Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
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  1. Yahoo!
    90
    Stands out in the action-adventure genre by providing well devised combat and level design meshed with a great Buffy story. If you're not familiar with the TV show, you can still have a hell of a good time dusting vampires and kicking demon ass.
  2. PSM Magazine
    90
    A solid mix of action and puzzle solving, Chaos Bleeds features a fairly robust fighting engine. Sure, it's not "Soul Calibur II," but there are plenty of counters, combos, and blocks to keep players busy. [Oct 2003, p.32]
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  3. Armchair Empire
    85
    The control system is great. The punches and kicks flow well together and each character acts and feels distinctly unique.
  5. Game Over Online
    83
    While the A.I. could’ve been stronger and there could’ve been more with the playable characters, Chaos Bleeds does a great job of appealing to fans and newcomers to the show alike. Adventure fans should look at sinking their teeth into this game.
  6. Play Magazine
    83
    Not only does the game look better than its predecessor but it outperforms it in nearly every way: the puzzles are even more intelligent..., the fighting is on par and benefits from multiple characters, the difficulty scale has been skillfully balanced. [Sept 2003, p.70]
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  7. Game Informer
    83
    The game is equal parts puzzle and beat 'em up. This prevents wear and tear on your thumbs, but some of the searching is tedious. [Sept 2003, p.108]
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  8. GameSpot
    82
    An excellent, well-put-together action adventure game that most fans of the genre should be able to enjoy and any Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan will love.
  9. Da Gameboyz
    82
    I had an overwhelming urge to yell at my character to stand up every time he or she (or it) fell down during a fight. This is my only beef with the game, though.
  10. GameZone
    82
    While the game has its share of problems here and there, it doesn’t distract from the game’s most appealing feature--dusting vampires and interacting with characters fans of the show have come to love.
  11. GameShark
    80
    An okay action game for the average Joe Gamer, and an outstanding collection of extra baubles for fans of the series still lamenting its demise.
  12. Cheat Code Central
    80
    The animation has been smoothed over but the Xbox version is the clear winner in the graphic department.
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  13. Maxim Online
    80
    Splintered wooden furniture doubles as vampire vaporizing shivs to expand on your already wide variety of exterminating capabilities.
  14. TotalGames.net
    80
    But of more importance to fans will be the array of movies, cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, which pads out the back end of the game. This isn't just squeezed in for added value either.
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  15. Firing Squad
    79
    If you’re looking for a well executed third-person game that doesn’t involve shoot-dodges or bullet-time, then Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds is worth checking out. For all Buffy worshippers, Chaos Bleeds should be on your must-play list.
  16. IGN
    77
    As fun as the original Buffy game on Xbox, but not quite as tight. The AI is a bit too forgiving at times turning the game into more of a button-masher than it needs to be.
  17. GameSpy
    75
    Drives a stake through the heart most license-based games, but it still falls short of being a top-shelf title due to some sluggish controls and framerate trouble.

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best PS2 Game of 2003
68
#68 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
70
#70 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 53
  3. Negative: 3 out of 53
  1. Kai82
    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. AD421
    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.
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