Metachronos overall score = 8.3 / 10
Fromt he creators of Perfect Dark Zero
Positive
- Inventive, fun gameplay involves transforming into various cool, kooky creatures
- Plenty of variety will keep you guessing and entertained
- Drop-dead gorgeous visuals showcase the power of the Xbox 360
- Beautifully composed orchestral score, as well as tons of amusing sound effects
Negative
- The game is only 9 hours long
- The game also starts slow and in a boring way
- Two-player cooperative mode isn't very compelling
The next generation of gaming is off to a very good start. As the first Xbox 360 game to be released, Kameo: Elements of Power turns out to be a fitting showcase for Microsoft's powerful new console. For that matter, the game's really no worse for wear despite several production delays during its many long years in development. This colorful, creative action adventure game is one of the most family-friendly titles among the Xbox 360's starting lineup, but it'll provide a great experience for just about any kind of game player. It's packed with clever and entertaining action, not to mention some of the most highly impressive, razor-sharp graphics you've ever seen, along with terrific music and sound. Kameo feels rather disjointed at first, and it's not a particularly long game, but it ultimately provides a rousing, memorable journey that'll be a fine way to excitedly spend some of your first hours with the new Xbox.
The sound presentation of Kameo is possibly even better. A stirring, fully orchestral musical score (complete with choir vocals to accentuate many of the game's more awe-inspiring sequences) fits the action wonderfully, instilling in Kameo a truly epic, high-adventure feel. It's really an amazing soundtrack, but the rest of the audio lives up to it quite nicely. Good-quality voice-over can be heard throughout the game, and the dialogue is frequently quite amusing thanks to some funny accents used for some of the oddest-looking characters, like this one octopus-headed little thing that talks like a Valley girl. Much of the sound works on subtler levels, too. So if you listen closely, you'll be able to discern the distinctly different noises each of the creature forms makes while walking and things like that. From the squishy pitter-patter of Deep Blue's suction-cupped feet, to the meek whimpers of the dimunitive-but-deadly thermite, these little touches contribute immensely toward giving the game its charm. And if you've got it hooked up to a 5.1 surround-sound system, you'll enjoy listening to it all the more, as the effects naturally come from all directions, immersing you in the experience. The only disappointing thing about Kameo: Elements of Power is that it doesn't last longer. It doesn't necessarily feel short, since it's jam-packed with things to see and do, and it keeps throwing new experiences at you from start to finish. But since the combat is mostly pretty easy, and since the puzzle solutions are always right there (courtesy of your talking hint book), you should be able to blow through Kameo pretty quickly, at which point the bonus extras and score challenges probably won't keep you busy for too much longer. Nevertheless, Kameo is absolutely a great game for as long as it lasts, and it's made even better thanks to its state-of-the-art presentation, made possible by the Xbox 360's sheer muscle. Straight out of the gate, Kameo: Elements of Power sets a high standard for how stimulating, creative, and entertaining this classic blend of action and exploration can be on the Xbox 360.