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Review of Kao the Kangaroo on Xbox Series X/S

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo May 2022
Cover image of Kao the Kangaroo on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7
Released: 27 May 2022
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Tate Multimedia
Publisher: Tate Multimedia

Introduction

Want to hop into a cute and quirky adventure? Look no further than 'Kao the Kangaroo'! This game might just be the best way to get a dose of nostalgia while chuckling over a kangaroo in boxing gloves. Strap on your 'roo-themed shoes because we're bound to find treasures, beat up some anthropomorphic bad guys, and potentially suss out where his lost sister ran off to-all while asking yourself, "Why isn't this a cartoon series yet?"

Gameplay

In 'Kao the Kangaroo', you control the titular kangaroo, a creature advanced in the art of hopping, punching, and, well, looking adorable. As Kao, you jump and glide across various maps ranging from lush jungles to mystical temples, all while collecting pretty shiny trinkets known as collectibles (seriously, these must look like they came out of a kid's craft box). You also use your fists of fury-thanks to your stylish boxing gloves-to take down the neighborhood bullies and other baddies influenced by a nebulous dark force. The gameplay is classic platforming fun, with challenges that vary from simple jumping puzzles to slightly more complex levels that make you feel like you've rediscovered the joy of jumping on stuff-who knew smashing crates could be so exhilarating? Plus, there are hidden areas, and brow-raising secrets just waiting for the curious players willing to leap off the beaten path. If you've ever thought, "Hey, I can jump better than a design committee!" then this game is tailor-made for you.

Graphics

Let's talk visuals, shall we? 'Kao the Kangaroo' sports a vibrant, cartoonish art style that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a colorful animated series. It's almost like the developers took a palette and shouted, 'Every color must be in this game!' The environments are bright, filled with whimsical details, and you're sure to encounter some ridiculously adorable characters while you're at it. Some reviews, however, note that the occasional visual hiccup can distract from the otherwise charming aesthetic-so if you catch the uncanny valley peeking out from behind a bush, don't be alarmed.

Conclusion

So, is 'Kao the Kangaroo' the next big thing in platformers? Well, that's a bit tricky. While it offers a delightful trip down memory lane with ample fun (and a few glitches thrown in for good measure), it doesn't quite tread groundbreaking territory-unless you count that undeterred kangaroo hopping across platforms. If you love a lighthearted adventure sprinkled with vibrant graphics, charm, and enough collectibles to keep a raccoon busy, 'Kao the Kangaroo' has your name written all over it. Just don't expect it to redefine the platforming genre; instead, see it as the cute buddy you didn't ask for, but kind of need in your gaming life. So, hop along, make some new friends, and enjoy a family-friendly romp that's just a few punches away from providing the good times!

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