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.
