Developer: Starbreeze Studios

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena: A Gripping Sci-Fi Action Stealth Shooter

Introduction

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a first-person action stealth shooter video game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by Atari. Released in 2009, it is the sequel to The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and is based on the Riddick film franchise. The game features the voice acting of Vin Diesel as Riddick, and follows his harrowing escape from the Dark Athena, a predatory Merc-ship.

Story

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena picks up where Escape from Butcher Bay left off. Riddick, having escaped the notorious Butcher Bay prison, now finds himself on the run from the Mercs, a group of ruthless bounty hunters. He boards the Dark Athena, a Merc-ship captained by the sadistic Revas, in an attempt to find a way to get off-world.

However, the Dark Athena is not what it seems. The ship is a living, breathing entity, and it has its own sinister agenda. Riddick must use all of his skills and cunning to survive the horrors of the Dark Athena and escape with his life.

Gameplay

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a first-person action stealth shooter. Players control Riddick as he explores the Dark Athena, taking down enemies with a variety of weapons and gadgets. The game features a variety of stealth mechanics, allowing players to sneak up on enemies and take them down silently.

In addition to stealth, the game also features intense action sequences. Riddick can use a variety of weapons, including assault rifles, shotguns, and sniper rifles, to take down his enemies. He can also use his fists and feet to engage in hand-to-hand combat.

Characters

  • Riddick: The protagonist of the game, Riddick is a dangerous and resourceful convict who is trying to escape from the Dark Athena. He is voiced by Vin Diesel.
  • Revas: The captain of the Dark Athena, Revas is a sadistic and ruthless woman who is determined to capture Riddick. She is voiced by Michelle Forbes.
  • Johns: A fellow inmate who escapes with Riddick from Butcher Bay, Johns is a loyal friend and ally. He is voiced by Nolan North.
  • Dahl: A mysterious woman who helps Riddick on his quest, Dahl is a powerful ally who knows more than she lets on. She is voiced by Susan Eisenberg.

Setting

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is set in the futuristic sci-fi universe of the Riddick films. The game takes place on the Dark Athena, a massive Merc-ship that is home to a variety of dangerous creatures and criminals.

Reception

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its intense action, stealth gameplay, and gripping story. However, some critics found the game to be too linear and repetitive.

Overall

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a solid action stealth shooter that offers a thrilling and immersive experience. The game’s intense combat, stealth gameplay, and gripping story make it a must-play for fans of the Riddick franchise and FPS enthusiasts alike.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Starbreeze Studios
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release Date: April 7, 2009
  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows
  • Genre: First-person action stealth shooter
  • ESRB Rating: M for Mature

Review Score

7.5/10

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Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade is a medieval fantasy action/adventure RPG that offers a unique and engaging experience. Developed by the team behind Chronicles of Riddick and The Darkness, the game combines fierce combat, intriguing exploration, and a captivating story, exclusively available to the European market.

Introduction

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade is an action/adventure role-playing game that immerses players in a medieval fantasy world filled with dark secrets, ancient myths, and fierce battles. Released in 2004, this game stands out for its compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the fact that it was never released outside of Europe, making it a sought-after title for collectors and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Synopsis

“Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade” is a captivating action-adventure video game released in 2004 by Starbreeze Studios. The game, which was only released in Europe, is set in the medieval times and is a dynamic camera third-person hack and slash game.

The game’s story follows Paul de Raque, a young Templar Knight on his first Crusade. Paul is tasked with the mission to stop the end of the world by fighting his way through the sombre gloom of European monasteries and villages to the colourful bazaars and powerful bastions of the crusader castles under the blazing sun of the Holy Land. His journey doesn’t stop there; he must also enter the realms of hell and face his worst nightmares.

