|
|
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let it Reign, October 25, 2002
I have been eagerly anticipating this game amongst the slew of vampire games that have fallen short. BloodRayne takes on a "The Matrix" feel in combat with a full range of controls and perspectives. It's not an all-original concept, but it exceeds the current line-up well.Controls: Surprisingly smooth and easy to master attacks. The feeding element is one of the best eye-candy visuals as well as a necessity. The game takes a limited use of the XBOX's controller or full use, whichever you prefer to set it to in the options menu. Gameplay: An exhilerating rush from the very beginning, whether you start in training or dive right into the game. This isn't the typical "this is the right way, that is not" world as you'll find many places to explore, feed, and test those quick reflexes of yours. It's creepy, gothic, and intense. I remember being 45 minutes into the game and still at the beginning. It's a long game and rightfully so. The story can be found on the product description, so I don't feel the need to relay it again. Visual: Let's be honest. I love my XBOX, PS2, and when I had the GameCube, I loved that too (if only for 2 games.) No matter what the reviews state, the graphics are basically the same on all the systems it's designed for. Unless you have "Only on XBOX" and so forth, these were designed for multiple platforms and the only "tweaks" were its ports. That's a sad thing because it doesn't use the full harness of the XBOX's power. Many of you will disagree, but if you have multiple systems, rent them at your local video store and find out. I haven't found much difference in any multi-platform designed game so far. Visuals II: With that out of the way, it is visually stunning. BloodRayne is gorgeous and her movements, cutscenes, and animation are enough to distract you from the task at hand. The opening intro scene is confusing on purpose, however, it propells the story about to unfold. That said, the intro draws you into the game and glued to your seat for the hours of gameplay ahead. The backgrounds are a pre-rendered sort in some areas and the water you encounter isn't impressive (multi-platform game.) There are a lot of stunning other eye-poppers like breaking through walls, busting up chairs and tables, or shredding bedsheets and pillows (yes, you can do all that.) Blood Rage and the slo-motion battles are an interesting visual twist sure to delight the legion of vampire game fans. Sound: Here is where the XBOX struts its superiority. Not because of the game, but the hardware. Pros: Because of the XBOX's hardware and massive hard drive, loading times, frame rates, sound, and saving is easier. To reiterarte, the graphics aren't any better than the other platforms, but who cares, right? BloodRayne's voice-over's are more convincing than most games have been to recent date. As for the character herself, there aren't too many words to describe her when you're left speechless. Interesting storyline, control, and gameplay. Cons: A ported, multi-platform game lacking the advantage of using the full power of the XBOX. Examples: "Final Fantasy X" for PS2 pushed the limits of the machine, as did "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty." Another example: "Halo," which used the full strength of the XBOX and "Dead or Alive 3" (One of the most visually and all-around impressive titles I have ever seen on a console.) All in all...this is a hot title which may remind some, because of the Louisiana part, of Shadow Man: Second Coming. Albeit, a better game through and through.
|