Kao the Kangaroo Reviews
Kao the Kangaroo is a good 3D platform game, offering just the right amount of fun for those who like the genre. However, it is relatively short and easy, being aimed more at a younger audience. Also, some annoying bugs need to be fixed.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
But once again, underneath that is a solid 3D platformer that deserves to be played. I very earnestly hope that the technical issues can be resolved as I think Kao the Kangaroo is worth playing, especially if you have a fondness for the forgotten 3D platformers of the early 2000s. For now, go in with some caution and be ready to battle some bugs along the way.
This is the sort of game that’s easy-going, relaxing and enjoyable to play. You don’t need to think too much about it; simply turn the game on, switch yourself off and enjoy. And right now, that’s something we all need more of in our lives. If you’re looking for a platforming game that breaks the mould, this isn’t it. But if you simply want a solid entry into the genre, one that sticks to the rules but does so with finesse, you’ll love Kao the Kangaroo.
I mostly enjoyed my time with Kao the Kangaroo as it brought me back to the early 2000s when 3D platformers were plentiful and memorable. It may not be a shining example of the genre but it's fun enough for those who are nostalgic for the good old days.
Kao the Kangaroo is an excellent revisit to the golden age of 3D platformers. Though it doesn't reinvent the wheel of the genre, it provides enough nostalgia and competence to solidify itself as a staple in today's market.
While there's no question that the traditional mascot platformers for the most part went the way of the dinosaur quite some time ago, I'll gladly admit that every once in a while it's great to take one for a spin when well-executed...
Kao the Kangaroo will not go down in history, I think you probably guessed it. We have to admit that it represents an interesting and still accessible challenge for people who are new to the genre. Your children could find it a lot of fun and it could prepare them to tackle little more fleshed out games. It's absolutely nothing mean-spirited towards Kao the Kangaroo but just like the other games in the series, it lacks something to elevate it to the level of the best games in the genre. Its lifespan of about 8 hours is more than reasonable and that's why it can be interesting for newer gamers.
Review in French | Read full review
Kao the Kangaroo is a classic 3D adventure platformer. Sadly, its reliance on well-trodden mechanics hinders the action. Moreover, there are better examples of the genre. However, its graphics, audio, and variety of environments are fantastic. It's a shame that the rest of the game isn't as inventive or as polished. If they were, this would have been a great game.
I know I’m not the target audience for Kao the Kangaroo, it is clearly aimed at younger players, but there is a fun time to be had. It is a shame that Kao suffers from all of the technical drawbacks. The save states simply don’t work and the graphical slowdowns make the game unplayable. Putting the bugs aside, Kao is an easy-breezy platformer that is fun to play. It might not be the most inspiring platformer out there but it is fun.
Kao the Kangaroo jumps back 17 years later! Tate multimeda's title surprises for good and presents a perfect gameplay initiation to the 3D platformer of a lifetime that, at times, can get dirty due to various bugs or unwanted collisions.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
This old school mascot is back trying to reboot itself in a game too safe for its own good and with technical problems that will infuriate even the most relaxed players.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Kao the Kangaroo will appeal to children and efficiently guide them through its diverse world with simple combat and puzzles. For a more mature audience, however, the mechanics will be overly primitive, and a closer look at the graphics won't please them either.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Ultimately, the main reason people play video games is to have fun. And Kao The Kangaroo delivers this in abundance. There is a fine line between taking inspiration from something, and just plain copying something. Kao The Kangaroo walks this line very precariously, and a couple of times it does verge on copying. Particularly collecting the letters K-A-O in each level, and the chase segments where Kao is running away from something towards the camera, have pretty much been lifted straight from other platformers (Donkey Kong and Crash Bandicoot, respectively). Despite the lack of originality though, Tate Multimedia have successfully created an extremely well-rounded platformer. Ticking all of the main boxes for visuals, gameplay, and aesthetics, it’s a slick, modern take on a beloved genre. If you’re willing to overlook a bland protagonist and a forgettable cast of characters, you will find a lot to love about Kao The Kangaroo.
When it comes to animal mascot games from the late 90s, and early 00s, the ones that immediately come to mind are Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, and Jak & Daxter.
Kao the Kangaroo is a fairly pleasant platformer with some non-dealbreaker issues.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
The return of Kao may not have been combined with an impressive entry into the platformers sector and there is certainly still a way to go against Kirby, Crash and Ratchet.
Review in Greek | Read full review
"Kao the Kangaroo is a decent reboot that may satisfy the series’ long-time fans. While it ticks all the checklist for being a classic platformer offering well-designed platforming, it has its own list of flaws. While the game looks quite charming from the outside, there’s anything hardly original or unique that justifies the price tag, particularly for a newcomer. Still, if you’re a fan of the series and have a soft spot for the series, pick it up during sale."
Considering the series has been dormant for so long, credit has to be given to the developers for their foresight: what we have here is not only a loving tribute to a cult classic but a thoughtful revisiting of one of gaming's most formative genres. Anyone who had fun with 3D Platformers in the 1990s and 2000s is going to enjoy KAO The Kangaroo; although the difficulty may leave something to be desired for die-hard fans, I'm sure they'll still have a blast.
Kao the Kangaroo is a surprisingly successful game, and a quality reboot for a series that, so far, has had little impact. The platforming sections are always fun, and the search for collectibles can keep you entertained for hours. It's just not a recommendable experience for any fan of 3D platform games for having an uninspired combat system and an almost inexcusable amount of bugs and problems. With a little more love and affection, this could very well be the rebirth from the ashes of this mascot, whose next entry we will look forward to with anticipation and interest.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While the presentation has some peaks and valleys, the game’s level design, platforming, and combat should surely grant this Kangaroo a seat at the table right next to the bandicoot and purple dragon that clearly inspired it.