Just like the world’s slowest boomerang, Kao the Kangaroo has returned to PlayStation after almost 20 years. The sequence made its arrival through the early noughties, again when everybody wished a slice of the mascot platformer pie. This kangaroo with boxing gloves and a stretchy neck did not fairly attain the identical heights as his style stablemates, however the video games have a cult following all the identical, and this contemporary sequel is clearly for the followers.
We are saying that as a result of, in virtually each manner doable, this looks like a long-lost PS2 title from 2004. That is each an excellent and a nasty factor.
At its core, Kao the Kangaroo is an entertaining, easy 3D platformer. It is all about exploring ranges seeking collectables, beating up enemies with primary fight, and slowly unlocking new talents as you progress. By way of construction and gameplay, it is enjoyably easy, and evocative of these mid-2000s favourites. It is simply enjoyable barrelling by way of every stage in flip, making an attempt to finish every one 100 per cent. One might argue its design is archaic, and that is roughly true, nevertheless it undeniably carries a sure appeal.
Kao’s seek for his lacking members of the family leads him by way of vibrant jungles, lava-filled caves, and icy mountain temples — it is all fairly textbook, however in a sort-of comforting manner. It is predictable, and that is really fairly nostalgic. As you run and hop by way of every stage, you are looking out for letters spelling “KAO”, gems, coronary heart items, and all of the cash you possibly can seize. Linear ranges department out from comparatively massive hub areas, unlocked by gathering Runes. Kao has a three-hit combo, a extra highly effective strike after dealing sufficient harm, a dodge roll, double leap, butt stomp — it is so by-the-numbers, you will marvel when you’ve travelled again in time.
Nevertheless, whereas its old-school sensibilities are pleasing, some elements really feel dated in a much less fascinating manner. For instance, the writing, voice performing, and animation work are all questionable. The script is long-winded and stuffed with outdated references (Duke Nukem and Skyrim, anybody?), the voice actors sound uncertain about the entire thing, and cutscenes really feel stilted.
Past that, there are additionally fairly a couple of small annoyances that construct up. Sure mechanics simply really feel somewhat sloppy. Kao’s gloves might be imbued with powers like fireplace or ice, which you should utilize to open up pathways and remedy primary puzzles. This can be a first rate sufficient concept, however generally the gloves shall be fiery once they’re meant to be icy, for instance. Different small bugs and points come to the floor too; detection on ledge-grabbing is inconsistent, it may be laborious to inform which our bodies of water are secure to stroll by way of, some obstacles are laborious to see, there’s common texture pop-in, music may reduce out, and so forth. None of these items are notably egregious on their very own, however sadly the sport’s tough edges current themselves typically, in a technique or one other.
Redeeming Kao the Kangaroo considerably are its visuals and music. The artwork type is brilliant, clear, and cartoonish, not one million miles away from Spyro: Reignited Trilogy. Except for some aforementioned iffy animation, the sport seems beautiful, and it runs at a near-constant 60 frames-per-second. Mixed with a delightful soundtrack that units the tone properly, you will have a sport that appears and sounds fairly good. It is a disgrace that the general presentation is ropey, although — issues like awkward scene transitions, sometimes jerky digicam actions, and bland UI make the sport really feel somewhat undercooked.
The factor is, regardless that it falls somewhat quick in plenty of areas, we did nonetheless get pleasure from enjoying. Kao the Kangaroo is doing one thing proper, as a result of beneath all the failings, it is basically first rate. Throwing punches is satisfying, discovering collectables is enjoyable, and Kao himself is a responsive character to manage. As if the final 15 years by no means occurred, Tate Multimedia presents an actual time capsule of a sport, for higher and worse.
Conclusion
Kao the Kangaroo makes his massive return in 2022, however the sport feels prefer it’s leapt straight out of PS2’s again catalogue. Regardless of many tough edges and old school design rules, it in the end succeeds in delivering a enjoyable, breezy 3D platformer for followers of the sequence. It manages to evoke emotions of nostalgia regardless of being a model new title with its easy gameplay and vibrant worlds. It does collapse beneath fashionable scrutiny, nevertheless it nearly will get away with it, because of its harmlessly old-school strategy.
