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Kameo: Elements Of Power has been at the top of many
gamers “Most Wanted” lists since its original unveiling as a
“Launch Window” title for Nintendo’s GameCube. Since then, an
amazing amount of contracts have ended, started and renewed which
I’m sure most you reading this article are more than well versed
on (for those that aren’t, check  out
the Electronic Theatre Forum for the latest RARE rant). On
top of this, delay after delay, after a poor showing at 2004’s
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) more-or-less shunned Kameo:
Elements Of Power into not-worth-bothering territory.
Now, at E3 2005, Kameo: Elements Of Power appears as
an Xbox360 launch title, at looks every-bit the beast it should
after so long in development. To most observers at Microsoft’s
stand, Kameo: Elements Of Power appeared in near-playable
form, with a Microsoft executive providing an in-game demo while a
“booth babe” provided a running commentary for the on-screen
action. Now, as you may have realised by a few other titles
coverage from this year’s E3, Electronic Theatre is no
longer your average attendee and so, with our clever powers of
industry-personnel manipulation, we managed to secure a hands-on
playtest of the title.
While the version playable was far less than complete, the
basic principles of the title are clearly obvious. The lead
character has the ability to transform into a variety of creatures
in order to either attack enemies or solve puzzles. Each of the
creatures has a translucent affect allowing you to see your
avatar’s positioning within the new form she’s taken. It’s
not known currently how many creatures will be at your disposal (10
is the latest word, but this has not been confirmed by RARE) but
none was more in-your-face than the rock chucking beast.
The environments open to play were hugely expansive with
fantastic real-time lighting, draw distance and little fogging. The
enemies, although seemingly rather bland in appearance, horde onto
the screen in a totally uncountable force – I think I gave-up
after about ninety-odd – without even the slightest of noticeable
slow-down.
The title boosts what are easily the best graphics in any
Xbox360 title shown at E3 this year and, while it’ll probably
miss the launch window, given the title’s record, it’s no doubt
back atop the previously disappointed show attendees “Most
Wanted” lists.
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Return to the Articles Archive 2005 here.
Each of these articles has been written
either independently of Electronic Theatre or by an external viewer. The opinions
discussed in these articles in no way reflects the opinions of Electronic Theatre.
If you wish to inquire about pricing of any titles
for these formats not listed on this site, drop me a line at kjoyce@electronictheatre.co.uk
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