Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts

Banjo-Kazooie 3 is the working title for the next game in Rare's Banjo-Kazooie franchise, announced at the X06 Media Briefing. Banjo-Kazooie 3 is the fifth game in the franchise to be released. It is currently unspecified where it fits into the Banjo-Kazooie timeline. Banjo, Kazooie, Gruntilda, Mumbo Jumbo and Jolly Roger have been confirmed as returning characters, and it is likely that other characters from the previous games will also return.

According to Eurogamer magazine, the original team from the earlier Banjo-Kazooie games will be working on the new game. The music will be composed by Grant Kirkhope, and it is suggested that the soundtrack will be orchestrated, following in suit to Viva Piñata and Kameo: Elements of Power. Rare has also confirmed that the series will be evolving gameplay wise, but will retain its unique style.

Teaser trailer
The teaser trailer shows several gameplay elements from the previous games will be included in the upcoming game, including music notes, honeycombs, and puzzle pieces ("Jiggies"). Although Gruntilda doesn't appear in the trailer, Gruntilda's Lair can be seen past a slight fog in the distance. Also, the moat around Spiral Mountain seems to have disappeared.

Banjo
Banjo is a main protagonist in the Banjo-Kazooie series. He is a lovable, yet somewhat confused bear, who is the hero of this tale. He appeared in Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Banjo-Pilot, Diddy Kong Racing, and Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge, and will return in Banjo-Kazooie 3 as confirmed in the trailer released on September 27, 2006. Banjo's appearance is notably different from previous games in the Banjo-Kazooie series, as he appears more blocky than his original incarnation. It is unknown at this time if the new design will be kept or if it will be changed back to its original appearance (shown ).

Kazooie
Kazooie is the secondary protagonist in the Banjo-Kazooie series. She is an elegant bird with a cunning wit, and a sharp tongue to boot. She is Banjo's partner in action and comic relief. She will return in Banjo-Kazooie 3 as confirmed in the trailer released on September 27, 2006. Kazooie's appearance is visually different from previous games (shown ) in the Banjo-Kazooie series, as she has a larger plume of feathers and has an overall more feminine look.

Gruntilda Winkybunion
Gruntilda serves as the villain of the Banjo-Kazooie series. She is a witch that vows revenge on Banjo and Kazooie. She will return in Banjo-Kazooie 3 as confirmed in the following quote from Rare; "The beloved 'Banjo-Kazooie' franchise will breathe new, high-definition life on Xbox 360 exclusively from famed developer Rare Ltd.; astonishing next-generation visuals and presentation reunite beloved characters Banjo, Kazooie and Gruntilda -- among other fan favorites -- with their sharp wit and hilarious sense of humor." At the end of Banjo-Tooie, she stated that she would return for the third game in the series, referred to there as "Banjo-Threeie".

Jolly Roger
Jolly Roger, who first appeared in Banjo-Tooie, has been announced as a character in Banjo-Kazooie 3. On the Rare website in response to a fan question on whether Jolly Roger would return, they replied "Yes he will, hopefully in an expanded role that doesn't involve camp bartending."

Stop 'N' Swop
On the subject of the notorious Stop 'N' Swop feature from the original game, Gregg Mayles said in a recent interview with Retro Gamer, "[...]I'm going to say nothing yet again, although we are considering revealing the truth somewhere in the third game, as some kind of anniversary treat." Similarly, Chris Sutherland comments, "For reasons I can't explain I doubt if all the details could ever be revealed on this, but in the meantime I guess you'll have to wait for the Xbox 360 game to see..."