I thought Pitch Black was great. I thought The Chronicles of Riddick wasnt a bad sequel despite bombing. But a game as a prequel? Sounded like yet another quick fix lousy movie-based game designed to strain as much cash as possible from the franchise. Man was I wrong.
Graphics: 10 The graphics are beautiful to look at due to EfBB's unique pixel design and a real-world lighting effect. Shadows bring the prison-world to life without being too annoying and are constant and important to gameplay. The model designs for your fellow inmates had thoughts put into them and are detailed and different from one another. As is the landscape; floors, ceiling, walls, all reflect the uncleanliness and vulgarity of the prisoners. Blood splatters, slime, gang names; its all there.
Sound: 9 Nothing special, but it had me convinced. The in-game clips are best for sound though; they tell a story. It just sets you in that adrenaline-pounding mood. The voices of Vin Diesel, Cole Hauser and such are perfectly executed. The inmates, whispers, threats, pleadings, are not shoddy voiceovers but instead every single prisoner has they're own unique voice. They did a great job on that one.
Controls: 9 Like I've heard, they're just like Halo and any fan of that will be of this. Easy to aim and not incredibly complicated, but there may be a few minor issues with switching and navigating that some might find bothersome.
Gameplay: 10 Amazing. Blends FPS, stealth, fighting, and a few RPG elements as well, but a true FPS overall. Sneaking up behind guards in the dark and snapping their necks is unusually satisfying. Great fighting system with lots of melee weapons and ways to use them. Pretty good storyline besides the get out of prison part. Nice areas of play and great transitions from an innocent inmate to a wanted runner. The AI is intelligent enough to prove a challenge but changes everytime you play. Except for those freaky zombie things in the pit. Them buggers just dont DIE. Overall really fun and nicely put together.
Replay Value: 5 1/2 Pretty short and doesnt give you more than 8 hours of gameplay at the most. Once you've beaten it theres not really a challenge, and with no multiplayer, EfBB doesnt really have anywhere to be. You'll do a bit of in-game replay though, as the saving feature totally sucks. You save at certain checkpoints automatically (usually before a new area), and if you die you could go back far from your position. But a month or 2 after you've beaten it and I wouldnt be surprised if you go back for more.
Overall: EfBB is a must-have for your Xbox collection. Its the most exciting and stimulating game since Halo with all the elements of a true FPS. The multiplayer and abrupt gameplay are some major setbacks, but hey; thats what sequels are made for, right?
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