Released on October 17, 2023, Skull Island: Rise of Kong was eagerly anticipated by gamers everywhere. Developed by IguanaBee and published by GameMill Entertainment, the game promised players a unique chance to step into the colossal shoes of King Kong with an action-packed adventure that should have breathed new life into the iconic franchise. However, shortly after its release, it acquired a dubious reputation as “the worst game of 2023.”
Why is Skull Island: Rise of Kong the worst game of 2023?
Skull Island: Rise of Kong portrays players as Kong on a journey for vengeance against the saurian danger known as Gaw, who killed Kong’s parents. Players discover the fascinating island’s hidden mysteries as they explore its perilous environs. The game immerses players in the island’s varied landscapes, pushing them to defeat waves of primitive animals, defeat distinctive bosses, and ensure Kong’s ascension to power.
However, the game’s first release was tarnished by criticism. A tweet including an out-of-date clip received almost seven million views, revealing the game’s poor graphics and general quality.
New King Kong game looks like game of the year material pic.twitter.com/TXuZYQ53EL
— Rick (@RickDaSquirrel) October 16, 2023
Skull Island: Rise of Kong Gameplay
Skull Island: Rise of Kong’s gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. The gameplay is monotonous, with players facing the same basic enemies in virtually identical surroundings. To make matters worse, the background music plays indefinitely during the action, which rapidly gets tedious.
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One of the game’s most cringe-worthy moments happens during a playable flashback in which Kong’s mother searches for baby Kong. A cutscene interrupts her leap to the ground, forcing the impact sound to play indefinitely throughout the action. These technological flaws are difficult to overlook and detract from the gaming experience.
The emotional depth that the game strives to express falls short as well. Following Kong’s parents’ terrible deaths, a poignant moment occurs as the little ape gazes into a puddle. Because of the game’s poor technical quality, Kong’s reflection in the puddle appears as a fuzzy, pixelated jumble that stays uncomfortably long, negating the intended emotional impact.
Skull Island: Rise of Kong Price
If you’re considering diving into the world of Skull Island: Rise of Kong, be prepared to shell out $39.99 on the Steam platform. Considering the lackluster gameplay and technical issues, this price point may raise some eyebrows. Given the overall quality and experience that Skull Island: Rise of Kong delivers, many gamers may find it challenging to justify this cost.
Skull Island: Rise of Kong Developer
IguanaBee Studios, a Chilean game production firm with prior games such as G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout and Headsnatchers, created the game. The publisher was GameMill Entertainment, and it’s worth noting that the game was produced under license by DeVito ArtWorks, the rightful proprietor of the King Kong/Skull Island world.
In conclusion, Skull Island: Rise of Kong, the first new King Kong game in 18 years, has fallen well short of expectations. It suffers from technical issues, repetitious gameplay, and a disappointing experience. While some gamers may still love it, there’s no disputing that Skull Island: Rise of Kong has a long way to go before it can shed its reputation as the “worst game of 2023.”
Featured image credit: IguanaBee
