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Based in a town named Sunnydale, the story of Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows the adventures of high school girl Buffy, and a group of her friends who help her in her quests. Most people in the known universe have probably seen at least one episode of the show so you'll know what it's all about. So on to the game!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of those rare licensed games where the license actually enhances the game. Take away the license, and the game is hardly affected. But in Buffy's case, the license is an integral part of the game. You get to Play as Buffy and 5 other main characters from the show- Xander, Willow,
Spike, Faith, and even Sid the Dummy
Game play
The combat system is surprisingly solid in one-on-one fights. Buffy has a wide variety of moves and combos, all easily accessible with a few button presses. By drawing on her Slayer Power, she can do powered-up versions of some attacks and even pull off a few special strikes of the "Matrix" variety. However, once Buffy is faced with more than a single opponent, the combat systems weaknesses show. Thanks to the uncooperative camera, it is difficult to pick out opponents, so you find you are running around trying to find the correct camera angle to fight with.
Weapons play an important part in any game of this genre, vampires need to be stabbed through the heart if they are to be destroyed not punched and kicked to death. This is where the game differs from other combat orientated games, it doesn't matter how much you beat up your opponent, unless you have that stake at hand, Vamp will just keep getting back up. Apart from stakes a range of other weapons are available including crossbows, flamethrowers, holy water, pitchforks, swords and battleaxes and even water guns characters each have unique combat styles. On a plus point, the enemies will pick up weapons and use them against you. When weapons break you can make a stake from the broken pieces and this is also true with broken chairs, benches and boxes. Throughout the game you may find some artifacts, or other items that will upgrade Buffy in different ways. Many weapons can be thrown or shot which may help break up the playing style.
Graphics
By PlayStation 2 standards, Chaos Bleeds looks quite decent, but one expects more of the Xbox. While the levels are rather simplistic, the character models are well done. Nothing in this game is groundbreaking, however the graphics are adequate. I get the feeling that the game was slightly rushed, there are some glitches and the camera angle is frustrating at times. The left analog stick is used for moving your character and the right stick controls the camera. Even with the ability to guide and center the camera, there are still issues. The camera acts as if it were a solid entity, meaning that it's unable to pass through solid objects in the world. This becomes a problem when you find yourself cornered or in a narrow passage.
Sound
The Sound is very good, utilizing the Dolby 5.1 capabilities. The sound track ebbs and flows throughout the game creating an eerie atmosphere, the sfx are sufficient, with the usual cries of pain from the vanquished. Totally enhanced by voiceovers made by the Buffy cast, many one-liners are shouted in jest.
Longevity
A fair sized single player game, with a multiplayer option available, working on a purely combat based system.
Round up
Since much of the game's story relies on its ties to the Buffy universe, having authentic looking characters is a must. Buffy the Vampire Slayer achieves what few licensed games are able to do - create a game that is both true to the source material and fun to play. Over all Buffy is a decent game which just missed the mark of being a must have, due to the aforementioned camera problems, and a linier storyline. If you are a Buffy fan you will not be disappointed, If not then it is definitely worth a look if you have some spare cash, or well worth at least a rental.
Pros:
- A decent license, 5 playable characters with different styles
Cons:
- Camera, Camera, and have I mentioned the camera
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