Game: KAKU: Ancient Seal
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Open-World
System: Steam (Windows)
Developers | Publishers: BINGOBELL
Controller Support: Partial
Price: US $24.99 | UK £20.99 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: July 12th, 2024
A review code was provided, with many thanks to Pirate PR.
KAKU: Ancient Seal was released on early access to Steam in May 2023; just over a year later, the game is leaving early access and moving into its 1.0 release on July 12th.
It is an open-world action RPG that brings you into a beautifully crafted ancient fantasy realm. Developed by Bingobell, the game combines a rich narrative, engaging combat mechanics, and a world teeming with mysteries.
Story and Setting of KAKU: Ancient Seal
The game’s story is set in a primordial era, where the elemental power of the Creator Saga created the world. A catastrophic event from another realm disperses the elemental souls and fractures the world into four continents while the Creator Saga vanishes.
So, Kaku, a young man from the snowy mountains, sets out with his flying pig companion, Piggy, on a quest to retrieve the lost elemental souls and uncover the truth behind the calamity. KAKU: Ancient Seal’s narrative is filled with lore and fantasy elements, drawing you into its mythical world. In some ways, it reminds me of Zelda.
The journey of Kaku and Piggy is filled with ancient prophecies, long-forgotten legends, and a sense of adventure. KAKU: Ancient Seal’s storytelling is enhanced by its vibrant environments and well-designed characters, making the world feel alive and immersive.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In KAKU: Ancient Seal, the gameplay mechanics offer a customisable combat system with an array of equipment that pairs with elemental Rune Stones.
Kaku is armed with a club and slingshot; however, you can also craft your own combat style by exploring various skill branches, creating combos, and using elemental pellets and the slingshot to defeat enemies from afar.
The game encourages experimentation, providing many possibilities and ensuring that combat remains fresh and engaging. I love the slingshot and using the retreat shooting and jump shooting; it’s a well-designed combat system.
Additionally, you can unlock the ability to wield the divine power of the Creator Saga. These divine powers allow you to transform into the Creator Sage, adding an extra layer to the combat experience. The boss battles that follow are both challenging and rewarding, making you feel truly powerful.
Exploration and Puzzles
KAKU: Ancient Seal’s world is pretty expansive, with four distinct continents to explore. From the icy expanses of the Howling Snowfield to the murky depths of the Misty Swamps, each area is richly detailed and full of secrets. The presence of ancient ruins further increases exploration, with each ruin having a unique design and challenges.
You will also need to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to claim valuable rewards, adding a layer of puzzling to the gameplay. I really enjoyed the puzzles, and while they are relatively easy to complete, they do a good job of mixing up the gameplay.
Companionship and Humour
Kaku isn’t alone on his journey, as he has his flying friend Piggy as a companion. Piggy is much more than just a sidekick. Piggy’s abilities are essential to the gameplay, and its interactions provide light-hearted moments amidst the epic journey.
There is a delightful, heart-warming bond between Kaku and Piggy. This bond adds a touch of humour to the game. Their companionship makes the journey more enjoyable and adds depth to the character dynamics.
Visuals and Sound
KAKU: Ancient Seal visuals are gorgeous, with each continent and ruin crafted with vibrant details. The art style perfectly complements the ancient fantasy theme, creating a world that is both beautiful and mysterious.
The soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere and draws you deeper into the game’s narrative and storyline.
Before I wrote this review, I did some research into the game’s development from the early access stage up until the 1.0 version. I played the 1.0 version of the game for this review, so I had no experience with the early access game. However, it is extremely clear that the developers have worked really hard to improve the game’s overall appearance and gameplay.
Looking at the early access videos of the gameplay, it is very easy to see that the 1.0 full release is nearly a different game from the EA version. It has improved so much in terms of gameplay design and the game’s overall look. The video below shows the difference between the two.
I played KAKU: Ancient Seal on the Steam Deck and my laptop. I much preferred to play it on the Steam deck, and while it isn’t verified for Steam Deck play, it is definitely playable on it. However, on both the Deck and laptop, the game suffers from framerate issues, especially during fights or boss battles. It also has slight stutters at times as the gameplay will pause for a second as if the game is going to freeze completely, and then it continues playing.
Conclusion
KAKU: Ancient Seal is a captivating open-world RPG that successfully combines a rich narrative, combat, and immersive exploration. Its ancient fantasy setting, together with innovative gameplay mechanics, makes it a great title in the genre. Whether you’re a fan of epic quests and strategic combat or love exploring beautifully crafted worlds, KAKU: Ancient Seal is a journey worth undertaking.
Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot 
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