by Sheila Robinson

Created on: April 13, 2010   Last Updated: April 14, 2010

About the Game

Peter Jackson’s King Kong for the Xbox 360 is an action adventure and first person shooter style game based on the 2005 blockbuster movie. Carl Denham is an ambitious movie director looking to make a film in an exotic location after obtaining a mysterious map to the uncharted location of Skull Island. He travels to the island by boat with a scriptwriter (Jack Driscoll), actress (Ann Darrow) and a couple of sailors. Unfortunately, they crash land to shore losing the boat. The survivors must figure out a way to stay alive until a rescue team arrives. Their journey is not an easy one since the island is filled with prehistoric reptiles, primitive savages and a 25 foot tall King Kong gorilla.

Game Play

For the majority of the game, you play Jack Driscoll. You and your companions explore the dense jungle where you will have to defend yourself from numerous giant reptiles that attempt to kill you. Weapons are limited. Many times you will use spears and animal bones for defense. On occasion you will find guns, so they must be used wisely. Fire is also used to clear blocked paths or thrown at enemies as lit spears.

Throwing spears is a little tricky, since the game does not have very accurate aiming option. As you travel through the island you will also encounter many blocked barrier doors that are always missing a lever to open it. Finding the levers can be a challenge since they seem to blend in well with the jungle terrain.

In a couple sections of the game you get to play King Kong. With his great strength and rage mode option he can take on any of the creatures on the island, which includes the V-Rex. It is also fun to climb cliffs and swing through trees as this huge gorilla.

Difficulty Levels, Bonus Items and Game Controls

Unfortunately, Peter Jackson’s King Kong game has only one level of difficulty. Once you complete the game, you can only replay chapters to improve your score.

The game has an easy learning curve. Attacking with guns or spears is simple by using the left trigger button and then pressing the RB button. Barriers can be removed with spears or butt of a gun with the use of the right trigger button.

Bonus items are unlocked as you complete levels and earn points. These include video interviews and artwork from the creators of the King Kong movie.

Graphics and Sound

The Xbox 360 graphics in King Kong are very detailed and eye catching. You may find yourself staring at it so intensely that your eyes may start to water. Character action is very smooth, and the zoom feature provides a great view of hostile enemies or other characters during game play.

Audio dialog is done well since the voices are from the same actors who played in the movie.  The music soundtrack is also taken directly from the film with subtle to dramatic themes.

Should you play this Game?

If you are looking for a simple action adventure and first person shooter style game, Peter Jackson’s King Kong game is worth a look. It will take you on an adventure to Skull Island where your main weapon is a primitive spear, while you defend yourself from giant reptiles and a King Kong gorilla. This game will keep you on the edge of your seat with stunning visuals and audio effects. Check out this 2005 Xbox 360 title as a game rental, or pick up an inexpensive copy through eBay or Game Stop.

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