Developed by Bingobell, KAKU: Ancient Seal is an ambitious open-world action-adventure that follows a young protagonist, Kaku himself, as he journeys through a world torn apart by chaos. Accompanied by his trusty flying pig companion (yes, another pig sidekick, simply named “Piggy” this time around), Kaku must restore balance to the four elemental regions and uncover the mysteries behind a long-forgotten prophecy. it’s an intriguing premise, and one that manages to blend heartfelt storytelling with plenty of exploration, puzzles and pacey combat.
From the very beginning, Kaku Ancient Seal gives off strong classic RPG vibes. If you ever lost an entire weekend to the likes of Beyond Good and Evil, you’ll feel right at home here. There’s an undeniable charm to the way it invites you to explore, poke around, and occasionally get ambushed by a variety of cute, stylized creatures.
Kaku Ancient Seal Offers a World Worthy of Exploration
The first thing that struck me about Kaku Ancient Seal was stunning it actually is. The four elemental regions – Earth, Fire, Water – are all bursting with color and their own personalities. From snow-capped peaks to arid desert sands, each area feels both distinct and alive, encouraging you to stop and take in the view before heading off to your next objective.
Exploration is the real heart of the experience of Kaku Ancient Seal. The world feels hand-crafted rather than soullessly procedurally generated, which gives each area a unique flavor and purpose. You’ll come across hidden caves, environmental puzzles, and ancient runes that slowly piece together the story of the world. Furthermore, Piggy isn’t just there to look adorable – he’s a surprisingly useful companion, helping you glide, sniff out secrets, and even lend a hand in combat. He’s also choc-full of personality, which helps give the game a welcome dose of humor amidst the perilous danger.
Combat is fast, flashy, and refreshingly straightforward. Our hero can unleash a series of melee combos, dodge attacks, and channel elemental powers that you unlock as the story progresses. It’s easy enough to pick up but has enough variety to keep you engaged, particularly once you begin mixing elements for bigger, far more dramatic attacks. Furthermore, upgrading your abilities and equipment feels like it has a real effect on the game, adding a nice sense of progression that encourages all-important experimentation.
Kaku Ancient Seal is Not Without Its Faults
Despite its undeniable charm, Kaku Ancient Seal isn’t flawless. For starters, whiles the world is a pleasure to behold, it can occasionally feel a little empty. There are long stretches of land where not much happens, and it occasionally feels like the game’s scale slightly outweighs its substance.
Combat, while enjoyable, can become a touch repetitive over time. Enemy encounters often rely on similar attack patterns, and while the boss fights do a great job of shaking things up a little, the smaller scraps can start to feel a little all too familiar after just a few hours. Furthermore, there are a few technical issues along the way – a mildly temperamental camera here, a little stutter there – but nothing that stands out or is game-breaking.
Summary
Kaku Ancient Seal is an adventure that feels familiar in all the right ways. It’s colorful, creative, and full of heart, delivering an experience that clearly comes from a place of true passion. There’s a remarkable mix of combat, exploration and puzzle-solving that help those hours fly, even when the very occasional technical hiccup rears its head.
Moreover, the partnership between Kaku and Piggy gives the game its very own soul. It’s a story about balance, friendship and courage, told with just enough humor to keep things light without losing any emotional weight. While it doesn’t completely rewrite the adventure rulebook, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable romp through a world that’s all to easy to lose yourself in.
If you’re looking for a vibrant, old-school adventure with a modern polish and a genuinely lovable due, Kaku Ancient Seal should be on your radar. It’s far from perfect, but it’s charm more than makes up for its few rough edges.
REVIEW
OUR SCORE - 8
8
SCORE
A beautifully crafted, heartfelt adventure that occasionally stumbles but always finds its footing again. Kaku and Piggy make for a delightful pair in a world that's a joy to explore.
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