Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo’les DLC Review
Summary: Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo’les DLC is no sucker punch but rather a return to classic platforming fun!
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He's back!
Our favourite Kangaroo returns in a new DLC for Kao the Kangaroo called Bend the Roo’les as we go on another Macropodidae platforming adventure. So if you’re a fan of the original or love a hopping mad platformer, then you’re in luck as this fun albeit short DLC boasts five new levels as you make your way to the villain, the Crab King who is causing all sorts of chaos and mischief to Hopalloo Island and its surroundings.
Editor: Our full review for Kao the Kangaroo can be found here and Macropodidae is the scientific name for kangaroo
With story timelines, Bend the Roo’les is set after the ending of the previous game where Kao succeeded in rescuing his sister and bringing peace back to the lands. Unfortunately things have gone awry on Hopalloo with all sorts of oddities and chaos ensuing, including a big bad crab! So once again it’s time for Kao to put on his gloves and go on another hopping adventure to help set things right and protect the citizens of his home.
Welcome to Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo’les DLC!
Like the main game which is needed to play Bend the Roo’les, the essence of the gameplay is still the same as a 3D action platformer that includes running, jumps, double jumps, bouncing and of course combat, including a healthy dose of puzzles thrown into the mix. Best of all, the original gaming engine is super sturdy so all in all, it’s a decent DLC and works well with the Xbox Series X Controller. The only controller rage you will have is due to your poor timings!
While the narrative is simple, the developers create five fun new levels to explore that are actually quite distinct from each other. As a result, nothing becomes repetitive as you explore these colourful and well-designed levels from a world of fire and ice to a temple in the clouds. Additionally to keep things fresh, the developers have added some time trials into the gameplay mix that adds to the action, especially your own inner adrenaline levels, not to mention a touch of stress, particularly when you mistime a jump Thankfully checkpoints are your friends.
With enemies littered through the various five levels, including power-ups, diamonds and gold to collect, you eventually do come face to face with the gigantic Crab King himself in an epic boss battle. While combat is simplistic, the more powerful enemies do hold a challenge, however the “grunts” are still annoying but hey, that’s what platformers are all about and Bend the Roo’les doesn’t stray too far from this path.
In relation to the gold, these can be used to purchase health with the diamonds used to buy concept art that gives you a sneak peek at the behind of the scenes of this game. Given that, it’s a fun yet short DLC for fans of Kao.
Graphics & Audio
As Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo’les uses the same engine of the base game and from a graphical and audio point of view, it’s the same game but with new levels. Given the protagonist, story and gameplay, the graphics suits the premise perfectly as done the soothing music and sound effects which mirrors that Saturday morning cartoon vibe. So visually, it channels those classic platformers that were once very popular and the music and sound effects just adds to this premise to make it more immersive.
Final Thoughts?
Given the price point of this DLC, it’s definitely worth the admission cost, particularly if you enjoyed the base game. So all in all Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo’les DLC is fun a hop back to this gaming universe with our Macropodidae hero that looks and plays well on the Xbox Series X.
For the fans!
Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo’les DLC is available on the PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X for $7.99USD or $12.00AUD.
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