Based on
Peter Jackson's 2005 film,
Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World on
Game Boy Advance features two distinct play styles: an overhead-view
adventure and
side-scrolling combat. The former has players exploring Skull Island as the three-person group of
Jack Driscoll,
Ann Darrow, and
Carl Denham. The latter involves guiding
King Kong as he smashes, bashes, and clashes with aggressive beasts and military units. The majority of play focuses on
Jack,
Ann, and
Carl, who automatically follow one another after a leader has been assigned. Switching between the three lets players take advantage of each character's special abilities.
Jack can wield three different weapons,
Carl can move items, use a torch, and throw grenades, while
Ann can heal party members, fire a grappling hook, and temporarily stun creatures. The object is to make it safely through Skull Island while confronting enemies, solving puzzles, and exploring dungeons inspired by the
Legend of Zelda series. As
Kong, players can use a ground attack, punch, and block maneuver to defeat an assortment of foes.
~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide