Reviewed: January 25, 2005
Reviewed by: Mike Gonzales

Publisher
Konami

Developer
Krome Studios

Released: November 16, 2004
Genre: Action
Players: 2
ESRB: Teen

7
7
8
6
6.9

Supported Features:

Unfortunately, the blockbuster release wasn’t anything that special, meaning the video game was going to have to be sensational to achieve greatness. And while Krome Studios definitely put up a valiant effort, their hack-and-slash title met the same mediocre results as its silver screen counterpart. Don’t misunderstand me, King Arthur had some fun moments, but for the most part, it tried to recreate the same progression we saw in EA’s The Two Towers, grouping together real movie footage with a beautiful 3D side-scroller.

Using the exact same upgrade system as Two Towers, King Arthur allows the player to assume the role of the King, Lancelot, Guinevere, Bors and Tristan as they combo their way through a variety of enemies. Sadly, the graphics and gameplay didn’t compare to EA’s effort. Krome even tried adding their own spice to this genre through the over the shoulder archery sequences which were fun at first, but then became bland and frustrating later in the game.

Of course, if a game’s success depended on its use of a movie license, this game would be considered wonderful. The music and voice acting are done very well and the 20 minutes of movie footage keep the feel of the movie alive throughout, but when it comes to the overall experience, King Arthur feels a little rushed.

One difference you’ll notice here from previous titles is the change from single character upgrades to universal upgrades. In King Arthur, newly purchased moves will be available to all characters, instead of just one or the next. While this works well in speeding up the pace of progression, it also reveals the first of many signs that the game could have been rushed.

The second thing you’ll notice is the repetitive combat. Sure, occasionally you’ll get to battle while on horseback, but stiff horse movements tend to subtract too much to keep this aspect enjoyable. Almost ever other scene however is on foot, with sword in hand, fighting the same five enemies you thought you just finished killing. This is very disappointing considering the melee system actually plays rather smooth, being both fun and responsive. But let’s face it, using combos until you’re blue in the face needs something special to get the blood flowing and the only thing King Arthur brings to the table is an extremely linear journey filled with nothing but “savages.”

Now I understand that this is an action game, but it would be much more interesting to have multiple paths or at least a hidden room every now and again to bring a more realistic setting to the game. Having your character come to a dead halt by an invisible boundary is something of an eye sore these days, especially when the only thing the game has to focus on is close-up melee combat.

Now I feel it’s only fair that I should give Krome Studios credit when it’s due. In an attempt to bring something new to the genre, Krome added an over the shoulder archery sequence, allowing the player to pick off a rush of enemy attacks. This first and third person hybrid is an entertaining change of pace but unfortunately falls victim to the same problems as the swordplay. After the first five minutes, you simply don’t see anything new. Perhaps Krome should have added some extra side plots to the movie or some action packed boss battles to keep players interested.

Maybe just another sixth months in the studio could have produced more addicting gameplay or additional game modes. Sure, there’s a co-op mode that allows you to play with a buddy, but this only means you can repeat the single player stages with a friend, instead of the useless AI controlled ally to which you’ve grown accustomed.

Also, the games environments could have seen some improvements as well. The grass and overall shrubbery all look way too flat up close and the sharp edges make bushes look like they were made from Lego blocks. I’m also sorry to say the game has an abundance of collision issues. Sometimes swords don’t really lock together during a block and overlapping objects tend to do that unattractive fluttering dance that tends to aggravate experienced gamers. This is something you’ll see throughout the game which is unacceptable for such a simple side scrolling action title. Perhaps spending more time polishing polygons and adding more character models would have improved the overall score of the game, but on the other hand, probably not enough.

All of these sounds in addition to original motion picture score recreated some of the intensity of the movie. It’s a shame most of the energy produced by the audio portion of the game was quickly countered by uninspiring gameplay and visual appeal.

The thing is King Arthur feels like it was made because that’s what has become the standard. No big action movie can exist without some interactive software release to expand sales. And while some movie games can be noteworthy most don’t keep us interested longer than an hour or so. This game certainly wouldn’t be missed.

Featuring dull visual effects, repetitive hack-n-slash gameplay, and complete lack of additional gaming modes, Krome’s King Arthur falls way short of its Two Towers role model in nearly every category. If, and I do mean if, you were obsessed with the Hollywood film, I’d suggest renting this title since I’m willing to bet you won’t deem it worth the purchase, even as a greatest hit.