The Kangaroo gives the surprise

The case of KAO seems to follow the same line as Rayman, the charismatic character created by that genius of video game design called Michel Ancel. Although the first Rayman is a true 2D platform cult work (adored by many and hated by many others), the big-headed character reached the top in terms of critics and audiences with his second part, already totally aimed at latest technologies (Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PC, Playstation 2 and PSone) thanks to its more than remarkable three-dimensional graphics.

Something similar happens with KAO, although even more drastic. His first game went unnoticed in a bad way, without being a bad game. Its discreet three-dimensional graphics, together with a correct and smooth platformer mechanic, kept the kangaroo game in the shadow of other hits like Rayman 2 itself or the adventures of the marsupial Crash Bandicoot. Only on Dreamcast did it have some success, mainly due to the drought of titles that this console was already suffering from then.

Curiously, when nobody gave a euro for the return of the friendly KAO, its original programmers have been able to re-introduce his mascot to society with a game capable of engaging from the first moment due to its innumerable virtues. Although, incidentally, the grandparents of the platformer genre will find it more than evident the inspiration that Rayman 2 has exerted on KAO 2. And wow, there's nothing wrong with that...

A pure and hard platform The development of KAO 2 can be translated simply and simply as the purest platform existing on XBOX. So clear and resounding... it is the clearest representative of the genre that we can find on the Microsoft console, above other good games like Voodoo Vince or Blinx. In KAO 2, the classic jump after jump is used without unnecessary plot or action extensions, with an exploration nuance that is reduced when looking for our logical advance.

It should be clarified that it is far from being as linear as Crash Bandicoot's adventures, but KAO 2 does not impose a terrain that could suggest loss or confusion at any time. Do you remember Rayman 2? Well, something similar. What am I saying similar... the same! And it is that having played the second or third installment of Rayman, and after that thoroughly testing the new adventures of our orange kangaroo, will surely bring as an immediate consequence a strange feeling of deja-vu.

The fact of being such a genuine platform game can create certain prejudices regarding its markedly childish design... but that's what we're here for, to clarify terms that might make you believe that this game isn't worth it. And it is that, although it may seem so and in fact it has been aesthetically focused that way, KAO 2 is a title aimed at the whole family, even for the tallest ones. A server thought that a game of this type would have little to do with me at this point, but nothing is further from reality. KAO 2 has captivated me in a way no game has in a long time. Not even Super Mario Sunshine, although he may be guilty of heresy.

graphicsEverything you can remember from the Rayman sequel you can apply here. Everything must be said, the reality is that KAO 2 does not have the beautiful designs of Michel Ancel, but neither is it far behind in terms of plastic beauty. In other words, if there is one thing that can be said about the work of the Poles at Tate Multimedia, it is, without a doubt, that it is a very, very beautiful game.

For starters, the stages are quite large. Beautiful routes that reach as far as the eye can see, but without being endowed with the freedom that we could have in, for example, a Jak & Dexter. Quite wide, the route is unequivocally marked, so getting lost will be quite a difficult task, something without a doubt ideal for the little ones in the house.

These same ones, the little ones, will feel tremendously comfortable with the color palette used in each and every one of the graphic elements of the game. And it is that the vividness of nuances is a constant throughout the development, a detail that becomes ideal if we mix it with the wise and comical representation of all the elements. It is a program that enters the eyes, without the need to do any of the visual effects that are so fashionable today.

It is true that the graphic quality that KAO 2 treasures could be achieved without difficulty on a Dreamcast. In fact, gems like Sonic Adventure 2 easily outperform the kangaroo game... But this doesn't detract from a work that is guilty of naivety while exuding charm on all four sides. JoWood brings us a title that will easily dazzle children, and that will conquer adults eager for a good "jump and run" due to its beautiful and paradisiacal landscapes.

In technical terms, KAO 2 boasts a fair amount of polygons for what's going on today. But, just like with the stages, its designers have managed to make this platformer look great. The characters, without being a prodigy of charisma, are quite nice, very striking in their conceptualization and, above all, expressive enough to convey sympathy and the occasional smile with their funny faces. To highlight the design of some other final boss, whose imaginative realization borders on the outstanding.

The animations of these and the rest of the dolls are extremely fluid, fully in line with the graphic environment. The entire game does not drop below sixty frames per second, a fact which makes it incredibly easy on the eyes to play this good platformer. On her part, Kao moves fast, transmits agility and flexibility on all four sides, while the response speed is correct, immediate.