The plot thickens when an evil Bishop abducts Adelle, a mysterious young woman with divine powers and Paul’s beloved childhood friend. The Bishop, with his entourage of disciples and their captive Adelle, embarks on an Unholy Crusade, moving along the initial routes of the historic holy wars. By misusing Adelle’s powers against her will, he plans to complete the Unholy Circle and perform dark rituals at sacred places to desecrate them. His ultimate intention is to unlock and gain access to the Gateway to Hell.

Paul finds himself burdened with the tough task of starting a mission to uncover the Evil Conspiracy, interrupt the Unholy Circle, and prevent the Evil Bishop from fulfilling his plan. The only way to save the world from Evil is by saving Adelle.

In the final confrontation with evil, the powers of hell have been unleashed, and the corrupt bishop has gained limitless powers. Paul fights him and his henchmen, who resurrect countless evil minions where Paul struggles to fight. Eventually, the bishop is defeated and thrown into hell, and Paul, although weak and wounded, saves the world from darkness. He then brings Adelle home to her mother, where they say that Paul’s victory was the will of God, something to which Adelle agrees. However, while Paul and her mother look away, Adelle’s eyes turn black, indicating that she has been possessed by a demon.

The gameplay of “Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade” involves players taking hold of various medieval weapons from axe, mace, sword, to mastering archery. These weapons have their own combos, damage, and attack speed with various Divine Powers and Special Attacks. Using the bow will let you play in first-person.

This game is a thrilling journey through the medieval times, filled with action, adventure, and a gripping storyline. It’s a tale of courage, friendship, and the fight against evil, set against the backdrop of the historic holy wars.

Characters

The game features a cast of characters that enrich the narrative, including the brave Templar knight, Paul de Raque, his mentor, Bernard de Clairvaux, the mysterious witch, Adelle, and the sinister antagonist, Bishop Malachi. Each character plays a crucial role in the unfolding story, offering insights, challenges, and aid to the player.

Gameplay

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade combines elements of action, adventure, and role-playing, providing a balanced mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players can engage enemies with a variety of melee weapons and magical attacks, upgrade their skills and equipment, and uncover hidden secrets and treasures throughout the game’s expansive environments.

Conclusion

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade remains a noteworthy entry in the action/adventure RPG genre, especially for its unique setting and story. Despite its limitations and the fact that it was never released outside Europe, it offers a compelling experience for those who can access it, showcasing the potential of its developers and the enduring appeal of medieval fantasy adventures.

Review Score

7/10

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Enclave (2002)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Enclave (2002) is a memorable journey into a medieval fantasy world torn between light and darkness, offering players a challenging and immersive gameplay experience.

Introduction

Embark on a journey into the atmospheric medieval world of Enclave (2002), a game where the forces of Light and Darkness prepare for an epic showdown.

Synopsis

“Enclave”, a third-person 3D action role-playing game, was developed by Starbreeze Studios and first released for the Xbox in July 2002. The game is set in a medieval fantasy realm and offers players the choice to take on the role of either a “Warrior of Light” or a “Minion of Darkness”, each with separate and unique missions reflecting the nature of that decision.

The plot of Enclave is steeped in a rich history of conflict and magic. A thousand years ago, the Dreg’Atar armies of the demon lord known as Vatar had all but destroyed the people of Celenheim. In an act of desperation, the high wizard Zale sundered the land and created a rift around Celenheim, keeping the armies of Vatar at bay. This act of magic effectively isolated Celenheim from the rest of the world, creating an enclave of peace and prosperity.

Over time, the people of Celenheim forgot about the war and Vatar as they went about their daily affairs. However, the peace was not to last. The rift that had protected Celenheim for a millennium began to close, and the threat of evil loomed once again.

In this dire situation, an unlikely hero emerges, freed from prison by happenstance. This hero must rise and fight for either Light or Darkness, to either destroy the demon king Vatar or kill the queen of Celenheim. The fate of Celenheim hangs in the balance, dependent on the actions of this one individual.

