About 4 minutes into a new Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts developer commentary video, Microsoft Game Studios creative director Ken Lobb drops the line, "So you basically grab with the wrench and then you twist the controller around and it'll move different things in the game." Twist, you say? Earlier, we catch Kazooie doing just that: twisting an Xbox 360 controller (recreated above; full video embedded after the break). So what do we make of all this?
Well, there's that nagging rumor of some Abracadabra action going on behind closed doors at Microsoft, with Rare allegedly being one of the first studios to waggle the magic wand before passing it up for Vision cam support in the upcoming XBLA title, The Fast & The Furriest. It's not much of a stretch to assume that if Microsoft is to unveil a motion controller (say, next week!), Banjo-Kazooie could be one of the first titles to support the new feature. Waggletech® isn't exactly cutting edge or expensive, so a hardware manufacturer can essentially tack on motion sensitivity at any point (to varying degrees of success).
One theory suggests that Microsoft could install motion control into preexisting gamepads with an add-on device; perhaps a modified battery pack that also plugs into the headset port. Bundle the gizmo with Banjo-Kazooie, and you've got yourself a tried and true practice. Case closed? Certainly not.
Update: Microsoft has this to say.
Reader Comments (96)
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:04PM FernandoRocker said
Check the sensor bar... it needs to be clean and centered. Also, be sure to not have lamps or other ligth sources near the TV.
And check the light sensibility in the settings menu.
Reply
And check the light sensibility in the settings menu.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:29PM samfish said
Of course the Wii could handle it. Aside from the obvious high rez textures having to be reworked to SD and draw distances, there isn't anything going on that would fundamentally change the game by putting it on the Wii. There aren't Dead Rising amounts of objects on screen and there aren't any crazy physics (which the Wii has proven again and again it can handle just fine), going on either, from what we have seen so far at least.
Reply
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:43PM (Unverified) said
For some majical reason I'm sure, this game hasn't tickled your fancy huh Samfish? Don't worry you can save it, I already know your reasons. Its cool, this game will be sweet just like NG2 is. Even with "camera problems" and not being as good as GodHand *rolls eyes, NG2 is getting good sales. Glad to hear it too...
Reply
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:59PM samfish said
It's ok, Fenix. I could play the You Don't Want It Because You're A Fanboy card if I wanted, too...but it's beneath me, so I won't.
PS- I don't give a rat's batooty how well NG2 is selling. I only bust on you about GH/NG because I thought you knew it was an obvious joke. Didn't know you took it so seriously. Sorry.
Reply
PS- I don't give a rat's batooty how well NG2 is selling. I only bust on you about GH/NG because I thought you knew it was an obvious joke. Didn't know you took it so seriously. Sorry.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 3:09PM (Unverified) said
Sure it was a joke. :P Samfish on what game have I ever hated on just because its on a certain system? Heck, my favorite game of all time is MGS4 and I prefer the 360!
I don't care what systems I play certain games on as long as they are the better version for that certain system. Example, GTAIV was better on 360 IMO and thats why I bought it for 360. Sorry fapfap, I wasn't trying to get ya all riled up there.
:(
Reply
I don't care what systems I play certain games on as long as they are the better version for that certain system. Example, GTAIV was better on 360 IMO and thats why I bought it for 360. Sorry fapfap, I wasn't trying to get ya all riled up there.
:(
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:39PM MaulerX said
Never thought of that. Makes perfect sense. Every gamepad could have motion controls if you simply plug in a battery pack??
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:13PM (Unverified) said
OMG teh Megaton!
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:16PM (Unverified) said
More like Wiimote, less like Sixaxis.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:19PM Jacksons said
At best, waggle works. I've never felt anything was "better" due to waggle. Oh well, the game sure looks good!
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:30PM baby sea tuna said
That's the way I feel about it too, with a few exceptions (Wii Sports and Boom Blox would be about 0% fun without it).
Reply
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:24PM (Unverified) said
I just had a thought.. and I'm not sure how easy this would be to achieve..
Basically, based on the principle operations of an electric motor (Thanks, Michael Faraday), it works both ways right? Electricity into movement, and movement into electricity. Every motor is also a dynamo. Is it not theoretically possible that the rumble motors already installed in standard xbox360 controllers could, when gyrated, produce a small current, which specialised software, or a small peripheral could detect? I mean, you'd think that if it were possible, it would have already been done, but I can't see why it isn't possible for a company like Microsoft, with all their resources...
Just my tuppence worth.
Basically, based on the principle operations of an electric motor (Thanks, Michael Faraday), it works both ways right? Electricity into movement, and movement into electricity. Every motor is also a dynamo. Is it not theoretically possible that the rumble motors already installed in standard xbox360 controllers could, when gyrated, produce a small current, which specialised software, or a small peripheral could detect? I mean, you'd think that if it were possible, it would have already been done, but I can't see why it isn't possible for a company like Microsoft, with all their resources...
