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Rare Applauds Stunning Banjo-Kazooie Dreams Remake on PS

Rare Applauds Stunning Banjo-Kazooie Dreams Remake on PS
Screenshot of Banjo-Kazooie Mumbomania Dreams remake showing Banjo and Kazooie in an island environment.

In a groundbreaking development that has sent ripples through the gaming community, a dedicated fan has successfully brought a beloved N64 classic, Banjo-Kazooie, to PlayStation through Media Molecule's innovative creation tool, Dreams. The meticulously crafted level, dubbed "Banjo-Kazooie: Mumbomania," has not only captivated players with its authentic yet fresh take on the iconic platformer but has also earned an official commendation from none other than original developer Rare, signaling a significant moment for fan creations and the enduring legacy of the iconic bear and bird.

A "Labour of Love" Reimagined for PlayStation

The ambitious project is the brainchild of William Butkevicius, a skilled level designer at Moon Studios, known for their work on the acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest. Butkevicius dedicated an astounding 14 months and over 800 hours of his spare time to craft this singular, expansive level within Dreams. Describing it as a "labour of love," Butkevicius revealed that many of the new concepts within Mumbomania were born from his desire to address perceived issues with the original game, such as making transformations more engaging and streamlining the process of utilizing them. Despite the overwhelming success, he has stated he currently has no plans to expand upon the project further unless an opportunity arises to work on an official "Banjo-Threeie."

Mumbomania's Innovative Features and Gameplay

"Banjo-Kazooie: Mumbomania" stands out for its faithful yet innovative approach. Players explore an island level that immediately evokes memories of Treasure Trove Cove, complete with its infamous "terrifying shark." The level is brimming with classic Banjo-Kazooie elements, encouraging exploration and discovery:

  • Collection of musical notes and 30 Jiggies.
  • Engaging platforming challenges and intricate puzzles.
  • Encounters with new characters designed for this unique experience.
  • Novel transformations, including a formidable rock golem and a resourceful skeletal fish, addressing Butkevicius's goal of enhancing these mechanics.

The project's polish is further enhanced by collaborative efforts, featuring jaunty new music from composer Duckenomics and brass ensemble The Game Brass, with PieceofCraft providing expert assistance in sculpting, animation, and logic.

Rare and Original Creators Express Admiration

The fan-made creation swiftly caught the attention of the original developers, receiving official recognition that is rarely seen for such projects. Rare Ltd.'s official Twitter account shared Butkevicius's work, publicly stating on December 4, 2025: "Put our fanciest hat on just so we could tip it to this. Incredible work!"

Key figures behind the original Banjo-Kazooie franchise also chimed in with high praise. Gregg Mayles, the director of the original N64 title who recently departed Rare, shared the post, simply calling the creation "splendid." Furthermore, Grant Kirkhope, the iconic composer for the series, shared the level with an enthusiastic "googly eyes emoji," underscoring the universal appeal and quality of Butkevicius's dedication.

The Enduring Legacy and Uncertain Future

The original Banjo-Kazooie first graced the N64 27 years ago, leaving an indelible mark on the platforming genre. The last new entry in the series was Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, released in 2008 for the Xbox 360. While "Mumbomania" clearly demonstrates the fervent desire for more adventures with the beloved bear and bird, the prospect of a new official game remains uncertain. Gregg Mayles's recent departure from Rare adds to this ambiguity, and composer Grant Kirkhope has previously expressed that the chances of a return are "better than zero but not much."

This remarkable fan project also serves as a potent reminder that Media Molecule's Dreams continues to be a vibrant platform for creativity, despite past reports of PC and PS5 versions being in development and subsequently canned. The passion showcased by creators like William Butkevicius ensures that cherished franchises like Banjo-Kazooie can find new life and adoration, even on unexpected platforms.