Support NeoGAF

[Artanisix]

There is like the same amount of grunting in dialogue in Banjo, this is a complaint I definitely don't get.

A voice slider would be nice, that's kinda default in like every game these days.

i mean... just listen to the video you posted and compare it to yooka? the "grunts" in BK are much slower and elongated. YL has very short samples that come out as rapid-fire. it's extremely ugly and harsh on the ears. there is absolutely a difference.

 

[Thud]

First impression is that the game is okay, but not great.

With Banjo I also had the idea that everything fit naturally in the game world.

I'll probably resume playing after finishing Persona 5.

 

[Nervous Sausage]

Not alone. I'm about to complete the entire game and get the platinum trophy and its been exceedingly rare that the camera has given me issues in the ~20 hours spent with the game. It does require babysitting, but decades of right stick management should not be giving GAF players much concern.

This is how I feel also, up to world 4 so far. I just don't understand the complaints with the camera or the controls for that matter. Works just as well as any other competent 3rd person game I've played in the last decade or so. Even the first world boss is fine as long as you roll up the ramp slowly. Having said that I seem to be immune to camera problems as I had no issues with Ninja Gaiden's notoriously criticized camera and didn't even think The Last Guardian's camera was tooo bad (although not great admittedly).

 

[KiefbladeMaster]

i mean... just listen to the video you posted and compare it to yooka? the "grunts" in BK are much slower and elongated. YL has very short samples that come out as rapid-fire. it's extremely ugly and harsh on the ears. there is absolutely a difference.

In my opinion, it's hardly any worse. There are annoying characters in both of the games.

 

[Squall ASF]

The camera comments are driving me nuts because it's been perfect for me. It's as if these people don't have a right control stick on their controller, have never played a 3D game before, or are doing some weird contortion with their body while playing. I want receipts, show some video footage of your game session where you're playing naturally and the camera hoses up on you. People claiming this is nigh unplayable because of the camera are making me roll my eyes to the back of my head. I've had zero issues and been able to manipulate it as I desire whenever I've tried. It's seriously bizarre.


Anyway, I finally decided to move on to World 2 and think I'm going to keep moving on when I've exhausted the first portion of the worlds so I can keep obtaining the moves to come back and fully clear everything once I have them all. As a completionist it's hard to come across so many challenges I can't interact with yet ha I didn't get to play into World 2 much but the unique ability you learn there is neat, lots of possibilities. I got enough of a taste to see how some of the caves would try some people's patience too haha Looking forward to getting some proper play sessions in this weekend as I've had limited time each night.

 

[maxcriden]

Lmfao.

Just to put this into perspective, Sony had enough people asking them about Crash after Playstation All-Stars that they got in touch with Activision to help make a new game. Microsoft has full ownership of Banjo' s IP and still won't do anything.

And even if they did, I don't expect them to put much money behind it. Killer Instinct is one of the best games on the Xbox One and Microsoft barely helps fund it, and usually leaves it up to the community to help do things. It's not even going to be at EVO this year.

Which Crash game was that? Did it end up coming to fruition? Or if you mean the remake, then I misunderstood, sorry.

 

[InaSnowBoundLand]

Thanks for the help.

I have to say, I think the game really improves as it goes along. I'm really loving it.

In the snow world, I really enjoyed the glow in the dark rolling challenge. Of course, I only died once so maybe that has something to do with it. Might have been very annoying for those that had to keep restarting. But I thought it was creative and fun, definitely prefer these sort of challenges to basically any of the minigames. I also think this does show some improvement from BK, BT, and DK64, where the paltforming was very mundane and sometimes non-existent.

Maybe in a patch they can extend the energy for the roll and add more checkpoints in areas like this. The game can be a little too punishing. But I really like what I've been playing and I too am increasingly puzzled at some of the apocalyptic reviews.

I reached the Swamp world, too. I'm not digging the look -- too much green, I think. But I actually find the challenges pretty fun! It might be simple but I really like the log jumping part. It breaks up the action and it's fun platforming that I mentioned I felt the Rare N64 games lacked. The wall crushing maze was a little too hard but I appreciate the creativity.

This game must have taken some inspiration from Kameo, too. The "grappling hook" move is basically the same as one of Flex's powers from that game. Very fun. And I love walking underwater.

 

[TMC]

Considering what a huge success this game was on kickstarter, this thread is surprisingly quiet. I fear the so-so reviews will have harmed sales

Anyway, looking forward to getting back on it tonight. I'm going to try Rampo for the first time so I can join in with all your frustrations.

