Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Xbox Classics)

Having waited for this release like what seems forever I was beggining to think it would not live up to expectations - but I was wrong. The game starts with the opening sequence from an episode of Buffy & when you start playing - you belive you are in an episode of Buffy. You are "The Slayer".

The graphics are outstanding. Spike, Buffy, Giles...they are all there in incredible detail along with the Bronze, the Library and other recognisable locations.The actors provide the voices of the characters which makes it even more authenic. The exception being Sarah Michelle Gellar but the stand in does an excellent job. Sometimes the likeness is uncanny.

The graphics, sound, gameplay..everything about this game is top draw. A definate 9/10. If you have an XBOX you must get Buffy.

For those who don't know what the show is about (and there are probably only ten people in the world who don't) every generation has a Vampire Slayer (or Chosen One, if you prefer)- a teenage girl whose job it is to protect innocent people from the forces of evil. Buffy Summers happens to be our resident Slayer, and along with her best friends the 'Scooby Gang' and her mentor/Watcher Giles, she tries to juggle school, boyfriends and saving the world.
The game takes place somewhere in the show's third season, with Buffy facing old adversaries such as The Master and Spike. The first mission takes place in an abandoned Spanish-style mission, which is basically just a chance for gamers to grasp the controls. The controls are easy-peasy to handle. Combat, however, requires some practice. Also, Buffy changes her style of fighting throughout the game, so the battles never become predictable or repetative. The standard of graphics become obvious from the beginning- especially the sound effects. Owls hoot in the woods, and the branches of trees rustle together. But the best bit by far is that you can actually hear the vampires hissing in the darkness, which helps in finding their exact location. This is accompanied by an impressive score that adds tension to already nerve-racking moments in the game.

Buffy herself is just like in the game (although her voice is impersonated- but don't let this put you off, the imitation is superb). She can punch and kick her way around just like in the show, aided by her super-human strength. Of course, it takes more than a punch to kill a vampire, so here's where the weapons come into play. This is where the game really defines how different it is to other games- you can actually interact with the surroundings, like windows and tombstones. As you learn during the game, there are various ways to dispose of your enemy- a vampire can be thrown out of a window and burnt to dust, or rammed onto a broken chair leg. Stakes, crossbows and a child's water-pistol filled with holy water are all in Buffy's arsenal. With each kill your Slayer Power is raised, so you learn feats such as flying spin-kicks and handy tricks such as throwing a stake at a vampire.
The graphics are simply phenomenal, with favourite hang-outs such as the Bronze or outside the highschool bursting with detail. Each environment is different and allows you to use certain objects as unconventional weapons. And with the voices of some of the actual characters (Willow, Xander, Giles etc) the game really is like directing your own show.

However, there are prices to pay for such excellent gaming. There are small bumps/skips during battle that are annoying, and the camera angles are a bit dodgy when Buffy goes into certain corners. And the save points are far apart- so now and again you feel like crying with frustration when you have to go over a difficult part of the game for the third time. Luckily we are given unlimited continues (which is really, REALLY lucky).

Still, even the small glitches can not ruin the game- Buffy the Vampire Slayer provides exactly what people love about the show. Horror, comedy, puzzles, action, and the most loveable cast ever!