20.8.2004

Film tie-ins are historically, it has to be said, not that great. There are one or two notable exceptions, but on the whole it tends to a case of developers cashing on in a films success and releasing lame lack lustre titles or sometimes something just so awful the people responsible should be lynched. However if someone is really passionate about the source material great things can happen, just look at what Sam Raimi has done with Spiderman for proof of that.About 4 years ago, director David Twohy released a low budget sci-fi flick called Pitch Black which introduced the character Richard B Riddick. The film did reasonably well at the box office but has since achieved something of a cult status with good reason I might add.Riddick was an anti-hero in every respect describing himself as the ultimate baddass and was brought to life by newcomer and former bouncer Vin Diesel.Four years later and we come to the release of the first sequel, Chronicles of Riddick. To co-incide with this Starbreeze Studios bring us the game Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. It isn't necessary to know any background to the character but it would enhance your appreciation if you did.Ok, so is the game any good or do we have yet another lame tie-in. I must admit I was dubious having read all the hype. Well for once believe what you've heard or read about. The intro movie sets the tone perfectly but its only when you actually take control of Riddick that you realize just how good this game really is. The story is basically that Riddick has been incarcerated in Butcher Bay, the toughest slam in the galaxy and its your job to get him out.The big selling point but by no means the only one are the graphics. You have never seen graphics this good in a game, not even Halo. It is a visually stunning. Thanks to a new process called 'normal mapping' detail and realism have been brought to new levels. Riddick looks like Vin Diesel, and I mean exactly. The detail on the character models is amazing, and there a lot of characters in this game each one with their own distinctive look and personality. The whole environment has an almost organic feeling to it, it all looks so real. Not since Splinter Cell has there been such a good use of lighting which all adds to the whole experience, just watch Riddicks shadow as he creeps around the confines of Butcher Bay, and then theres the sound. Vin Diesel himself brings Riddick to life with his 60-a-day gravelly delivery but all the voice actors in the game do a great job and really bring personality to their character. Cole Hauser reprises his role as Johns the merc responsible for Riddicks incarceration and an array of talents bring the other characters to life.Controls are intuitive with the X button performing a variety of tasks dependent on what you're doing at the time. For example, pressing X whilst standing next to a box will make Riddick climb up on top of it. This action as well others like climbing ladders or crawling into vents are all viewed in the third-person and the transition is seemless and works well. The left thumbstick moves Riddick whilst the right is used for the camera, standard in most FPS's. The right-trigger is used for firing weapons and throwing punches in unarmed combat, whilst the left is used to guard. Other features include stealth mode, the addition of the trademark eyes (see Pitch Black) which allow Riddick to see in the dark, (available later in the game), and my personal favourite, turning an opponents weapon against them for a devastating attack, I wont spoil this little gem for you, in close quarters just press the right-trigger at the right moment and you'll see what I mean.There are missions to undertake, extras to unlock, a whole host of characters to interact with, some great weapons and so many other cool things about this game that I could go on for hours. The game does carry an 18 certificate and the language reflects that not to mention the depiction of graphic violence, (I can hear the outcries already). The only bad thing I can say about Chronicles of Riddick is that it is quite short and there are loading times to contend with but the quality of the game is so high I can live with that.Easily one of the best titles for the X-Box and an outstanding achievement from Starbreeze Studios. If they can produce this, think about the possibilities for Doom 3 and Halo 2, and Half Life 2. I for one can't wait. Lets see the PS2 compete with this!!

