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

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 398 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 335 out of 398
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 398
  3. Negative: 14 out of 398
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  1. SolidGoodman
    Aug 13, 2023
    9
    This game is awesome. Even all these years later, i had a blast playing for the first time. It is a little annoying how the game continuously takes your weapons away, and has a really slow start. Even if the sequel is even better and rides off of BB's successes, this is still awesome and worth playing. By taking away your guns and making you outsmart the guards of Butcher Bay, you get theThis game is awesome. Even all these years later, i had a blast playing for the first time. It is a little annoying how the game continuously takes your weapons away, and has a really slow start. Even if the sequel is even better and rides off of BB's successes, this is still awesome and worth playing. By taking away your guns and making you outsmart the guards of Butcher Bay, you get the utter satisfaction of just slipping right under guards noses (or above them, pay attention to your surroundings!). Its a style of gameplay ive never seen done this well and satisfyingly. I have always hated how video games these days haphazardly cram stealth into every game and it just never works, i even give wolfenstein a little trouble for it. This game never has that problem, and mixes stealth and action perfectly, with both being viable options.… Expand
  2. armadonpower
    Jun 11, 2023
    10
    Chronicles of Riddick's immersive atmosphere, tight stealth mechanics, and compelling storyline make it a must-have for any FPS fan.
  3. ylnylmn
    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-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. OfIt 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
  4. edgepixel
    Sep 1, 2022
    9
    When thinking of this game, the first word that comes to mind is "immersion." But is it even the right word? What kind of immersion?

    I guess it would be "immersion in an oppressive, tough-as-nails alternate universe." Yeah, it does that right. From architecture to characters and story to game menu, everything conveys that. Big tough concrete shapes. Unwelcoming metal. Visceral, ugly    When thinking of this game, the first word that comes to mind is "immersion." But is it even the right word? What kind of immersion?

    I guess it would be "immersion in an oppressive, tough-as-nails alternate universe." Yeah, it does that right. From architecture to characters and story to game menu, everything conveys that. Big tough concrete shapes. Unwelcoming metal. Visceral, ugly fist-fights. Macho-masochist healing stations. Damn, God himself in this universe must be some macho-masochist deity, by the look of it all. And sure, cigarette packs as collectibles.

    So it's as bleak as it gets. But the game elevates bleakness. It's a sublime, alien kind of bleakness, transcending words. It's... beautiful. All locations (except the Apple prison (you'll know when you see it)) are touched by it.

    Alright, alright, but how does it play? Well, you truly embody Riddick. That's... something special. You become that macho-masochistic self-reliant badass. There's nothing you can't handle. Well, except endlessly spawning zombies in a dark maze, but let's not talk about that. That's scary. So, you can adapt to every situation, and know you can handle everything, using your bare fists, grabbing a shiv or a gun or a mecha (whichever happens to be around), hanging from rails and ducking into vents, sneaking inside darkness or charging head-on, and talking your way into and out of situations. You ARE Riddick.

    That being said, there's some rougher parts too, but nothing too irritating. There are some moments when you kinda feel lost, unsure of where to go and what to do. Or you need to collect moths, for some reason, and you're like "Umm, where the hell do I find more moths? Was it... that place, or that other place, or where?" And let's not talk about the zombies in the dark area.

