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Kameo:
Elements of Power
They’re the creative genius behind the legendary Nintendo 64 first-person shooter, GoldenEye 007. They also designed the all-excellent-in-their-own-right Perfect Dark, Banjo
Kazooie, and Donkey Kong 64 for the N64. So when they came up for sale a few years back, Microsoft, looking for hot talent to make exclusive games for the Xbox, was all too happy to shell out the required cash to purchase development house Rare. However, the first Rare exclusively Xbox title that hit shelves, Grabbed by the
Ghoulies, was a major disappointment for a developer that had only been known for
some amazing games.
Trying to reclaim their former glory, Rare is set to release its second Xbox game,
Kameo: Elements of Power (KEOP), which incidentally began it's
development life on GameCube. The game is an adventure title along the lines of Banjo
Kazooie, starring the heroine Kameo. But you won’t be playing as her through the entire game. Instead, you’ll use 18 alter-ego monsters, based on the earth elements: plant, water, rock, ice, wind, and fire (the element of surprise didn’t make the cut, however). Choosing the correct monster for a particular battle will be a key strategic decision throughout the game.
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Here’s the official game info:
KEOP is an epic adventure, full of magnificent exploration and intense combat. The future of the world depends on
Kameo, who must capture, grow, and unleash a wide assortment of incredible monsters to combat ever-present evil and rescue her three Elemental Ancestors from the Dark Troll King — who threatens the planet and its wildlife.
In true Rare Ltd. fashion, the world is wondrous and immense to explore, the puzzles and challenges are brilliant, and the monster-oriented combat and exploration is innovative and unique.
Features:
Innovative monster-based combat system: Kameo has the unique ability to morph, in real time, into a wide variety of incredible monsters — each with its own strengths and fighting style. To fight the hordes of evil, players will strategically employ 18 elemental monsters from each of the Six Elements of Power: Plant, Water, Rock, Ice, Wind, and Fire. They can choose a plant that boxes for up-close combat, a rock monster to launch a silo of rocks, or a wind monster that specializes in ground-to-air attacks. Fast-paced action, epic-style battles, and massive boss encounters will require players to think and act quickly, using their boundless monster repertoire.
Monsters also essential to exploration: Monsters are not only key for combat, they are vital tools to expand the players' journey. Each monster offers unique abilities that enable players to open up and safely explore new areas. Intelligent use of monsters is critical to solving puzzles and avoiding obstructions, traps, and enemies. For example, players can travel underground as a plant monster, or light up dark areas using a fire-based monster.
Building an arsenal of monsters: Kameo's powers grow through hunting and capturing a massive collection of monsters, but this is no easy task. Players join forces with sidekick Meepo and use stealth, quickness, and puzzle-solving to capture these sneaky little creatures. Players can grow their monsters and expand their monster arsenal, as they increase their ability to explore the world and defeat enemies and challenges.
Epic adventure across an immense world: Players of KEOP explore a vast and magical world, filled with lush environments, thriving wildlife, wondrous creatures, clever puzzles, and big challenges. Gorgeous 3-D environments, with sprawling hills, fertile valleys, and daunting lairs cover 20 fantasy-style locations. Players can enter the dangerous Troll Castle and discover more than 30 areas to explore. As they journey through the expansive land, they will ultimately take part in three amazing boss encounters.
Wondrous fantasy world: As the story unfolds in storybook fashion, players are immersed in a magnificent kingdom of monsters and magic that is beautifully crafted to satiate the wildest imagination. The rich story line, spectacular use of monsters, and epic journey will completely and immediately connect players to a faraway land. Players can archive their adventure in the
Wotnot, a magical archiving book (featuring Ortho the Magician) by collecting monsters, more than 30 incidental creatures, and tons of useful objects.
Kameo: Elements of Power certainly should be better than Grabbed by the
Ghoulies, but it will have to exceptionally good to grab its own audience in the gaming world that has seen more than the fair share of platform-style adventure titles. The monster-morphing tactic could be a drawing point however, and the game is visually impressive. If the gameplay and controls are solid (something that doomed the mediocre Grabbed by the
Ghoulies) KEOP has a chance to be at least a modest hit.
