Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Negative: 2 out of 27
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  1. games(TM)
    40
    When you reach a dead end, it's usually just a case of retrieving a generic puzzle item from a conveniently inconvenient hiding place before continuing. Cue several minutes of primitive platforming and beating up the undead with a functional combat system before the next 'mash the Triangle button until you find something interactive' session begins. [Nov 2003, p.126]
  2. A shocking game; a turgid stinking pool of primordial ooze that would take millions of years to evolve into something that is worth using as a doorstop, let alone playing.

Awards & Rankings

98
68
#68 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
70
#70 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 53
  2. Negative: 3 out of 53
  1. Jul 25, 2021
    7
    A good choice for Buffy fans but I am not sure if its appealing enough for others. It is set somewhere during the fifth season (The one withA good choice for Buffy fans but I am not sure if its appealing enough for others. It is set somewhere during the fifth season (The one with Dawn, Glory and Buffy’s “gift” at the end) and is a mixture of beat em up and action adventure in the Buffyverse. Story: Ethan Rayne has caused a serious problem dealing with the first evil and Buffy and her friends are again on duty to save the world or clean up the mess. I kept it spoiler free here. They use the story well to give us some good moments and familiar faces. In total it is a good story that feels familiar to the show, characters and lore. Gameplay: You are playing as several characters from the Buffyverse. The characters play different enough to enhance the gameplay (Willow is by far the most useful). It is like I said a beat em up and action adventure. You defeat enemies and solve smaller puzzles to continue your way through the single player story. You can use a set of attacks, blocking, combos, weapons and special skills for your advantage. I say the system and controls work well even if they did not reinvent the wheel. Progressing through the story and finding secrets unlocks some new stuff I will also not spoil. There is also a multiplayer mode that I have not played so I wont rate this aspect of the game. The presentation is quite good. They use a lot from the shows characters, setting and lore to enhance the experience here and I praise this fan service. For non fans I think it is not equally good. The graphics and soundtrack were acceptable to good for me at its time. This means also that they aged not that well but it cant be hold against an old game. Overall this was a good but not remarkable experience. Would not have bought it as non fan and would not recommend it for non fans. To be fair it is not a bad game and more in the realm of good but not awesome or outstanding games. Bonus knowledge: I just read that there was a tie in comic for this and a novelization. So there are other ways to enjoy the story. Full Review »
  2. Aug 23, 2011
    6
    Firstly, I am a huge fan of Buffy. I still follow the continuation of the comics but I am NOT a delusional fan. As a game its veryFirstly, I am a huge fan of Buffy. I still follow the continuation of the comics but I am NOT a delusional fan. As a game its very disappointing. The voice actors were all good except Willows (which was horrible!) and the plot wasn't too bad but the entire gameplay was extremely redundant. You won't find yourself doing anything different by the end of the game and there's no character growth (leveling and getting stronger) so you feel like you're not accomplishing much. Its "fruitless" as Joyce Summers would say. Its not a bad game though. Its a very safe and simple fighting/adventure game. Good for all ages. Just don't expect anything amazing. Full Review »
  3. AndrewJ.
    Jan 31, 2004
    7
    This game was quite good, but after a few hours of gameplay, it seemed to become somewhat repetive. I doubt the replay value would be high.