12 - The Michigan Daily - Monday, August 5, 2002 ARTS 'The- Mark of Kri' misses out on action/adventure perfection By Lyle Henretty you a few new tricks" as an excuse prominent at the end of each level. Daily Arts Editor to learn the unique controls. The levels themselves are slower "Kri" is interested in group bat- paced, with Rau attempting to stay The most striking thing about tie, Rau fighting several enemies at out of sight. There is a feature that PlayStation 2's new action/adven- one time. The right analog stick is allows Rau to sneak up on guards ture title "The Mark of Kri," is the used to aim at an opponent, and and sentries, around corners and extreme level of violence against once highlighted, an icon (X, trian- either slit their throats or smash the epic-cartoon backdrop. Devel- gle, etc.) appears over their skulls into oped by some of Don Bluth's for- their head. You can pieces. mer animators, the world and highlight up to three After a few get-to- characters are standard (though at once, and by hitting *** know-.ya missions, fully realized) of the non-Disney the control button that Rau and his spirit animated adventures of the 1980s corresponds to the THE MARK OF guide, a black bird (think "An American Tail"). But icon, you can attack KRI named Kuzo, are decapitations, impalings and buck- one right after the roped into preventing ets of blood thrust the G-rated other or use various PlayStation 2 the forces of evil from graphics into a healthy R-rated combinations to take Scea attaining the Mark of gore-fest. on five or six different Kri. The Mark of Kri You play as Rau, a young man enemies at once. While their is a is the key to a nearly unstoppable who has spent his life in serious certian amout of "one baddie hangs spell that opens the gates to anoth- training, but has no battle worth back while you fight another," Rau er dimension, one rife with demons fighting. The game begins in an is still forced to take on multiple that just may destroy the planet as alt-world pub, where you meet a enemies. we know it. kindly mentor willing to "teach The bigger fights are more Another interesting feature is Kuzo can fly ahead of Rau, and you can see through the bird's eyes. While a guard with a horn will II Aalert his brutish friends of your presence, Kuzo can move around unhindered. This makes the game New At Bell's: almost too easy, as you know Milkshakes $3.25 Everyday special of what's coming and how to deal Vanilla, with it before it happens. CSoawberr, Two Medium Cheese Pizzas $10.99 The game itself borrows liberally Caramel, Extra Items $1.20 each per Pizza from "Metal Gear Solid 2," in it's Chocolate Chip, fighting and strategies and is Peanu Buter, Only $7.99 Monday thru Thursday Special almost identical to "Onimusha: Mint, One Large Pizza with Pineapple, Cheese & 1 Item and Banana Extra Items $1.30 Each OPEN UNTIL 4 A.M. _aIus- Purchaser must pay sales tax for both specials Minimum Delivery $6.00 Price subject to change Corner of State and Packard Coupon Expires 8/12/02 995-0232 PROBL Any rn Agile, mean and ready for action. Warlords" in movement and design. The graphics and storyline are interesting and impressive, but the game itself feels like a retread. The attractive backgrounds feel stinted by the limited movement alloted to Rau. He cannot venture off paths, or into the water, or even accidentaly fall off of a high wall. Also, the game is very short and there isn't much replay value. You can open up special levels, which basically amount to a grudge- match in an arena, but your rewards are often new costumes or other, equally unnecessary items. The arena matches are fun for the sheer amount of carnage you can inflict as Rau, but they become repetitive quickly. "The Mark of Kri" is a pretty game with some interesting con- trols and a lot of wasted potential. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but it could have been so much bigger, better, more, well, epic. If you enjoy this sort of action game, it's fine to rent, maybe twice to finish it off, but save your money, and hope that the boys at SCEA come out swinging with their next release, and live up to the potential they show with this lively, flawed title. seize the BUDGET HOTELS London.......................$491 Amsterdam................$666 from Paris..........................$567 Rome.................$11 Madrid ..............$66 San Jose, C.R.. ..$513 Fare is roundtrip frorn Detroit. Subject to change and availability. Tax not included. TRAVEL Michigan Union Ground Floor, PMB#151 734769.2555 1103 South University, Ste.1 734668.8550 1218 South University Ave. 734998.0200 -1 -~ .. ". 1- 4 FREE sample! INV 8fbb e Island Experience the fun side offtea Loc te n x. toTouchdow n's nneSouth UnTh arsTey - Thai Tea *Bubble Tea Open Late t Calpico Coolers 12 p.m.-2 a.m. . Coffee a34-222-9013 ,"Create your own Mix of Teas! Courtesy of SCE The Sage allows more levels. The Michigan Dbaily Display Staff is proud to announce asF of the week Congrats and thanks for your hard work! Sponsored by: gqmato's 4 4