Publisher: VUGames
Ages: Teens & up
Parental
Advisory:
Violence and bad language
With the exception of James Bond and Star Wars, movie-based video games are supposed to be subpar. But somehow, the designers of VUGame's impressive The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay don't know about this long-standing rule. This first-person shooter offers a compelling action experience with stealth and adventure elements. It's not just a great game, it's a stand-out.
Set before the events in the recent movie, The Chronicles of Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's escape from the previously inescapable triple max security prison known as Butcher Bay, home to the most violent felons in the universe. From its story to the action and the amazing graphics, the game has it all. And you don't have to be a fan of the movie to like the game.
The title offers some 30 involving levels that are set across prison areas. And the areas feature various characters that have their own personalities and quirks. In the game, players have to search for items and perform tasks, as well as fight, just as in an adventure game. The mix works splendidly.
Fights are up close and personal with fists or knives. This game serves first-person hand-to-hand fighting that makes sense and is playable, which is refreshing. There are more than 20 different enemy types that reside in specific areas of the game and 15 different weapons that include home-made shivs, and high-powered Assault rifles. Best of all, Riddick's trademark "eye-shine" lets players see in the dark.
The graphics are detailed and well done, and feature some of the finest shadows that we've seen in any video game. Considerable loading times between areas can become tedious and detract from the experience, but they're tolerable. By the way, the game features no multi-player support, but surprisingly, it's not missed here. The single-player adventure is that good.
Lending movie credibility to the game, the main character, Riddick, features the likeness and voices of Vin Diesel. Voice talent also includes Cole Hauser as Johns, Kristen Lehman as Shirah, Ron Perlman as Jagger Valance, Willis Burks as Pope Joe, and Xzibit as Abbott. The game is edgy and has lots of bad language and brutal violence-it's not for the kids.
Games that are based on movies don't have to be bad. In fact, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay may change your mind about movie-based games.
7/1/04 www.daytrum.com
Editorial Staff
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