Bloodrayne for Microsoft Xbox: "Reign In Blood"

Author's Rating:

Pros: Lots of action

Cons: Nothing new here.

The Bottom Line: 
A solid rental at best.

Author's Review
INTRO

Does Bloodrayne suck? Well yes, she does. You see, she is a Dhampir, have human, half vampire (haven’t I heard this before?). Her human mother was raped by her Vampire father, producing Rayne, who has all the strength’s of a Vampire, without all of the weaknesses (that sounds familiar to!). Taken in and trained by the Brimstone Society (a secret agency that identifies and eliminates supernatural threats), she is now known as Agent Bloodrayne.

Jurgen Wulf escaped punishment for WWI war crimes and sought safety in South America, where he learned of Supernatural Artifacts. At this time he founded the GGG (The Gegengheist Gruppe, which means “anti-ghost group”), and began the search for these artifacts which could be used to thrust Germany into power. This is where Agent Bloodrayne comes into the fold, as she must stop the Nazi’s plan for world domination, and beat back the hordes of creatures they have unwittingly unleashed in their mining for the artifacts.

CONTROL (6)

The controls are very straightforward and easy to master. Rayne’s movements are controlled via the left joystick. The right joystick is simply used to move the camera around to get a better look at things, though you can enable an option to strafe left/right with this stick. The game offers third-person mode, and first-person mode. When in first person, both sticks are used to control Rayne’s movement. The d-pad is used to scroll through Rayne’s various vision modes, which are explained below. The small clear and black buttons are used to pick up, and select from Rayne’s assortment of ranged weapons. The green “A” button executes her jump, and also confirms menu choices. The blue “X” button allows Rayne to feed on her enemies, and later in the game it will unleash a harpoon to bring distant enemies closer for bloodletting. The red “B” button simply performs a 180 degree quick turn, and the yellow “Y” button enacts Rayne’s Blood Rage mode. Rayne has two types of attacks. Her Guns are fired via the Right Trigger, and her Sword/Kick combo’s are executed with the Left Trigger. As you progress through the game, more lethal attacks are unlocked, but they are performed by simply button mashing, no multi-button combo’s required. Overall, the game runs well, and at a brisk pace. At times I found Rayne getting hung up on items in closed quarters, but generally the game offers plenty of space. You will be required to use power lines to access certain areas, and it can be a real hassle trying to jump and land on them, at least till you figure out how best to do it. Once on the wires, they are easy to stay on, as Rayne always runs in an unwavering straight line. Fighting sequences are fast action oriented hack and slash (meaning button mashing), though you will be required to use some strategy on some enemies, and determine when best to use your guns or your sword attacks. While not bug free, the controls get a passing grade, and are solid overall.

GAMEPLAY (6)

As mentioned above, the gameplay style consists of mainly button mashing oriented hack and slash. You start off in the swamps of Louisiana, and after the initial cut scene, you meet up with Mynce, another Dhampir who is charged with your training. As you and Mynce progress through the early part of the level, the game will stop and allow Mynce to explain and then demonstrate your basic attacks and abilities, after which you’re set off on your way. The first few levels are pretty easy to get through, the biggest problem I found was avoiding all of the water while trying to complete your objectives. As a half Vampire, water will drain your health, so you have to figure out how to best beat enemy's and access areas without wading through the swamps. Even though Bloodrayne is an action oriented game, you will be required to use your gaming savvy to find alternate entrances into buildings, as it seems most doors are blocked. You will also have to do mundane tasks like finding a battery to power up the elevators. None of this stuff really seemed to have a purpose other than ensuring you covered all areas in a particular level. After the initial swamp levels, things begin to pick up, as the Nazi element is added to the storyline, and the game heads indoors.

You will always have an objective which you are trying to complete, whether it’s the elimination of one of the numerous Nazi GGG agents, or something like finding explosives and detonators to allow you to open other areas. Although you are free to go anywhere throughout the level, your objectives end up making the game very linear, as there isn’t much room to progress in different ways. Linear doesn’t mean easy though, as there are always hordes of Nazi’s and creatures looking to take you out. There is a pretty good variety of Nazi soldiers and creatures to deal with, and all have various strengths and weaknesses, so you will require a bit of strategy in your attacks.

Rayne’s various combo’s are executed by simply stringing them together on enemies, there are no real multi-button combo’s to deal with. Despite to straightforward combat system, some of the other options at your disposal are pretty cool. Go into Blood-rage and the screen takes on a reddish hue. While in this mode the enemy’s movements slow down slightly, and you speed up, and perform even more lethal attack combo’s. Also while in this mode your attacks do more damage, with a much higher dismemberment success rate (Yay!). While in Blood-rage mode or Dilated Perception mode, you get what is essentially this game’s version of “Bullet Time” in Max Payne. Rayne’s use of various scissor kicks also gives the game a distinct “Matrix” feel when in these modes as well. The combo of swordplay and guns can be utilized together very rapidly, making for vicious short and long range attacks almost simultaneously. There are dozens of different guns throughout the game, and they are readily available. As Rayne takes damage (and you will!) she must feed to replenish her health. I actually found at times it's best to leave some of the less threatening enemies in the general area, as you may need to use them for food. If you kill them all off, you’re screwed if you take damage from non-humanoid enemies (Rayne only feeds on the humans/humanoids). Overall I found the gameplay to be a contrast of completing mundane tasks and executing some way cool fight sequences.

GRAPHICS (7)

The opening cut scene is quite nice, though as you get into the gameplay, things take a slight tumble. The camera is always at a bit of a distance, making for a generally lower level of detail in all characters. Rayne definitely is more detailed and fluid moving then any of the other characters, which can look a bit blocky and robotic. In accordance with ever increasing sexual elements in Mature rated games, all of the female characters in the game display ample cleavage (which jiggles), and hour-glass physiques. The game runs pretty smooth overall, but things will stumble a bit on occasion. The levels look quite good, especially the indoor areas, and especially in the later stages of the game. There is also a good degree of detail in the level designs, most notably things like the textures in the concrete walls. Lighting is solid, and Rayne casts accurate shadows as she moves through the hallways. When slaughtering enemies, blood will cover the entire area, and makes for a strong effect. A good-looking game, but far from the best the Xbox has to offer.

SOUND (5)

Not much to discuss here. The music is moody and understated throughout, never memorable. Sound effects are adequate, though with all the gunfire it all sorta just blends in together. When you are devoid of enemies, it’ll just be you and the sound of your monotonous footsteps. In the midst of battle Rayne will spout hip little sayings like “it would be really nice if you’d stop shooting me”. You will frequently be reminded that this is a Mature rated title, as Rayne often drops the F-word in her cut scenes. Lackluster is the best way to describe the sound of Bloodrayne.

REPLAY (5)

Lacking things like multiplayer mode and having a linear storyline means there isn’t much reason for playing again. I imagine after playing it in third-person, you might want to try it again via first-person (or vice-versa), but its still the same game.

OVERALL (6)

A solid title, and you can easily complete it in a dedicated 5 day rental, which is what I would recommend. I came away with a very “been there, done that” feeling after completion, and there are several titles which execute this general style more effectively.