KAO The Kangaroo (2000)

The main pros of the game

• Nostalgia Factor: Many players express a strong sense of nostalgia, recalling fond memories of playing the game in their childhood.
• Fair Gameplay: Several reviews highlight the game's fairness in terms of controls and mechanics, making players feel responsible for their mistakes rather than blaming the game itself.
• Challenging Platforming: The game is noted for its challenging platforming elements, with some players appreciating the difficulty level, especially compared to other platformers.
• Level Design: Some users appreciate the level design and the variety of challenges it presents, including collectibles and secret levels.

The main cons of the game

• Aging Mechanics: Many users point out that the game has not aged well, with controls described as awkward and sluggish.
• Camera Issues: The camera control is frequently criticized for being unmanageable and contributing to gameplay frustrations.
• Lack of Save Mechanisms: The game features a punishing life system where losing all lives results in starting over from the beginning, which many find frustrating.
• No Controller Support: Players lament the absence of controller support, making the experience less enjoyable, especially for a platformer.
• Difficulty Inconsistencies: Some users mention that the difficulty spikes are erratic, with certain bosses being disproportionately hard compared to others.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Modern Quality of Life Features: Users note the lack of modern conveniences such as save points and more forgiving life systems, which are common in contemporary games.
• Improved Controls and Mechanics: Many players express a desire for updated controls that align with modern gaming standards, as the current setup feels outdated.
• Clearer Boss Strategies: Some reviews indicate that boss fights could benefit from clearer strategies or guidance, as certain encounters feel overly difficult without a guide.
• More Balanced Difficulty Modes: Players suggest that the different difficulty settings should have more distinct variations to enhance the gameplay experience.

Summary

• Overall, while "Kao the Kangaroo" has its charms and nostalgic appeal, it suffers from several issues that reflect its age, making it less appealing to new players.

Summary generated on: October 28, 2025