I don't know. Many people seem to always dismiss N&B as a "spinoff". I notice that it's usually the people that are upset about it not being a platformer. I can see how people would call it a spinoff because of the genre change, but at the same time, there's a lot of noticeable bitterness involved.
Who knows? Maybe it IS a spinoff, or maybe it isn't. Only the developers know, but not even the developers have ever specified what it is. Unless I'm missing something.
Doesn't the story speak for itself? It clearly explains at the beginning that it's not a spin-off. It takes place 8 years after Tooie, with only Grunty's head remaining, just as it was at the end of its predecessor. I get its not a platformer like everyone wanted, but it doesn't change the placement of game in the overall timeline of the series. The only spin-off is Banjo Pilot.
Ultimately the defense for it not being a spinoff lies in semantics. The game can officially be a main entry, and sure, let's go with that, because as mentioned it does continue where the other ones left off and whatnot. Now, that doesn't mean it personally comes across as anything but a spinoff when I play it. My point isn't that this game IS a spinoff and has to be considered one; that'd be childish and a stupid thing to pursue validity on. But I am saying that it does *feel* like a spinoff for me. From the tone to the presentation to the different gameplay to the script to what have you.
Gonna go with an example. Metroid Prime: Federation Forces. Let's say the game incorporates canonical details from the Prime series in its story. Thus makin' it officially another entry in the series, not a spinoff. Assuming (bear with me) that the game stays the exact same as we've seen right now, it'd be a great departure in atmosphere, in gameplay style, in many aspects from previous installments. The game could have an officially recognized spot in the timeline, it could be considered an official entry by Nintendo, but that won't stop fans from -feeling- the game is a spinoff given how different it is. That's what I mean. What's in a name?
Really wish I could enjoy this game more; as said, I'm gonna keep giving it a chance for now.
I'm with you.
The menu showing spiral mountain and the opening tutorial hurt so bad. My inclination was to explore that world and use familiar moves. Game is that beautiful. The frame rate was the last straw for me and i hope they fix it because i do want to have a go at this
Most fun I've had so far was picking the notes over Showdown Town, only for Mumbo and L.O.G. to pester me into getting in my car. Mumbo, you used to be cool, man...