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. SeanG.
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    Clearly one of the best action games ever - the whole game is designed brilliantly, with perfect mix of shooting, stealth, hand to hand combat, cut scenes. My only complaint is that I don't understand how the whole prison story fits in with the whole Riddick saga thing.
  2. LucLuc
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Best game for the moment.
  3. AnthonyS.
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    Heart-pounding, jawdropping, smack-you-in-your-face action along with a storyline fit for a five star feature film makes this game one of the greatest first person shooters i've ever played. Right up there with half-life 2, I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. Three years after its release, I'm only regretting I waited so long to pick it up!
  4. Snake
    Dec 10, 2004
    10
    I love this game. Great visuals, great gameplay.
  5. JohnD.
    Mar 25, 2006
    10
    The acoustics and voices are first rate. This is a sleeper PC game with challenging AI that requires stealth and cunning to beat. Cut scenes are above average and Vin Diesel is very conmmanding as the anti-hero. One of the best games in years. Get it and see for yourself.
  6. LisacTwok
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    Let it be clear - this game is near perfection in its every single segment. However, to experience such perfection, one needs a deep understanding of the world settings, the story, and finally of Riddick himself. Maybe the strongest point of the game is a possibility not only to play Riddicks role, but also to get into his mind and feel yourself as a "Furion". I'd usually give it 9,Let it be clear - this game is near perfection in its every single segment. However, to experience such perfection, one needs a deep understanding of the world settings, the story, and finally of Riddick himself. Maybe the strongest point of the game is a possibility not only to play Riddicks role, but also to get into his mind and feel yourself as a "Furion". I'd usually give it 9, but due to such a brilliant port of the game from XBox to PC and adjusting it properly for each of the two platforms, I decided to conclude this review with 10. Addendum: the game might refuse to work with new (NVidia Forceware) video drivers, so be sure to install an older version of those. I've been using version 66.93, and it works fine - older versions of the drivers and more info about them can be found on the official NVidia website.… Expand
  7. BobG.
    Dec 22, 2004
    10
    Fantastic!
  8. LasseM.
    Feb 10, 2005
    10
    Riddled with shifts in tone and action that keep the pace snappy and engaging. It's even got a completely over-the-top distinct finale that makes it worth playing to the end.
  9. JamesP.
    Sep 21, 2007
    10
    This game is awsome the smooth and thrilling gameplay and the great graphics made me give this game a 10/10.
  10. HanS.
    Dec 12, 2004
    10
    Great just great.
  11. BuddyL.
    Dec 13, 2004
    10
    Another enjoyable FPS after Half-Life 2. They are brillant.
  12. BajzathP.
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    This game is the best !!!!
  13. 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.
  14. [Anonymous]
    Dec 11, 2004
    10
    Best looking game ever....period.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. JohnF.
    Dec 31, 2004
    9
    Great game. If you like action/adventure games will will like this game. Graphics are awesome.
  25. KDep
    Jul 31, 2006
    9
    Don't know what they one guy is talking about with low framerates... must have old video drivers. Mine runs flawlessly. The game is beautiful, well put together and has some great features. Feels like a mix between Splinter Cell, Theif and Half Life. Lots of options - hide in the shadows, sneak up behind your enemies, or pull out a gun and go crazy. Very good overall and highly Don't know what they one guy is talking about with low framerates... must have old video drivers. Mine runs flawlessly. The game is beautiful, well put together and has some great features. Feels like a mix between Splinter Cell, Theif and Half Life. Lots of options - hide in the shadows, sneak up behind your enemies, or pull out a gun and go crazy. Very good overall and highly recommended at any price. However, watch the game's age rating as it is violent and profane. That being said, it is more so than a usual game, but not excessive.… Expand
  26. FrankB
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    I must say that this game is one of the benchmarks in the FPS genre. Not only is the combat solid and rewarding, but graphics, story and overall inovation won me over. The graphics engine is quite similar to the more recent Doom 3 engine, though it seems to have put it to a much more effective use. Vinny does an exellent job with voice acting, as does the rest of the cast. Weapon effects, I must say that this game is one of the benchmarks in the FPS genre. Not only is the combat solid and rewarding, but graphics, story and overall inovation won me over. The graphics engine is quite similar to the more recent Doom 3 engine, though it seems to have put it to a much more effective use. Vinny does an exellent job with voice acting, as does the rest of the cast. Weapon effects, lighting, shadows ( along with the soft shadow option not provided by Doom 3 or Quake 4), and fire effects makes this a must have for FPS fans. Nothing is more rewarding that turning around a guards shotgun to his own face and blasting it to kingdom come. My only complaints come from two things. Neither of which are major, but things could use improvement. The first is the length. At about 10 hours long, the lack of multiplayer limits replay value, save some special moments. The other are rare graphical glitches. None major, but distracting. All in all GREAT game 9/10.… 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. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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 »