• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jul 29, 2002
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. It's the most surprising, and visionary, action-adventure game of the summer. [Fall 2002, p.145]
  2. A sleeper hit that is not only enjoyable on the eyes, but the action, the story, and the maturity of the game really spice up the title. While the game is short, a game that leaves you yearning for more has to be good.
  3. 91
    Truly revolutionary...We wish Kri was longer, but it's great while it lasts. [August 2002, p.36]
  4. While the gameplay seems like it’d be perfect for the "kill enemies, wash, rinse, repeat" syndrome, it never gets to that point due to some excellent pacing, not to mention that the fighting never seems to get too repetitive.
  5. A visceral celebration of action and all that is good about hacking the bejesus out of someone - in style. [August 2002, p.76]
  6. One of the most innovative and intriguing action-adventure games on the PS2. Its very unique and artistic visuals are amazing to look at and watch in motion while you use the very deep and innovative controls.
  7. 90
    As original in gameplay as it is in visual design.
  8. Smart gameplay blends with furious action to produce an experience that can only be described as "Metal Gear Solid" Goes Barbarian!
  9. 88
    It's the best beat-'em-up on the system.
  10. There are hidden cheats and costumes, and plenty to keep you busy, and the joy of the combat, the good intermixture of stealth and tactics, and the sheer style with which The Mark of Kri is delivered make it a true classic.
  11. With an innovative gameplay system, and original combo system, The Mark of Kri is one of the best Beat 'em ups I have ever played.
  12. It's right up there with "Metal Gear Solid 2" as the best action the PS2 has to offer. Play it. [August 2002, p.126]
  13. Many wars and battles did Rau fight. Honor and fear were heaped upon his name. In time, he became a legend by his own hand...but that is yet another story.
  14. Don't be fooled by the Disney-esque look of the game - underneath is a brutally violent action game with a lot of depth in the combat system.
  15. Despite the surprising replayability, the amazing brutality of the kills, and the excellent targeting system, Mark of Kri is “only” an above-average game. The blandness of the levels really lessens the worthiness of brave Rau’s quest.
  16. Achieves the Holy Grail in the action/adventure genre, by perfectly merging arcade action with sufficient strategy and depth. We loved every moment in the game.
  17. Awesome combat and a beautiful set of landscapes to do it in put the beat ‘em up back on the road to recovery.
  18. MoK’s AI swings between moments of brilliance and shear stupidity like a pendulum. The difficulty and game length make this game one of the shortest adventure games in recent memory.
  19. Dedicating all your time, you can finish the game in about fifteen hours, which includes the completion of all Baumusu’s challenges, unlocking of arenas, and other rewards. This seriously decreases the replay factor.
  20. The combat system, storyline, music and effects are too good to be ruined by one bad level. It is a shame, however, to see a game that spends 90% of the whole experience building up stealth and a kick ass combat system only to watch it all fall apart in very basic, repetitive final confrontations.
  21. As an engrossing adventure, Kri doesn’t cut very deep, but where quick, visceral payoffs are concerned, it goes straight for the jugular.
  22. 80
    A game that looks like it came from a major animation studio. The fluid movement in this game is no less impressive.
  23. Has the story and substance to attract the hardcore and masses alike, and the gameplay to appease both - the mark of a truly great game. [July 2002, p.81]
  24. 80
    It has some great fighting elements as well as some of the elements from the Thief series and finally some adventure elements. Add that to a pretty good graphics engine and sound, and you have yourself a darn good game.
  25. A blast, and for some simple brainless hack n’ slash action you won’t find a better packed or well-presented disc on the PS2.
  26. 78
    A solid action game made worthwhile by moments of inspiration which do a lot to eclipse some rough edges and a host of minor gameplay gaffes.
  27. What could have been an action-packed, combat-intensive game gets muddled down by mechanics that make it frustrating more often than satisfying.
  28. One of the most original titles ever crafted...But the title misses the mark by a tad.
  29. Its cartoon visuals, stealth elements and engrossing atmosphere make for a surprisingly different approach to a genre that generally consists of simplistic button bashers. [PSM2]
  30. 71
    An ambitious game that tries to do something different, but ends up being more of a generic beat-‘em-up that really just isn’t that much fun to play.
  31. A little on the short side (about 10 hours to complete or so) but does prove to be a fun fantasy romp for those who prefer action, stealth and attractive visuals.
  32. A limited, but well-honed, experience. There's craft evident everywhere, from the stylised environments and the vibrant characterisation to the well-rounded storyline. A beautiful, enchanting and unusual game. [March 2003, p.90]
  33. Kri's got a lovely story though, and otherwise it is very compelling, thanks to thoughtful level design and so on, but we just don't want San Diego throwing different styles of combat into the periphery if they're going to screw up the main one.
  34. A beautiful looking game, with animation as smooth as a Disney cartoon and a distinct style of artwork that could easily lend itself to a movie.
  35. The combat is actually the biggest letdown: while relying on an interesting mechanic, it just doesn't hold up for an entire game. [August 2002, p.23]
  36. Regardless of innovation, if you are looking for an adventure with plenty of action, this is a worthwhile candidate.
  37. I feel greatly disappointed by the lack of polish that could have made it a killer title. [August 2002, p.108]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. JannoS.
    10
    A total underdog, this game is a CLASSIC. it's gameplay is as addictive and grpahics as good as in "god of war" and this game was released 3 years before GOW! Full Review »
  2. AlexP.
    10
    The engrossing storyline, smooth animation, adrenaline pumped battles and kick-ass combat system makes this game awesome.
  3. RauK.
    8
    this game is very good and very addictive the whole game is very good it has great graphics a great battle combat system the downer about this game is that the levels are too long and there are only six levels which went harder everytime you go to the next level this game is good if your bored and if your angry with someone i recomend playing this game becaus bashing all those monstors and bandits takes a lod of your back i completed this game in tow days this game is ausome and looking forward to the next one. Full Review »