20.11.2005

Film tie-ins are historically, it has to be said, not that great. There are one or two notable exceptions, but on the whole it tends to a case of developers cashing on in a films success and releasing lame lack lustre titles or sometimes something just so awful the people responsible should be lynched. However if someone is really passionate about the source material great things can happen, just look at what Sam Raimi has done with Spiderman for proof of that.About 4 years ago, director David Twohy released a low budget sci-fi flick called Pitch Black which introduced the character Richard B Riddick. The film did reasonably well at the box office but has since achieved something of a cult status with good reason I might add.Riddick was an anti-hero in every respect describing himself as the ultimate baddass and was brought to life by newcomer and former bouncer Vin Diesel.Four years later and we come to the release of the first sequel, Chronicles of Riddick. To co-incide with this Starbreeze Studios bring us the game Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. It isn’t necessary to know any background to the character but it would enhance your appreciation if you did.Ok, so is the game any good or do we have yet another lame tie-in. I must admit I was dubious having read all the hype. Well for once believe what you’ve heard or read about. The intro movie sets the tone perfectly but its only when you actually take control of Riddick that you realize just how good this game really is. The story is basically that Riddick has been incarcerated in Butcher Bay, the toughest slam in the galaxy and its your job to get him out.The big selling point but by no means the only one are the graphics. You have never seen graphics this good in a game, not even Halo. It is a visually stunning. Thanks to a new process called ‘normal mapping‘ detail and realism have been brought to new levels. Riddick looks like Vin Diesel, and I mean exactly. The detail on the character models is amazing, and there a lot of characters in this game each one with their own distinctive look and personality. The whole environment has an almost organic feeling to it, it all looks so real. Not since Splinter Cell has there been such a good use of lighting which all adds to the whole experience, just watch Riddicks shadow as he creeps around the confines of Butcher Bay, and then theres the sound. Vin Diesel himself brings Riddick to life with his 60-a-day gravelly delivery but all the voice actors in the game do a great job and really bring personality to their character. Cole Hauser reprises his role as Johns the merc responsible for Riddicks incarceration and an array of talents bring the other characters to life.Controls are intuitive with the X button performing a variety of tasks dependent on what you’re doing at the time. For example, pressing X whilst standing next to a box will make Riddick climb up on top of it. This action as well others like climbing ladders or crawling into vents are all viewed in the third-person and the transition is seemless and works well. The left thumbstick moves Riddick whilst the right is used for the camera, standard in most FPS’s. The right-trigger is used for firing weapons and throwing punches in unarmed combat, whilst the left is used to guard. Other features include stealth mode, the addition of the trademark eyes (see Pitch Black) which allow Riddick to see in the dark, (available later in the game), and my personal favourite, turning an opponents weapon against them for a devastating attack, I wont spoil this little gem for you, in close quarters just press the right-trigger at the right moment and you’ll see what I mean.There are missions to undertake, extras to unlock, a whole host of characters to interact with, some great weapons and so many other cool things about this game that I could go on for hours. The game does carry an 18 certificate and the language reflects that not to mention the depiction of graphic violence, (I can hear the outcries already). The only bad thing I can say about Chronicles of Riddick is that it is quite short and there are loading times to contend with but the quality of the game is so high I can live with that.Easily one of the best titles for the X-Box and an outstanding achievement from Starbreeze Studios.

