Kameo: Elements of Power

Times Online ( )

This is a classic adventure game whose unique selling point is its hero’s ability to morph into a variety of different creatures, each of which has a special power. It not only looks fantastic, but uses the graphics ability of the 360 to the full, with super-smooth angles and movement, and the puzzles it presents are every bit as challenging as those in games such as Zelda, with which it shares a medieval theme. Brilliantly designed and executed, and fabulously entertaining.

Play Magazine (9.5 out of 10)

Kameo is pure wonder—every inch a rubber neckers paradise. There’s so much to see and take in on your way to each magical land that it increases blood flow to the brain, never mind once you cross each threshold into lands buzzing with life. Although the formula is a simple one—enter the land-return the Element to the Wotnot book-beat the ensuing level—the layers within each scenario are akin to a gameplay shopping spree, and Kameo herself (aside from being dynamic to the landscape thank you very much) is the quintessential fantasy icon.

Game Chronicles (9.2 out of 10)

With more than five years of hype leading up to its release, it’s a wonder Kameo: Elements of Power didn’t fall flat under our own expectations. But Rare has once again pulled the rabbit from the hat and proved that intelligent game design, charming characters, a grand story, and a next-gen audio and visual presentation is the foundation for an enduring title that should be part of every Xbox 360 game library.

Gamesmania.de (90 out of 100)

Die lange Verschiebung bis zum Xbox360-Launch hat Kameo wirklich gut getan. Zwar ist das Spiel um die junge Fee auch spielerisch sehr ansprechend und spielt sich als typisches Rare-Spiel wie ein Disney-Film zum Mitspielen, doch Glanzlicht ist unzweifelhaft die Prachtgrafik, die erst durch die Xbox360 möglich wurde. Rückt die Grafik bei anderen Spielen nach einer Stunde Spielzeit meist in den Hintergrund, so staunt man in Kameo die komplette Spielzeit über die liebevolle und extrem detaillierte Optik, die sich selbst vor Animationsfilmen wie Shrek 2 nicht zu verstecken braucht. Allein deshalb ist für Besitzer der neuen Konsole der Kauf von Kameo – Elements of Power eigentlich Pflicht. Kleinere Mängel wie die nicht immer perfekte Kamera oder die kurze Spielzeit können die Begeisterung jedenfalls kaum schmälern, diesen Titel muss man einfach gespielt haben.

Gamezine (18 out of 20)

Kameo possède un certain charme qui m’a fait oublier un mode coopératif en écran partagé jouable en réseau. Hélas, rien de ceci n’était disponible sur la version testée, mais on peut compter sur Rare pour nous proposer une expérience incroyable. Ce serait bête de le rater, puisque du côté du solo on a à faire à de l’art avec un grand A. Les graphismes fascinent, avec un sens du détail assez affolant, au bon sens du terme. Une console puissante mise au service de l’esthétique, c’est d’assez bon présage pour les jeux à venir. Voici tout simplement le premier hit de la console, le jeu qu’il faut acheter en priorité.

GameZone (8.9 out of 10)

A wise bard once sang: The waiting is the hardest part. If you followed the lengthy delay of a little game called Kameo for Microsoft’s black box, it seemed like it would never see the light of day despite the various screenshots that promised a gorgeous-looking adventure game worthy of the Xbox. We also waited patiently for the Xbox 360, which has finally reached store shelves. So imagine the delight to find Kameo: Elements of Power among the launch titles for Microsoft’s next generation console. At last we get to see the game the way it was meant to be released.

videospiele.com (88 out of 100)

Kameo: Elements of Power ist ein sehr gutes Action- Adventure geworden, dass die Messlatte für kommende Spiele sehr hoch legt. Die Spielwelt wirkt wie aus einem Guss, die Steuerung ist nicht überladen und technisch ist das Spiel über jeden Zweifel erhaben. Leider ist das Spiel recht einfach und nach gut zehn Stunden durchgespielt. Dafür wird man aber während der ganzen Zeit gut unterhalten. Daher kann man eine klare Kaufempfehlung für alle, die Spiele dieser Art mögen aussprechen.

