Against expectations, Butcher Bay seems an interesting place. Though a bit repetitive in general environment.
It gives an egocentric impression, not to forget that Riddick is your typical tough-guy that always wins in the long run.
Bad thing? Not necessarily. But surely noticeable.
First off, the Tutorial level is original to say the least.
It's not been done before to make a lucky escape actually be a dream. And that's also the last storyline-spoiler you'll get from me.
The game keeps itself interesting by giving a little variety on situations, how to approach them, and whatnot.
It surely is challenging to use the shadows to pass unnoticed (or atleast stun guards without being seen), only being armed with a taser.
The Assault rifles have a DNA protection on it, so that answers your question of "why use the taser if we have guns".
The level gets abit boring after some time, but it doesn't take long until you lose that taser and get some REAL firearms in your hands!
There is a little variety in what arms there is available.
Shiv's (handmade knives, typical prison weapon), screwdrivers, pistols, Spas-like shotguns and laser-like assaults rifles...
Oh, and miniguns, but they're not stock-able.
So its either carry, walk slow and enjoy your unlimited ammo,
or ditch it when it gets boring.
The game explains where riddick gets his special eyes.
Something that atleast had ME intrigued.
(actually, I was curious why he wore those eyeprotectors)
The game looks stunning to say the least.
For as good as a prison can look, the graphics are amazing.
And seemingly, except for the guards, every character, be it inmate or story-involved characters, look unique in their own way.
The game makes perfect use of Hiding-in-the-shadows concept.
When you are in the shadows, you are hidden.
And someone had to run IN to you to actually find you.
To me, that leaves two ways to approach the game:
- Run and gun, and hope the guards have no lucky shot on some tender parts of yourself
- Sneak about. Silent kills ahoy! It's no splinter cell,
but its still.
The story probably won't be the greatest ever,
but the achievement of being a game from a movie, AND being a good game, is something not many other designers complete succesfully.
You'll probably have a few "oh no, not again" moments, but those are story wise. And believe me, they won't last forever.
Dark Athena seems to have "Butcher Bay" included.
If you are curious if its still good beyond Bbay, feel free to buy that.
Whatever you do, be sure to have played this game before you become old. You don't wanna miss out on this one.