PK: Out of the Shadows

PK Blasts into Cyber-Action

EU release: 29th November 2002
NA release: 3rd December 2002
JP release: N/A
Developer: UbiSoft Montreal
Publisher: UbiSoft
NGC Magazine: Score: NA
Mods Used: Widescreen Code

This is a really bizarre choice for a game. Knows as “Donald Duck: PK” in Europe, this is a game based on an Italian comic book series where Donald Duck becomes a superhero called Paperinik, and was the first time the PK name was used in an English language version of the character (he’s usually called “Duck Avenger” or “Superduck”). That said, the character’s origins were changed and PK is now short for Platyrhynchos Kineticus. It starts with an alien invasion and Donald Duck being selected to be a superhero, with him donning a costume (which also completely changes his voice).

Despite having a decent looking cel-shaded look, PK never really has anything other than bland corridors to look at. The game itself is a fairly standard linear platformer with shooting elements. PK moves slowly, and his jump is weak. You do get new abilities as you progress, but they’re not much more than “press B to continue”. The shooting is also similarly dull, as enemies just run to their designated spot and then stand still and shoot. This slows down the game even more as enemies take plenty of hits before you can move forward. Shielded enemies are worse as you have to wait for a gap in the shooting to do a changed shot each time their shields recharge.

The final level gives PK an upgraded suit and a more powerful gun, and the game actually starts to become mildly entertaining for a short while. Enemies now die quickly, which removes a lot of the tedium. I think it says a lot about the game’s mechanics when making the character overpowered at the end, allowing you to ignore the enemy shields, makes the game better. It’s definitely interesting that a game based on a more obscure (at least outside of Italy) Disney property exists, but nothing more than that.

Poor

PK just doesn’t prove a worthwhile diversion for any serious gamer. Give it to a three-year-old kid who doesn’t know his hand from his heiney and he’ll be pleased as punch, but anyone who understands the intricacies of modern development will be most chagrined. There just isn’t any polish here, or anything much that could be polished to a fine shine for that matter, because it’s an obscure title made with minimal resources based on a license no American has even heard of.
Scott Steinberg, GameSpy

Remake or remaster?

In a Disney platformer collection, perhaps.

Official Ways to get the game

There is no official way to get PK: Out of the Shadows.