GameSpot (8.7 out of 10)

The next generation of gaming is off to a very good start. As the first Xbox 360 game to be released, Kameo: Elements of Power turns out to be a fitting showcase for Microsoft's powerful new console. For that matter, the game's really no worse for wear despite several production delays during its many long years in development. This colorful, creative action adventure game is one of the most family-friendly titles among the Xbox 360's starting lineup, but it'll provide a great experience for just about any kind of game player. It's packed with clever and entertaining action, not to mention some of the most highly impressive, razor-sharp graphics you've ever seen, along with terrific music and sound. Kameo feels rather disjointed at first, and it's not a particularly long game, but it ultimately provides a rousing, memorable journey that'll be a fine way to excitedly spend some of your first hours with the new Xbox.

Gamigo (8.7 out of 10)

Ob Kameo letztendlich die Killerapplikation bzw. der Systemseller geworden ist, lässt sich abschließend schwer beurteilen. Zwar feuert Rare ein gewaltiges farbenprächtiges Actionfeuerwerk ab, der absolute Funke will aber trotz alledem nicht wirklich überspringen. Woran dies liegt? Schwer zu sagen! Vielleicht an der bewegenden Entwicklungsgeschichte vom Gamecube hin zur Xbox 360? Aber auch ohne diese fast unüberwindliche Hürde zu meistern ist Kameo ein beeindruckender Titel geworden, der in keiner Xbox 360-Sammlung fehlen darf. Ein kurzes aber dafür beeindruckendes Spielerlebnis.

Planet Xbox 360 (8.7 out of 10)

At first glance, Kameo may appear to be a game that might be more appropriate for your kid brother then for a hardcore gamer. Sure the art style may shout “puppies and rainbows”, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a compelling game that’s as varied as it is entertaining. Kameo has finally come out from beyond that massive shadow of past Rare accomplishments and while they may not have reinvented the wheel, it does offer up an incredibly fun and addictive experience that no fan of the genre should miss.

Fragland.net (86.4 out of 100)

Kameo: Elements of Power is more than a good platform game with fantastic finishing and built on strong fundaments. The gameplay is very much ok and both the graphics and sound make a nice whole of it all. Too bad that the long development time wasn't enough to make an epic adventure of it and people with sky-high expectations might be disappointed by the lack of replayability and content. Nonetheless a beautiful game that shows the power of the

Jeuxvideo.com (17 out of 20)

Beau tour de force que ce Kameo. Non content de disposer de somptueux graphismes, il se fait fort de proposer aux joueurs une aventure féerique, intelligente et jouable. On regrette un peu que les développeurs aient cherché à plusieurs moments à nous en mettre plein la vue, quitte à ce que la visibilité en pâtisse, mais hormis ces petits désagréments (auxquels on rajoutera un mode Coopératif sans intérêt), le résultat est stupéfiant. Kameo est une vitrine pour la Xbox 360 mais au delà de cet aspect, on y trouvera un vrai petit bijou que vous n'aurez de cesse d'admirer du regard.

Deeko (8.5 out of 10)

With the release of the XBOX 360, we finally get our hands on the long awaited adventure title from RARE Studios entitled, Kameo: Elements of Power. With a plethora of characters to choose from and stellar graphics to boot, was this hyped up game worth the wait? Don't cast aside your talking spell book just yet.

DreamStation.cc (8.5 out of 10)

Kameo: Elements of Power is a good first effort for an action platforming game on the Xbox 360 and if you like games in this genre you should enjoy it, if you can find a Xbox 360 this holiday season to play it on. It is not without its faults, the biggest being the camera angle problems, but all-in-all it is an enjoyable game that will keep you busy as you try to beat the game and unlock all the Achievements to display under your Gamertag profile on Xbox Live.

IGN (8.4 out of 10)

Over the course of the last few years Kameo has been written about by more IGN editors and for more consoles than almost any other single game. That's why it's a bit unbelievable that in less than two weeks the world will finally get to play the Rare title that has been around longer than Microsoft has been in the video game industry. In the past week we played through the retail version of the game on a retail Xbox 360. This is it folks: the version you'll find on shelves at launch day, under the tree on Christmas morning, and in the disc tray of your gleaming new console right after you plug it in. So are the adventures of the shape-shifting fairy been worth the wait? Read on to find out.