    So sure, it's not perfect. But great game anyway. One of the greatest ever.    … Expand
  5. Nekrips
    Aug 1, 2022
    10
    A cool game based on a cool movie with a cool character voiced by cool actors.
    It is clear that they worked hard on the plot, production, and characters. The story feels solid and believable, and the characters feel alive. Dialogues are also well done and don't sound artificial. Riddick does not speak often, but aptly. The story radically changes its momentum several times, the further    A cool game based on a cool movie with a cool character voiced by cool actors.
    It is clear that they worked hard on the plot, production, and characters. The story feels solid and believable, and the characters feel alive. Dialogues are also well done and don't sound artificial. Riddick does not speak often, but aptly. The story radically changes its momentum several times, the further the main character progresses through the plot. The gameplay also changes. First, you hide in the shadows and quietly and invisibly kill enemies one by one, and suddenly you have to run, fighting off a huge pack of alien monsters, and then you are already sitting inside a hefty battle mech and mow down enemy armies.
    Stealth in the game is one of the best. The system of hiding in the dark and hunting with night vision looks great. The melee combat system is also interesting, although a bit unusual at times. True, the game is not easy and in close combat, you can be finished off pretty quickly. There are enough types of weapons for various ways of killing.
    The soundtrack is commendable.
    Graphically, the game looks good even now. Light and shadow effects are well done.
    There are many locations here. They are well-detailed and allow you to go through them in several different ways.
    No wonder this game is considered the best game based on the movie.    … Expand
  6. KolesAdlerov
    Jul 5, 2022
    8
    The movie game "how to do it properly" with amazing cast and legs! The locations and combat are a bit boring, but the prison and characters felt really good.

    Gameplay: combat mechanics 7/10 combat logic [absurd AI, godmode in scripted animations] 6/10 stealth 7/10 atmosphere [absurd enemies, annoying animations] 8/10 Story 5/10 Graphics [all-red, bad first-person] 9/10    The movie game "how to do it properly" with amazing cast and legs! The locations and combat are a bit boring, but the prison and characters felt really good.

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics 7/10
    combat logic [absurd AI, godmode in scripted animations] 6/10
    stealth 7/10
    atmosphere [absurd enemies, annoying animations] 8/10

    Story 5/10

    Graphics [all-red, bad first-person] 9/10

    Sounds & music 8/10

    .
    2004... 2004... What a year to be a FPS-player!    … Expand
  7. Kotofon
    Apr 15, 2022
    7
    The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay – экшен-боевик с камерой из глаз героя и с вкраплениями стелса. Игра разработана по серии фильмов. Является предысторией к первой картине вселенной – «Чёрная дыра». Внешность главного героя и его голос повторяет образ с большого экрана. Уильям Джонс – профессиональный наёмник, ему удалось поймать Ричарда Б. Риддика и упечь в самуюThe Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay – экшен-боевик с камерой из глаз героя и с вкраплениями стелса. Игра разработана по серии фильмов. Является предысторией к первой картине вселенной – «Чёрная дыра». Внешность главного героя и его голос повторяет образ с большого экрана. Уильям Джонс – профессиональный наёмник, ему удалось поймать Ричарда Б. Риддика и упечь в самую технологичную тюрьму в мире – Бухту Мясника. Владелец казематов Хокси отправляет его на самый глубокий уровень. Побег оттуда кажется невероятной и невыполнимой задачей. Впоследствии, Уильям помогает протагонисту с побегом, насколько это возможно. Ведь Хокси прокинул его с получением награды за поимку. Мотив Джонса заключается в желании отправить Ричарда в другую тюрьму, где ему заплатят.… Expand
  8. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good
  9. kndr
    May 20, 2021
    7
    After being caught by a bounty hunter you are trying to escape a prison. Not enough games placed on prison so this is really nice.

    Map is confusing. It is hard to understand where you are and where you are going.

    Stealth system mostly doesn't work.

    Some actions take too long to perform.

    Nice designed locations and graphics but weak gameplay.
  10. Cz3rw0ny
    Feb 17, 2021
    8
    Excellent story and gameplay. Much more interesting than regular shooters or alike.
  11. storygamer
    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 and gameplay. Superb!
  12. Filuyezz
    Jul 21, 2020
    9
    Great game and if you are a Riddick fan you just have to play it. It is like playing through next chapter of pitch black. You cannot miss it.
  13. AstiX
    Dec 14, 2018
    9
    Why haven't I played this before? Such an amazing game! Keeps surprising you to the end. Great graphics. Very good atmosphere and such a varied gameplay experience. It's wonderful how it starts out all slow and casual and gradually grows into an intense and thrilling action filled experience. Towards the second part of the game I got so hooked I couldn't stop till I finished it.

