|
 |
|
| | Title:
Kameo: Elements of Power
..............................................
System:
Xbox 360
..............................................
Genre:
Action/Adventure
..............................................
Publisher:
Microsoft
..............................................
Developer:
Rare
..............................................
Release:
Q4 2005
..............................................
Online:
Yes
..............................................
ESRB:
Rating Pending
..............................................
 |
For a game to jump from one platform to another is not an uncommon event in the videogame industry. At times it’s because the company was bought by a larger one. At other times, the development team realized that the platform they were working with was more of a hindrance and moved to a more powerful and flexible system. Kameo is one of these games and comes with a very unique history behind it.
Kameo is a game being developed by the Nintendo-geniuses; Rare. Mid-way through this console generation, Rare was bought from Nintendo by Microsoft, much to the anger of almost every Nintendo fan on the planet. Kameo had been under development for the Gamecube and, upon purchase of Rare by Microsoft, switched to the Xbox. Thanks to Rare’s incredibly long development periods, Kameo never came out for the Xbox. Kameo is now planned to be a key launch title for the Xbox 360. From Gamecube, to Xbox and now Xbox 360 --needless to say, it’s unique.
For the Gamecube, Kameo was originally planned to be an RPG. However, once Microsoft acquired Rare, Kameo’s core gameplay was changed to a platformer. All things considered, this is not a bad thing, both for Rare and gaming society. If there is one type of genre Rare knows, its platformers. Old Nintendo 64 classics like Banjo Kazooie and Conker are proof of this. Both N64 titles brought a new component to the platforming genre while at the same time refining the fundamentals. Kameo looks to be no different thus far.
It’s unfortunate though that Kameo has not been given full credit as to what it is going to be; a great game. This is natural though because of how many console jumps and rehashes Kamoe has endured. To many it looks like nothing more than a quick port to the Xbox 360 from the Xbox; just another ploy from Microsoft to strengthen the launch library. Kameo infact is going to do just that but not in a cheap way. There is a reason Rare is known as one of the best at the platforming genre; they constantly are thinking up new and exciting gameplay mechanics to make their titles feel fresh. Kameo is no different.
Players are going to take the role of Kameo a fairy princess with the ability to morph into different creatures. Kameo by herself is not that powerful; she needs her morphing ability to not only solve puzzles but combat the various and unique designed enemies filling the game. The final number of creatures that can be morphed into has been confirmed to be ten. Each of these creatures is unique, both in their abilities as well as how they will contribute to solving the various platforming puzzles. A lot of these creatures have been seen in the recent trailers at both TGS 2005 and X05. They are known as the elemental warriors each one focusing on a specific element (Plant, Fire, Rock, Water, and Ice). Several seen are two plant creatures one who uses boxing gloves as its weapon (known as Pummelweed) and the other which utilizes its big mouth (think Venus fly trap), a huge red dragon that can spew fire known as Ash, a cold cartoon yeti called Chilla which will have extensive melee attacks as well toss ice spears, an armadillo called Major Ruin, and a rock creature that throws sections of itself at it’s enemies. Rare decided to add in an RPG twist to these creatures. Each has eight abilities which can be upgraded in a number of ways. This not only adds replay value but allows players to develop their own combat strategies. The ability to shift from creature to creature has been placed on the face buttons of the Xbox 360 controller. This design choice is due to the fact that the creatures will have to be interchanged on a split-second basis. No other game has had such an emphasis on changing so many times so quickly so it is obvious why the transformations are on the face buttons. Obviously boss battles as well as common enemies are going to present more of a challenge than first suspected.
There have been several changes to the 360 version of Kameo that were not found in the Xbox version. The most obvious change is the increase in graphical quality. The water now ripples, the grass waves in the breeze, and the textures on the buildings stick out with eerie realism. Graphically the game has improved since it was seen at E3. TGS 2005 as well as X05 have not only shown off the solid gameplay but also the graphical upgrade. Needless to say it’s impressive. But good graphics can be expected in all of the new 360 games, so Rare took the next step and properly utilized the power of the 360. In Kameo, there is a sequence where more than one thousand characters are on the screen simultaneously. Both sides are engaged in an all-out war and, in the middle of it all, is Kameo, who the player will control. At this sequence an interesting gameplay mechanic is revealed; riding vehicles. In the sequence Kameo rides a horse through waves of trolls. This footage has become essential for Microsoft when showing off the Xbox 360 power and as such has made Kameo in some ways a poster child for the 360’s power. Whether or not there will be more sequences like this is unknown, but it is clear that Rare understands how to use the 360’s power.
Probably the biggest mystery when it comes to Kameo is the story. All we know for sure is that the Trolls are the enemies. What we do know though about Kameo which comes as a big surprise is the multiplayer. Kameo will allow players via split screen to play through the single player mode with a friend.
Kameo is finally coming out after two console switches and major gameplay tweaks. Luckily for the gaming community, Rare is sticking to what it knows best; perfecting and creating a unique platforming experience like no other. Even more exciting is the powerful tool they have been given to work with the Xbox 360.
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
 |