Just my tuppence worth.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:23PM (Unverified) said
Jiggy,jiggies those are funny words.
The game looks great but I would like to see some platforming.Twist the controller could mean there will be a motion controller or that you have to play with the analog sticks.
I hope Banjo 3 delivers unlike Perfect Dark Zero.
The game looks great but I would like to see some platforming.Twist the controller could mean there will be a motion controller or that you have to play with the analog sticks.
I hope Banjo 3 delivers unlike Perfect Dark Zero.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:38PM (Unverified) said
You know PDZ doesn’t sucks but I never felt like playing it again after 3 days. I never finish it and I never wanted to, in fact I rather did bot matches than playing the story mode.
The weird thing is that I never found anything wrong with the game, everything in my opinion was good but I never felt like playing ever again, it was just repulsive for some reason.
Reply
The weird thing is that I never found anything wrong with the game, everything in my opinion was good but I never felt like playing ever again, it was just repulsive for some reason.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:25PM (Unverified) said
My guess is that he was just talking about moving the "controler" stick for the crane that the game character is using, not the Xbox360 controller.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:26PM baby sea tuna said
If it's an add on, cool...but I'm not buying any new 360 controllers.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:25PM (Unverified) said
I also like how Banjo and Kazooie look after all these years:Fat,pathetic,old and of course playing in xbox live,probably Halo 3.
About damn time Rare.
Banjo Kazooie,good to have you both back.
About damn time Rare.
Banjo Kazooie,good to have you both back.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:33PM jasonlynx said
Video looks great!
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 1:51PM spin cycle said
That's a great GIF.
The story doesn't hold water though. Characters in games always work in pantomime. They emphasize kazooie using the controller by making gross movements to catch your eye. Doesn't mean the movement of the controller matters.
The story doesn't hold water though. Characters in games always work in pantomime. They emphasize kazooie using the controller by making gross movements to catch your eye. Doesn't mean the movement of the controller matters.
Posted: Jul 14th 2008 9:57AM (Unverified) said
If this is a minor addition like the SIXAXIS motion, I'd welcome this. Anyone who has used SIXAXIS reload knows how natural it feels.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:01PM GabrielGray said
People shouldn't be too upset if they add motion control of any type in here. Microsoft's reps, beginning with Peter Moore, have all said that Microsoft would use motion controllers only if it made sense and enriched the gameplay experience. If they do this with the new Banjo Kazooie and it really does add to the gameplay, this would turn into a good example of how Sony and Nintendo should have done it (where motion sensing is forced in most Wii games and doesn't always add to the experience and Sony's Sixaxis controls are under-used and at most times completely pointless except for steering in driving games). Also, before any Sony fanboy complains about releasing a new controller that you need to play some games, remember that Sony did this same thing by adding Dual-shock later in the PSone's life. SEGA also started with 3-button controllers on the Genesis and switched to six later on. There are other examples but this is already too long. Just trust Microsoft on this one and if their motion controls flop it's really no big deal. They are just games after all.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:26PM darkinchworm said
"Also, before any Sony fanboy complains about releasing a new controller that you need..."
Poor thing, you haven't realized that a defense like that doesn't work here. The Joystiq Douche Force (JDF) will simply trot right around the Walls of Logic.
(Note: applies to all fanboys, not only those of the Sony persuasion)
Reply
Poor thing, you haven't realized that a defense like that doesn't work here. The Joystiq Douche Force (JDF) will simply trot right around the Walls of Logic.
(Note: applies to all fanboys, not only those of the Sony persuasion)
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:18PM Maxsunset said
Motion controls or not, who else is as excited for this game as I am? The concept of collecting parts to build custom vehicles in order to get to various sections of the each level sounds incredibly fun and fresh!
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:21PM Ranus Studios said
That dude's Goldeneye gun sucked.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:21PM (Unverified) said
So basically, vehicles are replacing Kazooie.
Not excited for this game at all, I'd much rather have Banjo-Threeie than this vehicle-building shit.
Not excited for this game at all, I'd much rather have Banjo-Threeie than this vehicle-building shit.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:24PM samfish said
I'm still skeptical until I see that this is really a platformer and not a vehicle builder hybrid game thing.
If all the levels are like Showdown Town, which is just a hub world (that looks annoyingly big), I can see myself changing my tune...but it doesn't really sound like it so far.
If all the levels are like Showdown Town, which is just a hub world (that looks annoyingly big), I can see myself changing my tune...but it doesn't really sound like it so far.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:58PM (Unverified) said
Embrace it Samfish, it doesn't bite. You might actually enjoy it. So lets say this game gets a 9.5 to 10 and they confirm that it has a great mixture of platforming and vehicle based exploring. You're going to buy it right? Riiiiiight.
Reply
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 8:08PM (Unverified) said
I, personally, am going to rent it.
...then end up loving it and wasting $60 to buy a game I've already played.
