Mark of Kri can be described in one word: deception. Throughout the game, it continuously fools you in to thinking one thing, only to spin around and smack you on the head faster than Rau can kill an opponent. Going by looks alone, Kri presents itself as a comical, cartoon looking adventure. As the game slowly pencil sketches and watercolors each of the game's cut scenes, you are drawn into a false sense of peace - almost as if you're about to watch a big budget Disney film. In fact, one of my friends thought it was a Mulan game the first time she saw it. Although it doesn't go for the gritty 'reality' most games with 'good graphics' are credited with, Kri sits in the upper echelon of PS2 games. Simply put - this game is beautiful.

Each character moves with an extremely fluid, animated grace that few game characters have ever achieved. I particularly liked how each character had a nice weighty feel; when you see Rau wield the big axe, you can tell it's heavy. This sensibility and attention to detail carries over into everything about the game's sound. A nice, Polynesian/Chinese soundtrack quietly plays in the background and flows with each of Rau's on screen actions. A slow, almost silent tribal beat pushes you along only to blast into a wild war of drumbeats and horns when enemies attack.

This is when the deception comes in.

This is probably one of the most violent video games I have ever played. The brutal efficiency that Rau uses to dispatch enemies is unmatched by any game - including Mortal Kombat. Your first clue should come from the mini-game arena called 'Body Count', but even that doesn't begin to show the entire scope of the game's savage brutality.

For example, after sneaking up on an enemy, instead of snapping a neck, Rau grabs him and uses his head as a battering ram on the nearest wall. Or, when he wants to be a little more discreet, simply slams him on the ground and drives his sword though his head or chest. Sneak up on two enemies and one's head is decapitated with a quick, simple slice of the sword. This game is not for kids.

Still not convinced?

Want another example?

Take Rau's combo attacks. Instead of a flurry of sword slashes, Rau violently grabs his opponent and continually thrusts his sword through his opponent until - well, I'm sure you know where things go from here. I could probably go one with more examples, but that will ruin the fun.

Okay, you're probably still asking - sounds like Sword of the Berserk on the Dreamcast, what makes Mark of Kri so special? Again, the game deceives you into thinking one thing, only to give you a totally different experience. Kri isn't just about hack-n-slash action, but it instead is able to combine some of the best elements of adventure, fighting, and stealth games making for an amazing experience. The sheer number of ways you can deal with enemies is astounding and gives the game depth. Should you rush in and attack a gang of enemies up close, or use you bow to pick them off one at a time? Rau can even unarm armed enemies and use their weapons against them. Like Walt Disney said, 'If you can dream it, you can do it.'

Another interesting aspect of Kri is that the game's 'hero', Rau, isn't much of a hero at all. As you play though the game, most of Rau's adventures are taken on mostly for personal pride and monetary gain. He's just a normal person with normal flaws. In fact, most of the reason Rau becomes wrapped up in his quest is because of greed. Only after learning about the Mark of Kri does Rau begin to look at his quest in a more heroic manner - but even then most of the reason he's doing things is for personal honor. It was refreshing to see a character who was somewhat selfish and out for personal gain rather than for the good of the world.

Because of the options available, Kri can be a challenge for any player, regardless of skill level. You can deal with enemies in any manner you please, but you have to always be conscience of the consequences. For instance, if you choose to charge a guard and kill him head on, he will likely call for help on his horn; however if you sneak up on him and quietly kill him, you will meet minimum resistance. Kri does have a more than a few moments of pure cheapness that even your entire bag of tricks can't save you from. This is really noticeable when you come across a group of archers who can only be hit by arrows. The problem comes as you are trying to line up a shot on one archer, another hits you from behind, breaking your concentration and losing your shot. As much of a pain as this can get, some crafty thinking (and quick bow work) can help you along.

No review of Kri could be complete without mentioning the game's innovative combat system. Long time readers will probably know that one of my biggest peeves about games comes when being attacked by gangs of enemies. Instead of everyone attacking at once, the usual tendency is for enemies to attack you one at a time. In Kri, enemies attack you three or four at a time, making for some hectic battles. Before entering a battle, a press of the right analog stick assigns buttons to up to three on screen enemies. By pressing the character's assigned button, Rau will attack the enemy. Jamming on one button will repeatedly slash at an enemy, while alternating your attacks allows Rau to slash at all of his enemies. Things get really cool when Rau stabs at enemies behind him while continuing to face the enemy in front of him. The system is far from perfect, but it works.

Again, despite the game's Disney look, this is not something for the kids - there's a Mature rating for a reason. Not to say that little Johnny or Suzy will go on a killing rampage after playing Kri, but use your best judgment. On the other hand, 'mature' gamers should be sure not to brush Mark of Kri off as a kiddy game because of its cartoon look.