decent swimming controls, things could get a bit annoying.
On the other hand, fighting Lord Woo Fak Fak is one of the most challenging boss battles in the game. At least the evil lair looks great!
8 Grunty Industries
Grunty Industries is a bleak factory where players will have to climb and make perfectly timed dashes to collect jiggy pieces. While it isn't as easy to get lost as Jolly Roger's Lagoon, many players found the muted tones a bit more boring than other levels. This level, however, is one of the few that has a return of a character from the original game, the talking toiled Loggo, who has been clogged once again.
The Humba Wumba transformation for this level is also interesting as you become a washing machine who can shoot boxer briefs at enemies. Yes, really.
7 Glitter Gulch Mine
Glitter Gulch Mine is the second level in the game that has players diving deep underground to an ore filled world of wonder. It features the boss fight with Old King Cole, which unlocks fast travel, and the infamous Canary Mary race that had many players wanting to snap their controllers. Along with this, players also got to take part in harshly timed shooting mini-games that truly challenged their skills.
Glitter Gulch Mine also featured several different secrets like the mega-glowbo that unlocked dragon Kazooie, which helped tie in with the mysterious Stop N' Swap.
6 Mayhem Temple
Mayhem Temple is the first level you encounter when playing the game, and it's huge. It perfectly sets up the scope of the game while quickly introducing players to all the title's great new features. It is also responsible for adding in the FPS and kickball mini-games that many players felt was a welcome break from their normal platforming adventure. Even the music is catchy and features what sounds like Mumbo Jumbo singing!
The best part of this level is how it gives players such a diverse range of ways to earn their first jiggy pieces instead of sending them on a linear route.
5 Cauldron Keep
Cauldrons Keep is the last level you will have to go through on your journey. You won't be focused on gathering jiggy pieces here, but instead reaching the trio of witches that have been terrorizing the land. This level is where all your platforming and boss fighting skills will need to be at their best. With multiple boss fights await you and even a quiz game, this title won't let you win that easily.
Even the innocent-seeming quiz show is a struggle of life and death for the duo, and a couple of wrong answers could mean losing the game!
4 Terrydactlyland
Terrydactyland may seem like it has a cute name, but it is a world chocked full of cavemen, dinos, and mystery. The world will have you hatching dinosaur eggs and being swallowed by a plesiosaur named Chompa to earn all the jiggy pieces. You will also have to face an aerial boss named Terry, who confuses you for trying to steal her eggs.
If you're looking for more challenging jiggy pieces, this is also the perfect level for you thanks to horrifying Stomping Plains. Also, did we mention that the level also gives you the ability to transform into a giant T-Rex?
3 Witchyworld
Witchyworld is the theme park that the duo never wanted to visit. It is filled with dangerous rides and food stalls that would give any health committee a panic attack. You will even find the camel from the first game Gobi, who has been captured and imprisoned by the cruel carnival workers.
Best of all, one of the most difficult fights in the game can be found in the big top tent where you will fight Mr. Patch. If all that's not enough, then you can try your hand at scaling up the Inferno's volcano while just playing as Kazooie!
2 Cloud Cuckooland
Cloud Cuckooland is the last jiggy piece filled level in the game. To get to it, you will ride a magical bubble up the clouds. Once there, you will explore a variety of islands, fight evil bees, and explore a giant piece of cheese. You will also find the final keys to getting all the jiggy pieces across the interconnected worlds and have a frustrating rematch with Canary Marry.
The bee transformation from the first game also returns, and there are tons of fun ways to fight enemies and explore the multiple floating islands in this form.
1 Hailfire Peaks
Hailfire Peak is one of the most unique level design ideas in gaming. The massive level has two halves, one encompassed by ice and the other by fire. You will need to learn to maneuver through both halves to unlock all the level has to offer and defeat the two dragon bosses. The level also features a harder version of the kickball mini-game as well as a snowball transformation that will test your skills.
Best of all, the Hailfire Peaks are difficult to complete giving players looking for a challenge a well-deserved treat!