    They    Why haven't I played this before? Such an amazing game! Keeps surprising you to the end. Great graphics. Very good atmosphere and such a varied gameplay experience. It's wonderful how it starts out all slow and casual and gradually grows into an intense and thrilling action filled experience. Towards the second part of the game I got so hooked I couldn't stop till I finished it.

    They don't make stuff like this anymore.    … Expand
  14. Panica3643D
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    Игра на один вечер. Лучшая игра по фильму, в которую я играл.
  15. iddqd4
    Feb 12, 2018
    9
    Никто от парней из Старбризз ничего не ждал, а они взяли и выдали одно из лучших произведений в жанре FPS, ни в чем не уступающие столпам жанра того времени.
  16. DonMega
    Jul 17, 2016
    10
    I have very fond memories of playing this. It was a shocker at the time and still under rated to this day, even though I see the ratings no one has really heard of it. When it came out I think I played it 3 or 4 times over because the story was stellar, game play was very immersive and original at the time. Definitely better than the movies and probably the best movie game ever made.
  17. Steeldude
    Apr 15, 2015
    9
    I didn't expect anything of this game, but I really liked it in the end. The prison setting is still not over-used in video games, the main character is a badass and the game is a nice mixture of both action and stealth passages. I enjoyed it from start to finish
  18. topotamolder
    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't have anything good. Really overrated
  19. Draketuroth
    Mar 1, 2014
    7
    Amazingly great game, I was hooked from the very first moment when Riddick arrived to Butcher Bay. My first impression of the game however, was that it would probably just be another shooter with stealth elements, except this time you're playing as the infamous Riddick. I was surprised to discover that the stealth elements in this game was fairly over my expectations, and the experienceAmazingly great game, I was hooked from the very first moment when Riddick arrived to Butcher Bay. My first impression of the game however, was that it would probably just be another shooter with stealth elements, except this time you're playing as the infamous Riddick. I was surprised to discover that the stealth elements in this game was fairly over my expectations, and the experience just got better as you you delved deeper into the high security prison where the use of darkness is utilized in the best possible way by the developers.

    The many different areas of Butcher Bay gives the game a larger variety of atmospheric feelings, and you will sooner or later stop for a few minutes just to analyze the beautiful environments. Making a prison compelling and realistic might not be so easy for a level designer, but this one nails it. Although, there are moments in the game where you go like "Who designed this? It doesn't even make sense?". Some missions tend to get very repetitive, and the principle of going back and forward is common in this game. Bring me that, come back to me, go talk to that person, help him out, go there, go back etc etc.

    The game is quite short, but it's packed with tons of quality and I rather have quality over quantity. The combat in Butcher Bay first reminded me of the one found in FEAR, and they're are quite similar if you compare them except for the bullet-time. There are so many things that I can't point out with this game, it's one of the best experiences I've ever had while playing a first person shooter. Role playing is somewhat restricted, but there are plenty of things you can do in this game as you take on the role as Riddick.

