UK Banjo pre-orders net XBLA version

via Eurogamer


Although it confirmed the Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts release date a couple of weeks ago, Microsoft has now added that UK pre-orders will be rewarded with free access to the Xbox Live Arcade version of Banjo-Kazooie as well.

The XBLA game is due out "a couple of weeks" after the 14th November launch, but US gamers have already been told they will get it free if they pre-order - and that they will get it on 14th November, rather than having to wait for the regular release. Microsoft UK has confirmed we get the two-week head-start as well, although it has yet to announce participating retailers. We've been told to expect more details in the next week or so.

As followers of the series know, there's even more added incentive to consider adding the XBLA game to your collection, because it will unlock content in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - and vice versa, thanks to the dormant "Stop 'N' Swop" feature included in the original N64 Banjo-Kazooie and repurposed to add value to this long-awaited duo of Xbox 360 releases.

For more on Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & bolts, which mixes 3D platforming with racing and other gameplay styles thanks to a nifty vehicle-creation tool, check out our extensive Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts hands-on with single-player and multiplayer, and look out for another round of impressions later this week.