Kameo: Elements of Power may not be the sole reason to go out and purchase an Xbox 360 but it's definitely a great fringe benefit.

Kameo: Elements of Power has the hallmarks of a solid RPG, but fortunately the focus is on action - and it's virtually non-stop.

There are different ways to approach this game. You can try to complete all of the side-quests and unlock and collect everything the first time through or you can just perform the necessary tasks required to complete the game and then return to look for all of the stuff you missed. There is also a co-op mode and a scoring system that will extend the replay value so if you're really into this game it makes sense to purchase it for all the extra content. Otherwise you can get through the game in a weekend.

Beginning with a tutorial, players are shown the finer points of controlling the main character, Kameo, who is actually a fairy that is able to transform into 10 different creatures all with different capabilities. These creatures are very brutal and quite a contrast to the gentle soul that Kameo appears to be. She's a shape-shifter that's out to save her family from her evil sister and Troll King. But remember Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned - or severely pissed off.

Kameo's adventure takes her to the far off regions of the Enchanted Kingdom called the Badlands where she must begin her search to regain the ten elemental spirits that allow her to transform into the various creatures. Their unique powers are exploited to solve puzzles, fight enemies and perform other incredible feats to progress to the next area. The Badlands is divided into different sections, some incredibly beautiful and some downright dangerous and reeking of evil.

Regardless of where you travel you can always count on some interesting encounters. In some places you will have to avoid the natural dangers of the environment and elements. You will also enter into peaceful villages that exist amidst the evil swamps and haunted forests. Here you will encounter NPCs that will assist you with information and other goodies.

Kameo is capable of flying so she can make short work of traversing the map. She's not of much use beyond that. The fun comes with transforming into the various creatures. I don't want to spoil the surprises but combat makes up a large part of the gameplay but with so many different characters to play as it doesn't have to be redundant unless you favor a particular beast. You can avoid some combat as in the case of the elves and troll war. If you decide to go that route you will have melee combat up the yin yang. A special attack meter fills when you perform kills and combos. When you access it, bullet time takes over slowing all the action of your enemies down and letting you clear things up at real-time speed.

Borrowing from the RPG textbook, the various transformable beasts can be upgraded a handful of times, giving them more power in combat. This depends on how many side-quests you perform and how many collectibles you discover. You can always replay the game again to discover things you missed first time around while leveling the beasts to their full potential.

Beginners are aided by Ortho, a talking book that offers helpful hints and suggestions when players get stuck. The first time he'll offer a clue or hint to point you in the right direction. Ask him again and he'll spoil everything by telling you exactly what you must do. Take some time to look around for yourself before you ask him the second time unless you just want to walk through the game without heating up a brain cell.

Replaying the game to look for new items is the best way to extend the replay value. Once you harness the power of the magic mirror you can instantly transport yourself to any region. This saves you having to replay the game in the same order.

If you've got progressive scan and Dolby 5.1 prepare to be impressed. This is one seriously good looking game. It's full of vibrant colors, rich textures, amazing character models and incredible detail. There is so much going on that it almost doesn't blend in places. The tasteful use of space is apparently lacking. You might become a diabetic from all of the eye candy.

Characters are well-voiced and have interesting personalities. The script is well written, even if the storyline is a little on the hackneyed side.

The gameplay will satisfy a wide-range of gamers, especially fans of Zelda. From the games I've played through on the Xbox 360 Kameo is the one that has entertained me the most. Rare has always been known for their attention to detail and Kameo continues that tradition. A great debut for a new system.