Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I never watched the show very much, but I picked up the game for the X-box from a friend and fell in love with the series. The game play is great, and throwing a vampire onto a wooden sign in the ground for the first time is a great stress relief. Packed with challenges and many references to the series, this game would be great for anyone who likes the Buffy crew. Only thing that disappoints me is that Sarah isn't Buffy's voice. Other than that, get it, you'll not be disappointed.

Being that I've never sat through a full episode of the television series, I was apprehensive about buying this video game mainly because it didn't seem to have anything but a license going for it. I wish I had trusted that instinct and not the guy who told me I'd enjoy it more than the other choices, because I definitely wouldn't have bought the game if I had known what was in it.

The combat system and graphics are wonderfully done, making this one of the more pleasant games to start out with because it doesn't have a learning curve as such. Unfortunately, the camera system leaves a hell of a lot to be desired, often prompting me to scream that I want to be able to see what I am doing at the television. This is particularly problematic in one fight where you need to press buttons on a wall in order to open windows for sunlight, but cannot see where they are because the game will not allow the player to rotate the camera to see where they are.

Another sign of a bad video game is the old platform-jumping routine. For the first few levels, the game isn't actually all that bad, but then we are subjected to being made to jump between platforms in order to get to vital areas for forward progress. If, luck forbid, one misses a platform and dies, they have to start the entire level all over again. Being made to do the exact same thing twenty times over is not fun - it is annoying. It is even more annoying when one cannot see where they are meant to be landing because of the camera.

There are elements in the game that do work - the cutscenes that advance the story are nicely done, and the writing is worthy of any good television series. Unfortunately, the game that these scenes string together is tiring and repetitive. The array of weapons available is somewhat inventive in concept, but unfortunately they mostly do quite little to make the game fun. Especially in light of how suspect the aiming system is.

All in all, this game gets a three out of ten from me. The two elements that are fun are overwhelmed by those that aren't, sadly.

I waited forever to get "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for XBox. The only complaint I have about the game was the amount of times its release was pushed back.

Every character from the show, with the exception of Sarah Michelle Gellar, recorded their voice to be used. In conversation, they sound a bit flat, but it's an action game not Shakespeare.

Speaking of action, this game DELIVERS! Buffy is almost tougher in the game than she ever was in the show (with the exception of the final fight with Glory). She has an arsenal of moves that is so diverse it never gets tiring to pound the undead to dust. She can use stakes, crossbows, shovels, sledgehammers, and even a Super Soaker filled with holy water and hellfire.

The plot is hardly imaginative, but as it is representative of the Buffyverse it's perfect for the game. Basically, the Order of Orelius (the villains from season one) are trying to resurrect The Master. They drag Spike into the action and a surprisingly mute Drusilla. Angel's in the game, too, with David Boreanez voicing him, but he rarely says anything.

The graphics are great! They give more depth to Sunnydale than the show was able to. As a side note to hormone-stricken boys, yes, Buffy looks incredible perky and shaply. In fact, I'd say video game Buffy's a bit more filled out than TV Buffy.

In conclusion, even if you're not a fan of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" but you like action/fighting games, this game will hook you. It may even make you want to sneak a peek at the show. The game makes Buffy seem more action orientated than it usually is. For fans, this game is a must have. You'll definitely enjoy walloping Vampires, demons, and even talkative Spike at one point.

Five out of Five stars!

I am not a fan of the tv show, but the game is very well done and I greatly enjoyed playing it. Fans of the show will love it, as it does reference all the characters from the show, nearly all doing there own voice work. The shows comedic element was brought to the game and parts are quite funny. Some one liners are over used, but you get used to it as the game goes on. The graphics are terrific, and the combat system works very well - easy to use with lots of special moves. This game is a keeper.