Rise of the Kasai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Rise of the Kasai | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) | BottleRocket Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Platform(s) | Playstation 2 |
| Release date | NA April 5, 2005 |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Mature |
| Media | 1 DVD |
| Input methods | DualShock 2 |
Rise of the Kasai is an action game developed by BottleRocket Entertainment and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America for the Playstation 2 video game console. Released in 2005, the game serves as a followup to the 2002 game The Mark of Kri.
Rise of the Kasai's storyline takes place in a Polynesian-influenced fantasy setting. The game's plot centers on a band of warriors known as the Rakus and their battles against the evil sect of dark magicians known as the Kasai. The narrative focuses on a series of events that take place ten years prior to the events of The Mark of Kri and ten years afterwards.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
Rise of the Kasai's gameplay consists of thirteen levels, in which the player, accompanied by a computer-controlled ally, must battle numerous enemies to progress through the story. The levels of Rise of the Kasai alternate between two pairs of playable characters:Rau with his younger sister Tati and Baumuso with his mentor Griz.
[edit] Focus Beams
Much like its predecessor, the combat system of Rise of the Kasai revolves around the use of Focus Beams, a gameplay mechanic used to lock on to single or multiple enemies from any direction. While the DualShock's left analog stick is used to maneuver the character, a sweep of the right analog stick will cause a beam of light to extend from the player's character. When this beam of light comes into contact with an enemy, an attack icon will be assigned to them. Attack icons are symbols that appear over the enemy's head and correspond with the X, square, and circle buttons on the controller. When an attack icon is assigned, the player can press the corresponding button to initiate a focused attack.[1]
This attack will vary depending on distance and the direction that the character is facing in relation to the focused enemy. When only one or two different attack icons are in use, the free button(s) becomes a Modifier that can be used to chain together attack combinations. In addition, some of these attack combos can lead to an instant kill if done correctly.[1]
[edit] Stealth
While players may spend a majority of the game fighting enemies head on, there are many occasions where the player has the option to employ stealth tactics to avoid detection and quietly ambush the enemy. A stealth kill can be performed by sheathing the character's weapon and using the focus beam to assign a flashing attack icon onto an unsuspecting enemy. The player will be able to initiate a stealth kill once the enemy is in range and the attack icon becomes solid.[1]
[edit] Spirit Guides
To help remain undetected, the player can send out a spirit guide to a certain key-point to scope the environment ahead and monitor enemy positions, armaments, and patrol patterns. Using a spirit guide to scout ahead can also allow the player to devise battle strategies if stealth is not an option. Spirit guides vary between the four protagonists. Rau and Baumusu use Kuzo, a spiritual familiar that takes the form of a blackbird, as their spirit guide. Kuzo can be sent to various perches throughout the level to scout ahead. Tati and Griz summon the souls of the dead to scout ahead from the various corpses that litter the environment.
[edit] Audio
Rise of the Kasai's musical score was composed by Jack Wall[1][2], Rod Abernethy, Jason Graves[3], and Mike Reagan[4] with instruments provided by Michael Masley and Mr. Lee Vang[1]
| Voice Cast[1] | |
|---|---|
| Actor | Role |
| Wally Wingert | Rau, Med Enemy, Priest, Additional voices |
| Kim Mai Guest | Tati |
| Brian Cummings | Baumusu |
| Nick Omana | Griz |
| Keone Young | Kuzo |
| Robin Atkin Downes | Ganguun |
| Michael Bell | Maibisi |
| Jessica Straus | Twins |
| Fred Tatasciore | Large Enemy |
| Mari Weiss | Oracle |
| Barry Dennen | Additional Voices |
| Darren Norris | Additional Voices |
[edit] Critical Response
 |
Please help improve this section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. |
Rise of the Kasai received mixed scores from professional reviewers.[5] While many critics praised the game's combat system, control scheme, and distinctive cinematics, others panned the game due to repetitious gameplay while expressing disappointment in the game's AI and lack of multiplayer options.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f (2005) Rise of the Kasai instruction manual. Sony Computer Entertainment. SCUS-97416.
- ^ Credits at Jack Wall's official web site. Retrieved on July 8, 2007.
- ^ Rod Abernethy and Jason Graves site. Retrieved on July 8, 2007.
- ^ Mike Reagan Music. Retrieved on July 8, 2007.
- ^ Game Rankings Rise of the Kasai page. Retrieved on 2007-08-11.
- ^ Metacritic staff. Rise of the Kasai Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved on 2007-08-11.
