The Banjo-Kazooie series features magical characters like Mumbo Jumbo and Humba Wumba who can transform the protagonists into different creatures. These transformations enable players to navigate obstacles that would otherwise be impassable in their normal form. Each world containing magic users holds at least one Jiggy that can only be collected by using these transformation abilities. Before accessing these transformations, players must fulfill specific requirements. In the original Banjo-Kazooie game, players collect Mumbo Tokens and provide a specific amount to Mumbo Jumbo in exchange for unlimited transformation magic. The required token count appears on a wooden sign near Mumbo’s seat with the number increasing as players progress through the game. In Banjo-Tooie, the process changes slightly. Players have to present a Glowbo to a magic user for transformation services. Each world contains two Glowbos that can be offered in any order. Banjo-Kazooie Grunty’s Revenge returns to a token system similar to the original game, though with only four Mumbo Tokens available throughout the entire game. Unlike previous iterations, these tokens aren’t scattered throughout worlds but can only be obtained by defeating either Klungo or Gruntilda. Notably, Breegull Beach is the only world without a Mumbo Token, as players receive Kazooie after defeating Mecha-Gruntilda in Quarry Heights.
» Yooka-Laylee Series
Yooka-Laylee continues this transformation tradition, allowing players to change forms to gain special abilities and overcome obstacles. Dr. Puzz, a human-octopus hybrid, acts as the game’s transformation specialist. By using her invention, the D.N.Ray, players can transform into various creatures with unique abilities. To access Dr. Puzz’s services, players must locate each world’s Mollycool and offer it to her. This activates the D.N.Ray machine, which players can then use by standing on the platform in front of it. Each transformation grants powerful abilities essential for solving puzzles and accessing otherwise unreachable places. For example, transformed Yooka and Laylee can shoot projectiles to activate switches, break obstacles like slot machines, or navigate through small openings. Some boss encounters in Yooka-Laylee specifically require transformed states. Planette in Galleon Galaxy, for instance, can only be challenged after defeating Moonie while in Spaceship Form. Unlike Banjo-Tooie where Glowbos could be collected in any order, players must find the specific Mollycool in their current world to access Dr. Puzz’s transformations. Once found and offered, players gain unlimited access to the D.N.Ray machine.