I just got this game for Christmas, so I haven't played all the way through it yet. But what I've seen is pretty impressive, and makes Banjo-Tooie at least as good as its predecessor--perhaps better. The graphics are of about the same caliber, but have been tweaked a bit to look sharper and cuter. The plot is just about right for a platform (not nearly as shallow as DK64), and the Jiggy collecting is still the main focus. The adorable (albeit slightly annoying) Jinjos have a much larger role and come in a much wider variety of colors than before. Mumbo-Jumbo also steps out of his skull to help out, and the Indian honey Humba-Wumba takes over the transformations.
The new transformations are pretty neat. Banjo turns into a van (complete with a horn) that can run over enemies as if you were on the freeway. There's also a detonator that can set off explosives and a Stoney that can...er...well...I'm not really sure what it does, but it's pretty neat anyway. Bear and Bird also split up now, adding even more possibilites to the vast worlds. Some of the worlds are incredibly huge and full of secrets and surprises. All platform games should have worlds like these!
Unfortunately, there still aren't any real voices. The "mumblings" are back and just as annoying as ever (Sgt. Jamjars really bugs me). I still haven't figured out how that legendary ice key fits into the picture either, and I was hoping for instant gratification. But the humor is better (although sometimes a bit too juvenile), complete with Banjo shouting "They killed Bottles!" (YES!) like Kyle or Stan from South Park. Nice touch.
BT has everything BK offered plus a couple of nice new twists to keep the game fresh. If you like the Bear and Bird, this game will certainly satisfy that craving for Jiggies.