Kao the Kangaroo

Upon picking up my Gameboy Advance, I got this game free with it. From the box art alone, it was easy to tell that this wasn't going to be your Mario of platformers... the phrase, don't judge a game by it's cover, obviously had no meaning with this one.

The game starts off with a very simple story, in fact, so simple that it's hard to understand what it's actually about. I gathered, ethier Kao's mum, dad or brother had been kidnapped by some freaky eyed Kangaroo stalker and it's up to Kao to save them. I mentioned mum, dad or brother, because It's hard to really tell who was kidnapped, considering it just looked like a generic Kangaroo. It could have been a transsexual Kangaroo, for all I know.

Anyway, gameplay wise it doesn't improve. When controlling Kao it feels like moving a turd with legs and arms. Press the A button to throw a punch and press the B button to jump. You can use the D-pad to perform a tail spin and the R button to do a ground pound, but other than that, it's all pretty simple. Just constant punching of enemies through the levels, right up until the end.

Graphically, it's pretty good. It's probably the best bit about the game. It even features some 3D style sprites in there, which is pretty good for the GBA. menus do look disgusting though, it's like looking at something from the 70's, with it's hippie styled, rainbow selection bar. Blurgh!

The game has some poor music as well. Don't expect any classics here, they all sound boring and drab. You'll most likely rather be deaf, than listen to this.

The game does have a good amount to get through though and will last you a good amount of time. Just don't expect any files options, instead this lives off the old fashioned password saves. Ironically fitting with the 70's theme, very clever.

Overall, just make sure your money is not robbed by this shameful Mario wannabe.