Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie

"The Roller Coaster Ride That Is King Kong"

First of all, let me begin by explaining the heading to this review. The reason why this game is so similar to a roller coaster is because it has all the makings of a Six Flags ride. That is there's a lot of excitement, suspense as tension builds up to the big moment, yet the rider/gamer will always know the path in which they are going, i.e this game is very linear.

Graphics/Presentation: The graphics are this game's shining point and on the Xbox 360 this feature is even more accentuated. From the moment you first land on the island you are immersed in a world full of mist, fog, huge monuments, and beautifully rendered animations. Once gamers land on the island, the graphics make a smooth transition to levels with low light, to levels with huge fires. Also, the dinosaurs and little critters throughout the level look so real they're creepy. The King Kong segments are the most beautiful the game has. The musical score will keep you on edge, as you will be surprised many times, something I didn't expect from playing this game. As the action intensifies a huge orchestra begins to play and before you know it you have a V-Rex in front of your face ready to devour you.

Gameplay:
As Jack: As Jack, a screenwriter for the movie being filmed on the island, gamers must travel throughout the island using weapons such as handguns, machine guns, and rifles. They will also have to utilize spears as bullets are limited. Spears are effective, but take a while to master. There are different types of spears, from powerful spears that can take a dinosaur out with one hit, but are limited, to bone fragments from dead animals that are less effective, but unlimited in number. Players will also use small insects as bait in order to lure dinosaurs to them as bait in order for them to run away or kill the dinosaurs more easily. Fire is a huge part of the game as players will have to burn down tall thick bushes to progress. All of this is played out on long narrow paths and small rooms in order to give the game a more linear feel so players will never get lost, and progression of the game can go along much easier.

As Kong: This is the masterpiece of the game, as Kong is such fun to control and the fights are so cinematic. Kong can smash his enemies, let out a loud roar, and grab and throw things. Once Kong has damaged his enemies enough he can also perform a finishing move that involves ripping his opponents jaws off or smashing them over the head. King Kong also has one level away from the Jungle in New York, that is quite possible the most climactic battle, but I won't ruin it for you. Controlling this beast is fun, albeit a bit too short.

So, to wrap up this review, King Kong is a great game that always has a perfect mood to it's storyline. Spearing dinosaurs as Jack is fun and ripping their jaws apart as Kong is magnificent. My only complaint is the short length of the Kong levels and the linear gameplay. I still recommend getting this game even though it took me about 3 days to beat, those 3 days were the funnest 3 days I've had with a game in a long while now.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/06/06