30.8.2004

When i first looked at this game, i thought to myself, hmm..... this is another movie based game and it will probably be a load of rubbish just like all the others, I WAS WRONG! After looking through endless reviews and magazines at this game i came to the conclusion that it looks very good and maybe it should be given the chance it deserves. I did purchase this game and found it was the greatest game ever! It has a perfect blend of FPS, stealth, and even some hand-to-hand combat in there, which is, i must say, is very well put together, it isn't too complicated but has enough moves to satisfy almost any gamer, there are a good number of weapons to wet ones whistle. In my opinion, even better than Halo!And thats sayin something.The general story line for this game is very imaginative and well-thought through. Basically you play the roll of Richard B. Riddick and your one of the most wanted men in the galaxy. You start by getting caught by a Bounty Hunter, and the opening FMV explains all this very well, and you are taken to the deadliest prison in the galaxy, Butcher Bay, and your job is to escape, even though no-one has ever broken out of this prison before, but when your Riddick, nothings impossible.Now, one of the games finest points, the graphics. These are some of the best graphics i have ever seen on a game, EVER! The 3-D character models are absolutely brilliant, they move just like a normal person should and the mouth moves in a realistic fashion as they speak, there is also damage which occurs, most noticable when you hit a guy in the face a few times, (black eyes, bleeding, bruising etc.) which brings me nicely on to the AI. This is a lot more realsitic than most games, the guards dont just run into the gun fire, they duck and dive and actually attempt to dodge the bullet fire. The environment is as dark and rough as you would expect a prison of this calibur to be. There are blood stained walls and the cells are sorted to every detail, there are even signs of in-mates marking days off as they go by on some of the cell walls.Another fine point of this game is the sound, there isn't any background music, which does add to the anticipation, and the weapon noises are the best around, when you hit a guy, there is a satisfying crack which leaves him stunned and allows you to unleash a deadly combo which feels really good, believe me, and when you fire a gun, there is a loud, satisfying shot which leaves one with a grin on there face, watching the enemy flying across the room as a result of this shot.Finally, the gameplay, this is shockingly good, you move forward and back, and strafe with the left analoug stick, and turn/look with the right, once one is used to it it becomes very natural and makes the gamplay a lot more interesting. Using the D-pad, u can lean to the right and left and even roll to either side. The game flows extremely well with only short loading points before reaching different areas of the complex.So, i would say, BUY THIS GAME NOW, ITS WORTH EVERY PENNY, but be warned, your social life might fall apart once you start playing this game, its really that good!

29.8.2004

Awesome game. From the moment you descend into the dark hell that is Butcher Bay, you know there is only one way to survive - escape.The atmosphere is second to none, from the screams of prisoners as they are beaten to a pulp before your eyes to the mutant infested sewers. The whole prison is (as you would expect) a very dirty,grimy place filled with the nastiest cons from the galaxy. But before you let them intimidate you, remember that you, Richard B Riddick are infinitely harder.There are so many ways to complete the game - for instance, you can just go hell for leather with your machine gun in the face of a guard, you can sneak past them in the shadows, break their necks,battle in the ring for respect with the other cons - the list is huge.There is aslo several subplots you can take, these often take the form of exacting brutal revenge for another convict who wil give you something in return and so on.Graphically, the game is sheer class, Riddick is identical to Vin Diesel. When Riddick performs a special move (such as climbing a crate, hanging from a bar, etc) the game switches to a third person view. Unfortunately, the game does suffer a bit when it comes to graphic frame rate, when there is a lot of action or moving objects the frame rate slows down, not a major quibble, but worth mentioning, it doesn't take away from it being a class game though.The voice acting is superb, each character is played by their respective counterpart (Riddick - Vin Diesel / Johns - Hauser, etc). Even the inmates of Butcher Bay voice well, helping to create the truly dark atmosphere.The game is quite short though, possibly because of the need of it and the movie's release to coincide with each other. But all the side missions will extend playing time by quite a bit.The actual fighting simulations are very well done indeed. When in hand to hand combat the left trigger acts as a block, the right doing the punching, turning the analogue sticks in different directions along with timing ti correctly will pull off combos (and yes, the use of weapons such as blades, screwdrivers, scalpels, basically whatever Riddick lays his hands on can be used). Aiming with the guns is sometimes more difficult that other games like Halo, or any of the more experienced FPS, but, that again, is a very minor quibble.The level of gore is actually quite intense, whether it be the pasting of guards on the wall behind them after you unload on them or blowing apart mutants on the underground stages (don't forget the stabbing of inmates with whatever weapon you have on you). Make no mistake, this is a mature game. But Fun.Knowing the story or having watched 'Pitch Black' does help, but is not neccessary. Most people in the know, will be waiting for the moment when Riddick gains his eyeshine ability.Overall, this game really does deserve more attention, it is one class game. Great graphics engine, brilliant fight psyhics, amazing stealth play, even some RPG elements added in. Don't miss out.PS. This game is available in most shops for £39.99, at Amazon for £26.99 - You do the maths.

