Rise of the Kasai extends Mark of Kri with more action. Polynesian mythology, mixed bow and blade combat and a singular tone. A touch rougher than its predecessor, still unique.
Your verdict
Category
Action Adventure1 player16+
Description
A Sony Santa Monica action-adventure released in 2005 (US), a spiritual sequel to Mark of Kri. Baumusu and his warriors defend their ancestral land against the invading Khans in a stylized sub-Saharan Africa. Brutal melee combat against multiple simultaneous enemies, a unique Afro-tribal aesthetic and first-person narration.
Rise of the Kasai review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
A line inspired by Disney animation, supple outlines and warm light applied to an unexpected warrior violence: the contrast is the whole strength of the style. The tribal settings and expressive silhouettes compose a singular elegance. This visual direction, sleek and atypical, remains a striking graphic curiosity.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A sequel to The Mark of Kri, an SCEA action-adventure that stayed North America exclusive and never reached PAL. Modestly distributed on an already confidential title, it is harder to track down than mainstream Sony exclusives, earning a quiet collector following. Its interest rests on this regional confidentiality of an underrated action license rather than on a price.
An underrated gem
A darker, more ambitious sequel to The Mark of Kri, this action game refines its melee combat and its swappable hero duo, still in that gorgeous cartoon finish. Even quieter than its predecessor, it has almost vanished from memory. A fine, muscular adventure for anyone who loves choreographed action and tense stealth.
Is Rise of the Kasai still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2005 on PS2, SCE Santa Monica's project follows The Mark of Kri by extending its surprising fusion of cartoon aesthetics and raw martial violence. The multiple targeting system, which lets you designate several enemies with a flick of the stick before chaining lethal attacks, gains fluidity, and the alternation between two characters of complementary styles enriches the combat. The Polynesian world and the staging keep their character. The camera and a sometimes unfair difficulty weigh. A little known and singular sequel, recommended for fans of atypical action adventure willing to look past its rough edges.
