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KAO THE KANGAROO [2022]
review | SWITCH
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Publisher: Tate Multimedia.
Developer: Tate Multimedia. Released: May 2022. Genre: 3D Platformer. Other versions: PS5; PS4; XSX; XONE; PC. Posted 14th January 2026. By Tom Clare © 2026 |
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Kao’s return to the gaming sphere in 2022 was something of a surprise, to say the least. Originally starring in a trio of early 2000s 3D platformers, the boxing kangaroo failed to make waves amongst a litany of strong competitors. From a critical standpoint, the series was largely dismissed, though the success of a digital storefront re-release would catch the eye of creators Tate Multimedia. Happily for all concerned, their next step was not another run of remasters, but a series reboot. Another shot at glory for Kao, and a brand new instalment for fans who’d waited more than fifteen years for another dose of the action.
Kao’s journey sees him embark on a journey to find his missing father. Early on, he happens across some malevolent, glowing gloves. These talk to Kao, encouraging his wild side, whilst granting him some serious combat abilities. The story is underwhelming, with a host of colourful characters who aren’t made good on, wooden voicing, and iffy dialogue that makes occasional, uninspired references to modern pop culture. Strands that hint at interesting directions (namely, the corrupting nature of the gloves) remain largely unexplored, with the game seemingly in a rush to tidy things up at the end. All this being said, the story isn’t a deal-breaker, and it is at least staged with enough clarity that younger players will have no difficulty rooting for the goodies.
Whilst Kao's reboot (at least on Switch) lacks graphical clarity, its levels are inviting, and its platforming is solid
This reboot is very much in keeping with classic genre staples: three main hub worlds form the basis for a catalogue of levels that open as the player amasses relics, whilst collecting coins, and the letters K, A, and O from each level unlocks some fun new clothing, including a throwback Kao model in the style of the original trilogy. Fitting music captures the breezy beach themes of the opening Hopallo Island setting, whilst The Hungry Jungle’s lush designs feel at home in a 3D platformer, and Frosty Canyon represents a stylistic high-point for the game, with its attractive and elaborate levels requiring players to keep their wits about them.
Kao the Kangaroo isn’t the most original platformer, but it’s built to a good standard. Kao’s gloves ensure there’s a bit more of a combat focus, though responsive controls, varied enemy types and a reasonable array of moves ensure these sections are decent fun. Along with his boxing smarts, Kao can also utilise a kangaroo tail whip, a ground pound, and a useful boomerang, handy for taking down flying foes or activating hard-to-reach switches.
Kao the Kangaroo isn’t the most original platformer, but it’s built to a good standard. Kao’s gloves ensure there’s a bit more of a combat focus, though responsive controls, varied enemy types and a reasonable array of moves ensure these sections are decent fun. Along with his boxing smarts, Kao can also utilise a kangaroo tail whip, a ground pound, and a useful boomerang, handy for taking down flying foes or activating hard-to-reach switches.
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The level design is similarly robust. Expansive settings allow for both focused platforming challenges and some exploration. Whilst the fun is tempered slightly by the odd unresponsive, spongy jump, the game controls well on the whole. There are relatively few bugs, the camera is unobtrusive, and Kao exhibits some excellent animations. His fire, ice and wind powers are used to move platforms, freeze water, and melt ice, translating to some light puzzle elements that, with a little more development, would have lent the levels some much-needed tonal variety. The game enters its concluding phase more abruptly than was perhaps intended. Wind powers are underused, whilst a strange, short fourth world reuses a chunk of the previous location’s themes.
Kao the Kangaroo evidently didn’t enjoy the same production values as Nintendo’s platformers or Crash Bandicoot 4. In the Switch version, this is evidenced by the graphics’ lack of definition. It’s as though in docked mode (and I stress, I’m speculating), the visuals have been scaled from 720p to help ensure the gameplay runs smoothly. Indeed, if this was the case, it’s an acceptable trade-off: the action runs well, but for the occasional, major frame rate hitch when Kao opens treasure chests containing large numbers of coins. A criticism of the original games was their awkward bosses, and though these challenging encounters have been resurrected for the 2022 iteration, they’re pretty good. With multiple phases, they’re still reasonably tough, but tend not to feel cheap, offering some of the most elaborate, well-conceived moments the game has to offer. The three end-of-world bosses require a bit of trial-and-error to beat, though the final encounter proves a damp squib. Here, there’s a greater focus on your platforming skills, in what is a rather tame and anticlimactic encounter.
Kao the Kangaroo evidently didn’t enjoy the same production values as Nintendo’s platformers or Crash Bandicoot 4. In the Switch version, this is evidenced by the graphics’ lack of definition. It’s as though in docked mode (and I stress, I’m speculating), the visuals have been scaled from 720p to help ensure the gameplay runs smoothly. Indeed, if this was the case, it’s an acceptable trade-off: the action runs well, but for the occasional, major frame rate hitch when Kao opens treasure chests containing large numbers of coins. A criticism of the original games was their awkward bosses, and though these challenging encounters have been resurrected for the 2022 iteration, they’re pretty good. With multiple phases, they’re still reasonably tough, but tend not to feel cheap, offering some of the most elaborate, well-conceived moments the game has to offer. The three end-of-world bosses require a bit of trial-and-error to beat, though the final encounter proves a damp squib. Here, there’s a greater focus on your platforming skills, in what is a rather tame and anticlimactic encounter.
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Some charm but not enough creativity: Kao 2022 struggles to stand out
Fans eager for more mascot platforming will have little to grumble about, but those looking for a slightly more ambitious outing will likely be disappointed by the game’s lack of creativity. Super Lucky’s Tale did a superb job of distinguishing its levels through self-contained events and sub-stories, around which it would craft distinct gameplay challenges and personality. Kao is in many ways the opposite. The odd into-the-screen section notwithstanding, there’s little to distinguish levels from one another in terms of staging, as it relies solely on the evolving nature of the platforming challenges and occasional change of scenery. With levels often lasting half an hour, it’s inevitable that the gameplay begins to go through the motions.
Despite a modest array of secrets to unearth, levels lack the pulling power necessary to coax players into making repeat visits, and thus, there isn’t a great deal of mileage in it, post-completion. In the context of its own series’ modest achievements, Kao the Kangaroo is a perfectly solid platformer, though it’s no match for superior competition. Still, for younger players and fans of the series, there’s a well-crafted platformer to get stuck into. Tate Multimedia’s reboot does everything well but nothing great, so as long as you keep your expectations in check, KtK is good for a few days’ fun.
Despite a modest array of secrets to unearth, levels lack the pulling power necessary to coax players into making repeat visits, and thus, there isn’t a great deal of mileage in it, post-completion. In the context of its own series’ modest achievements, Kao the Kangaroo is a perfectly solid platformer, though it’s no match for superior competition. Still, for younger players and fans of the series, there’s a well-crafted platformer to get stuck into. Tate Multimedia’s reboot does everything well but nothing great, so as long as you keep your expectations in check, KtK is good for a few days’ fun.
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VERDICT
"Kao's reboot does everything well but nothing brilliantly. It's a decent platformer experience that's eclipsed by superior competition. Fans of the genre will still find some fun here." OVERALL: 6/10 |
OTHER 3D PLATFORMERS FROM THE GENRE'S HEYDAY REVIEWED
Kao the Kangaroo (2000, Dreamcast)
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Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (2001, PlayStation 2)
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