Games

The Greatest King Kong Video Games of All Time

Discover the top video games featuring the iconic King Kong that have captivated players for decades.
The Greatest King Kong Video Games of All Time

Highlights

  • King Kong has been a beloved figure in pop culture since 1933, inspiring various forms of entertainment and legal disputes.
  • Kong frequently engages in epic battles with legendary monsters like Godzilla, while the shared universe by Legendary Pictures continues to grow in popularity.
  • The gaming world has seen the release of unique King Kong games, a notable lawsuit involving Universal Studios and Nintendo, and a resurgence in the early 2000s with a TV series and related game.

Back in 1933, audiences were first introduced to the towering ape known as King Kong. This cinematic giant has become a legend, sparking numerous remakes and adaptations throughout Hollywood's history. The character's popularity even led to the creation of Donkey Kong, a major figure in video game lore.

King Kong, a colossal monster of cinema, often clashes with other giant creatures like Godzilla on the silver screen. The shared universe by Legendary Pictures, showcasing these mighty titans, has garnered significant attention from audiences in recent years. Fortunately for gamers, King Kong has been featured in various video games over time.

5 King Kong 2: Revived Legend

Embark on an RPG Adventure with Kong

  • Release Date: 1986
  • Developer: Konami
  • Platforms: MSX2
  • Genre: RPG

In 1986, the release of King Kong Lives set the gaming world in Japan ablaze. Titled King Kong 2: The Furious Megaton Punch by Konami, this action game followed Hank Mitchell on a quest to find Lady Kong. King Kong 2: Revived Legend shares a similar narrative but offers an RPG experience, requiring players to explore dungeons and uncover keys for progression. While reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda games, King Kong 2: Revived Legend provides a unique twist on Kong's gaming legacy.

4 King Kong

Pioneering the Ape's Videogame Presence

  • Release Date: 1982
  • Developer: Tigervision
  • Platforms: Atari 2600
  • Genre: Platforming

Despite its dated appearance, the original King Kong game for Atari 2600 holds a significant place in gaming history. Released in 1982 following Nintendo's Donkey Kong, this game sparked a legal battle between Universal Studios and Nintendo due to similarities with their ape characters. The ensuing lawsuit, which ruled in favor of Nintendo, solidified the legacy of characters like Donkey Kong and Mario. Regrettably, the game itself failed to leave a lasting impact beyond this legal dispute.

3 Kong: The Animated Series

Bringing Kong Back to Life with Animation

  • Release Date: 2002
  • Developer: Planet Interactive
  • Platforms: Game Boy Advance
  • Genre: Action Adventure

In the early 2000s, reviving old properties often involved creating animated TV shows, and King Kong was no exception. Following a two-season run of a Kong-based show from 2000 to 2001, a tie-in game was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. This side-scrolling adventure game featured platforming elements across seven levels, putting players in control of either Kong's clone or Jason from the series. While not groundbreaking, Kong: The Animated Series video game evokes nostalgia for fans of the show.

2 Kong: King Of Atlantis

A Sequel Game Elevating the Franchise

  • Release Date: 2005
  • Developer: Sky River Studios
  • Platforms: GBA
  • Genre: Action/Adventure

Building on the short-lived TV show, Kong: The Animated Series, an animated TV movie titled Kong: King of Atlantis was released in 2005. This revival spawned a video game tie-in exclusive to the GBA, offering similar side-scrolling action gameplay. Considered an improvement over its predecessor, the game featured enhanced controls, visuals, and the ability to play as Lua in addition to Jason and the King Kong clone.

1 Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game Of The Movie

A Standout Licensed Game Experience

Following the success of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, director Peter Jackson's remake of the classic 1933 movie King Kong received acclaim. Accompanying the film was a licensed tie-in game, a common marketing practice in the 2000s. Players could assume the role of Jack Driscoll, navigating the island in search of Kong amidst thrilling FPS gameplay against dinosaurs and colossal creatures. The game allowed players to experience the thrill of controlling King Kong in a fully explorable, 3D New York City and the island, delivering an immersive ape-sized adventure.

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