In other words, in short, KAO 2 has a commendable visual section. It doesn't resort to the latest trends, or blur, bump-mapping, or high-end graphic embellishments... and even so, it comes out very well in any comparison with the latest XBOX platform hits. And although when stopped screen it may seem much lower than BLINX or VOODOO VINCE, you have to see it run to establish a firm opinion that makes KAO 2 reach the category of remarkable.

soundRegarding the sound theme, KAO 2 follows the same lines of correction as in the rest of the technical aspects. Typical and topical sounds of the genre that sound with majestic cleanliness, relaxed melodies that, without going down in history, come to development like a glove, and finally, an outstanding Spanish dubbing without excesses of overinterpretation. Remarkable, remarkable...

gameplayKao the kangaroo is back with a new adventure! Our cute little yellow friend has to free the world of animals from the clutches of the evil Hunter and his diabolical minions. This time, Kao will have the help of his friends, like the Firefly and the Parrot, to accomplish this difficult mission. Well... it's not the script for "La Abadía del Crimen", but you couldn't ask for more from a title whose sole aim is to simply entertain... or is it?KAO The Kangaroo Round 2 is, above all, a great platform game. In his life he will aspire to be among the best of his genre, more than anything due to the humility that he exudes in every way, but the good work of the programmers and, above all, of the designers of the game itself make this production a title to be taken into account, and even more so if we observe that its price is much lower than usual.

I could say again that the gameplay of the title at hand is very, very similar to that of the already classic Rayman 2. But since there will also be some other person out there who has not enjoyed the Ubi game, I will explain more or less what is the matter. It could be said that KAO 2 is a platform game pure and simple, of the old school, its complexity not going beyond that of the mythical MANIC MINER in its time, to cite a clear example of addictive simplicity.

Our character, the friendly kangaroo Kao, is capable of jumping, defending himself against his enemies with punches (which is why he is equipped with gloves that Rocky Balboa doesn't even have) and little else, apart from the possibility of being able to communicate with his friends, that will offer you useful tips and hints on control. All very similar to what Titus already offered us in the first installment, only boosted to the nth degree thanks to the experience of its programmers and the influences of the latest games in the genre (remember that the first KAO was uncontrollable due to its sometimes unstable engine, fact which is totally solved here).

It is true that there is not much freedom of movement, but we will have our choices along the way that hide the linearity of the game quite well. That is why we will hardly get stuck due to orientation issues, which does nothing more than promulgate the interest in advancing and continuing to see new areas, normally vetoed by the classic end-of-phase enemy. And speaking of which ones, the confrontations with them will not be a considerable challenge either, remembering to a great extent in their modus-operandi the bad guys of the Super Mario saga. Kao begins his adventure in the port, where we will be able to practice some basic movements such as warming up before accessing the different worlds. Leaving the port, in the central square we will have the point where we will have the option to access the levels of the forest, the island, the glacial world or the ocean. In addition, we can also travel to another five bonus levels if we manage to collect enough crystals in the other territories. For this you will need 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 crystals, depending on the level.

Kao can also stack power stars. For every fifty stars that we get, the kangaroo will have the possibility of improving his abilities, such as making longer jumps, for example. Finally, once Kao manages to overcome all the dangers of the different worlds and collect three thousand coins during his adventure, he will be able to return to the central square and bribe the guardian to enter the city of the Hunter, the bad guy in the movie . There we will have to face this evil individual with the help of our friend the Parrot, and thus rescue all the animals that he has prisoners.

An odyssey that will be more than affordable for experts in jump runners, although, nevertheless, it will be a very addictive cake for everyone, be they skilled or clumsy. And it is that the general approach of KAO 2 is incredibly attractive and well developed. It makes itself especially attractive to vicious people like this one, and impeccably suitable for neonates. Yes, it's easy, and yes, it's also very simple and straightforward in its gameplay for these times, but within its context and genre, it's at the level of what OUT RUN 2 or HOUSE OF THE DEAD III.

Oh, if only all games were as playable as this one...!

conclusionKAO 2 for XBOX is an option that, apparently, is completely invalidated next to the powerful catalog that this console has. We look at releases like Ninja Gaiden, Otogi 2 or Riddick and it seems that the Tate Multimedia game has no place on our shelves, much less chances of getting off this Christmas.

And it would be a shame, because JoWood Productions has brought us a program that is worthwhile, that will please young and old, and that would be a real shame if it went unnoticed. It is, and I say it in capital letters, a GREAT GAME in its entirety... that although it lacks the technological virtues that a large budget usually gives, it has enough playable benefits to become one of my favorite titles this end of the year .

the best

worst

Well

It meets the expectations of what a good game is, it has quality and it does not present serious flaws, although it lacks elements that could have taken it to higher levels.