Buffy the Vampire Slayer

"I don't watch the show, but I love the game"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the most underrated and (lucky for you) most underpriced game available for the Xbox. At prices as low as $10 in some locations (but you’re most likely to pay the bargain price of $25), it is definitely worth buying. Why? Well, let’s get to the review!

Gameplay (10/10)
Extremely fun without the frustration you may feel in other games, like Splinter Cell or Hitman 2. You often battle 1-3 enemies at once, instead hordes of weak vampires. There are numerous types of enemies, from weaker high school punk vampires to steroid-like giant vampires, zombies, ghouls, and large demons. It is very much like a fighting game because of the special “slayer moves” you can do. At first you start out with the knowledge of only a few slayer moves. But as the game progresses, you are told more by your mentor. They become very powerful. It is very satisfying taking out a smaller number of elites than numerous weaklings.

You also gain access to numerous weapons, like sledge hammers, crossbows with fire tips, and a boomerang-like reaper blade. The weapons change how you fight and have their own very powerful moves.

Story (7/10)
I’m not a fan of the show, but I could easily understand that she has a crush on a good vampire – Angel. The game explains the interesting role of the slayer - a teenage girl who possesses the slayer powers and only she can lead humans to defeat the vampires. After she dies, the gift (or curse) is passed to another teenage girl. However, I was not too interested in the story - more in the gameplay. But if you’re a fan of the show, I’m sure you’d like it more.

Audio (9/10)
The music is fantastic and very fitting to what goes on in the game. Sadly, Sarah Michelle Gellar does not do the voice, but her replacement sounds a lot like her. A friend of mine thought it was her, and I let her believe what she wanted. The way your enemies talk to you during or before a fight are pretty cool. The game has many funny moments also (purposeful), like the shallow cheerleader and dorky high school friends.

Graphics (8/10)
I thought they were great. Buffy looks exactly like Sarah Michelle Gellar. The atmosphere is fitting and cool. Some enemies do not use all the polygons up to the Xbox’s potential, but they’re definitely above average.

Value (9/10)
I’ve already stated that the game sells for very cheap. The game doesn’t have much replayability, but it is not a short game. I did not buy this game for myself. A friend’s mom bought it for me. I thought : “Even though every one says it’s a good game, it’s about Buffy. Come on…It’s a stupid TV show for teenagers with a girl main character. It’s going to be for losers and dorks.”
How wrong I was! The hero is not a loser, she’s hot and cool. The game is not for losers as it’s action packed and the most fun I’ve had playing a game on any system in quite some time (see HALO). I guess this is just a game you have to play to realize how cool and fun it is. Have you read a bad review of it?

Overall: 9.1
Save the $5 from renting it and just buy. It's definitely one of the games you should have in your XBox collection.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/10/03, Updated 01/10/03