At PAX East 2022, we awarded Tate Multi Media two awards for their game KAO the KangarooKAO the Kangaroo; specifically we awarded them with a writers choice award and nominated them for best indie game. Now a month since playing the demo at PAX East, we can finally dive deeper into KAO the Kangaroo. For fans of platformers such as Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Banjo Kazooie, Sly Cooper, and Jak and Daxter, then you are in luck. The 2022 reboot of Kao the Kangaroo lives up to expectations when compared to other popular platformer franchises. So why is KAO the Kangaroo a knockout hit?
For this review, we played KAO the Kangaroo on PC through Steam. We used a 2060TI in an Acer Predator laptop and the game on different graphical settings put the laptop to the test. But we’ll come back to that a little bit later.
Story
Most plaformers just like any other game type typically can not achieve the big three; an enjoyable story, a story that connects with the player, and a story that brings in modern references. All throughout KAO the Kangaroo, there are subtle nods to a variety of pop culture references. Within the first hour alone there were references to Skyrim, Duke Nukem, YouTube, TikTok, and more. In fact, there are probably more references to pop culture than we are aware of.
Unlike other stories that take a while to ramp up, KAO the Kangaroo’s story jumps right into the action. While dreaming, KAO sees his sister in danger. Trying to understand the dream sequence, KAO goes searching for his father’s old friend and Sensei. While searching for (x character) KAO finds his father’s old gloves. When he finally finds his father’s Sensei, (x character) is upset that KAO is wearing his gloves; he warns him that the gloves are no good and will only lead to trouble. Unmoved by (x character)’s warning, KAO is determined to discover what has happened to his father and sister. This sets the player off on a guest to prove themselves all while learning the game’s fundamentals.
As the story progresses, the game builds on itself feeling like an actual quest of discovery rather than a game throwing random levels at the player. By the end of the story you’ll feel semi rewarded but know that there is potentially more to come.
Gameplay
KAO the Kangaroo’s core gameplay remains constant throughout the game. Even when the game introduces new mechanics, it gives the player time to learn the mechanics often using the specific level where the mechanic was introduced to teach the player. Most of the mechanics introduced are fairly easy to understand making the game accessible to gamers of most ages.
In KAO the Kangaroo, level collectibles play an important factor. Scrolls give players a deep insight into the monsters and the environment. Tombs determine if players can progress to the next level. Meanwhile coins can be use to purchase health upgrade, coin boosts, live upgrades, and clothing.
In the early stages of the game, combat feels almost to simplistic. The game’s change in combat definitely will make players go wow that’s a change. Most of the game is a matter of mechanics building upon itself.
If you are a seasoned platformer or a new player you can easily enjoy jumping into KAO the Kangaroo and have fun without to much stress.
Graphics
KAO the Kangaroo’s graphics utilizes Unreal Engine 4. Unlike other unreal engine 4 designed games, KAO the Kangaroo’s graphics shows very limited aging. Level design appears to be a primary focus of the game with no level feeling or looking exactly the same. Yes, certain ones have themes that carry over but aren’t identical.
Visually, it was fun seeing what creative ideas the developers had to offer. The game does allow players to run the game at 30, 60, 90, 120 fps and even uncapped. The game does offer VSync for players who can utilize VSync to use.
Character design reminds of us of some the most well known platformer characters while still holding true to the game’s original character design. The variety of custom outfits the player unlock can make each player’s Kao unique to them.
Controls
Kao the Kangaroo’s controls are easy for most players to use. Despite playing Kao the Kangaroo on PC, we used an Xbox Series Controller to play the game. This is because the developers recommended the use of a controller. Honestly, a controller is the way to go when plaything through the game; it makes your life easier.
Audio/SFX
Unlike some other games, Kao the Kangaroo’s voice acting feels genuine with each voice actor putting in a good range of emotion into each character. The game’s ambient noises make you feel as if you are in that area rather than just trying to be that area.
When the player idles, the game will make subtle noises to get the players attention rather than the character mocking the player. The combat interactions sound comical at times, but also makes you feel as if you are fighting. At no point of our playthrough did we go, what the hell was that noise or that doesn’t belong here/ sounds weird.
Replay Value
When it comes to replay value, it is hard to judge with KAO the Kangaroo. The game is enjoyable to playthrough, but once you beat the game all there is to do is to gather all the collectibles. At times, the game requires that you have a certain amount of the levels collectibles to even progress, so it is easier to try and perfect a level on the first run than it is to go back to it.
If you like platformers and like revisit levels, KAO the Kangaroo gives players a decent bang for their buck.
Verdict
Our small taste of Kao the Kangaroo at PAX East left us craving more and we can say that we have not been disappointed. That taste gave us enough to get a feel of what the game has to offer and thankfully the rest of the game lives up to those expectations. If you’d like a modern platformer with subtle pop culture nods then you will love KAO the Kangaroo. This game is easy to pick up whether you are 4 or 13 going on 30. Honestly, for never hearing of the franchise before PAX East 2022, it makes us want to go back and play some of the older titles. We might just have to do that or wait til the other two games get a reboot. If you like platformers and/or kangaroos, you should enjoy this game.
A steam code of KAO the Kangaroo was provided for review purposes.
Kao the Kangaroo launches today May 27th, 2022 digitally and physically on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Epic Games Store for a digital price of €29.99/$29.99/£24.99 and a physically for €34.99/$34.99/£29.99.
