Captain Kaon
- April 14, 2017
- Engage Pixel
Get on SteamCaptain Kaon is a retro twin-stick gravity shooter inspired by 1980s classics such as Thrust and Gravitar. Captain Kaon brings the vector graphics of old right 'up-to-date’ with vibrant Amiga-style pixel art and a tight twin-stick control mechanic.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Captain Kaon is a great homage to classic arcade games, offering enjoyable retro gameplay with modern elements.
- The game features satisfying controls that work well with both keyboard+mouse and twin-stick gamepad setups, making it accessible and fun.
- Players appreciate the non-linear campaign, customizable loadouts, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of cult classics like Thrust and Solar Jetman.
- The game suffers from significant bugs, including a crash when attempting to start the Mars campaign and issues with achievements not functioning correctly.
- Gameplay can become frustrating due to overwhelming enemy swarms and unclear objectives, making it difficult to progress in harder missions.
- Graphics and animations are considered outdated, lacking polish and failing to meet modern standards, which detracts from the overall experience.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story of "Captain Kaon" revolves around varied mission objectives, such as retrieving vehicles or destroying enemy targets, set within a non-linear campaign. While the animated sequences are criticized for their quality, the game offers a nostalgic, action-oriented experience reminiscent of retro classics, enhanced by customizable loadouts and a progressively expanding arsenal. However, technical issues, such as crashes and frustrating gameplay mechanics, detract from the overall narrative experience.
“A non-linear campaign, an arsenal that grows progressively larger with completed missions, customizable loadouts that let you pick and choose your primary/secondary weapons plus a variety of ships to unlock all work to fill out the package quite nicely.”
“It's a welcome, distinctly action-oriented modernization of the retro formula that Captain Kaon riffs on and, paired with frequent directions provided during any given mission, it makes the game far more accessible than its forebears.”
“This was a day one purchase for me and I'm looking forward to playing (and inevitably replaying) the full set of Ceres missions!”
“Those in a sector are adequate, definitely looking like an earlier era, while the animated sequences introducing the story are just bad.”
“Gameplay can be frustrating, since on harder missions you get swarmed by enemies, which cluster around you making it difficult to aim accurately or even move.”
“You can start it certainly, but as soon as you try to start the first mission the game crashes back to the desktop.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as simple and occasionally frustrating, particularly during challenging missions where enemy swarms hinder movement and aiming. However, it successfully integrates modern elements into classic arcade gameplay, appealing to fans of cult classics like Gravitar and Solar Jetman.
“If cult classics like Gravitar, Sub-Terrania, Solar Jetman, and Thrust tickle your fancy in any way, shape, or form, the gameplay and mission structure of Captain Kaon will be right up your alley.”
“So the gameplay is fairly simple and not very interesting, as are the graphics.”
“Gameplay can be frustrating, since on harder missions you get swarmed by enemies, which cluster around you making it difficult to aim accurately or even move.”
“A good game that introduces modern elements to classic arcade gameplay.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game received mixed feedback; while one user found them uninteresting, another praised them as enjoyable and engaging for younger players. Overall, the visual quality seems to appeal to some, particularly children, while others feel it lacks depth.
“My grandson found the game challenging and enjoyed the graphics; he will play it again next time he visits.”
“The graphics are stunning and truly bring the game world to life.”
“I was blown away by the attention to detail in the graphics; every environment feels immersive and vibrant.”
“The graphics are outdated and lack detail, making the game feel unpolished.”
“The visual style is bland and uninspired, failing to capture my attention.”
“The graphics are subpar, which detracts from the overall gaming experience.”
