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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 a Vampire; producing Rayne, who has
all the strengths of a Vampire, with none of the weaknesses. (that
sounds familiar too!) 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 (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 enemies 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 seems
to have a purpose other than ensuring that you cover all of the
areas in a particular level. Things begin to pick up after the
initial swamp levels, 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 Nazis and creatures
looking to take you out. There are a decent variety of Nazi soldiers
and creatures to deal with, all of which have various strengths and
weaknesses, so you will require a bit of strategy in your
attacks.
Rayne’s various combos are executed by simply stringing them
together on enemies, there are no real multi-button combos to deal
with. Complimenting the straightforward combat system are some other
options at your disposal, which are pretty cool. Go into Blood-rage
and the screen takes on a reddish hue. While in this mode the
enemy’s movements slows down slightly, and you speed up, and perform
even more lethal attack combos. 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 that 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 it’s 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
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