When the XBOX 360 first released, there was a long list of original XBOX games that would not work on the console with the backwards compatibility feature. As time went on, Microsoft released updates and patches that introduced support for more classic XBOX games. One game in particular was never compatible with the new system and never gained any updates. It just so happened to be one of the best original XBOX games out there: The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay.
The game itself was based on the movie series by the same name, The Chronicles of Riddick. It involved the series’ main character (Riddick), and his escape from a high security prison, which was mentioned in both films. Butcher Bay even appears in the second film and is given a little more detail and a light back story as well.
Rumors of a remake surfaced and information about a full HD quality version were leaked, and finally the official remake was announced at a later date. Developers decided to completely remake Escape from Butcher Bay, just because the original was no longer compatible with the 360 and many fans cried out for a solution.
The new version, titled The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena not only includes the old Butcher Bay campaign but a brand new 20 hour sci-fi adventure as well. The new game also will include the Assault on Dark Athena campaign, which in the storyline takes place directly after events in Escape from Butcher Bay.
The opening sequence in the original was one of the coolest ever made. When Riddick first arrives on the planet he snaps one of his captor’s necks and escapes only to be caught and brought back moments later. The opening chase sequence is both brutal and dark and helps submerse the player into the brooding sci-fi environment that is Riddick.
The remake includes, new weapons, new content, new characters, and even a brand new multi-player mode based on the first movie, Pitch Black. If you are a fan of the Riddick series’ or loved the original game, keep your eye out for this one. The title currently has no official release date but an end of the year/early next year release is anticipated.
