For some people – ok, me - the late '90s were a gaming golden age. You know, Ocarina of Time, Metal Gear Solid, Goldeneye, Mario 64, Half Life. Classic games all, particularly Ocarina, but one game that fails to make these kinds of lists is Banjo Kazooie. Ok, clearly Banjo didn't reach the rarefied heights of say Super Mario 64 – its most obvious influence – but BK was a top tier platformer that looked and played a treat. And it still does. Ok, the looks have faded but a recent go with the Live Arcade version proved the game was as entertaining as ever. But what about Nuts and Bolts, the new Banjo Kazooie game?

Due out next week on Xbox 360 the game is still recognisably Banjo – think hub and brightly coloured worlds to explore - but this time the platforming elements have been replaced by driving, with numerous contraptations ready to be constructed. Sacrilege? Possibly. Personally I would have been happy enough with Banjo HD, although that's assuming they didn't go all Jak and Daxter on us. You know, turn a fantastic platform adventure – and Jak and Daxter was one of the best ever - all "grown-up" in the sequel. Jak II was a gaming mess with an art design that sucked all the lovable charm from the original concept. But what I've played so far of Nuts and Bolts suggests fans will enjoy, even if I can't see it replacing Gears 2, Fable 2 and Fallout 3 at the top of the 360 sales charts.

But why the move away from the platform gameplay? I've decided to ask Rare themselves. I'm speaking to them early next week so if you want to know anything about Banjo or Rare stick your question in the comments and I'll press them for an answer.