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, were complete and utter failures. King Kong, based on the Peter Jackson film, would be released in 2005. Jackson was heavily involved in the production and was eager to be deliver something high quality and break the curse of game tie-ins. This resulted in what is considered by many to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest movie-based games of all time.
The story of King Kong needs no introduction. Film director Carl Denham and his crew venture to Skull Island to shoot the most epic picture in the history of cinema. However, filming is interrupted as lead actress Ann Darrow is kidnapped and sacrificed to the giant ape, Kong . Our hero Jack Driscoll and director Carl Denham set out on a daring rescue. Certainly not your everyday film shoot.
This is a rare example of a video game surpassing its source material. 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. While primarily an action game, the horror elements are on full display and excels in building tension. The environments looks hauntingly spectacular and does a great job of portraying Skull Island as a lost world where time has come to a standstill. Besides Kong, the island is home to a vast array of hostile inhabitants. Violent and primitive islanders, regularly engaging in human sacrifice, giant bats, hideous amphibious creatures and most terrifying of all, the dreaded V-Rex.
Gameplay is split, albeit unevenly, between Jack and Kong. The majority of the game plays like a traditional FPS. Gunplay is solid and responsive with each firearm having smooth handling and accuracy. While the gunplay is strong, there is no way to holster a side arm and you’re only able to carry one weapon at a time. Ammo is easy to come by and won’t be much of a problem if you run out. There is also smorgasbord of spears and dinosaur bones to best your foes cave-man style. 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, 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 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 biting their head clean 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. Kong will show why he is called King.
For the most part, the story is intact, but the developers knew that a tit-for-tat retelling wouldn’t translate too well. Narrative liberties were wisely taken as most of the game’s story beats aren’t even depicted in the film. This was a very commendable design/story choice that helps maintain the pacing and fun factor.
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. Stand atop your mountain liar, perch proudly, and let everyone know, you’re the king.
It was beauty saved the tie-ins,
Fil
Verdict: 8/10
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Kong_(2005_video_game)
