Video games and film adaptations have a very troubled past to say the least. E.T. on the Atari almost slaughtered the entire gaming industry and the Super Mario Bros movie bombed spectacularly. For decades, games based on films or vice versa, would come and go. The vast majority were complete and utter failures. King Kong, based on the Peter Jackson film, would be released in 2005. Being nothing short of a diamond in the muddy sea of movie tie-ins, King Kong did right what almost every movie-based-game did wrong. Peter Jackson was personally involved and wanted this game to be more than just a mediocre run-of-the-mill movie tie-in.
The story of King Kong needs no introduction. Film director Carl Denam and his crew venture to Skull Island to shoot the most epic picture in the history of cinema. However, lead actress Ann Darrow gets kidnapped and to be sacrificed to a giant ape, Kong. Skull island is no easy venture. Aside from the beastly King Kong himself, the island is inhabited by savage dinosaurs, giant killer crabs and hostile natives. Certainly not your everyday film shoot.
A rare example of a video game surpassing the film that it’s adapted from. Right from the get-go, when the player first assumes the control of Jack, we can see this game was crafted with effort. The characters look and sound like their film counterparts as the entire cast returns to provide voice overs. This island looks hauntingly spectacular. The game does a great job of portraying Skull Island as a lost world where time has come to a standstill. The original film has elements of the horror genre and here they are front and center. The islanders are a creepy, primitive and violent society where human sacrifice is the norm. Giant bat monsters will fly out of the sky and attempt to devour you alive. Amphibious creatures will swim toward you and drag you beneath to a dark watery grave. Most terrifying of all, the dreaded V-Rex- so massive and vicious that when playing as Jack, all you can do is run and hide. Excelling in tension, you really feel at the edge of your seat exploring the island, not knowing what nightmarish creature will attempt to make a meal out of you next.
Gameplay is split, albeit unevenly, between Jack and Kong. The majority of the game plays like a traditional FPS. Gunplay is solid and responsive. Each firearm has smooth handling and accuracy. While the gunplay is strong, there is no way to holster a side arm as you’re only able to carry one at a time. Ammo is easy to come by and won’t be much of a problem if you run out. When ammo runs out completely, there is a smorgasbord of spears and dinosaur bones to best your foes cave-man style. Action is at the forefront. Puzzles are kept to an absolute minimum, consisting of finding fire to burn thorny bushes and clear a path. Fire pits can also be used to light spears and bones which increase attack damage. You will be paired, at various points in the game, with companions. Thankfully their AI is well designed and you won’t have to worry too much about babysitting them.
Now for the grand attraction, Kong himself. Kong is every powertrip a young gamer, like myself at the time, could ever want. Kong plays like a beat ’em up character- able to strike, slam, grab, throw, and side swipe. The controls are simple and easy to get the hang of. All those enemies that made your life miserable while playing as Jack are now at your mercy. The most satisfying thing is grabbing one of those pain-in-the-neck bats from earlier, and pulling an Ozzie as you literally bite their head off. Remember that V-Rex that you couldn’t put a dent in as Jack? Kong can body slam that ugly son of a bitch and snap his jaw like a matchstick. All those pesky obstacles like a blocked-off gate; smash it to bits! Those giant gaps with no bridges; hop right on over. Kong will show why he is called King.
A commendable design/story choice is the game opts to NOT play out just like the movie. The developers knew that a tit-for-tat retelling would be a slog to get through, so liberties were wisely taken. For the most part, the story is intact, but has been altered. In fact, most sections and set pieces in this game aren’t even depicted in the film. They wisely made these changes to better fit the pacing and fun factor.
This game had no business being this good. King Kong is a beautiful, well put together and action packed time. A solid cast, pacing, design and gameplay is what makes what could have been a total dud into an absolute blast. The movie-game tie-in, for the most part, is a bye-gone era. Most of them are forgotten or completely ripped apart critically. Even still, it’s interesting to look back on that period, and how a very select few managed to be the exception to the rule. Without a doubt, one of the best if not THE best movie tie-in ever made. Stand atop your mountain liar, perch proudly, and let everyone know, you’re the king.
Sincerely,
Fil
Verdict: 8/10