Kameo: Elements of Power

On: Xbox - OUT: January 2005

THE PITCH: Few doubt Rare's ability to produce a decent game. Getting the game on the shelves would appear to be a different matter for the UK coders, though. We've been waiting for Kameo and the fact that it missed its spring 2004 release date comes as no surprise, unfortunately. The game is an epic adventure of exploration and fighting, dressed up in big and bold graphics typical of Rare. Kameo's ability to morph into creatures in her bid to fight the evil that is the Dark Troll King is the game's main hook.

KEY FEATURES

Morph into 10 elemental monsters from five different elements of power - plant, water, rock, ice and fire.
Each monster has a unique ability that is vital for exploration and puzzle-solving, besides their obvious use in combat.
Capture and grow monsters to provide Kameo with the necessary tools to defeat evil.
Huge 3D environments, something of a Rare trademark from the days of Banjo-Kazooie.
THE BUZZ: Kameo has been hurt by its delays and a game we were so looking forward to has become a 'believe-it-when-I-see-it' title. Still, when it finally does manage to whirl away in our Xbox, we expect it to be a big adventure full of fun, oozing that typical Rare polish. It will be better than Grabbed by the Ghoulies, we're sure.