Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Wrath of the Darkhul King

"The Buffy legacy lives on proudly on the Game Boy Advance!"

Waaaay back in September of 2000, Buffy the Vampire Slayer officially stepped into the world of gaming (No I'm not counting Sci-Fi pinball!). It's first effort was on the Game Boy Color and let me say this - I'm a big, BIG Buffy fan but even I can't say the Game Boy Color version was great. Fast forward to 2003. Buffy the Vampire Slayer the series ended it's successful run - 7 seasons, 144 episodes. A game is also released for the XBOX console and to many critic's amazement - it didn't suck, and was critically acclaimed across the board. Next up is the long awaited sequel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds which will expand across all 3 next-gen consoles. But til that time comes, THQ was kind enough to bring us Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Wrath of the Darkhul King for the Game Boy Advance. Announced back in 2002, Wrath of the Darkhul King is a GIANT improvement over the original GBC game.

WotDK starts off with the introduction of a legendary monster, the Darkhul King, who ruled all demons for over 500 years, for he had the power to resurrect past slain demons. Only one woman dared stand up to him, and using his own sceptor against him, imprisoned him in his Temple forever and the scepter hidden never to be found again. But hey, we're talking about Buffy here and with an apocalypse every week, it's only fitting that this sceptor be found. Enter Buffy, who many of you SHOULD know be the young women cursed with the task of being a prophecy. In case you've been living under a rock the past couple years, I'll give you a little insight into Buffy Summers.

Into every generation a slayer is born. One girl in all the world born with the strength, skill and power to defeat the demons and monsters that infect the earth. This time around, it's Buffy. She was first told of her lifetime career when she was only 16. Thankfully, this game takes place in Season 4. Buffy's in college and already set into her role as the warrior for the people.

Back to the game -- With a rise in demon activity (Hmm.. reminds me of the GBC story..), Giles sends Buffy out to find out what's causing it. Thus, begins 16 levels of jumping, dodging, kicking, punching, throwing and slaying.

Graphics
8/10
- Wrath of the Darkhul King brings us very nice visuals. An obvious leap of improvement over the original GBC game. Buffy is well animated and given a sort of 3D look. The environments are also given a 3D look as well. Back to Buffy, every level has her sporting a new and fashionable outfit (it wouldn't be a true Buffy game without that). Her hair waves when you climb ladders and she animates gracefully as she kicks, punches, and flies through the air. The environments are fairly large and feature very nice platforming elements. Boxes, crates, graves, etc, you know the deal. At times the backrounds can be very immersing you get lost in the visuals, especially the Forest levels. The monsters on the other hand, while very colorful and animated, are pretty much limited. There are only a couple types of vampires, and a couple other demons. At the same times, the Bosses are very well animated and drawn out - especially the Gentlemen. Let me tell you this, the first time I saw the Gentlemen float into the hospital, it reminded me of the amazing episode - Hush. Adam also makes an appearance, as well as Riley in a couple of levels.

Sound
7.5/10
The score is fairly simple and repetitive, although it does change every level. There is no voice-work in this game and the only other sounds you'll here are various objects being broken such as benches or glass, as well as the dusting of vamps, the grunt of Buffy being killed,and the punches and kicks. The only voice you here is at the end of your battle with the Gentlemen - which I'll leave to you to find out who it belongs to. In the end, nothing special although as I said before, it's a big improvement over the original GBC game.

Gameplay
8/10
Here I go again referring to the GBC game... Anyway, remember when we used to walk left to right and then we won the game? Yes, now Buffy actually get's to explore. Well.. sorta. WotDK is an action/adventure with a heart of a plat former. The levels are multi-tiered with various ledges and ropes leading to God-knows where ( I didn't bother looking). But I did see some out of reach hearts and jewels that many people might take a liking in getting. The beginning levels MAY seem boring, even the first level which features jumps that are painfully frustrating at times. Luckily, after the first level, the game opens up. The levels become more involved and weapons become more of a neccessity. There are many weapons in the game, including the stake, mop, and bat. Oh wait, did I forget to mention the flame-thrower, lazer gun, and crossbow? Or what about the batteries (...) and holywater? The ax? What about the dagger? The glove of whatchamacallit and a lot of other weapons also are included in the game. You can also combine them to make improved weapons such as the blessed bolts and flaming dagger. Most of these weapons are for fun and aren't NEEDED to defeat enemies. Buffy herself has a forray of hand to hand attacks. The usual punch, kick and jump are here as well as a block, throw and a couple of combos such as the flip kick and spinning punch. The puzzle elements are limited to pressing switches that either activate doors to open or flames to go down. You must also free captives to finish some levels. The puzzle elements beef up at the Temple Entrance where you must solve a ''puzzle'' and win a game of ... I'll leave that to you to find out. Overall, the gameplay is fun and more complex than your average platformer. The Temple Entrance is the most exciting for your FIRST time through and the final battle with the Darkhul King is surprisingly fun -- especially if you unload all your weapons on him! Giles, Willow, Anya and Xander all make appearances - with actual images of the show! Spike is absent as well as Tara.

Overall
7.9/10
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Wrath of the Darkhul King is on sale for only $20 at most stores and is well worth it. I bought mine for 25$ and I still love it. The graphics are nice, the sound is OK and the gameplay is great. It's 110% better than the original GBC game, so for those who actually were brave enough like me and played that game, you will be pleasantly pleased. It's a fun romp through for a single run, but there are 3 difficultly levels and plenty of items to get. Replayability is at a dead-low, but this game does open doors for a much better game later on -- maybe control of other characters? Like Chaos Bleeds? Let's hope. In the end, WotDK is a fun game and it's Buffy. I loved it and thought my money was well spent. Pick it up if you find it and have fun waiting for the console release of Chaos Bleeds.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/30/03, Updated 06/30/03