The gameplay of Enclave mixes puzzles, shooting, sword fights, and more in a level-based structure. The player uses medieval and magical weapons to fight enemies. It also includes an optional first-person mode if the player chooses. At the beginning of each mission, the player chooses a character to control. With the character selected, the player selects weapons and gear to equip for the mission. Gold is required to equip all gear. During each mission, the player collects gold and gems to increase the starting gold available at the start of each mission.

Enclave’s standout feature is its graphics, which are some of the best on the system. It features a balanced magic and battle system so that playing with different characters makes the strategy vary from character to character.

Enclave is a game that immerses players in a richly detailed world filled with magic, conflict, and adventure. Whether you choose to fight for the forces of Light or Darkness, the game offers a unique and engaging experience that will keep you captivated from start to finish. The fate of Celenheim is in your hands. Will you rise to the challenge?

Characters

The game features a diverse cast of characters from both the Light and Darkness factions, each with their unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, including knights, wizards, and assassins.

Gameplay

Enclave offers intense medieval combat action, with players navigating through challenging missions, utilizing a mix of strategy, combat skills, and character abilities to defeat enemies and progress through the game.

Conclusion

Enclave remains a unique and ambitious action RPG that captivates with its atmospheric setting and intense combat, despite its flaws.

Review Score

7/10

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Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

A groundbreaking adventure that explores the bonds of family and the lengths to which we go for love, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an unforgettable experience that blends gameplay and story in new, meaningful ways.

Introduction

Embark on a heartfelt journey with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, a game that transcends conventional storytelling in video games through its innovative gameplay mechanics and profound narrative.

Synopsis

“Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” is a 2013 adventure game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by 505 Games. The game is set in a fantasy world filled with fictitious creatures such as orcs and trolls. The narrative revolves around two young brothers who embark on a journey to find a cure for their father’s illness.

The story begins with a boy named Naiee standing at the tombstone of his dead mother who drowned at sea while he was unable to save her. After the ghost of his mother comforts him, his older brother, Naia, calls him to help their ill father reach the village’s doctor. The doctor tells them the only way to save him is by collecting the water from the Tree of Life.

The brothers embark on their journey through the village, hills, and mountains, facing challenges such as the local bully, a farmer’s aggressive dog, and deadly wolves. They help others along the way – reuniting a troll couple, saving a man attempting suicide, and aiding an inventor.

The game is presented from a third-person view overlooking the two brothers. The brothers are moved individually by two thumbsticks on the controller. The controller triggers cause the respective brother to interact with the game world, such as talking to a non-player character or grabbing onto a ledge or object.

The older brother is the stronger of the two and can pull levers or boost his younger brother to higher spaces, while the younger one can pass between narrow bars. The player progresses by manipulating the two brothers at the same time to complete various puzzles, often requiring the player to manipulate both brothers to perform differing functions.

All of the in-game dialogue is spoken in a fictional language based on Lebanese Arabic, thus the story is conveyed through actions, gestures, and expressions. The game is often mentioned as an example of artistry in video games due to its heavy narrative. It received positive reviews from critics and had sold over 800,000 units by January 2015.

“Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” is a beautiful and sometimes darkly mature echo of the fairytales that taught us about the world as children. Throughout the journey of two siblings trying to save their dying father, players experience themes of death and acceptance that hit them on an extremely personal level.

The game is also extremely innovative in how it leaves much of its world-building and character development in the hands of the players. Each area, character, and object contains its own piece of the story, and it’s up to the players to assemble those bits as they progress through their journey.

Characters

The main characters are the two brothers: the older brother, strong and capable of performing tasks that require brute force, and the younger brother, nimble and able to fit through tight spaces.

Gameplay

The gameplay is centered around the simultaneous control of the two brothers with a single controller, a mechanic that symbolizes their dependence on each other. The game features a variety of puzzles that require the unique abilities of each brother to solve.

Conclusion

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a masterclass in video game storytelling and design, leaving a lasting impact on players with its emotional narrative and innovative gameplay.

