Kameo: Elements of Power

"A Great Launch Title and an Awesome Game"

Gameplay: 9
Kameo: Elements of Power is a fun game, hands-down. It manages to blend a mix of good platforming and beat-em-up elements, along with a few creative puzzles, to bring out a product that feels and plays next-gen. The first distinguishing part of the gameplay is that you can transform into, and each form has its own individual powers. The powers are integrated pretty well into the gameplay, for the most part. This also provides players with many options for slaughtering the hapless enemies in your path. Most of the combat powers are a blast to use, and may offer a few laughs. The puzzles involved in the gameplay are usually combat-oriented, mostly like how to kill a particular creature or the like, but they're all interesting and fun to figure out. There's a two player cooperative mode, but it's nothing special, especially since levels must be unlocked first before replaying them on co-op. Finally, the save system saves with every significant event, actually ending up saving anywhere you'd save in the Legend of Zelda. It works well, even for quick pick-up-and-play sessions.

Control: 8
Hit-or miss. The left analog stick moves, the right analog stick controls the camera. The face button are used only for transforming, which some people may find as odd, and the Right and Left triggers are used both individually and in tandem to perform actions. Teaching you mind to adjust to using the triggers way more than the buttons feels strange for a bit, but those who are able to adjust to Metroid Prime after playing Halo and those who are able to play Metal Gear Acid (O instead of X) alright will be able to adjust. If you're not one of those people, it may be difficult to enjoy this game right from the get-go.

Graphics: 9
This game looks incredible if you play it on an HDTV. Unlike most other Xbox 360 titles, it also looks incredible if you don't play it on an HDTV. Any connection save RF will show the high resolution textures and the great lighting. Pixel shading effects are everywhere (nearly every surface and character is normal mapped), the water is awesome, and the bloom effect is used liberally. No matter what set you have, Kameo will usher you into the new generation with a bang. My only problem is that the character models are made with slightly less than optimum polygons, but that's understandable, considering that sometimes there are literally hundreds of them on the screen, with no slowdown.

Sound: 10
On a good speaker system, this game sounds amazing. The sound effects are great, and voice work is used liberally. For example, your enemies will shout taunts or insults ("Burn!") and your creatures will chuckle and talk to themselves. The voice acting is above average, and generally satisfactory, though some characters offer up some very good performances. There is no shortage of environmental sounds to complement the large areas. Finally, Kameo's music is phenomenal. It's simply extraordinary, even on my mid-range sound system. It adds a great deal of atmosphere to the areas, always matching the setting perfectly. While I rode around the badlands stage, the environmental sounds, battle cries and explosions mixed with the epic music combined to make me think back to The Lord of the Rings. The only flaw of this music is that it tends to stick in your head, replaying until you think you're tired of it. But then you power your Xbox 360 on again, and once again you're blown away with its sheer awesomeness. Top marks.

Immersion Factor: 10
The immersion factor is how well a game can absorb you; make you feel that you're the character. In this, Kameo: Elements of Power does not disappoint. The graphics, gameplay, and sound come together to make a believable and engrossing experience.
NOTE: The immersion factor is completely subjective. Some people may agree, some may not.

Lasting appeal: 8
This game is about as long as Metal Gear Solid, on the first play through. You can re-visit old levels to get higher scores if you want. If you get a high enough score, you may be able to get items or new costumes for your characters. If you go through and unlock everything, it becomes a decently long game.

Closing Comments:
Far from being a game "just for kids," Kameo has a great deal to offer anyone who isn't too stuck-up to play it. It offers an enjoyable and worthwhile romp through a fairy tale land loaded with enough visceral action and funny moments to satisfy nearly anybody. My highest recommendations.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/09/05