The best movie licensed game ever!
Michel Ancel and Peter Jackson come together to craft the best movie licensed game ever!
Gameplay: The gameplay is surprisingly simple and easy to learn. In my opinion, it is a great mass market title. Throughout most of the game, you assume the role of Jack Driscoll which is told in first person. Upon immediately picking up the game, you notice that there is no hud displaying your health or status. Most people might find this constricting but it eventually grows on you and adds a ton to the immersion aspect of the game. As you travel through the game you'll come across simple weapons such as shotguns, rifles, and magnums. You have to use these items carefully though as they are in rare abundance on the island. One of the main items in the game though is spears/bones. These are of much more importance because they are more commonly found on the island but help to solve the games simple puzzles. You can also use these spears/bones to attack enemies as well. This opens up a completely different dynamic as you have freedom to choose how to take down your enemies. For example, you can lure the enemies away from you by throwing a spear with attached bait to it. Or you can lure to dinosaurs next to each other, causing them to fight with one another. This allows you to sneak by the enemies unknown. With this gameplay mechanic you feel helpless as a human as you try to figure out how to take down your enemies. This brings about a feeling of tension and fear right up until you step into Kong's role. As him, you feel like you can take on anything. Controlling Kong is simple as you are required to simply press forward on the control stick and provide a button press at the appropriate moment. The controls get a little more complex when you get into combat but things remain relatively simple.
Graphics: The graphics overall in the game are absolutely stunning. Though it may seem that some areas are more lush than others the overall package is impressive. It also impresses that the dinosaurs in the game animate with lifelike actions. This adds a lot to the graphics and the realism that the game brings to the table.
Sound: The sound in this game is done at its best. With the dinosaurs roar and the shots heard from the gun, every thing sounds perfect and is even better when heard in loud volume.
Value: The only thing initially jarring about this game is the lack of replay value. I finished the game in about 8 hours and it doesn't take long to unlock all the extras.
Overall, King Kong delivers on all levels and brings to the table a game that has become, in my opinion, the best movie licensed game since the original Goldeneye. Whether you rent it or buy it, King Kong is an experience not to be missed.