    If you're ever looking for a great action experience, play this game, without any doubt. This is how every first person shooter should be made nowadays.    … Expand
  20. keefbaker
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    Probably one of the best first person experiences ever made. Fantastic action, ok.. the stealth less so but still fantastic, looks amazing to this day and has a better storyline than any Riddick film. Best movie tie in game I've ever played bar none.
  21. parpabico
    Aug 31, 2013
    8
    This game has something what the absolute majority of games lack, that something being the awesome characters. Expectedly borrowed from the movie industry and rightly so, just wish they did more with them (should have hired a hollywood scriptwriter). A perfect game? Nope. Map design feels like 1995. So many games have awesome environmental art but lack charismatic characters, it's theThis game has something what the absolute majority of games lack, that something being the awesome characters. Expectedly borrowed from the movie industry and rightly so, just wish they did more with them (should have hired a hollywood scriptwriter). A perfect game? Nope. Map design feels like 1995. So many games have awesome environmental art but lack charismatic characters, it's the other way around with riddick, what a pity. Anyways, a very engaging experience even if a bit clumsy storywise at times.… Expand
  22. GenericGamer286
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    One of the best games I've ever played (and I've played a LOT), and definitely the best movie game derivate, to which every movie game strives but never achieves. Even after so many years I still play it gladly. Great graphics (even for modern standards), great story, gameplay, and acting crew which invested 110% effort in this.
  23. comiekilla
    Mar 20, 2013
    6
    I like the voice work and the graphics, especially the shadows, look great. Game play is and should be the biggest part of a game... that is why it is called a game. The game is too difficult and long-winded. It takes forever to get the night vision, which I thought would be a big part because of the fact that you play as Riddick. If, in the game, you did not die so quick so the playerI like the voice work and the graphics, especially the shadows, look great. Game play is and should be the biggest part of a game... that is why it is called a game. The game is too difficult and long-winded. It takes forever to get the night vision, which I thought would be a big part because of the fact that you play as Riddick. If, in the game, you did not die so quick so the player could feel empowered, and if it was not so slow, this game could have been great. As it stands, the game is mediocre.… Expand
  24. GeorgeA
    Jul 17, 2012
    10
    One of the best action games I have played. Stunning atmosphere, intriguing and believable setting, simple, but satisfying narrative, charismatic main character, impressive graphics even by today's standards, great voice acting, music and ambient, somewhat clever AI and most importantly, excellent gameplay. It is like an action-packed movie, which never gets old. Sneaking, shooting or justOne of the best action games I have played. Stunning atmosphere, intriguing and believable setting, simple, but satisfying narrative, charismatic main character, impressive graphics even by today's standards, great voice acting, music and ambient, somewhat clever AI and most importantly, excellent gameplay. It is like an action-packed movie, which never gets old. Sneaking, shooting or just exploring Butcher Bay- no matter what you do, you'll never get bored. There are some small quirks, though. Not nitpicking, but still it should be noted, that the game is a bit short. When I finished it, I wanted more and the 2009 expansion pack Dark Athena failed miserably at that. Another problem is that, the shooting sequences weren't the best even at the time the game was released. That's probably because of the guns- they are either way too inaccurate (like the rifle) or just plain ineffective (shotgun) at medium range. These problems don't make the shooting sequences any less thrilling or intense, though. My advice is to play the original version, rather the 2009 remake, which for some reason lacks quicksave function and the AI is (somehow) dumber and likes to cheat. A must-have for anyone, who likes engaging and atmospheric action games.… Expand
  25. explodr
    Dec 30, 2011
    10
    This was the first M rated game I was allowed to play, and it's just fantastic. A classic of the ages for sure. Great graphics for its time, compelling story, audio, etc. Awesome game.
  26. saleks
    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 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 movesI 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
  27. Letmebegin
    Jul 8, 2011
    9
    First of all for the user Kevin P who said: ".....atrocious language and realistic violence made me hate this as a game."
    You are a complete idiot. This may be the most moronic thing I have ever read inside a game review. Criticizing this game based on the fact that it contains bad language and realistic violence may be the most imbecilic thing I've ever heard. You sir...are a jackass.    First of all for the user Kevin P who said: ".....atrocious language and realistic violence made me hate this as a game."
    You are a complete idiot. This may be the most moronic thing I have ever read inside a game review. Criticizing this game based on the fact that it contains bad language and realistic violence may be the most imbecilic thing I've ever heard. You sir...are a jackass. There are countless warnings on the game stating that it contains realistic violence and gore and obscene language. If you don't want to see or hear those things...DON'T BUY A GAME WITH AN "M" WARNING ON IT...Next time be sure to ask your mommy's permission before playing. The other obvious response to that would be...THE GAME IS SET IN A PRISON...You think prisoners drink tea, eat crumpets and say "please" and "thank you good sir" to each other? If you do, your more deluded than a hippie mental patient whose mind is stuck in the 60's. Do us all a favor and stop rating the good video games and get back to playing Pokemon or Mario Kart...those should be more your speed...Freakin dweeb.
    ANYWAY those feelings aside, this game was, IMHO, almost flawless. The countless stealth moves, authentic prison setting, great storyline, BAD LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, AND GORE...this game has it all! With Butcher Bay's realistic graphics, genuinely action packed gameplay, and riveting storyline, I've found myself playing countless hours on end, loosing myself in the game and completely loosing track of time itself! What a brilliantly developed, perfectly put together masterpiece...9/10!!!    … Expand
  28. Timberly
    Apr 13, 2011
    10
    Yes, this was an excellent game, realistic violence and all. Hey KevinP, instead of rating a video game based on its merits, you chose to rate it on the realism of its violence, with more real equating to a LOWER score. Fundamentally, you would never play this type of game and you should know that before you rent/buy it; the disappointment is nobody's fault but your own. The developersYes, this was an excellent game, realistic violence and all. Hey KevinP, instead of rating a video game based on its merits, you chose to rate it on the realism of its violence, with more real equating to a LOWER score. Fundamentally, you would never play this type of game and you should know that before you rent/buy it; the disappointment is nobody's fault but your own. The developers strived to make a realistic game and did a great job doing so, yet they only have an 8.5 on this site because you, without any real explanation or in-depth review of the game, gave it a 3 based on some prudish notions of the way video games should or should not be. Go play Solitaire or My Little Pony or Jeopardy, not a game based on a violent movie (which I will bet you hated as well, oh geez what a surprise). And if you didn't see the movie, you certainly must have looked up the premise online before you got this game, otherwise why would you go and get this game?

