Lucianu reviewed Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the Xbox...

...and gave it a 8.5.

Games based on movies or any other type of film are known to suck, but this game is a rare exception. I'd say it's a incredibly rare exception, because it's based on a TV series containing some sprinkles of comedy and corny dialogues. (tho a great series nonetheless).

But this game works, and it works surprisingly well. It's an action game that basically plays like a 3D beat 'em up with fantastic, responsive and deep combat mechanics, and you can also collect various weapons (like shovels, baseball bats, etc.) scattered through out the levels to sprinkle some variety on the combat system. The controls are also fluid and responsive, there's even a controllable camera in place, besides that you can re-adjust your camera behind your character with the tap of the left trigger.

As you progress though the varied, interesting stages, you'll beat down vampires, hellhounds, zombies, a few bosses here and there, even a weird guy that resembles Nemesis from Resident Evil 3 (aka you'll run from him). There are more enemies, and there are different designs to each type, so you wont fight the same model of vampire, for example, over and over. Besides the awesome fights, you'll encounter a few simple puzzles to do, and a little platforming here and here, both of which successfully manage to add to the variety of the game design.

From time to time, you'll meet up with the gang (Giles, Xander, and the others), and each person here can improve your character. Giles can teach you new combos that you can use in combat, there's another person that'll improve your health/power (as long as you can give her a couple of crystals that you can find in the levels), and so on.

Overall, it's a great, highly addictive action game with a fantastic combat system. And don't bother paying to much attention to its name. I know people that hate the TV series, but love this game.

Whether you're a Buffy fan or not, it doesn't matter. This is one great action game that anyone should play.

Get the full article at GameSpot

---