Buffy the Vampire Slayer

"A chance to get into Buffy's digital shoes..a must have for all Buffy fans!"

This is my first posting for any video game. I finally broke down and got an XBOX and Buffy was my first game for the system. I have followed the series since the very beginning so I was very excited when they came out with a game for it. But I was worried that it would be disappointing as games I have played in the past that were based on a television series. Remember Knight Rider for the NES? Someone should really try it again. But for Buffy, I have to say that a tremendous job was done here. There were a few areas that I did not enjoy all that much, but I will break it down as I go on.

Graphics: 10

The graphics are terrific. They have done very well to make the characters look like the real actors of the series. The facial expressions are very lifelike. They even duplicated Giles' annoyed expressions at Buffy when she makes a joke during a *serious* moment. Fans of Buffy as myself will find this hilarious, but non-fans can appreciate the level of detail as well. The environments are very realistic and it makes you feel that you are there in the setting looking out at a distance. I love the vampire DUSTING effect. It is perfect like on the show. Buffy even wears a different outfits as levels change. Although the hair always stayed the same, in a ponytail.

Sound: 10

The music changes with the mood much like the show. It has some very upbeat pieces with electric guitars and the works. The sound effects are great. When there is silence, (no music silence) there are background noises that give it that creepy feeling when you are walking down a corridor and you don't know what will pop out at you. I must admit, I got startled a couple of times when a demon popped up behind me and screamed. When you have surround sound, it get pretty intense. The sound effects for the vamp DUSTING sounds exactly like on the show. All the actors of the show put their own voices in the game except for Sarah Michelle Gellar. The voice actress for Buffy is a close approximation. Buffy's clever banters sound like they came from SMG as well as the fights and grunts although, I have never heard Buffy yell: EEEYYYAHH! That stood out a little. But it makes it all worthwhile that the actual actors put in their voices to give it a very authentic feel. A very heartfelt thanks to David Boreanaz, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Nicholas Brendon, James Marsters, Anthony Steward Head and any other original cast member for taking time from your busy schedules to participate in the creation of this game. Also, KUDOS to the voices actress for Buffy.

Gameplay: 9

What I love most about this game is the different combos you could do and the various dangers you can use to finish off your opponents. You have an assortment of weapons to use from Buffy's trusty stake to a Winged Reaper which reminds me of Xena's chakram (a circular blade that is thrown at a target, ricochets off various objects and returns to the thrower) I'm very glad that you don't just die when your energy's out. The enemies have to do a death move such as vamps biting the neck and sucking blood or a demon dog that will maul you to death. The same is true when fighting others. You can fight them forever and ever and never die unless you perform a death move such as a vamp to stake them through the heart with a stake or crossbow, set them on fire or throw them into the sunlight. I love that you get to be creative on the killing with all the options at your disposal. What I don't like is the jumping. I've always hated jumping puzzles and there are a few here. One false move and you'll plummel to your death. It is realistic that when you land, you kinda scoot forward a little bit because of the inertia which is very annoying if you just happen to land at the other edge of a platform and scoot into the abyss and die. Puzzles are great when they don't involve a lot of jumping. I don't recall jumping puzzles on the series.

Control: 10

It's very easy to control Buffy and learn the combos. The camera views sometimes makes it difficult to see where you are trying to go when you are against a wall. For those just playing the game, learn how to jump and learn the distance and precision. It's very important later in the game.

OVERALL: 10

The game is a must have for all Buffy fans. It will make you feel that you are actually in the episode. The story goes very quickly, but there are other factors such as difficulty levels to change the gameplay to enhance the experience.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/27/02, Updated 10/27/02