Wow... Microsoft... what did you do to Rare?! Those evil, heartless, son of a... Well. I died a little inside when 8-bit Mario's head exploded.
One thing though... Did Nintendo give them rights to use Mario's image in such a manner?! I mean, if not properly done, couldn't Nintendo sue Rare?
That aside, I think they're going overboard with Banjo Kazooie.... Just look what happened to Sonic.