The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut

"One of the best games I've played in a long time."

The game starts out pretty normal, fancy graphics, great voice acting, good story. And it only gets better from there. This was the first game in years to keep my attention for so long. If only it wasn't so short and had some replay value.

Graphics- 8/10. At first glance, they look great. The rooms look amazing, the lighting affects are stunning Flashlights light up rooms and go through grates with stunning detail. But the models are so-so. They look good, but they have some glitches. Every so often, "diamonds" appear in them. And sorta flicker, and it's very distracting. The game also keeps in with the movie-game. No HUDs in game but health, which only comes up when hurt. The ammo is kept written on the gun.

Story- 9/10. Like the movie, the story is good, Unlike the movie, the presentation is also good. It's compelling, but there are very few characters. There are only 3 main characters, maybe 4. The rest of the characters are one time quest givers. Or they are killed of before anything is said.

Gameplay- 10/10. It couldn't get better. You stay first person, only go to third when on ladders. You can use melee weapons, and guns. And there is stealth. The melee weapons feel great. The controls are tight. Simple enough to jump right into, but deep enough so you aren't just randomly clicking. The guns are great too. My only complaint is the guns are all very inaccurate. I don't really consider this to be a game flaw, so it keeps 10/10. but it can be annoying. The stealth is also great. You crouch down and the view extends out to the sides. When no one can see you, it stays blue. Simple, yet effective, and fun. In the way they mash together, the games stays fast paced, and is always different. The beginning is a mix of melee and guns. The middle is mostly stealth. And the endgame is a balls out gun fight. Getting into the Riot suits, a PC version exclusive, was also tons of fun. You are huge, take very little damage, yet still keeps a pace going.

Length- 6/10. Took not much longer then 8 hours to go through the game. This is not doing al the side quests, and was using an FAQ. So, depending on your play style, anywhere from 5 to 15 hours. The collectible cigs add the length, but not enough. The Commentary mode is nice, but not nice enough to play through it again. The games moves along at a good pace, never dragging itself down, and manages to lead you down a straight path, and feel open ended.

Sound- 9/10. The voice acting is perfect. Vin Diesel, being a video game buff, new how important VO is, and did a great job. You can hide in teh vents and listen to the two guards talk about things, whether it has to do with anything or not. The music is good, keeps the mood going. And the sound is good. Not single footstep sound, enemies hear sound, tons of fun.

In the end, it's a buy. Maybe a rent. I only say rent because it is so short, but you can't really find places that rent out PC games anyways. Great game. Great graphics. Great sound. Perfect gameplay. Just a little short.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/23/05