Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie [PS2]

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Forget everything you know about big name movie licensed games. Forget that they're often rushed out the door, that gameplay is sub-par, and that marketing dictates all. Peter Jackson's King Kong is the exception to the rule. It may be based on a Hollywood film, but underneath it all, this is one gorgeous, expertly designed action-adventure.

The game starts off with a short video clip, culled from the film, that sets up the backstory. Then you're thrown right into the action and the pace never lets up. Sure there are puzzles to solve and monsters to kill, but the game does an excellent job of avoiding any downtime so you're always left with something to do. And each area leads seamlessly into the next, feeding the urge to play "just one more level."

One of the big achievements in King Kong is the utter lack of a HUD. That's right, there's nothing on the screen except you and the game. No health bar. No inventory. No nothing. It's just you and the game world, which does a surprisingly good job of drawing you right in. Other characters talk directly to you, work with you, and expect you to help them. If you're hurt, you know it because the controller pulses and your vision blurs red. Low on bullets? Your character will comment on it. By bringing everything into the world, King Kong sports an incredibly cinematic flair. You're not playing a game -- you're playing the movie.

Some of the more notable moments in the game include the first time the oversized V-Rex (it looks like a T-Rex and acts like a T-Rex) appears on screen and lets out a death defying roar. Or when you first take control of Kong and send him into a frenzy by screaming and beating on his chest. Another great moment is when you're near death -- your vision falters, your movement slows down, and a beautiful aria starts playing. Though the music is calming, it's your cue to get away from danger now, or you'll expire.

The levels themselves are broken into bite-sized chunks, with some taking no more than 10 minutes to complete. Though this sounds odd, it works very well, as it means both hardcore and casual gamers can enjoy the experience. The developers have also included a number of intelligent checkpoints; when you die, you don't have to worry about repeating the whole level. This is a game that is designed to keep you playing, above all else.