Exclusive: Banjo-Kazooie in ASR? Not so Fast, Says Lycett
Tristan Oliver | November 30, 2009
“I’d not hold too much stock in that”
Very late last night, we reported–and, unlike many other sites, labeled as rumor–the surface of some concept art for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. It was from Sega Europe designer Chris Lewis, and on his portfolio website he posted some preliminary box art for the game–which included a back cover containing Banjo and Kazooie, of Rare fame.
That set off a flurry of Internet activity and as yet unfounded reports alleging a confirmation that the duo will make an appearance in ASR, and furthering other reports that console-specific characters will set foot in the game. It also set off an alleged confirmation of DLC, even in the face of a pretty consistent message that the idea is only being considered. The fact that Lewis has cut off public access to his portfolio–where the image you see above was found–only helped fuel the fire.
Today, TSSZ News went right to the source at Sumo Digital, and you may want to reconsider everything you’ve read–because the hope of Banjo-Kazooie and any derivative hopes may have been quashed.
“Banjo in a SEGA character racing game? Really?” quipped Steve Lycett upon request for comment, adding that the company has not seen any box art.
“Given we’ve not seen any box art, I’d not hold too much stock in that,” he continued. “Where, for example, is the Sumo logo?”
It is a fair point, and it is the main reason some in the community haven’t put all their chips in the above imagery. But juxtaposed to the implicit denial is the relative inconsistency and sometimes deliberate confusion tactics on new ASR details until the time is right, with only an expected 3-4 months before launch. The lack of knowledge helps to fuel anxious community bubbles, with the tiniest of details–true or false–serving as a sharp pin. That scenario has appeared to again transpire in the past 24 hours.
So, while we will follow-up on anything related to this, and the DLC murmurs remain just that, gamers may now want to file the Banjo-Kazooie rumors as improbable at best. That appears to be the official word, straight from Sumo Digital.
Filed Under Gaming News, Microsoft, Sega, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, Sonic Scene
They’re teasing us. Those rapscallions.
This doesn’t explain the retail displays, the fact that Chris Lewis is the official boxart maker, and the new boxart that hasn’t been seen before. Somebody is lying.
Teasing us? Banjo’s new design looks like puke.
Well, I’ll say that it was just an idea that was pitched.
I think the way Steve worded his above comments is enough to really put down any ‘hopes’ that the duo would even be in this game.
It’s like how I mentioned before just how -odd- it would be for Rare and Sega to, for some reason, come together for this particular title. They’ve, to my recollection, never done -anything- before with eachother, not even the tiniest of crossing paths. So their including Banjo and Kaz just seems… far-fetched, really, even if we didn’t know what we do at this point in time.
My vote further goes towards placeholder art. “Heh, Banjo was in a car-related game. It’d be kind of funny to put images of him and the car on the back of the box until we got something better, wouldn’t it? Just something to amuse us while we work on the box…”
Curious. While I would not be surprised if this was damage control; after all, confirming something like this would likely lose Lycett his job, it’s definitely enough to give me second thoughts on it.
[...] TSSZ News got the opportunity to talk to Steve Lycett, an employee at Sumo Digital. According to him: [...]
Stop lying, Lycett. Fess up and admit your box artist leaked something.
^Yeah! Steve, you are lying to us! I just Twittered Rare and they said they gave out some Banjo-Kazooie artwork to an undisclosed studio! Admit that it was yours!
(Tristan Edit – I just checked Rare’s Twitter feed and there’s no such thing, at least not lately. Also, NimMicroSega, don’t mask yourself as “anonymous” when I can cross-trace your IP. ;-P)
^Anonymous: Well, well, well…. Where is Rare’s twitter? I myself would love to twitter them about this situation.
@Anonymous: Well, well, well…. Where is Rare’s twitter? I myself would love to twitter them about this situation.
Oh, no! I been had! *flees*
[...] puntuali arrivano le smentite da Sumo (e che dovrebbero fare?) Exclusive: Banjo-Kazooie in ASR? Not so Fast, Says Lycett | tssz|news [...]
Has that boxart been seen anywhere else? I don’t believe a word out of damage controllers like him.
That artwork is 100% brand new. Which makes me believe nothing now.
