RETRO – One of Sony’s best hidden gems involved getting Disney artists to help create their own God of War prototype: the result was brilliant, yet tragically overlooked. Many recognize The Mark of Kri from its memorable cover art, but only a handful ever truly gave it a shot. The first PS2 title from San Diego Studio was undeniably ahead of its time.

Until recently, my entire familiarity with The Mark of Kri was limited to its striking Disney-esque box art that I’d casually noticed over the years. Little did I realize this obscure Sony-published game would set the foundations for the same brand of action-packed brutality that later made God of War iconic. Initially planned under the name Barbarian for the original PlayStation, it finally hit the shelves as The Mark of Kri on PS2 in 2002. Unfortunately, despite pioneering concepts that would see widespread acclaim in 2005’s God of War, this forgotten title struggled for recognition amid the era’s titanic releases.

In 2002, competition was fierce—legendary games such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Super Mario Sunshine, Kingdom Hearts, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Mafia, and the original Splinter Cell dominated players’ attention. This was a time following a remarkable 2001, where groundbreaking hits like Metal Gear Solid 2, GTA 3, Max Payne, Halo, and Devil May Cry set new standards. The Mark of Kri never truly stood a chance in that market climate, but it certainly deserved better, considering its innovative gameplay and artistic ambition.

If Conan the Barbarian Met Disney Animation

As Sony San Diego’s debut title before the studio transitioned into sports and racing franchises, The Mark of Kri ventured into uncharted territory. It preceded the hack-and-slash boom by offering gameplay closer to classic beat ’em ups, centered on a Maori-inspired warrior exploring a fantasy version of New Zealand. Its seemingly family-friendly cover art, however, misled many potential buyers at first glance.

For casual observers browsing game stores, The Mark of Kri looked like another playful Disney-themed adventure, catering exclusively to younger audiences. But the appearance of an 18+ rating tucked into the corner of the box hinted at something far darker beneath the cartoon-like exterior. Indeed, once past its charmingly deceptive visuals, players encountered shockingly violent battles, fierce executions, and visceral action sequences.

Crafted with the involvement of talented artists from major animation studios such as Disney, Don Bluth, and Dreamworks, the game’s striking animation quickly shifted from innocent appeal to intense savagery. Combat turned lush green environments into scenes of vivid brutality, marked by spectacular combos, gruesome finishing moves, dismemberment, and abundant bloodshed.

Its spirit was akin to a violent 1990s action film portrayed through a colorful Disney-style lens, uncompromising in its brutality. Right from the first loading screen, which elegantly transitioned from a charcoal sketch to a vibrant 3D environment, The Mark of Kri demonstrated groundbreaking artistry and game design—a concept so innovative, Sony felt compelled to patent it.

Innovation Worth a Sony Patent

Years before Kratos started slashing effortlessly through multiple foes in God of War, The Mark of Kri was already experimenting with the multi-target combat system later popularized by franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Batman: Arkham. Players could select multiple enemies by sweeping the right analog stick, assigning each foe to a specific controller button.

For example, facing three opponents would result in each enemy receiving an icon (square, X, circle) above their heads, indicating the button used to target them individually. Pressing just one button led the character to attack that particular enemy, freeing up the others for additional combos. The result was strategic depth combined with fluid combat that felt both thrilling and rewarding. The addition of alternate weapons further enhanced this inventive fighting system.

Stealth mechanics also played a key role, with a raven companion that players could use for reconnaissance, identifying hidden collectibles, or scouting enemy positions in advance. The Mark of Kri stands as a unique relic from its time, holding significant historical value. Revisiting it today reveals an experience that remains surprisingly innovative and enjoyable.

Sadly, the game failed commercially, overshadowed by blockbuster releases during an intensely competitive era. Its potential as a franchise was left mostly untapped, with only a sequel attempting—unsuccessfully—to salvage its legacy. Nowadays, The Mark of Kri lives on primarily through nostalgic conversations on platforms like Reddit, where devoted fans fondly recall its brilliance and lament its undeserved obscurity. If you ever choose to experience it, remember to share your appreciation with that community, giving the recognition this underappreciated

classic truly deserves.

-theGeek-

Source: 3djuegos