Are you happy that Rare’s bear ‘n’ bird finally joined the Super Smash Bros. series? 

Then you’ll be ecstatic to hear that Super Smash Bros. has now come to Banjo-Kazooie, thanks to a new N64 mod. 

Banjo-Kazooie: Smash Bros. Temple inserts the Hyrule Temple stage from Super Smash Bros. Melee into Banjo-Kazooie as a playable world.  And it’s a surprisingly good fit. 

There are 100 musical notes, eight Jiggies, and two honeycomb pieces for you to collect.  The lovable Jinjos make an appearance too. 

This mod is the latest project by Kurko Mods. 

Their previous modding work on N64 includes Banjo-Kazooie x Donkey Kong Country and The Legend of Banjo-Kazooie: The Bear Waker. 

Kurko is also working on The Legend of Banjo-Kazooie: The Jiggies of Time – a crossover with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. 

You can play this mod on either an emulator or an original N64 console. 

Stage transformation

Temple is one of the largest Super Smash Bros. stages.  But even then, it’s not exactly on par with the likes of Treasure Trove Cove or Click Clock Wood. 

There’s also the fact that you can only explore it in two dimensions in Super Smash Bros.

So it’s just as well that Banjo-Kazooie: Smash Bros. Temple lets you explore more of the stage than previously possible. 

Ever wondered what’s in those three temples in the background?  Well, now you can find out! 

This mod makes use of practically every inch of the stage.  You can descend into the underground area, and even run across the rooftops of each temple. 

Experiencing everything that the floating isle has to offer requires good exploration skills.  For example, you need to complete certain tasks to access the temples. 

There are plenty of collectables to find, as well as a few neat Easter eggs.  Fans of The Legend of Zelda will get a real kick out of exploring every nook and cranny. 

The attention to detail is truly stunning.  It’s remarkable just how accurately Kurko has managed to recreate the stage. 

Complementing the action is a Banjo-Kazooie-fied version of the original Temple stage music. 

This mod really is a labour of love in every regard. 

How can I play Banjo-Kazooie: Smash Bros. Temple? 

Download the patch.  This is a xdelta patch, which you need to apply to an unmodified NTSC ROM of Banjo-Kazooie. 

You can do this using Delta Patcher. 

To play on an original N64 console, you’ll need to use a flashcart such as an EverDrive 64. 

I’ve tested the mod extensively on an N64 and haven’t come across any major issues or bugs. 

What do you think of Banjo-Kazooie: Smash Bros. Temple? 

Will you be taking to the temple in the sky?  Let me know what you think of this mod on Twitter or Facebook.