I backed it on Kickstarter and still haven't received it. :\

 

[Secret Fawful]

I've been testing the roll out, trying to figure out why people find it unwieldy, and I'm lost. I literally can't make the roll suck and control bad, so I'm really, really confused by the problems people have had.

I reached the Swamp world, too. I'm not digging the look -- too much green, I think. But I actually find the challenges pretty fun! It might be simple but I really like the log jumping part. It breaks up the action and it's fun platforming that I mentioned I felt the Rare N64 games lacked. The wall crushing maze was a little too hard but I appreciate the creativity.

World 3 is actually possibly my favorite world. It's basically a mix of

Spoiler

Bubblegloop Swamp, Clanker's Cavern, and Mad Monster Mansion. It's like three Banjo levels in one.

It could definitely use less green and some lighting tweaks, though.

 

[Sponge]

Which Crash game was that? Did it end up coming to fruition? Or if you mean the remake, then I misunderstood, sorry.

No I'm sorry, I should have been more clear. I had meant the N-Sane Trilogy.

 

[WheelHoss1]

It's okay, doesn't affect my enjoyment. Loving it as well, runs like a dream 4k 60fps too

Edit: I will say I HATE the roll being tied to a energy bar though. I would talon trot everywhere in BK and BT

I'd buy it if we got a PS4 Pro patch.

No way I'm playing in 1080 knowing 4K is possible anymore

 

[Exuro]

i mean... just listen to the video you posted and compare it to yooka? the "grunts" in BK are much slower and elongated. YL has very short samples that come out as rapid-fire. it's extremely ugly and harsh on the ears. there is absolutely a difference.

Yep. I'm still surprised they left in Yookas grunts when you go into and out of rolling. They're basically shreiks. Banjo voices were much more mellow.

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

I'd buy it if we got a PS4 Pro patch.

No way I'm playing in 1080 knowing 4K is possible anymore

Youre missing out. The game looks amazing even without a Pro patch. Id also like a Pro patch as well, so hopefully they're listening and will give us one.

 

[TI82]

I'd buy it if we got a PS4 Pro patch.

No way I'm playing in 1080 knowing 4K is possible anymore

Can't blame you there.

 

[Camjo-Z]

The camera comments are driving me nuts because it's been perfect for me. It's as if these people don't have a right control stick on their controller, have never played a 3D game before, or are doing some weird contortion with their body while playing. I want receipts, show some video footage of your game session where you're playing naturally and the camera hoses up on you. People claiming this is nigh unplayable because of the camera are making me roll my eyes to the back of my head. I've had zero issues and been able to manipulate it as I desire whenever I've tried. It's seriously bizarre.

Same feeling here. I don't recall ever failing because I couldn't control the camera properly. It got a little funky at times but it's nothing I'd have even bothered to think twice about if it weren't such a consistent sticking point from reviews and impressions.

I've been testing the roll out, trying to figure out why people find it unwieldy, and I'm lost. I literally can't make the roll suck and control bad, so I'm really, really confused by the problems people have had.

As far as I can tell it's a result of people trying to use it as an all-purpose faster way of moving like the Talon Trot instead of slowing down and learning to control the jumps and turns. Rampo is basically the first "casual filter" of the game where you either stomp him with no trouble or spend ages wondering why you keep getting hit by logs.

 

[Artanisix]

my problem with the roll is that it is imprecise due to the turning arc. it just doesn't feel good to use. rampo was no problem for me, doesn't make the skill very enjoyable.

i haven't really experienced many camera issues aside from the occasional hangup, but you guys gotta keep in mind that playtonic did release a camera improvement patch after reviews were published (but before the game was actually released). can't really blame reviewers there...

 

[Social]

+1 here for another dude liking the game. It's really good.

 

[Lijik]

Despite the camera patch theres still sections here and there that I have no idea how theyre in the final game. The camera shift at Rampo, and the bizarre cuts in the cannonball section climbing up the tower in Tribalstack Tropics are amateur hour stuff.

In the snow world, I really enjoyed the glow in the dark rolling challenge. Of course, I only died once so maybe that has something to do with it. Might have been very annoying for those that had to keep restarting. But I thought it was creative and fun, definitely prefer these sort of challenges to basically any of the minigames. I also think this does show some improvement from BK, BT, and DK64, where the paltforming was very mundane and sometimes non-existent.

Its interesting how divisive some of the objectives are. I just wrapped this one up myself and really enjoyed it (granted, having two energy extenders and the tonic that reduces how much energy the roll uses probably helped since i could take my time when i needed to) meanwhile others have brought up enjoying sections that I found really dull. Also agreed on liking how these levels incorporate more discreet platforming challenges than the n64 rare output.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

Umm... are they dancing a fine line with copyright with

Spoiler

the one snowman's outfit is literally just Grunty's outfit

?

