This morning, Rare released the first screens and information on its highly anticipated Banjo-Tooie for the Nintendo 64. The game is slated for release by mid-2000 and will be on display at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2000.

　　According to Rare, Banjo-Tooie will feature a whole assortment of technological improvements over the first game, including real-time lighting, refined textures, a new intelligent camera system, and new sound options. However, the company stressed that fans of the original will be more than pleased, as Banjo-Tooie will feature more of everything that made the original so great. Some things to look forward to are eight new worlds to explore (with a total of 150 areas), new minigames to play, and new characters to interact with. Also, Rare revealed that in the sequel you'll be able to release Kazooie at any time, and you'll be able to control him individually. Also, Mumbo Jumbo will return, but this time as a playable character.

　　One new area that Rare is working on for Banjoe-Tooie is the inclusion of multiplayer games. According to the company, there will be a host of games that can support up to four players.

　　Banjo-Tooie should be finished sometime around summer of 2000. As these details suggest, it looks as though the game will please fans of the original and become another hit for Rare.