4Players.de (83 out of 100)

Was Rare auf den Bildschirm zaubert, sucht seinesgleichen: Kameo fesselt mit seiner wundervollen Kulisse, fantastischer Musik und einem riesigen Reservoir an Ideen. Die Verwandlungen der Elfe haben mich schlichtweg begeistert, das Ausprobieren der Elementarkrieger macht Laune, die Welt bietet viel Raum zum Experimentieren und ist im Rahmen der Geschichte glaubwürdig. Schade nur, dass die Entwickler die vielen Möglichkeiten in ein zu enges Korsett gesperrt haben, welches immer wieder Lösungswege fordert, die einer Erklärung bedürfen. Das hemmt den Spielfluss und verhindert das Überspringen dieses letzten Funkens, der dem Abenteuer einen Award gesichert hätte.

XBox Front (82 out of 100)

Dass Hitzigkeit noch nie zum Sieg geführt hat, muss auch die junge Elfe Kameo noch lernen. Nachdem ihre böse Schwester den gefangenen Troll-König Thorn befreit und die gesamte Führungsriege der Elfen außer Gefecht gesetzt hat, bleibt niemand anderes übrig, um die Ordnung wiederherzustellen. Kameo bereut ihren ersten überstürzten Rettungsversuch und verliert die ihr gegebene Kraft, sich in Elementargeister zu verwandeln. Nun heißt es: Hinein in Rares neuestes Werk und die Welt retten. Wie der erste Xbox 360-Titel geworden ist? Wir haben es getestet.

eGames (8.1 out of 10)

Tak, czy inaczej przy Kameo: Elements of Power spędziłem naprawdę miłe chwile. Jeśli tylko ktoś lubi ten typ rozrywki, która cechuje się przede wszystkim odprężeniem dla umysłu, to szczerze polecam produkcję Rare. Tym bardziej, że na różnych aukcjach internetowych przygody Kameo oferowane są po naprawdę przystępnej cenie.

Kombo.com (8.1 out of 10)

With Kameo, expectations were high, as they should be when a developer has had more then ample enough time to complete and fill the title with enough gameplay length. Unfortunately Kameo doesn’t meet those standards, as the entire game can be completed in a span of 3 to 4 days. Kameo does offer more and more thrilling experiences to keep you entertained throughout the ride. The game is amazing for its short length, and quick switch from platform to platform. The game doesn’t warrant a new console purchase, but if and when you decide to get an Xbox 360 on your own, the game does deserve at least a rental.

Yahoo! Games ( )

Of all the Xbox 360 launch titles, Kameo is probably one of the most anticipated among long time fans, if only because the game itself has been around for quite awhile. Originally conceived on the GameCube, Kameo hopped over to the Xbox and then to the Xbox 360 last fall. For most developers, such delays result in a poor quality title, but not Rare. It saw each hop as a new opportunity and reworked the game to take full advantage of the new platform. The end result is a beautiful Xbox 360 launch title that truly looks next-gen.

Edge (8 out of 10)

It may be a little hollow at heart, and occasionally frustrating, but if this is 360's first adventuring benchmark, the games that follow have their work cut out for them.

X-Power (8 out of 10)

Microsoft lijkt dus alsnog waar voor haar gespendeerde dollars te krijgen, en ook wij kunnen mee profiteren. Kameo: Elements of Power is een game waarvan we er in het verleden weinig gezien hebben op de Xbox. De combinatie van actie en avontuur werkt perfect, is voor alle leeftijden en speelt als een sneltrein! Jammer van het relatief korte verhaal, maar dat mag de pret niet bederven, want denk eraan: de co-opmode is verplichte kost! Hopelijk is Kameo’s sprookje nog niet volledig uit, en mogen we in de toekomst nog meerdere keren van het elfje in al haar glorie genieten. Eenzame zielen, gezinnen, families en alle anderen die Kameo: Elements of Power nog niet in huis hebben, hebben bij deze een extra excuus om met nieuwjaar in de watten gelegd te worden!

Digital Press - Classic Video Games (8 out of 10)

It's understandable to overlook this one given the familiar franchises and seemingly more adult oriented games on the console. Even if the cover art doesn't convey it, Kameo fits right into the 360's launch. Experienced gamers have to feel for those parents who buy this for their children (they'll be in tears long before level one is over), but those who have the skills to pull it off will find almost every aspect of this Rare masterpiece worthwhile.