 

[hawk2025]

Some tasks are definitely dividing opinions pretty sharply.

But does *anyone* like the Mine cart challenges?

I'm baffled at those.

 

[JonnyKong]

I can't stop laughing at the noise Yookee makes everytime you go into a roll.

It's like a deep grunt that sounds like "Hoa!"

 

[Camjo-Z]

Someone on the Playtonic forum has made a good case for one of the NPCs being the star of the next game, worth a read if you're not afraid of some spoilers for the last world. I hadn't even remembered the "unclear alignment" bit from an interview.

Umm... are they dancing a fine line with copyright with

Spoiler

the one snowman's outfit is literally just Grunty's outfit

?

They're free to copy without shame, cuz Microsoft won't make a new Banjo game!

Some tasks are definitely dividing opinions pretty sharply.

But does *anyone* like the Mine cart challenges?

I'm baffled at those.

I enjoyed them, could have been tighter but I would have liked to see more. I'm sure that also plays some part in me liking the World 4 boss the best.

 

[Phu]

Maybe a lot are in my situation where they chose for a physical edition from the kickstarter and are still waiting for it to arrive (i'm in Australia).

I just received my [you weren't around to sign for this package] slip in the mail today and can't pick up til tomorrow [in America]. I did notice the post office listed for pickup was changed/corrected on the slip, which is weird that it would be wrong in the first place, so there might be some hiccups slowing things down in certain places.

 

[Harmen]

I really hope they continue Yooka-Laylee or something alike, and improve on the good basis they have here. I think attempting a different genre would be a mistake at this point, especially TPS where competition is extremely high.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

Tooka-Laylee is going to be an amazing game if they actually take criticism of the first game to heart.

There's a REALLY good game here, buried under some very noticeable issues. But a really magical game is there. Just rough around the edges. A more refined sequel could do wonders.

 

[Camjo-Z]

I really hope they continue Yooka-Laylee or something alike, and improve on the good basis they have here. I think attempting a different genre would be a mistake at this point, especially TPS where competition is extremely high.

Apparently they intend to become a two-game studio where teams are working on separate games like the Rare days, so they could potentially work on Tooka-Laylee while also doing this other one.

 

[Squall ASF]

Yeah I'd prefer they make a sequel to this game next with a larger budget. I'm crossing my fingers that this does well enough combined with the clear interest shown by us backers for the kickstart to get a big publisher to back them next time around. They could then hire more hands, take feedback from fans and really hit it out of the park with the sequel. Plus, while I enjoyed JFG, there's countless third person shooters out in gaming world while there is no one else making collectathon platforms these days. If they aren't making a straight sequel to Yooka, then I'd want one featuring an NPC from the series which would allow them to change skills sets and characters and perhaps add a special dynamic to differentiate it further which could help keeps things fresh for them if they need a break from YL. Then once you've established enough characters by featuring them, it would be more interesting for gamers to have a diddy kong racing spiritual successor as we'd be invested in all the characters involved. I get ahead of myself though that's alright because Playtonic is already thinking about how they'll expand the universe. First things first, YL needs to be a success and we need to continue to show a demand for games like this. Keep spreading the positive word of mouth! The misguided reviews aren't helping the cause so we'll have to do it ourselves. I've convinced a few friends IRL to purchase the game so far.

 

[Snarfington]

I'm really, really enjoying this one. It's not perfect but it's just what i was expecting in terms of being silly and charming. I was worried by the gameplay I'd seen and the first 20 minutes or so, but as soon as i got into that first world it was just really good fun.

 

[Brandon F]

Just platinumed the game(took around 27 hours, but shave a few off given some arcade challenges fails and aimless scouring for a few final quills). The World 4 arcade challenge probably had me the most frustrated, but a few other challenges are up there.

Ask me anything really.

Oh and if anyone is curious, the secret pirate skulls seem to do jack shit outside of trophies and the 64-bit tonic is still unavailable(later patch?)

Camera never gave me any hangups(aside from being a pain to pan when flying) so really unsure what some are prattling on about with it.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

Apparently they intend to become a two-game studio where teams are working on separate games like the Rare days, so they could potentially work on Tooka-Laylee while also doing this other one.

I think Kart Racing is the way to go. I don't even know how many DKR vets are on the team, but Kart racers are another genre starved for games. You have various Mario Karts and one awesome Sega Kart, and then kind of mediocre efforts from random companies.

