The Mark of Kri - PS2

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The Mark of Kri (PS2)
Viewed: 3D Combination Genre:
Beat 'Em Up
Adventure
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Sony Soft. Co.: Sony
Publishers: Sony (US/GB)
Released: 2 Aug 2002 (US)
14 Mar 2003 (GB)
Ratings: 15+, ESRB Mature 17+ (M)
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only

Summary

It may look like your typical cartoon adventure, but The Mark of Kri is certainly not for the faint hearted. Granted, the game has been designed by ex-Disney and Don Bluth artists, but as far as content goes, this is one for the bigger boys (and girls). Crammed full of lopped limbs, smashed faces and impaled enemies, The Mark of Kri casts players into a Maori-inspired world of swords and sorcerers, full of dark powers out to invoke six parts of a shadowy spell that will unleash an ancient evil throughout the land.

You take the role of Rau - the one powerful warrior who stands against this impending darkness - and, with the aid of his faithful hawk Kuzo, guide him in the quest to overcome the dark forces, using a combination of might, strategy and stealth. Placing an emphasis on the 'might' side of things, the game features a unique combat system, where multiple opponents can be targeted at once. Each one is highlighted with a different Dual Shock icon button, pressing the corresponding one launches an attack on that person, allowing for full-on multi-opponent, Jackie Chan-style scrapping. In addition to Rau's melee attacks with fists, sword, spear and axe he can also take out guards with his bow - one shot, one kill, if you're good enough.

It's not all violence and thuggery though, as a fair amount of stealthy sneaking around is also required in order to survive some of the game's perilous hazards. Helping you out with regard to this, Rau comes equipped with a range of stealth manoeuvres. He can flatten up against walls, tiptoe up behind guards and, erm, quietly insert his sword into people's eyes. Lovely. Also helping out is sidekick Kuzo, who can be sent to scout ahead, activate switches, pick up items, and distract guards.

If Arnold Swarzenegger was ever to strip down to his underpants and pose for Walt Disney, the resulting film would most probably resemble the Mark of Kri. It's dark yet colourful, features a fantastical storyline and is extremely violent.