May 2022
Ah, the age of nostalgia! In a world where new IPs seem scarcer than a rare Pokémon card, it’s always exciting to see a beloved franchise make a comeback. Enter ‘Kao the Kangaroo’—a platforming reboot that begs the question: Can a bouncy kangaroo compete in a world dominated by oversized plumbing issues and raccoon mobs? Or is it about to fall flat on its face? Let’s hop into the review and find out!
Gameplay-wise, ‘Kao the Kangaroo’ offers a delightful if somewhat familiar experience. You take control of Kao, armed with a pair of boxing gloves (presumably borrowed from a pre-fight happy hour). The adventure leads you through enchanting 3D worlds, complete with jump pads and a colorful palette that could make a unicorn jealous. Your mission? Save your missing sister and uncover the mysteries surrounding your long-lost father. Spoiler alert: No, it’s not a local pizza delivery guy. The controls are relatively intuitive. Players hop around various platforms, punching enemies with Kao’s gloves, which look like they came from a discount store. Collectibles are scattered throughout, giving platforming fans that sweet dopamine rush as they hunt down hidden treasures. But, don’t be fooled; the real treasures were the friends we made along the way—and by friends, I mean the occasional cheeky NPC that pops up to spout some words of wisdom or dubious advice. The level design varies from jungles to snowy peaks, which will make you feel like you just got run over by a runaway mine cart in a ruined mountain trail. Overall, it can’t quite shake the feeling of being stuck in a time warp, but it provides some solid fun nonetheless.
Visually, ‘Kao the Kangaroo’ is charming but far from groundbreaking. The textures have a sheen that suggests it was given a once-over by a toddler with a crayon set. The vibrant colors are appealing, but some areas feel a bit murky, like someone forgot to clean their gaming glasses. Character designs lean into the cartoonish vibe, making them all the more enjoyable as they bounce around, but there are moments where animations could use a dose of ‘smooth operator’ treatment. Meanwhile, the environments are as charming as a well-meaning but slightly clueless friend attempting to cook a gourmet meal. It’s colorful, lively, and, at times, feels like a chaotic mess that could have used better direction.
In closing, ‘Kao the Kangaroo’ is an endearing trip down memory lane that brings back the charm of 3D platformers from yesteryears. While it may not break any new ground or dethrone Mario and his plumber pals, it has enough heart and charm to entertain both nostalgic fans and newcomer jump enthusiasts. Just remember, though; this is a game that’s a bit like that friend who shows up uninvited: sometimes awkward, often loud, but always ready to have a good time. With its charming premise and rhythmic hopping mechanics, it’s worth a playthrough—not just for the nostalgia but also for a fun afternoon filled with bouncy excitement. Just be sure to check the map before you hop away!
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