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Chronicles of Riddick Announced
By: James Brightman March 17, 2004 2:52 PM PST


    Vivendi Universal Games in association with Tigon Studios is bringing gamers an intense sci-fi experience from the point-of-view of the most wanted man in the Universe with the new videogame, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, which will be available on the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Set before the events of both Universal Pictures' upcoming summer release The Chronicles of Riddick, starring Vin Diesel, and the 2000 cult classic Pitch Black, which first introduced Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapable triple max security slam Butcher Bay, home to the most violent prisoners in the galaxy.

    The Chronicles Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay will blend action and stealth elements, as players navigate Riddick through the harsh environments of the slam - dank tunnels, dimly lit corridors, and other hazardous areas filled with guards, savage inmates and deadly creatures that prowl the darkness. Developed by Starbreeze Studios, and published by Vivendi Universal Games in association with Vin Diesel's Tigon Studios, the game has been rated "M" by the ESRB and is expected to ship in June 2004 at a suggested retail price of $49.95.

    "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is an exciting new chapter in the story of one of the most enigmatic and compelling anti-heroes of this generation," said Luc Vanhal, president and chief operating officer, North America, Vivendi Universal Games. "With groundbreaking 3D technology, and a truly revolutionary game design that fuses frenetic FPS action, stealth, and brutal hand-to-hand combat, this title is on track to be one of the great games of 2004."

    "This game is intense in every facet, from action game-play to incredible graphics and chilling psychological moments," said Bill Kispert, vice president, Interactive, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "It is an integral experience in understanding the ever-growing mythology of the Riddick universe."

    "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay features an original storyline that provides insight into how Riddick evolved into such a complex character," said Cos Lazouras, production executive, Tigon Studios. "The game reveals secrets about Riddick's past as well as his epic destiny to come."

    In the game, Richard B. Riddick is an intergalactic convict who at the game's start, finds himself captured by mercenaries and locked down in the toughest prison in the galaxy. As this least likely of heroes, players must draw on their character's brains and brutality and attempt the unthinkable - escape from Butcher Bay. Played from a primarily first-person perspective (with special third- person actions), players will have to make maximum use of their environments to achieve their escape, including using shadows, subterfuge and distractions to avoid patrols. Moving and attacking in darkness is particularly effective for Riddick as his haunting "eye shine" gives him the ability to see without ambient light. However, stealth won't serve every situation and players will be able to take the action up close and personal. As Riddick, players will be able to sneak up behind enemies and snap necks or fight face to face using fists, elbows and grapples. Additionally, players will be able to capture weapons such as shanks, shotguns, or assault rifles and use these to cut a swath of destruction through anyone who gets in their way.