Kao the Kangaroo (v2022.10.13 & ALL DLC)

A bright, old-school platforming adventure carries Kao across lively islands, ruined temples, icy peaks, and other cartoon-fantasy locations in search of his missing father. The tone stays playful and colorful, but the story adds a little mystery through the strange power locked inside the hero’s oversized boxing gloves. Kao the Kangaroo channels the spirit of early-2000s mascot platformers, mixing cheerful characters and broad slapstick with a straightforward quest to protect his family. It is a welcoming journey built around movement, discovery, and punching troublesome creatures off the path.

Kao spends most of his time running through compact 3D stages, making careful jumps, swinging across gaps, bouncing off pads, and hunting down coins, letters, gems, and hidden collectibles. Combat centers on responsive glove-based combos, dodges, charged hits, and special elemental powers that open new ways to handle enemies and environmental obstacles. Stages regularly break up platforming with simple switch puzzles, traversal challenges, chase sequences, and boss fights against larger, more demanding opponents. Progression introduces fresh glove abilities and moves gradually, so the campaign remains approachable without becoming completely effortless, while optional secrets give completion-minded players reasons to revisit earlier areas.

Its greatest strength is how sincerely it commits to the classic 3D platformer formula instead of burying it beneath modern open-world busywork. The colorful environments are varied enough to keep the route feeling fresh, and each area hides side paths that reward players who stop rushing toward the exit. Combat is more prominent than in games such as Super Lucky’s Tale, though the overall structure and collectible-driven exploration will feel familiar to fans of Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and the genre’s PlayStation 2 era. Kao the Kangaroo suits younger players and newcomers looking for a forgiving, charming adventure, while veteran platformer fans will appreciate its traditional pacing and plentiful optional items.