Highly recommended for both fans of the previous game, as well as those still enamored by the now defunct cult series.

It’s always refreshing to see a good game adaptation of a popular television or film license, especially when that offering is a sequel. The original Buffy game, published by Electronic Arts and developed by The Collective was a surprising “sleeper hit.”

An Xbox exclusive, this title saw much critical acclaim despite the rather modest sales figures. This time around, Vivendi Universal took a crack at the game, and handed development duties to European studio Eurocom.

The game is now available across all three major platforms, though predictably it plays best on its native console. Based largely on the original game engine and mechanics, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds is every bit as good as the original, and in some ways, a little bit better.

The storyline takes place as a “lost episode” from season five of the now defunct series, where a rift in time and space allows the dreaded entity known as “The First” and other baddies to return as major threats to the stability of the universe.

Buffy and her pals unite on a series of courier missions to collect body parts of an ancient warrior, to ultimately retrieve a mystical dagger to smite their foes. Keeping in step with the witty banter and creative plotlines, the game sits believably within the context of the show, and ultimately flows logically.

This time around there are six playable characters, versus only one in the first game. Aside from Buffy, select levels put the player in control of Faith (the renegade Slayer), Willow (the witch), Xander (the goofy warrior), Spike (the rogue vampire), and Sid the Dummy (um, the dummy).

Interestingly enough, the combat interface for each has been tweaked to represent that character’s abilities, rather than each model being a window-dressing of the same moves. In essence, the larger male figures rely on brute force, where Willow must utilize spell casting.

Both Slayers fight in a similar fashion, wielding quick moves and rapid-fire combos. Sid, by far the most comical of the bunch, runs headlong at enemies in a flurry of punches, often striking the kneecaps of creatures and demons. Missions generally fall under the “fetch-this-item” and “unlock-this-door” variety, though occasionally team members fight as NPC’s where teamwork is key.

In addition to all the hand-to-hand and ranged combat, Buffy has a healthy amount of puzzles to solve. While most are easy to figure out, expect some aimless wandering and bouts of frustration. The same goes for the difficulty of the game as a whole.

Chaos Bleeds starts off innocently enough, allowing players to waste wave after wave of the undead. As the game progresses, boss battles become increasingly difficult. There are no real cheat codes to be found online, so a punching bag should be kept nearby to prevent furniture damage. Thankfully, the game is not impossible, and with enough work and continue points, the game is beatable.

Graphically, Chaos Bleeds is on par with the previous installment, though character modeling seems to have been adjusted for the better. Lip-synching and animation during the in game cut scenes is convincing enough.

Level design is creative, especially when factoring in the unique locations and scripted sequences inherent in completing objectives. At several points in the game, mass destruction is the order as Faith causes a massive chandelier to crash through the floor, or when Spike directs machine-gun fire at an unsuspecting gas tank in the corner.

Though the game looks on par with the predecessor, it hasn’t evolved much and looks a tad dated next to the current crop of next-generation Xbox games. Still, it’s a good-looking game in its own right, though the frame rates tend to chug during heated battles when the particle effects kick in.

As usual, the voice acting is top notch since most of the cast was on hand to pitch in. This time around, aside from Sarah Michelle Gellar being AWOL, Alyson Hannigan was unavailable to contribute.

In both cases, convincing sound-alikes were employed with the task of imitating the characters to large success. Ultimately, Chaos Bleeds is one of the growing amount of games with high production values in the audio department, with a winning script to support the performances of the actors.

Sound effects are no different this time, though the musical score is well conceived, and reportedly taken directly from the show. Music adjusts dynamically to fit the situation, as tense compositions complete with swirling strings and spooky effects drone during battle.

As the last creature is dispatched, the audio takes a mellow turn – a brief respite until the next confrontation is engaged. Generally the mood shifts are well timed, and one more reason why this game should not be overlooked.

Control in Chaos Bleeds is somewhat cursed. On one hand, similar to the Tekken style of combat where button mashing results in spectacular combos, it’s very easy to pick up.

In no time, waves upon waves of ghastly enemies will be flying through the air and bursting into flame at the Slayer’s hand. Alternately, the twitchy camera constantly needs babysitting. On more than one occasion, one can only sit helpless as a gang of zombies takes pot shots at our downed hero.

Often, attacks will come from off-screen, as the player is moving through virtual molasses due to frame rate issues. Thankfully, this is not prevalent throughout the entire game, but worth a mention.

There is much unlockable content to be uncovered in the game, ranging from interview and VO sessions, to artwork and multiplayer characters. Aside from the single player romp, there are several multiplayer games to add some replay value to the game. None seem really fleshed out, though the arcade nature helps to lighten the mood and boost the possibilities of friendly competition in the living room.

In all, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds, is highly recommended for both fans of the previous game, as well as those still enamored by the defunct cult series. Minor criticisms aside, it’s hard not to crack a smile during some of the funny one-liners or cut scenes.

It succeeds as a 3D fighting game, an action/adventure title, and a puzzle-solving outing. There’s a little bit for everyone to enjoy, and as such this game is a solid purchase for any Xbox owner looking for solid writing and action-packed gameplay.


Review by bossjimbob.