Extreme Gamer (8 out of 10)

I think Rare did a good job at the style of game. Kameo: Elements of Power isn't the most innovative action adventure, but it stands up well on its own. If you are looking for a game to showcase the potential of the 360, this is your game.

GameSpy ( )

It looks like Microsoft is on the verge of making back some of that money that it spent to buy the popular developer Rare away from Nintendo. After Rare only ended up creating a sub-par kids' game and a good but unexciting port of an old N64 game for the Xbox, it seemed like Microsoft got the shaft on that deal. With the launch of the Xbox 360, however, it seems like Rare is making up for lost time. It's latest action/adventure game, Kameo, is a worthy addition to the system's launch lineup.

GotNext ( )

In the end Kameo turned out to be a nice little game. Yes, it does get more than a little formulaic in how it plays out, but like Halo 2 the game pulls you along for the ride regardless. It would almost be a challenge not to finish this game. Despite being short, around or under ten hours, there is a healthy dose of replay value with stage challenges and split-screen co-op. If you're looking for something that isn't a first-person shooter or a racing game then this is your game. However, you'll want to just rent your visit to the world of Kameo.

PlayDevil ( )

What else can be said about this game? “Kameo: Elements of Power” is a solid game from developer Rare, and it is a very good beginning to the growing catalogue of Xbox 360 games. From the stunning visuals and sound, the easy controls and intriguing storyline, as well as the co-op missions for you and a friend. This game has a lot to offer. Though the frame rate issues and rather short length (lasting only about 10 hours) bog this game down from being a truly amazing adventure. Though with that said “Kameo” is a memorable game experience. Therefore hopefully in the years to come there will be a sequel that further builds upon the Kameo Universe, and help perpetuate “Kameo” into the great series it could become.

360 LIVE (8 out of 10)

(...) Die Grafik ist ein Paradebeispiel für die Leistungsfähigkeit der 360. Hinter all der Pracht, dem Detailreichtum und der Spieltiefe sorgt eine Physik-Engine dafür, dass sich der Umgang mit Kisten, Kugeln und Krams echt anfühlt. Dennoch fehlt "Kameo" irgendwie ein bisschen letzter Schliff. Die Heldin selbst macht einen profillosen Eindruck, die Kulissen wirken stellenweise zu aufdringlich auf Hochglanz poliert. Das beißt sich mit dem Cartoon-Stil einer Welt voller Drachen, Trolle, Orks, Feen und Fabelwesen. Und auch wenn "Kameo" im Herzen ein Jump'n'Run sein mag, hätten dem Spiel mehr unauffällig eingebundene Rätsel der Marke "Zelda" gut zu Gesicht gestanden. Trotzdem: ein wirklich schönes, unterhaltsames und faszinierendes Abenteuer.

JustPressPlay (7.9 out of 10)

Kameo is a solid release; however for all the time and effort putinto the game, I was expecting a lot more. Granted, the game is a lotof fun, and is truly one of the most beautiful looking games I've everplayed, but it is not nearly as exciting as some of the other Xbox 360launch titled. I look forward to a sequel though, with a refinedgameplay and maybe some online deathmatch?

Armchair Empire, The (7.9 out of 10)

So did Rare redeem themselves for Grabbed by the Ghoulies? Yes, but not like a Phoenix rising from the ashes – Kameo’s good but I have the nagging feeling that it could have been better.

Game Informer Magazine (7.5 out of 10)

After spending nearly five years on the development floor for GameCube, Xbox, and now 360, the finishing touches have finally been applied to Kameo. You wouldn’t expect a game that dates back to the infancy of the previous console generation to raise the bar visually, but that’s exactly what this game does. Rare’s artistic expertise is on display, creating a storybook world that is teeming with life and style. Particle effects are as dense as a Midwestern blizzard. You nearly have to squint when you view the light that reflects off of the extravagant bump-mapped texturing. Armies don’t measure in the dozens or even the hundreds. Like The Lord of the Rings films, soldiers, dragons, and giants span as far as the eye can see, numbering in the thousands. Whenever you enter a new area, you can’t help but pausing just to spy the beauty that is around you.