9.8.2004

Experience life behind the eyes of Richard B. Riddick as he sets foot inside Butcher Bay, the toughest prison this side of hell. Set before the events of both Universal Pictures' upcoming summer release The Chronicles of Riddick, starring Vin Diesel, and the 2000 cult classic Pitch Black, which first introduced Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapable triple max security slam Butcher Bay, home to the most violent prisoners in the galaxy.As Riddick, players have one singular goal - escape from the slam by any and all means necessary. As this least likely of heroes,players must draw on their character's brains and brutality to attempt the unthinkable - escape from Butcher Bay.Played from a primarily first-person perspective (with special third- person actions), players will have to make maximum use of their environments to achieve their escape, including using shadows, subterfuge and distractions to avoid patrols. Moving and attacking in darkness is particularly effective for Riddick as his haunting "eye shine" gives him the ability to see without ambient light. However, stealth won't serve every situation and players will be able to take the action up close and personal. As Riddick, players will be able to sneak up behind enemies and snap necks or fight face to face using fists, elbows and grapples. Additionally, players will be able to capture weapons such as shanks, shotguns, or assault rifles and use these to cut a swath of destruction through anyone who gets in their way.An intense original storyline reveals secrets of Riddick's past and epic destiny to come with Groundbreaking 3D graphics technology creates ultra-realistic harsh environments, dimly lit corridors, and hazardous areas . Revolutionary game design fuses frenetic First Person Shooter action, stealth and brutal hand-to-hand combat. Use the dark corners and vast catacombs of Butcher Bay to your advantage. As Riddick, players can jump, climb, shimmy across ledges or climb hand-over-hand to avoid guards or roaming prison gangs. Additionally, Riddick's night vision "eye-shine" allows him to own the darkness and turn from prey to predator. Arm yourself with a arsenal of vicious prison weapons such as shivs, clubs and brass knuckles or gear-up with the latest in riot and assault weaponry including a handgun, tranquilizer gun, shotgun, assault rifle and minigun. Bring the fight up close and personal with a variety of first person melee moves such as stealth neckbreaks, punches, combos and countermoves. Interact with a vast array of dynamic characters voiced by some of the top names in Hollywood such as Vin Diesel (as Riddick), Cole Hauser (as Johns), Kristen Lehman (as Shirah), and Willis Burks II (as Pope Joe).

10.9.2004

I really enjoyed playing this game, the blend of stealth, FPS and Beatum up style action creates a new genre of gaming. I would say in a sense that it is like halo and Doom etc. Though these games are pure FPS games unlike Riddick. Most of the gameplay elements work well the ability of shooting out the lights and then to sneak up to a guard and break there neck gives that splinter cell feel especially with the night vision. The beatum up style is reminicent of boxing from such series as rocky, and the FPS style gameplay is good when you actually get to play it, there are only few intances when you get to wield a gun this creates a great strategic feel you have to incorporate all of the different

8.11.2013

Played this a while back and revisited recently as I'm getting hyped for the new movie! Was immediately struck by how unforgiving it is, as a game seemingly built around lurking in the shadows and sneaking your way through enemies the unpredictable and often psychic AI make that incredibly difficult to do. Stealth games since have refined the mechanics (adding instinct modes and radars etc.) to the point where some argue they've been dumbed down, but there is something to be said for empowering the player that way. Stealthing in something like Arkham City or Far Cry 3 made me feel like an ultimate ninja badass,

21.9.2004

The Chronicles of Riddick is a superior first-person action-adventure romp. I've not seen the recent film, but I liked Pitch Black and it made the job of filling Riddick's shoes in this game all the more enjoyable. With some well-known actors lending their voices, the game is well-scripted, plotted and acted throughout and the Butcher's Bay setting is a convincingly realised setting.However, pleasing aesthetics alone do not make a great game, so it's a good job that wherever else you look The Chronicles of Riddick positively shines. The graphics are magnificent; every room, passage, walkway and object has been designed with a degree of care and imagination that I've never seen before in any game.

