The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay gives publisher Vivendi Universal Games a PC title that could potentially be the sleeper hit of 2005. Originally released on the Xbox late last year, Butcher Bay is not your standard console port. Many critics go so far as to say the PC version is arguably the first title to be better on its adopted platform than on the original.
Butcher Bay defies being pigeon-holed into first-person shooter conventions. In many ways, it is similar to the Half-Life franchise in that it combines adventure, stealth, combat, first-person shooting and a strong narrative. Unlike Half-Life though, this is a title that will be enjoyed by a much wider audience.
A popular story
The reasons for this are two-fold.
For one, installing Butcher Bay is as straightforward as you get. There is no need to open an online account, update software or even decrypt game files. You simply insert the discs into the drive, and the program takes care of the rest.
Secondly, this is a title that takes place in the popular Hollywood milieu of anti-hero Riddick. Riddick, played by Vin Diesel, first appeared in the cult science-fiction movie Pitch Black. The character gained such a following, that a sequel (The Chronicles of Riddick) was released last year. Drawing inspiration from the Animatrix, the Riddick universe also saw the release of an anime short to tie the two movies together.
With Butcher Bay, the cycle is complete. The game (as interactive story) takes place before the events of Pitch Black and accounts how Riddick came to be the most wanted man in the universe. Fans of the story will be happy to learn that Butcher Bay contains many details that the movies refer to.
Of course, the Butcher Bay of the title refers to the most deadly prison ever created. In the game, you take on the role of Riddick as he tries to escape this intergalactic hellhole.
Be the anti-hero
It is well-known that Vin Diesel spends almost as much time gaming as he does on the sets of his movies. This benefits gamers in the fact that Diesel was keen to be as much involved in the game as he was in the movies.
Being able to play an accurate likeness of an actor with him doing the voice-over work as well, might not seem like such a big thing anymore. Its overall quality sets Butcher Bay apart from other titles that can make similar claims.
All the voice acting and character modelling in the game is as impressive as you can get. In many ways, Butcher Bay makes you feel more like you are involved in a movie than a PC game.
Take your pick
Like the movies, Butcher Bay is a very violent experience and is not for sensitive players. The violence keeps to the theme of what you would expect to see in a high-security prison with convicts fending for themselves and doing what they must to survive.
There is a range of weapons at your disposal, but the most effective (and satisfying) will be your fists. Also, when fighting against an armed opponent, you can turn his own weapon on him.
Butcher Bay contains many side-quests that you can complete to get cigarette packs (the currency of the prison). These packs allow you to unlock extras such as art from the movie and other, more interesting, things. The packs also enable you to purchase weapons or other character upgrades.
The director`s cut
One of the more unique things about the title is the director`s commentary track. Much like the similar feature of DVDs, the director (in this case the game developer) gives his impressions on why certain things are taking place in the game while you play through it.
Not only does this strengthen the replay value of Butcher Bay, but it also provides gamers with a fascinating insight into the development process.
All told, this is a must-have title for any gamer out there.
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