A T.V show tie-in with bite (pun absolutely intended).
The game is split into 12 levels, each takes on average about 60 minutes to complete (excluding the first level, as this is just a tutorial). Of course the amount of time taken depends on skill level and knowledge of the series and game. A character from the show is associated to each level, although you play as Buffy in 7 levels (I think)? Playable characters are Buffy, Willow, Xander, Faith, Spike and Sid the Dummy. The levels are a mixture of fighting zombies, vampires and demons whilst also containing some light to quite hard puzzle solving elements. The balance between the fighting and puzzles is good, but on some occasions I felt that the enemies were just a bit too aggressive and were bordering on annoying with their repeated voice overs and no variation in the waves that attack you. That said the fighting gameplay is solid, you have a basic lock on system although I hardly used that and in almost every situation found myself mashing a combo of buttons until I hit something and finally ending with a stake in the heart. Stakes are not the only weapons on the menu (ahh see what I did.... well I thought it was good), various weapons are on offer, If you can find them. Such include axes, pitchforks, tranquilizer guns, swords, crossbows and supersoakers (to name a few). In order to progress through the main story you must also complete puzzles. The puzzles are an assortment of finding keys, collecting relics, unlocking specific areas and using a dictaphone to translate a demonic language (that's more of a direct example). Most of them are relatively simple to pass, however there were a couple of incidents where I hastily ran to the laptop to find a guide or walkthrough. And later kicking myself as the step I was unable to perform was so self-explanatory.
The graphics are what you would expect from a 2003 PS2 game nothing particularly special but nothing god awful either. Some of the facial models are excellent especially Buffy's, Willow's and Faith's. Yet the male cast facial features are not so great, Xander and Spike look like blank canvases with no eyebrows. The environments are dark and dreary, they are atmospheric so it is hard to mock how bland they may be. Voice acting is excellent, the cast (excluding Willow and Buffy) provided their voices for the game. The voice actresses they found for the ladies were incredibly good, so much so I actually thought for a split second it was Sarah Michelle Gellar and Allyson Hannigan.
As soon as the title menu is opened up you are greeted by the electrifying noise of the guitar from the theme tune. You know you are onto a winner when you hear the original theme. The music in the game is ambient (albeit repetitive) church dongs and choirs quietly humming "ahhhhhhs" are some of the familiar sounds that can be heard whilst playing. It provides you with a chilling yet comfortable experience (if that makes sense). Storyline is well written almost exactly like an episode, which is what you would expect when you have the series creator on hand to help out. The comments the cast make in game and during cut scenes are witty and tongue and cheek. This, in my opinion, was the games strongest asset. For the entirety of the game I felt like I was re-enacting an actual episode of Buffy. For instance when Buffy is faced with a locked door she says "Mum always said my natural charisma would open doors.... just not this one." Another example is when Faith kills a zombie skeleton and says "Look at you, all fallin' to pieces." I found myself wanting to continue the game, not for story or gameplay action. But just to see what the characters would say next. Yes the script is that good!
The game has some replay value, not much but some. There are a variety of extras to unlock which include interviews with creators and voice actors. Bloopers from the development process and up and coming trailers from the show. There is also a comic book which I have yet to look at fully. Playing through the story helps to unlock these. There is also a multiplayer section in which you can select from 24 characters and battle with or against other players. I do not know much about multiplayer as I have only played it once. It was a nice addition but not something to get excited about.
All in all Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds is one of, if not the best T.V tie-in I have ever played. Due to the clever use of gameplay and integrated puzzles along with superb voice acting and recognisable environments and almost Identical character models. It is the ultimate Vampire Slayering gaming experience!
(I do realise it has been a while since the games initial release, and therefore may disappoint gamers who are only interested in the future of gaming and not the past. However if you are a fan of the Buffy series or just fancy some ass kicking, pick up this game. It was released in 2003 and can be bought for insanely cheap prices now.)