Review Score

9/10

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The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004)

Introduction

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is a first-person action-adventure stealth game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by Vivendi Universal Games. It was released for the Xbox in 2004, and later ported to the PC in 2006. The game is set in the futuristic science fiction universe of the Chronicles of Riddick franchise, and is a prequel to the film Pitch Black.

Gameplay

The player controls Riddick, a dangerous and resourceful convict who is incarcerated in Butcher Bay, a maximum-security prison from which no prisoner has ever escaped. The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player must use stealth, combat, and problem-solving skills to progress through the game’s levels.

Butcher Bay is a vast and complex prison, and the player must explore its many different areas in order to find a way to escape. The game’s levels are interconnected, and the player can often choose different paths to reach their destination.

Riddick is a skilled fighter, and he can use a variety of weapons to defeat his enemies. However, stealth is often the best option, as Riddick can easily be overwhelmed by multiple enemies. The player can use shadows to hide from guards, and they can also use Riddick’s “Eye Shine” ability to see in the dark.

Plot

The game begins with Riddick being transported to Butcher Bay. He is quickly thrown into the prison’s general population, where he must fight for survival. Riddick quickly makes enemies with the prison’s guards and inmates, and he soon finds himself in solitary confinement.

However, Riddick is not one to give up easily. He begins to plan his escape, and he eventually teams up with a group of other inmates who are also planning to escape. Together, they must overcome the many challenges that Butcher Bay throws at them, and they must find a way to escape before it’s too late.

Characters

  • Riddick is the protagonist of the game. He is a dangerous and resourceful convict who is incarcerated in Butcher Bay. Riddick is a skilled fighter and a master of stealth. He is also very intelligent, and he is always looking for a way to get ahead.
  • Imam is a religious leader who is also incarcerated in Butcher Bay. Imam is a wise and compassionate man, and he helps Riddick to find his way in prison.
  • Johns is a fellow inmate who helps Riddick to plan his escape. Johns is a skilled engineer, and he is able to provide Riddick with the tools and information he needs to escape.
  • Shirah is a female inmate who helps Riddick to escape. Shirah is a skilled fighter, and she is also very resourceful.

Setting

The game is set in Butcher Bay, a maximum-security prison located on a barren planet. The prison is divided into three increasingly secure holding areas, and it also contains a subterranean mining operation. Butcher Bay is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and the prisoners are constantly fighting for survival.

Themes

The game explores a number of themes, including:

  • The nature of good and evil. Riddick is a complex character, and he is not always easy to categorize as good or evil. He is capable of great violence, but he also has a strong sense of justice. The game asks the player to question their own assumptions about good and evil.
  • The power of hope. Even in the darkest of places, there is always hope. Riddick never gives up on his dream of escaping from Butcher Bay, and he inspires his fellow inmates to never give up on their dreams.
  • The importance of teamwork. Riddick could not have escaped from Butcher Bay without the help of his fellow inmates. The game shows that teamwork is essential for success.

Reception

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its intense atmosphere, engaging story, and innovative gameplay. It was nominated for several awards, and it won the BAFTA Award for Best Action Game.

Legacy

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is considered to be one of the best stealth games ever made. It has been praised for its dark and gritty atmosphere, its engaging story, and its innovative gameplay. The game has been ported to several different platforms, and it remains popular today.

Conclusion

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is a classic stealth game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s intense atmosphere, engaging story, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

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The Darkness (2007)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

The Darkness (2007): A Descent into Darkness

Introduction

The Darkness is a first-person shooter video game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by 2K Games. It was released on June 25, 2007, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game features a distinct blend of dark modern crime drama and supernatural horror with intense first person non-linear gameplay.

Story

The game follows the story of Jackie Estacado, a hitman for the Franchetti crime family in New York City. On his 21st birthday, Jackie is possessed by the Darkness, an ancient and evil force that grants him incredible powers. As Jackie struggles to control the Darkness, he must also uncover the secrets of his past and confront the forces that seek to destroy him.

