A Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that the Xbox 360 installment of Rare’s bear-and-bird franchise is indeed on track for a 2008 release, most likely arriving just in time for this year’s holiday rush.
"As announced at E3 last year, the next installment in the popular Banjo franchise is still on target for 2008. We share the excitement of Banjo fans worldwide as anticipation ‘builds’ for the game’s release later this year."
At last week’s D.I.C.E. Summit, Microsoft Game Studios’ Shane Kim was quoted as saying, "I’m super-excited about what they’re doing with ‘Banjo.’ I think ‘Banjo’ is going to be a big hit for us this holiday."
Should we share in Mr. Kim’s excitement? Rare’s most recent bright and colorful platformer, Kameo: Elements of Power, was released to mixed reviews and many feel that Rare has somehow lost its magic touch since joining the Microsoft camp. I am personally remaining optimistic about Banjo, but I sure won’t be crushed if it isn’t up to snuff.
What do you guys expect from this sequel? Will it blow us away like the Rare games of old, or will it just be another so-so release?