This is very confusing. The boxart is new, the concept art of banjo is not. Why would Chris put that art in there? he wouldnt just put that without permission, but he did, so there must be a reason behind it. @_@ but in the end I doubt Banjo will end up in the game.
Who’d seriously want to play as Banjo?
Especially with his new lego design.
the Adobe Photoshop – Banjo-Kazooie box art?
yhe, I prefer that they pute in the game Metal Sonic, Sonia (from Sonic Underground), Manic (Sonic Underground), Silver, Blaze or some character from Taxi Driver or Shenmue to Banjo…
Sonia and Manic are alot less likely than Banjo.
Banjo is representing Microsoft, not Rare, Tony. And anyway, to just put a character on the box for fun seems unlikely. Sorry if you were joking xP.
Oh, yeah and we already have a Shenmue character and enough Sonic characters (7) xP
I like Lycett. But are you really lying to us Lycett? Please be honest. I always send fan mail about ASR. Are you just not trying to ruin SEGA? But GREG THE CAT, the Sumo logo is not on it. I do think that GREG THE CAT is one of the coolest commenters though. Don’t call me a kissup!!!!
Lycett could be lying. I do understand that he can’t reveal anything before SEGA have. But it still does not make sense. That means that Ratchet and Clank would be on the PS3 cover. NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY AS BANJO!!!! besides 360 gamers.
You rock Tristian Oliver! Now back to the point. Lycett, like I said before please be honest. You would not be responsible. This would be SEGA’s fault.
Here is how any people would buy which version. THIS IS MY OPINION!!!!!!!!
PlayStation 3: Most
XBOX 360: Average
DS: Average
Wii: Least
PC: Depends on who does not have the above systems.
@daylengamer17:
Let’s take a look at VGChartz for the numbers of copies sold for SEGA Superstars Tennis:
Xbox 360- 2.46m
Wii- 0.93m
DS- 0.63m
PS2- 0.30m
PS3- 0.27m
What makes you think that Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is going to sell the most on the PS3? You have a groundless opinion with nothing to back it up, indicating that you are a butthurt Sony fanboy because your precious Sonic games don’t sell too well on your system.
^ You guys are both butthurt.
Its obvious hes lying to try to cover up… Like some people said before, I haven’t seen this box cover before and its 1st appearance was posted by a SEGA employee who does the official box art.
Also, the comment he stated didn’t unconfirm Banjo. “Banjo in a SEGA character racing game? Really?” must be intentional sarcasm. I say we have have a leak.
@ NinMicroSEGA: I don’t know who you are calling butthurt!! I said it was my opinion. Your a 360 FANBOY. PLease keep your opinions to yourself!!
Plus this is not Superstars Tennis! Have you seen the Wii version of this game? I think that the PS3 will sell more than at least the Wii.
(I’m all done here.)
What are VGChartz anyway? There not probally not even official. I do not go on as many sites as you other commenters do so please hold up the dumb kid comments.
This should be the roster:
Sonic
Tails
Amy
Shadow
Big
Knuckles
Eggman
Billy Hatcher
Beat
Aiai
Amigo
Ryo
Zobio and Zobiko
Alex Kidd
Nights
Ulala
Gulius Thunderhead
BD Joe
Ax Battler
Ristar
Akira Yuki
Bug
Jack Bryant
and Werehog
and Vyse
Jacky Bryant and Sarah Bryant should be as a duo like Zobio and Zobiko. Since Jacky is a race car driver, he should drive and Sarah should be in the passenger seat.
@daylengamer17:
http://arsjerm.net/misc/stop-posting.gif
@NinMicroSEGA: STAY OUT OF MY BUSINESS!!!!! I did not do anything to you. I will report you to Tristan Oliver!!!!!!!!
and I own a Wii. Not a PS3. I just don’t like the Wii graphics. Why don’t you stop posting!!!!!!
Why do you have a problem with my roster?
@daylengamer17 Need someone really explain why Werehog should not be in?
Lycett lies through his teeth when it suits his purposes. There’s more to this B&K rumour than he wants to say.
[...] image all but affirms something Steve Lycett had hinted against–Banjo-Kazooie will be specific to the XBOX360 edition of the game. We may have our [...]
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