11.1.2005

This is in my opinion the finest game released in 2004 on the Xbox. The graphics are excellent. The AI is exceptional and the gameplay is perfect.For those who are fans of Pitch Black or Chronicles of Riddick this game actually provides a good intro story to the movies, including how Riddick really got his eyeshine (as mentioned in Chronicles, he didn't pay 20 menthol cools for them), in fact at home the box for this sits on my DVD shelf near the Chronicles of Riddick movies, as it really feels like an integral part of the saga.But back to the game. The hand to hand fighting mode in this is great, without changing from the FPS you can give the guards and other inmates a good slapping and it really feels like a proper brawl (being able to kick might have been nice,

9.3.2005

WOW, what a game.I wasnt really expecting that much from this game, being the studios first game and being based on such a dissapointing movie. Lucky the game features an all new plot set before Pitch Black. The story is really involving and does not dissapoint. Vin Desiels voice and likeness are featured in the game, and really help to emerse you into the world of Richard B. Riddick.The graphics in this game are amazing, no annoying pop-up textures like in Halo 2. They do a great job of getting across the gloom and depression of the Butcher Bay Prison.The game play here is varied and very involving. Most missions can either be tackled by the use of stealth or by simple run and gun tactics.

2.11.2004

I recently bought Fable which i was very dissapointed with however i quickly went and swapped it for Riddick:escape from Butcher Bay.I knew it would be good seen as i worship FPS games and the movies of it on the tv i saw were awesome. From the start of the game when you are standing on a platform waiting to go in the prison i was a little unsure about this game. i thought it was bad. i played for 2 minutes more, found me a gun and i was hooked. I MEAN HOOKED! this game had me playing for ages.Good points:The graphics are AMAZING! i havent played a game like this ever before, i'm sure DOOM3 and half life 2 will live up to this but the graphics are amazing.The storyline is great.

27.9.2004

Chronicles of Riddick on XBoxFrom all the hype, I was expecting to love this game. I wasn't disappointed. I've been playing for a couple of days now (about 5 hours game-time) and now sufficiently qualified to write this review.I was going to write a long review covering all aspects of this game, but I'm not going to bother. It's BRILLIANT! Graphics, sound, AI, Enemies are all awesome!The real innovation is the hand-to-hand fighting . You get a real impression of Ridick being a real tough-guy as he gruesomely kills a heavily armed guard with his bare-hands!The stealth options are a real treat, hide in the shadows with your "shine eyes", then pounce on your enemy as he walks past.This has many RPG elements (similar to Deus Ex)

11.8.2005

i cant say i was expecting much from this but oh my god does it deliver, the graphics are superb close to doom 3 but with a slightly dodgy frame rate in some parts (not that this does anything to detract from the game) the voice acting is great, thisd game feels like u are playing a film, the story is great. it took me while to complete the first time (due to a part in the mines, easy if u know how a total c*nt if u dont) but as soon as i complated it i started agen and it took well about 5 hours, great replay value ( i thnk i might go and start it again as soon i have finnished this review) my only problem with this game is that if u are used to first person shooters then the movement feels

6.8.2004

I have played the american version of this game and boy was I impressed, it probably is the best movie liscensed game there is.The graphics are excellent I thought these graphics weren't supposed to be seen until DOOM3. and the game doesn't seem as dark as doom3, don't get me wrong they have developed great graphics for doom3 but all the darkness hides it. Also there is a great 3d model of vin diseal he looks identical.The gameplay is also excellent, there is a bit of everythin RPG, FPS, stealth even some beat em up. The AI of the guards are also excellent, they just see a shadow and there they go searching into the shadows with there trusty torch and gun.

21.10.2004

I have just finished this title and cannot recommend it highly enough. In fact i have become so interested in the character of Riddick, that I am searching for all the materials I can find on him. I have just bought the DVD Dark Fury and am waiting for the release of The Cronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black. I have never been a great fan of Vin Diesel, but the role of Richard B. Riddick is made for him as the early James Bond was for Sean Connary. I better get back to the review of the game or you (the reader) will start cursing me and stop reading.The graphics are totally amazing, using I believe the new generation graphics which leads to a flawless gaming experience.

Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (Xbox) - Reviews

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