The Mindblowing Skyboxes of Banjo Kazooie

#banjokazooie #skybox #anyaustin #unremarkable #liminalspace #gaming #n64

[any_austin]

B A N J O
is V I S I T I N G

R U S T Y B U C K E T B A Y

Don’t hate me for trying new titles and thumbnails it’s the same content I just want more people to see it.

[Dillweed]

The Mad Monster Mansion skybox viewed from the top of the church makes me feel a way I can't even articulate. The foggy, yellow moon. The cemetery. That feeling of haunting mystery.
But then again, I grew up with a mom that loves Tim Burton and Halloween, so that kind of aesthetic is very emotionally resonant with me.

[daserfomalhaut]

You make mundanity entertaining. I love this channel.

[GoodJobGabeGames]

14:54 something moved on your window. Crazy skybox detail, makes me feel like Austin actually lives in the real world

[nj]

You nailed it when you pointed out that the lack of a skybox, especially in bubblegloop swamp, gives the impression that Banjo is exploring a diorama in the castle rather than visiting other worlds. I'm not sure how intentional this was by the devs, but it really does leave a massively different impression than other 3D platformers, even just subconsciously

[imaverageatgamesbutimostly]

I'm still shocked and baffled that Banjo-Kazooie was the Rusty Bucket Bay Harbour Butcher

[tarynspink]

I remember as a kid being deeply impacted by the skyboxes in the first two Spyro games. It felt like every level had its own unique sky. It would be fun to hear your take on it someday.

[michaelhaas]

Spot on about the dollhouse feeling of the first two levels

[FirstRecords]

something you didn't mention is how the outer geometry fades seamlessly into the skybox, a thing i've never seen from another N64 game. notice the outermost hills of spiral mountain. even when the ceiling is pure black, the walls fade into the black in a natural-feeling way

[BlazePh]

Great video! Two points that I'm kinda surprised you didn't mention though:

1) I totally agree that RBB gives you a sense of "connectedness" with the outside world via its skybox and door. You mentioned the maps you can find inside the ship, but the one on the wall is actually a map of Treasure Trove Cove if you look closely. So I think that also lends a sense of connection to that level as well, a la Mario Sunshine and its connected levels.

2) There is another skybox outside the entrance to Mad Monster Mansion within the graveyard section of Gruntilda's Lair. It is noticeably different (and IMO better) than the one inside MMM. There is a big moon texture with eerie clouds around it that scrolls across the skybox, and when you pay attention it becomes very obvious that it is in fact a big scrolling "sheet" of a texture which gives it this really weird vibe. Would definitely recommend checking that out.

[Mystical-TEDDY_]

The skybox of the swamp level in Spyro A Hero's Tail is one of the most beautiful sky boxes I remember seeing while growing up. 🥺

[Kirbotron-oheq]

I have those same feelings in Freezeezy's Peak. I've played BK about once every year or two since I was 8 and I always have to look up at the moon on top of the snow man to ponder, and wonder if there is something more out there.

[nicholaszacharewicz]

This video is great, really explains why some of these levels have that oddly contained feel. I hope you keep making videos like these!

[pathetic_pigeon]

This is the content we need people we don't need how to beat rusty bucket bay, we need to know why is rusty bucket bay.

[JarrenCrist]

Nice little "Ghost" reference with that Moon jumpscare bit! :)

[DollarTaco]

I love your takes on these things, and how you describe them. I'm glad you can put these feelings into words, many feelings that I have had myself but have never had the brain to describe like you do. The skyboxes in this game are definitely surreal and uncanny at times, and they work for what theyre meant to do.

If you'd like a suggestion for another Rareware game to look at the skyboxes for, I'd suggest Jet Force Gemini

[MrFoofles]

I didn't expect to sit through a 15 minute video on Banjo Kazooie skyboxes yet...
Rusty Bucket Bay actually holds up really well compared to a lot of locations. The skybox DOES help a lot in bringing the atmosphere together, since it all feels like it's lit with the same ambience.
It also reminds me a bit of the skybox in MGS2 when you're at the bottom of Big Shell helping emma cross the struts. Very scenic.

You know what old game has fantastic skyboxes? Morrowind. Just gorgeous skies.

[hannahschmitt]

Omg favorite game
Favorite creator
Favorite series

I have been waiting for Banjo Kazooie skyboxes. This game and Banjo Twooie hold a special place in my heart. As a small child I remember spending hours exploring every nook and cranny of those games. One of my favorite moments with the skyboxes in these games is flying as high as I could go and hearing the music still as all you can hear is the wind in your ears. Love the series so much, keep at it Austin love seeing you in my subs.

[katiej]

I will always appreciate Banjo + Kazooie content. One of the best n64 games by far. This was my childhood. *screams in ‘92*

[danizattara]

Loved it!
philosophical revision of our favourite games. Specially the way you remember and feel them!