Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay

Chronicles of Riddick - Escape From Butcher Bay

I recently played this game on the original Xbox. Yes, I am going back in time. I actually remember wanting to play this game back then, but never got a chance to. I definitely missed out. I am missing out no more

The game revolves around the titular character voiced by the guy who played him in the movies, Vin Diesel. Between his portrayals of Riddick, Fast and the Furious, and XXX, I feel this guy can not have existed any other decade besides the 2000's. His voice performance is terrific in this game and the attitude exuded by Richard Riddick is totally Y2K era. This takes me back in a very cozy way.

The gameplay is very good. Controlling Riddick is pretty much what you would expect in any action game. It's hard to say just how groundbreaking this was at the time, but some of the hand-to-hand combat didn't quite age well. It felt a little clunky. Everything else was fine. The stealth felt less forgiving than other titles like Metal Gear Solid or Splinter Cell. Some of the guards could immediately spot you from across the hallway as soon as you step in the light. I guess that's more realistic. On the other hand, in the pitch black corners of the room, the guards could bump into you and not sound the alarm.

What makes this game a total win is the setting. I am total sucker for dark, gritty, and dystopian environments. Butcher Bay definitely delivers that and a mysterious and foreboding atmosphere. It's suitably oppressive for a game like this. The story that takes place in this environment is good, too. Some of the characters are interesting. I particularly Pope Joe, who gave Riddick his eyeshine, and Abbott, the prison guard played by Xzibit.

Aside from some elements that are only flaws simply because they didn't stand the test of time, this game is great. I regret missing when I was a teenager. I am glad I played it as an adult.

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