And even the surround sound that is featured in this title is geared up for a strong workout. Yet surprisingly the box doesn’t say anything about 5.1 surround. Still, my Dolby Digital receiver lights up like a Christmas tree when I begin playing indicating that it is being fed a true digital surround signal. Regardless, the game sounds fabulous, from the strange noises that emits from the various elemental beasts to the clever voice work done by the voice actors. All of it is done with great effort and the product really shows that. Of course what epic adventure wouldn’t be complete without the pre-requisite action soundtrack, and Kameo delivers there as well. From the thundering booms of the war sequences to the almost hushing lull of the exploration, yes this game has it all.
Finally, I would like to say how impressed I am with the character designs. Coming up with 10 known and not-so-known creatures takes some real effort and Kameo has some pretty fancy looking beasts. I am a big fan of Pummel Weed the boxing plant and Ash, the fire breathing dragon. As you adventure, you can collect magical fruit that is used to upgrade these elementals, making them more powerful. But more then that, the upgrades can be seen from a visual standpoint. Want a tougher plant? Add spiked leaves to his top and slice up the bad guys while burrowing in the ground. It’s these little touches that add to an already engaging title. Kameo borrows from an awful lot of other games, but clearly stands on it’s own with it’s wholly original characters and deep world. But there is more to this title then you may expect. For example, the game actually has a 2-player mode that splits the screen and devides up the elemental warriors. Yes, you both play as Kameo but hey, it’s her game, there’s plenty of her to go around.
Next, there are all sorts of nifty things to find in the game that will help improve Kameo’s and her elemental friends’ powers. Magical fruit, crystal eyes and elixers are everywhere. And some are even hidden amongst the lay of the land. These areas truly are hidden, not like other games, for me, finding one of these hidden spots is a real accomplishment. Of course there is a monetary aspect of the game, and you will collect money known as runes. These runes can be used to buy items at the shops found around the game.
And what kick-butt adventure would be complete without kick-butt fighting. Kameo has kick-butt fighting and it involves a combat system that as you battle, and take out bad guys you begin scoring “carnage”, “brutal” and “frenzy”. When frenzy is achieved the on screen action slows to a crawl while Kameo (as an elemental) can still move at regular speed. It’s sort of a “bullet time” thing that reminded me of the Matrix movies, but not in a cheesy way. You can start really tearing through the bad guys and racking up a massive score. As long as you continue to dole out the punishment, the longer the frenzy will continue.
Thorough players will eventually find an item called the Chamber of Living Portraits. It’s a creative way to allow players to revisit and replay scenarios that are already beaten in order to improve on their previous score. But more so, it’s just another neat thing to go and find in the game. Of course there are some things that must be found in order to beat the game, those being the members of the Royal court. You simply must find and rescue them or the game will not be able to be completed.
