Disney's PK: Out of the Shadows

With the large number of mediocre platform games, you'd hope the games would start evolving to the next level as a genre and stop developing the same carbon copy platform games. Although some are doing that, most are still being created where the environments and characters could be swapped with most other platform games and the gameplay wouldn't change. Unfortunately, Disney's PK: Out of the Shadows falls into this category and after a less than stellar release on the Playstation 2, not much different should be expected from it's appearance on the Gamecube.

The story follows Donald Duck working as a security guard in one of his uncle's buildings. A supercomputer with a desire to protect the Earth decides to recruit Donald and turns him into a superhero. Before his training could start however, an alien invasion threatens Earth and Donald or PK'? is sent, getting on the job training.

Although the story line is interesting enough, the gameplay isn't able to take advantage of it. With linear levels and extremely simple controls, there isn't much challenge to be found. In addition, it also can become boring rather quickly as the same types of challenges are represented over and over. The AI doesn't help either with enemies that generally stand still and fire at you while you blast them.

The audio and graphics don't add any excitement either giving a bland experience. Even with the graphics designed using cel-shading techniques, it doesn't impress, appearing flat and lifeless. The audio isn't much better with weak voiceovers and few effects.

Disney's PK: Out of the Shadows may be desirable for younger Disney fans but most are not going to be satisfied. Unless you can withstand tedious and monotonous gameplay, this game will probably leave you feeling your money could have been better spent elsewhere.

In PK Out of the Shadows you play Donald Duck, a simple security guard turned improbable defender of humanity. With the Earth under attack by the dreaded Evronians, 'Computer One'? forcibly recruits you to assist in the effort. Luckily, he outfits you with the latest gadgetry and superhero outfit. In dire need of training, but no time for training, you will need to learn as you go. Donald Duck as a super hero? You better believe it.

First off, 'PK? stands for the scientific Latin classification "Platyrhynchos Kineticus". Translated loosely, it means, "Duck of Energy." Once you know that, you are green-lighted to start playing. The graphics aren't super detailed, but the cel-shading does bring out the look and feel of a 3D comic book. Game play is third person over the shoulder point of view with the occasional switch to side scrolling perspective. The goal of each level is pretty simple: locate and save any scientists while destroying everything else in sight.

The game has decent depth and is well suited for the younger gamer but older, more experienced platform gamers may grow restless with the general repetitiveness of the game. PK does attempt to instill new life into the game as you progress by introducing new gadgets the further into the game you go. I especially liked the REX (Remote X-Transformer) upgrade, which allows PK to send his x-transformer into small openings and activate switches to open up locked doors. The gadgets and cut sequences keep the game somewhat interesting but the bottom line is if you have younger gamers in the house then PK Out of the Shadows is priced right ($19.99) but the more experienced gamer should pass.