The original Kao the Kangeroo (pronounced K-O) on the Dreamcast was a great game that no bugger played (like most of its library, come to think of it).
Although a sequel was released for sixth-generation consoles in 2003, and a PC-only threequel followed not long after, like many of the platforming mascots from the early 2000s that could have been a contender, it seemed Kao was out for the count.
However, after a surprise rerelease of the first two games on Steam and some online campaigning, the middleweight marsupial is back and ready for the main event.
Essentially a reboot, the new Kao the Kangaroo sees the mauling marsupial embark on a quest to find his sister, who has left to track down their father, Koby, who vanished years prior. (I assume he went out for smokes.)
Helped by his boxing coach Walt and brandishing his father’s magical talking boxing gloves, Kao sets off to find his family.
What follows is an adventure that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon. Although the story and performances are a little corny and melodramatic, it is impossible not to be drawn in by the charms of Kao and his crew.
Kao the Kangaroo is a collectathon-style 3D platformer in the Banjo Kazooie mould. Each semi-open level is packed with coins and collectables, including Runes – used to unlock new stages, KAO letters, blue gems and heart pieces that boost your health.
Though most levels have a main route to follow, the real fun comes in going off the beaten path and grabbing everything that isn’t nailed down.
There are some great set pieces too. One level sees you on a mission to destroy a giant juicer housed in a big tower before diving down the empty tubes.
Breaking up the platforming is some surprisingly solid combat. Ducking and diving while you string together basic attacks and finishers feel incredibly satisfying as you chin every last bugger standing in your way.
The one thing that does drag the experience down is the camera which seems to come straight from the 2000s and has a horrible habit of getting stuck behind objects, obscuring your view. It’s far from ideal when you’re in the middle of a fight or trying to hop across a tricky platforming section.
Kao looks just as you would expect it to; bright, colourful and with a cartoony aesthetic that is fun and visually appealing. Whether hopping through a tree house village or factory built by industrious monkies, it’s clear the devs made every effort to ensure every environment looks like a small part of a cohesive world.
Accompanying the action is a playful, upbeat score reminiscent of the work of David Wise. Though none of the tracks stand out, the woodwind and steel drum tunes fit the action and tone of the game well.
Fans of old-school 3D Platformers will find lots to love about Kao The Kangaroo. It mixes strong level design, solid playful presentation, and tons of stuff to swipe to create a charming and upbeat revival that works for the best part. If you can forgive the janky camera and some minor performance issues (at least on the Switch), there is plenty of fun to be had as Kao bounces and brawls his way back to his family.