Gameplay

The Darkness is a dynamic first person shooter that allows players to call upon the forces of the evil underworld as they fight in gritty, urban environments. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities, including the Darkness tendrils, which can be used to grab and strangle enemies, or to create a protective shield.

The game also features a unique “quad-wielding” system, which allows players to wield two weapons in each hand. This allows for a variety of combat options, and players can experiment with different combinations of weapons to find the most effective way to defeat their enemies.

Setting

The Darkness is set in a dark and gritty urban environment. The game’s world is full of crime and violence, and the player must navigate through this dangerous landscape in order to complete their objectives.

The game’s environments are highly detailed and atmospheric, and they create a sense of immersion that draws the player into the game world. The game’s lighting is also used to great effect, and it creates a sense of tension and suspense.

Characters

The Darkness features a cast of well-developed and memorable characters. Jackie Estacado is a complex and conflicted protagonist, and the player must make difficult choices throughout the game that will affect his fate.

The game’s supporting cast is also well-written, and they provide a variety of perspectives on the game’s world and events. The player will encounter a variety of allies and enemies, and they must learn to trust and betray in order to survive.

Reception

The Darkness received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique blend of gameplay and story, as well as its dark and gritty atmosphere. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

The Darkness has been praised as one of the best first-person shooters of its generation. The game’s unique blend of gameplay and story has inspired other games, and it has helped to shape the genre of first-person shooters.

The Darkness has also been praised for its dark and gritty atmosphere. The game’s world is a violent and unforgiving place, and the player must make difficult choices in order to survive. This has made the game a favorite among fans of horror games.

Conclusion

The Darkness is a unique and unforgettable first-person shooter. The game’s blend of gameplay and story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and its dark and gritty atmosphere will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you’re a fan of first-person shooters or horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Darkness.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Syndicate (2012)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Syndicate (2012) offers an immersive cyberpunk experience, blending intense action with strategic gameplay.

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Syndicate (2012), where technology and corporate power dictate the fate of humanity.

Synopsis

“Syndicate” is set in the year 2069. The world is no longer governed by politicians, but divided into regions controlled by mega-corporations known as Syndicates. These Syndicates have revolutionized how consumers interact with the digital world. Consumers require a device to access the world’s data and control technology, which they can do in the blink of an eye via neural chip implant.

Players assume control of Miles Kilo, an augmented agent working for EuroCorp in a corrupted, deceitful world in which corporations compete with each other for power. The narrative revolves around Miles Kilo, who must eliminate important personnel from rival corporations. In the process, he discovers the evil, secret practice used by EuroCorp to recruit agents.

Kilo is implanted with a computer chip that allows him to access the dataverse and can use hacking to defeat enemies and solve environmental puzzles. The single-player plot tells the tale of Miles Kilo, a newly prepped agent who rediscovers his mysterious origin, and struggles with questions of why he fights and who he’s fighting for.

Unlike the original series of games, Syndicate is a first-person shooter. Players can run, jump, slide, hide behind covers, and carry two weapons and grenades to defeat enemies and bosses, who each have unique abilities. The game features 19 weapons1, ranging from assault rifles, rocket launchers and machine pistols, to futuristic weapons such as laser rifles, Gauss Guns with bullets that can track enemies automatically, and Riotlance Dark Shooters that can paralyze enemies for a short time. Weapons can be customized and upgraded with 87 attachments and 25 upgrade options.

Syndicate received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Critics praised the gameplay, style, graphics, art direction, artificial intelligence and the co-operative mode, but the game’s story was criticized. The game was a commercial failure for the publisher. Its excessive violence led to the game being banned in Australia and Germany.

Characters

Main character: Miles Kilo, an agent for Eurocorp, equipped with the latest DART 6 chip technology.

Gameplay

Combines first-person shooting with strategic hacking elements, allowing players to breach the digital world and manipulate the environment and enemies.

Conclusion

Syndicate (2012) stands as a bold reimagining of the classic series, offering a unique blend of action and strategy set against a cyberpunk backdrop.

Review Score

7.5/10

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