Reply
...then end up loving it and wasting $60 to buy a game I've already played.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:31PM (Unverified) said
I see Nintendo lawyers smiling all the way to the bank.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:54PM (Unverified) said
Actually they've been fired, for you see Nintendy paid out a boat load of cash for its "original idea" and is getting hit up for more money now for the DS. Bummer...
Reply
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:40PM benmully said
The animation certainly looks like a regular Xbox controller. Plug-in for existing pads?
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:46PM (Unverified) said
There doesn't seem to be much outcry over this, but there was for the sixaxis?
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 2:48PM AlexMeloche said
Bwaaaah. Any chance this game could come out on PC?
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 3:12PM (Unverified) said
You know what Joystiq?
Fuck you.
You continue to allow this asshat (premierasshat) to spew his hate and utter NONsense yet you ban other people at the drop of a hat because you HATE Sony.
Fuck you Joystiq...fuck you all
Hypocrites and bastards with no journalistic integrity.
And fuck you other Fernandos supporters for coming to his defense in the past at a moments notice yet you see this ASSHOLE post the same old BUSHSHIT ovah and ovah yet you NEVER say anything.
Fuck you all and Fuck this biased ass bullshit whiney crybaby site.
Nuttchugging assholes.
Don't worry Joydicks...this is the ONLY time I will post on your pathetic Ihate Sony fantard site.
fuck you a thousand times...and fuck you a thousand more.
Fuck you.
You continue to allow this asshat (premierasshat) to spew his hate and utter NONsense yet you ban other people at the drop of a hat because you HATE Sony.
Fuck you Joystiq...fuck you all
Hypocrites and bastards with no journalistic integrity.
And fuck you other Fernandos supporters for coming to his defense in the past at a moments notice yet you see this ASSHOLE post the same old BUSHSHIT ovah and ovah yet you NEVER say anything.
Fuck you all and Fuck this biased ass bullshit whiney crybaby site.
Nuttchugging assholes.
Don't worry Joydicks...this is the ONLY time I will post on your pathetic Ihate Sony fantard site.
fuck you a thousand times...and fuck you a thousand more.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 3:12PM (Unverified) said
You know what Joystiq?
Fuck you.
You continue to allow this asshat (premierasshat) to spew his hate and utter NONsense yet you ban other people at the drop of a hat because you HATE Sony.
Fuck you Joystiq...fuck you all
Hypocrites and bastards with no journalistic integrity.
And fuck you other Fernandos supporters for coming to his defense in the past at a moments notice yet you see this ASSHOLE post the same old BUSHSHIT ovah and ovah yet you NEVER say anything.
Fuck you all and Fuck this biased ass bullshit whiney crybaby site.
Nuttchugging assholes.
Don't worry Joydicks...this is the ONLY time I will post on your pathetic Ihate Sony fantard site.
fuck you a thousand times...and fuck you a thousand more.
Fuck you.
You continue to allow this asshat (premierasshat) to spew his hate and utter NONsense yet you ban other people at the drop of a hat because you HATE Sony.
Fuck you Joystiq...fuck you all
Hypocrites and bastards with no journalistic integrity.
And fuck you other Fernandos supporters for coming to his defense in the past at a moments notice yet you see this ASSHOLE post the same old BUSHSHIT ovah and ovah yet you NEVER say anything.
Fuck you all and Fuck this biased ass bullshit whiney crybaby site.
Nuttchugging assholes.
Don't worry Joydicks...this is the ONLY time I will post on your pathetic Ihate Sony fantard site.
fuck you a thousand times...and fuck you a thousand more.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 3:24PM Mr Khan said
X3DF!
About face!
About face!
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 4:35PM Spaceboyca said
If I wanted motion controls, I would have a Wii. I don't have a Wii, so I obviously don't care for motion controls. Are you taking notes, Microsoft and all related developers? Motion control is garbarge. Ask all the Wii owners whose system is sitting and collecting dust.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 4:41PM GabrielGray said
In case anyone was confused by my earlier comments, I don't believe all Sony fans are "fanboys". I respect all consoles, as this generation has been pretty impressive across all platforms. I do have slight bias towards Microsoft, though, failure rates aside. I still think some of the motion sensing has gone wrong for Nintendo and Sony and think that Microsoft has a chance at showing them how it's done. Motion sensing could fail for Microsoft, but it will be quite an accomplishment if they pull this of well enough. As far as people on here being jerks because they disagree, that's just plain stupid. You don't see McDonalds customers bludgeoning Burger King customers because they don't like their opinion about Burger King's sandwich's. It all comes down to preference. No big deal.
Posted: Jul 9th 2008 7:17PM Drago Dracini said
he obviously meant twist the pole... like in ratchet...
Featured Stories
Super Joystiq Podcast 004: 38 Studios meltdown, Gravity Rush, Civilization 5: Gods & Kings, Dragon's Dogma
Posted on May 25th 2012 3:30PM