David Wise's music for this game even sounds like DKR music if it was sped up a bit.

It would give them a chance to flesh out some new potential IP as well, like DKR did. Have Yooka and Laylee as racers, but the rest are all new characters.

 

[jimboton]

Don't know what the problem seems to be with World 2. I'm finding it pretty great.

Spoiler

Icymetric Palace

is a very fun homage to

Spoiler

the old 8 bit Filmation adventures

.

 

[Squall ASF]

Just platinumed the game(took around 27 hours, but shave a few off given some arcade challenges fails and aimless scouring for a few final quills). The World 4 arcade challenge probably had me the most frustrated, but a few other challenges are up there.

Ask me anything really.

Oh and if anyone is curious, the secret pirate skulls seem to do jack shit outside of trophies and the 64-bit tonic is still unavailable(later patch?)

Camera never gave me any hangups(aside from being a pain to pan when flying) so really unsure what some are prattling on about with it.

Congrats! I will definitely be platinum-ing this game myself in time. Yes, the 64 shader is going to be added later. I'd think it will be patched in for everyone and not considered DLC since it's displayed in Vendi so it will be free. Although those of us that backed the game get all DLC for free anyway. Speaking of which, I wonder what type of DLC to expect besides alt outfits for characters.

 

[Camjo-Z]

Oh and if anyone is curious, the secret pirate skulls seem to do jack shit outside of trophies

I'd be really surprised if they aren't intended to be the new Stop 'n' Swop. I assume they've wisely made the decision to not draw a ton of attention to it yet to avoid another 10 years of mystery and intrigue in case the plan changes somwhere down the line. Then again, there's still the Toybox secret to figure out, so who knows.

I think Kart Racing is the way to go. I don't even know how many DKR vets are on the team, but Kart racers are another genre starved for games. You have various Mario Karts and one awesome Sega Kart, and then kind of mediocre efforts from random companies.

David Wise's music for this game even sounds like DKR music if it was sped up a bit.

It would give them a chance to flesh out some new potential IP as well, like DKR did. Have Yooka and Laylee as racers, but the rest are all new characters.

They probably want to do new IP first and then use a kart racer as the big crossover game, but I definitely want to see them make one either way.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

They probably want to do new IP first and then use a kart racer as the big crossover game, but I definitely want to see them make one either way.

The best part about making a new DKR is that DKR has probably aged the best of all their N64 games, so just plopping their own IP into a straight DKR game wouldn't have the same archaic issues Yooka suffers from.

The only real additions to kart racers since DKR, have been stuff like transforming stages and tricks off ramps. The latter isn't needed at all, and I think DKR actually had a couple transforming stages, so they can easily do that.

Something DKR did that no other kart racer has really done is have three different vehicle types that play completely different (Mario Kart's bikes and ATVs do not count). Sega Racing Transformed had a similar idea, but the vehicles had specific areas. DKR let you use whatever you wanted on most stages.

If they're set on a brand new IP (that isn't a kart racer), they have some awkward decisions to make. The side scrolling and FPS markets are super saturated. Or is there a need for them to have two 3D platformer IPs ala Conker? Or animal farm simulators? Or isometric 2D platformers (people forget Rare made quite a few of those!)

 

[JonnyKong]

The check point system on this is utter garbage.

 

[Kinsei]

Some tasks are definitely dividing opinions pretty sharply.

But does *anyone* like the Mine cart challenges?

I'm baffled at those.

I like them.

Congrats! I will definitely be platinum-ing this game myself in time. Yes, the 64 shader is going to be added later. I'd think it will be patched in for everyone and not considered DLC since it's displayed in Vendi so it will be free. Although those of us that backed the game get all DLC for free anyway. Speaking of which, I wonder what type of DLC to expect besides alt outfits for characters.

I'm hoping for a new world. I doubt it would be as big as the worlds in the base game but a fun little extra world with 10 pagies to get would be cool.

 

[Valahart]

Beat the first two bosses so far.

First boss I had mixed feelings because

Spoiler

I found the platforming very interesting but the camera was extremely iffy, and it was too easy due to all the butterflies available. However the idea was great and it got me excited for the next boss fights.

Second boss... That's it? Seriously?

Spoiler

Again, the idea was interesting, it had potential. But the whole battle having the same layout was a mistake. The torches and the plant should change places, there should be multiple rooms, I don't know. That was bad.

 

[Skyzard]

Cross-posting from the 3D World was archaic thread:

They're both fun games in their own way, setting expectations aside.