    Next time, if you don't like a video game that's exceptionally well made simply because the genre it belongs to offends you, MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T "RATE" THAT VIDEO GAME DUDE. GO PLAY SIMS WHERE NO ONE BLEEDS AND LIFE IS AS NOT REAL AS POSSIBLE. I appreciate it buddy.    … Expand
  29. shaman_sir
    Mar 28, 2011
    10
    The great game with great suspense atmosphere! There is no such other cosmo-hitman game like this. No such feeling of playing with darkness and playing with enemies in this darkness like this. No thought of enemies being smart in any game after it. No such feeling of a really smart lone-warrior that can be dead, but keeps himself a notch before the death. The real modern sci-fi adventure,The great game with great suspense atmosphere! There is no such other cosmo-hitman game like this. No such feeling of playing with darkness and playing with enemies in this darkness like this. No thought of enemies being smart in any game after it. No such feeling of a really smart lone-warrior that can be dead, but keeps himself a notch before the death. The real modern sci-fi adventure, with a near-to-real-life-as-sci-fi-can-do realism! If there will be space-prisons in the future, they will look like these ones. If there will be a hero, Riddick will be!… Expand
  30. AlexD
    Dec 28, 2008
    10
    A simply awesome game. Eye candy at the level of Doom III (was released in the Doom III / HL 2 era), top notch action, especially melee sequences, superb voice acting and level design. Top that with the dev commentary on the PC version and you'll get yourself a lot of entertainment for your buck from this title.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2004
23
#23 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Yahoo!
    90
    With excellent visuals, varied and entertaining gameplay, quality acting, and a compelling mix of action and stealth -- not to mention the catalogue of extras -- it would be great value at $50, let alone the budget price of $30 that it's retailing for.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    90
    The definitive way to experience one of the games of the year.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    93
    It still looks great and has one of the best single-player stories out there. [Jan 2005, p.143]
See all critic reviews »