Frustrated Xbox User ‘FVCKAsha&Phil’ Reveals Alleged Prototype of Canceled SNES RPG That Evolved into Banjo-Kazooie

A playable version of Rare’s long-lost SNES fantasy RPG, Project Dream, has unexpectedly appeared online, much to the excitement of fans eager to learn more about the game that eventually evolved into the beloved N64 classic, Banjo-Kazooie. The individual behind the leak attributes the timing to dissatisfaction with the current state of the gaming industry, particularly criticizing Xbox for its handling of Rare and expressing outrage over broader issues.

On September 9, a user on Internet Archive, going by the name “FVCKAsha&Phil” (likely a nod to the current Xbox CEO and a former leader), uploaded what they describe as a “SNES proof-of-concept alpha” for Rare’s canceled RPG, Dream: Land of Giants.

Footage of this alleged prototype running on original hardware has surfaced, showcasing what could have been.

The leaker has chosen not to disclose how they obtained the build to avoid implicating anyone, stating they got it “from someone who got it from someone, who got it from somewhere.” Their motivation for releasing it now stems from frustration with Xbox and the overall gaming landscape.

“With the current state of the industry and Microsoft’s heartless mismanagement of Rare and other studios, plus the time that has passed, I feel it’s crucial to ensure this is preserved and analyzed by those with the expertise to do so,” the user wrote on the Internet Archive page hosting the SNES build of Project Dream.

They expressed hope that their release would encourage others to share their finds as well, mentioning the existence of the Twelve Tales Conker 64 prototype. “There’s little joy left in the industry as it heads towards AI, layoffs, and anti-preservation tactics, alongside Microsoft’s troubling support of various global issues,” they added.

“Let’s bring out the last beautiful things hidden on our hard drives. That’s all we have left,” they continued. “Consider moving away from Microsoft and Sony, install Linux, and support Nintendo Switch 2 titles that come with the full game on the cartridge. Your spending power is the only thing that matters in this late-stage capitalist environment.”

Fans of Rare and retro gaming have long yearned to see more of Project Dream. The game has been known for decades, with glimpses of gameplay from both its SNES and later N64 iterations. Development began around 1995.

As the project expanded, it became too ambitious for the SNES, leading to a shift towards an N64 version. This iteration transformed into a pirate-themed adventure, replacing its young human protagonist with Banjo, an anthropomorphic bear who initially appeared as a side character.

However, after the team witnessed what would become Conker’s Bad Fur Day, the project was reimagined entirely, evolving into a platformer that better suited the team’s skills at the time. The main antagonist from Project Dream, Captain Blackeye, even makes a cameo in Banjo-Kazooie, lamenting a bear stealing his spotlight.

For many, this leak is a thrilling revelation and a potential treasure trove of retro gaming history, assuming it truly is a prototype of Project Dream.