A FAMILIAR KANGAROO

The beginning of the 2000s is probably the era where 3D Platformers were the most prolific in the video game industry. Granted, they varied a lot in level of quality, throughout this period, but it was games like Tak and the Power of Juju, TY the Tasmanian Tiger and Kao the Kangaroo that were the alternatives to Platformers featuring colossal mascots like Mario, Jak and Daxter and Sly Cooper. There has been a sort of resurgence of the genre in the last couple of years with titles like Yooka-Laylee, Super Lucky’s Tale and A Hat in Time that were able to recapture the nostalgia and charm all while implementing modern conventions to the classic recipe. It’s through this approach that Polish studio Tate Multimedia (the same developpement house that brought the first titles in the series) bring back Kao the Kangaroo for a reboot more than 15 years since the last original release by giving him a new look all while staying authentic to the golden age in which it drew inspiration from. It’s a short experience that is quite entertaining and will surely leave you wanting more, but one that doesn’t try to go beyond the previously-established conventions.

It’s through a mix of platforming and combat that Kao the Kangaroo presents its various levels, all divided by hubs that are filled with coins to collect and characters to interact with. Through a similar approach that will remind you of the first Spyro games or even Donkey Kong 64 if you want to go that far back, the hubs are the gateways that link up each main level that regroups the structure behind the titular mascot’s adventure by introducing the atmosphere that is showcased throughout the subsequent levels. Tropical forests, volcanic caverns and even icy mountains illustrate the diverse visual palette that is present in Kao the Kangaroo. It’s a title that doesn’t show a lot of technical prowess in terms of graphics or visuals (we’ll get back to that later), but will certainly keep you engaged with its vibrant colors and charming artistic direction.

However, Kao the Kangaroo’s core is showcased through its main levels that borrow A LOT from its past inspirations without changing the formula more than it should. What I mean by that is that you’ve probably already played Kao the Kangaroo through a similar 3D Platformer in the past. It’s extremely simple in its approach and concept without ever pushing the envelope in any significant way. Make no mistake however, the essential remains here; good platforming mechanics, level design that depicts the best of what 3D Platformers have to offer and an unprecedented charm, but don’t expect anything else beyond those aspects. Kao the Kangaroo is simply a good representation of the genre’s standout elements in one cohesive package. 

There is also a good variety of concepts behind each challenge’s approach to minimize the feeling of fatigue as much as possible through little sections featuring environmental puzzles or sequences that are more combat-focussed. The same thing can be said for the side levels, named the Eternal Wells, that transport you to separate zones and offer additional challenges. And, obviously, like every good Platformer of the genre, there is an ABUNDANCE of stuff to collect throughout your adventure ranging from letters that allow you to unlock different costumes, life upgrades, diamonds (which, however, don’t do anything in the game), Runes that allow you to progress further, encyclopedia entries and a plethora of coins that will push you to explore all the little nooks and crannies featured in the game’s universe.

Where things get a little rough, however, is with all the elements that involve the combat in Kao the Kangaroo. You see, Kao inherits his dad’s boxing gloves who, by the way, mysteriously disappears alongside the titular kangaroo’s sister. This is what motivates Kao to explore the four distinct regions in an experience that will take you less than 6 hours to complete. Once again, there isn’t anything inherently bad with the game’s combat, it’s just that it is way too simple for a product released in 2022. All the while you can eliminate ennemies instantly with a special move that destroys anything in your vicinity with a slow-mo attack, there just isn’t anything stimulating or particularly fleshed out in Kao the Kangaroo’s combat and will make you dread each segment involving those sorts of interactions. This also applies to the bosses that serve as conclusive encounters for each of the game’s worlds that, despite offering some diversity in gameplay, are way too straightforward and boring to battle. Ultimately, there just isn't enough nuance in the game’s combat for it to distinguish itself from other titles in the genre.

Furthermore, there is a significant lack of polish within the title that, even though it doesn’t ruin the experience, causes some irritation along the adventure. Sound effects/music that disappear, mechanics that stop working and prevent you from progressing and objects that have no hit detection are some of the examples of the little frustrations that I encountered throughout my experience with the game. And don't get me started on the horrible character performances in the cinematics that only make you want to skip them entirely because the voice acting is just dreadful. What’s interesting in all of this is that these are the same small issues that were prominent in the past titles that inspired the genre! It makes you wonder if the studio voluntarily kept those small flaws just to give a nostalgic feeling to the experience. Though, we have to agree that this is a title that targets a younger audience with its colorful visuals and adorable presentation, but there still could’ve been more effort put into the experience to make it even more satisfying to play through. However, I am aware that Tate Multimedia is a small development team and the 40$ price tag that comes with the purchase does alleviate the small disappointments I had throughout Kao the Kangaroo.      

VERDICT

Kao the Kangaroo is a true homage to the golden age of 3D Platformers from the early 2000s, but showcases exactly why the genre quickly faded away due the lack of refreshing ideas that goe beyond the titles it borrows from. Despite the obvious nostalgia that accompanies the experience, it is hard to recommend it next to other similar titles in the genre that do even more all while keeping the authenticity and aspirations intact. However, if you’re looking for a simple 3D Platformer with a colorful world to explore, it will surely keep you invested enough for you to have an enjoyable experience with it.

Pros:

• Nice Tribute to 3D Platformers of the Early 2000s

• Varied and Colorful Levels

• Abundance of Stuff to Collect

Cons:

• Significant Lack of Polish 

• Brings Nothing New to the Classic Formula

• A Bit Too Short 

Final Score: 7/10

Kao the Kangaroo is available on Xbox Series, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch & PC. This review was written with the PC version of the game.