I really recommend Yooka-Laylee btw, they've made a great game that is absolutely worth the asking price* if you are a fan of platforming in large 3D worlds. It also looks absolutely stunning and is just pure joy.
I've played the whole way on my phone's screen from my PC and it just looks phenomenal. The animations and character models are really superb. Controls take some learning, and you will by the first boss, it can be challenging. Levels are huge and colourful, enemies are cute. Lots of puzzles and platforming to do. And the move-set gets better and better. Plus the music is great. And it's all low-key story with lame but kinda funny in a childish way jokes.

A hella of fun time.

Spoiler

Especially stoned in bed.

* and I paid £10 via kickstarter but I mean £35 on steam

 

[TI82]

The roll is a little strange since it's meant as a talon trot style movement but it controls much differently. Talon trot moves the same as banjo just faster. The roll has momentum and an arc to it's turn. It's also not unlimited.

So that's why it may be unwieldy to some

 

[JonnyKong]

I realise I'm probably being dumb, but I don't see why making the cloud pee/rain benefits me? I can't find any previously unaccessible areas because of it.

 

[rayman1900]

Arrrgggg !!! Why is that plow car transformation is super slippery on even normal ground XD, it's so much a challenge to try to go straight properly than trying to turn with it !

 

[Kinsei]

I realise I'm probably being dumb, but I don't see why making the cloud pee/rain benefit me? I can't find any previously unaccessible areas because of it.

You need to

Spoiler

hit him with ice to freeze the lake you made by having him rain. This creates a new race track for the cloud near the start of the world.

 

[hydruxo]

The area of Hivory Towers between

Spoiler

the Marsh and Capital Cashino

is really fucking cool. The indoor part of Hivory Towers is kinda bland, but I was really impressed with that

Spoiler

outdoor area

. Reminded me a lot of Tooie.

 

[Skyzard]

I realise I'm probably being dumb, but I don't see why making the cloud pee/rain benefit me? I can't find any previously unaccessible areas because of it.

lol

Yeah, I'm curious about this too, I haven't noticed much yet just made it a tad more challenging to go over the river after transforming.

You need to

Spoiler

hit him with ice to freeze the lake you made by having him rain. This creates a new race track for the cloud near the start of the world.

Ah okay, saw a glimpse of that and kinda wish I hadn't but thanks for answering.

 

[TI82]

One complaint I do have is the graphics seem inconsistent. Yooka and laylee and the other NPCs look great, but parts of the environment don't look so hot. The tree you start the game near, the golden statue of capital B etc not very good.

And why they made the bushes fully physics based is kind of odd since you get stuck in them lol

Oooo I see, cheers dude, I'll go look for an ice flower then.

Spoiler

right down the path from him is one

if you don't find it

 

[JonnyKong]

You need to

Spoiler

hit him with ice to freeze the lake you made by having him rain. This creates a new race track for the cloud near the start of the world.

Oooo I see, cheers dude, I'll go look for an ice flower then.

 

[hydruxo]

Tooka-Laylee is going to be an amazing game if they actually take criticism of the first game to heart.

There's a REALLY good game here, buried under some very noticeable issues. But a really magical game is there. Just rough around the edges. A more refined sequel could do wonders.

Agreed. I'm just really excited that we have a studio that is going to be making these old school Rare type games (assuming they want to continue in this direction which I'm sure they do). They're only going to get better.

 

[Salty Hippo]

My biggest issue with the camera is that it has little mobility/angle on the Y axis. Everytime I want to survey the level upwards or downwards I get frustrated because it just doesn't move quite the way it should.

 

[Glass Shark]

.

 

[Mega Man's Electric Sheep]

The only time the camera has given me a serious problem is flying. It seems like they just wanted you to fly forward in simple straight lines, as the camera goes bananas if you try to turn it while flying.
I think the retro arcade games and mine cart challenges are "fine", not great but ok for variety. I think they would be a lot less frustrating if they lowered the requirement to get a Pagie. Leave the high score there for those who care, but the mine cart in world 4 took me forever to get 150 and I think there was no need to make it so strict when 120 or even 100 would have been fine. Similarly, the arcade game in world 4 took me like an hour to get the high score on, and I only stuck with it because I had already wasted so much time on it. Way too punishing compared to the other Pagie challenges in the game.

The casino was a lot better than I expected other than the arcade game. I also unlocked world 5 and love the colours and aesthetic there. I found what appears to be the final boss area and they say I need

Spoiler

100 Pagies

to get in. Is that the requirement to beat the game, or is there a further roadblock where they're going to say lol you need 145 Pagies.