Game Review by Jon Donnis
"KAKU: Ancient Seal" is a captivating open-world action-adventure game that marries exploration, puzzle-solving, and dynamic combat into an engrossing experience. Developed and published by BINGOBELL, it takes players on an epic journey across a vast continent teetering on the brink of destruction. Players step into the shoes of Kaku, a young boy tasked with restoring balance to the land, accompanied by his powerful companion, Piggy.
The game excels in its combat mechanics, allowing players to craft their unique fighting styles through a variety of skills and equipment. Whether wielding swords, shields, or ranged weapons, the combat system encourages experimentation and strategic planning. Upgrading abilities leads to even more powerful attacks, providing a satisfying progression that keeps the combat fresh and engaging.
Exploration in "KAKU: Ancient Seal" is both rewarding and challenging. The world is beautifully designed, with each of the four elemental regions—wind, fire, water, and earth—offering distinct environments. From a gloomy swamp to a frozen tundra, and from a surging magma volcano to a desert wasteland, the settings are diverse and visually impressive. The lighting effects and water animations are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a level of detail that is remarkable for an indie game.
The game also places a strong emphasis on puzzle-solving, which is seamlessly integrated into the exploration. The underground ruins scattered across the continent are filled with ancient mechanisms that require players to use their wits and the elemental powers at their disposal to unlock their mysteries. The puzzles are well-designed, providing a good balance of challenge without becoming frustrating.
However, "KAKU: Ancient Seal" is not without its flaws. The early game does have some bugs, although the developers are actively releasing patches in response to player feedback. Some of the controls can feel clunky and overcomplicated, particularly when it comes to combat. While planning and strategy are essential, there are times when the controls hinder the fluidity of battle, making it feel sluggish, especially during intense boss fights. Additionally, the manual camera control with a gamepad can be cumbersome, sometimes giving too much freedom when a more automated system would be preferable.
Character movement can also be a point of frustration, particularly when attempting long jumps or dodging enemy attacks. The controls can feel unresponsive, which detracts from the overall enjoyment during critical moments of gameplay.
Despite these issues, "KAKU: Ancient Seal" offers a rich and rewarding experience. The narrative is solid, with well-developed characters and a compelling story that draws players into its ancient, elemental world. The soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere beautifully, enhancing the immersion.
KAKU: Ancient Seal is a commendable indie adventure that evokes the spirit of classic Zelda games. It combines a strong narrative with attractive graphics and a fitting soundtrack, providing a decent challenge even on easier difficulty settings. While it has its imperfections, the game's strengths make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I would rate it a solid 8 out of 10.
Out Now on Steam £15.74
Or CD Keys £8.99