Games TM (7 out of 10)

Certainly, Rare has done well with Kameo: Elements Of Power and it's nice to see the developer back on form - especially after the tiresome Grabbed By The Ghoulies - but as enjoyable and refreshing Kameo is, we can't help but feel that it would have been better received long ago on the GameCube, as was originally intended. It would have flourished in a time when games of this type were loved and appreciated, rather than being an experience that reminds you a little of Star Fox Adventures. Still, with great looks and plenty of gameplay on offer, it's definitely worth picking up to see exactly what your shiny, new 360 can do.

1UP (7 out of 10)

What all of this means is that for better or for worse, Rare is still very much Rare: inspiration is taken from multiple sources, a solid-but-unspectacular game is built on that inspiration, every imaginable color and graphical effect is dumped on top of it, and everyone is given an awful pun for a name. To bring in a little bit of that aforementioned corporate drama, Kameo is the evidence that Microsoft ended up getting exactly what they paid for.

Video Game Talk ( )

The third-person action/adventure Kameo: Elements of Power is a return to what gamers had come to expect from Rare, boasting arguably the most impressive visuals of the Xbox 360's launch titles and certainly some of the most distinctive gameplay.

Totally Gaming Network (7 out of 10)

Overall, the Elements of Power turns out to be one of those rare (no pun intended) treats; a game that doesn't push its own version of reality down your throat, while remaining enjoyable throughout.

Game Informer Magazine (7 out of 10)

One of the game's worst boss battles is repeated a half dozen times before you're done, growing more annoying each time. Graphically state of the art, Kameo is just an attractive repackaging of the same old platforming cliches.

Game Shark (B-)

In the Xbox 360 launch lineup, Kameo: Elements of Power stands somewhat alone as the first real action/adventure game for the system. While it may have enough flaws to deny it best game status in the genre, or even really an innovative game that takes full advantage of a new piece of hardware, it does reach a pinnacle in presentation with a very pleasing visual style and an audio component that shines like a new penny in 5.1 Dolby. If you are a new Xbox 360 owner who is a fan of the action/adventure genre and can settle for a pretty but shallow gaming experience, Kameo: Elements of Power should be given a hard look.

Game Revolution (B-)

Which this game is bound to make you do. Kameo isn't the deepest or most challenging game in the Xbox 360 launch window, but it looks awesome and offers solid, if fleeting, fun. Rather than save the land, this is more a portent of good things to come.

Diehard GameFan (6 out of 10)

Kameo is a fun game, but ultimately fails due to the times when it’s NOT fun. The game features its fair share of moments that are simply frustrating and annoying, and the problem is that these moments are supposed to be “difficult”, but the sad fact of the matter is that the game is very, very easy. It’s also very linear, and there is little to no satisfaction from completing it. It’s certainly worthy of a rent, but I wouldn’t buy it (unless it was maybe $20). Overall, it is certainly not one of Rare’s best works, especially after how long they’ve been working on it.

GamePro (US) (3 out of 5)

It's been a long and hard road to release for Kameo: Elements of Power. Originally slated for the GameCube, and then shuffled on to the Xbox and later the Xbox 360, Rare's much-hyped adventure game is finally here and ready to play. But, unlike fine wine, this game hasn't gotten better with time.

The Video Game Critic (C)

The camerawork is decent overall, but I found it to be absolutely abysmal during the "shadow demon" battles, where the "negative exposure" visuals make it tough to tell what's going on in the first place. In general however, Kameo is pretty easy to play, and you can always consult a "Wotnot" talking book for advice by pressing the Start button. A two-player split-screen mode is also available. Kameo has nice production values and is well constructed, but I found its gameplay to be very predictable and not particularly memorable. As a bargain-priced title however, you might just find Kameo worth your while.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (5 out of 10)

The world of Kameo certainly asks of the console hardware what past games could not, but it doesn't ask any new questions of the player. Instead of flowering, petal by distinctive petal, it just showers you with new seeds as you toil to bed the old ones, and then tells you to sow and sow and so on until you're bored. The result is a game that struggles to entertain, and one that I was quite finished with by the end.