Pigs can fly!
I remember the first time I saw a trailer for KAKU when it first went into early access on PC. I was interested as I do love a good Zelda-style game. Fast forward to 2025 and we finally have console versions to check out, and I was eager to jump in. From its cartoon-inspired visuals to its varied world biomes, KAKU looks and feels like a classic platformer straight out of the PS2-era, and not in a bad way. I loved that era of unique adventure games.
You play as Kaku, a young boy tasked with restoring balance to a world divided by elemental forces. It’s a standard setup, ancient seals, four realms, big bosses, but it’s the execution that sells it. The world is colorful and full of personality. Each elemental region has its own vibe, from snowy mountains to lush jungles to dusty deserts, and the handcrafted art style gives it all a painterly, storybook look.
MSRP: $24.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $24.99
Exploration is the heart of Kaku: Ancient Seal and the game does a good job rewarding curiosity. There are puzzles to solve, secrets to uncover, and treasures tucked behind clever environmental clues. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but there’s a satisfying rhythm to wandering, discovering, and upgrading that kept me hooked.
Combat feels like a mashup of Zelda and Souls-lite systems. You’ve got your basic attacks, dodges, and parries, but what sets it apart are the elemental abilities you unlock as you progress. These powers not only spice up combat but also tie into puzzle-solving and exploration.
The game also features Piggy, Kaku’s adorable magical companion who helps in both combat and puzzles. It’s a small touch, but it adds a lot of personality to the game. Piggy is one of those sidekicks you don’t mind having around, which is saying something. As you explore, you’ll collect materials to upgrade weapons and abilities. The crafting menus are a bit clunky, but the payoff is worth it when you start chaining combos and elemental attacks together.
One of the best parts about KAKU is the dungeons. Like any good Zelda-like, these areas are a test of skills and platforming that have been earned and learned along the way. I was always excited when one of these cropped up. Each one felt unique and increasingly challenging. Then of course there are the bosses, which keep that spirit alive. Their designs are cool and learning their patterns and how to take them down was fun each and every time.
For all its charm, Kaku: Ancient Seal still shows its indie seams. Platforming feels floaty at times, and the camera can be a little uncooperative—especially in tight spaces or during boss fights. I also ran into a few bugs, including quest markers that didn’t trigger and some minor framerate dips in busy areas. Pacing is another issue. The early hours are tight and focused, but the middle of the game tends to drag, with a few fetch quests that feel like padding. It’s not deal-breaking, but it’s noticeable.
On Xbox Series X, Kaku runs well overall. Most of the time you’ll get a steady 60fps, though there are occasional dips when particle effects kick in. The visuals are beautiful in motion, leaning heavily on art direction rather than raw power. The soundtrack deserves special mention, it’s orchestral, emotional, and perfectly complements the world’s atmosphere. Voice acting is minimal, but that almost works in its favor, giving it an old-school adventure feel. I did notice the sound mix can be a bit off at times. The thuds from attacks rattled my floors, while some effects ended up a touch quiet.
Kaku: Ancient Seal is one of those games that reminds me why I love discovering smaller projects. It’s ambitious, heartfelt, and fun, even when it stumbles. The team at BINGOBELL clearly poured their hearts into this world, and it shows. If you can forgive some rough edges, you’ll find a charming adventure that scratches that open-world itch. Kaku: Ancient Seal won’t dethrone Zelda or Elden Ring, but it’s not trying to. It’s a confident, creative, and surprisingly polished debut from a small studio with big ideas. It delivers a solid adventure full of charm and discovery, and it left me excited to see what these developers do next.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
