The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 393 Ratings

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  • Summary: Set before the events of both Universal Pictures' "The Chronicles of Riddick," starring Vin Diesel, and the 2000 cult classic "Pitch Black," which first introduced Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapableSet before the events of both Universal Pictures' "The Chronicles of Riddick," starring Vin Diesel, and the 2000 cult classic "Pitch Black," which first introduced Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapable triple max security slam Butcher Bay, home to the most violent prisoners in the galaxy. The Chronicles Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay will blend action and stealth elements, as players navigate Riddick through the harsh environments of the slam - dank tunnels, dimly lit corridors, and other hazardous areas filled with guards, savage inmates and deadly creatures that prowl the darkness. [Vivendi Universal] Expand
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The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut Gameplay Movie 1
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Cheat Code Central
    100
    The guards, prisoners and Riddick himself are some of the most realistic looking polygon characters you'll see this year. The level of detail in the facial contortions alone are benchmark raising.
  2. The biggest extra you’ll find, though, will come after you’ve completed the game. You can then re-enter the game and as you play through the second time you’ll notice the addition of some floating icons. Clicking on these pauses the game and plays designer commentary about the design and development of the level.
  3. Every bit as surprisingly good on the PC, thanks to an excellent translation that shows no traces of the game's console origins. Furthermore, some exciting, brand-new extras that are exclusive to the PC version make it worth experiencing even by those who've played and enjoyed the original version of the game.
  4. Better than any licensed game has been in months and maybe years. It is at least one of the top games from 2004, superior in my mind to the likes of "Doom 3" or "Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines."
  5. 90
    With so much variation in game play challenging levels, and the amazing visuals it is a must for any PC gamer.
  6. 88
    The equal blend of game elements is superbly crafted, and I am honestly surprised at enjoyable the stealth and hand-to-hand combat really is. Still, if you consider around 12 hours of gameplay short, then Riddick is just that.
  7. There's also a huge, gaping multiplayer-shaped hole running right through the middle. The only other fly in Riddick's surgical bruise ointment is its length. Or lack of it.

See all 38 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 50
  2. Negative: 2 out of 50
  1. AnthonyS.
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    Heart-pounding, jawdropping, smack-you-in-your-face action along with a storyline fit for a five star feature film makes this game one of the Heart-pounding, jawdropping, smack-you-in-your-face action along with a storyline fit for a five star feature film makes this game one of the greatest first person shooters i've ever played. Right up there with half-life 2, I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. Three years after its release, I'm only regretting I waited so long to pick it up! Expand
  2. LisacTwok
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    Let it be clear - this game is near perfection in its every single segment. However, to experience such perfection, one needs a deepLet it be clear - this game is near perfection in its every single segment. However, to experience such perfection, one needs a deep understanding of the world settings, the story, and finally of Riddick himself. Maybe the strongest point of the game is a possibility not only to play Riddicks role, but also to get into his mind and feel yourself as a "Furion". I'd usually give it 9, but due to such a brilliant port of the game from XBox to PC and adjusting it properly for each of the two platforms, I decided to conclude this review with 10. Addendum: the game might refuse to work with new (NVidia Forceware) video drivers, so be sure to install an older version of those. I've been using version 66.93, and it works fine - older versions of the drivers and more info about them can be found on the official NVidia website. Expand
  3. Sep 1, 2011
    10
    I am writing this about seven years since this game was released and I still play it once every few months when I want to clear my mind fromI am writing this about seven years since this game was released and I still play it once every few months when I want to clear my mind from yet another over-hyped garbage that gets released a lot too often and reset my scale of what a great game should be. Strengths? Best "at will" stealth action I have experienced in a game to date, good melee system and controls that allow complex moves without using half of keyboard, great dialogs and fantastic voice acting. Most of all though - full immersion into the story and situation that Riddick got himself into. Problems? None in my opinion. Just can't get enough of it (not to say it is short). The re-release and sequel (Dark Athena) had some annoying install limits and DRM but get it on Steam and don't worry. I also think the original reelase had a bit better color schema. To sum it up it is a classic comparable to Doom 3, HL2 and Bioshock and it deserves a real sequel rather than just a short episode which is Dark Athena. Expand
  4. Feb 12, 2023
    9
    It is a very abnormal game compared to 2004. It's hard to find such a well-crafted game in those years. At least as revolutionary as half-lifeIt is a very abnormal game compared to 2004. It's hard to find such a well-crafted game in those years. At least as revolutionary as half-life 2. The fps game with rpg elements is incredible for that year. A.I. is well designed. The graphics are awesome. The music and atmosphere is like a movie. Stealth is fun. The story and dialogues are not bad. Our main character is very cool. Of course!. Just a slightly buggy game. And melee is hard to get used to, but it's nice. Overall very good game. Expand
  5. Aug 30, 2020
    9
    The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay is a masterpiece. Maybe the best movie adaption ever made. Great story, graphics, sound andThe Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay is a masterpiece. Maybe the best movie adaption ever made. Great story, graphics, sound and gameplay. Superb! Expand
  6. Feb 17, 2021
    8
    Excellent story and gameplay. Much more interesting than regular shooters or alike.
  7. Aug 12, 2014
    0
    One of the worst games I ever played. The gunplay is horrible, the sound is weak, the stealth and the AI are really poor. Basically it doesn'tOne of the worst games I ever played. The gunplay is horrible, the sound is weak, the stealth and the AI are really poor. Basically it doesn't have anything good. Really overrated Expand

See all 50 User Reviews