The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay (2004)

Author: Starbreeze Studios & Tigon Studios

This first-person stealth-action title delivers an effective story that exceeds its source material. Acting as a prequel to the film of the same name, it features incredible voice acting from the likes of Vin Diesel and other all-star cast members. In Riddick, Diesel presents the perfect anti-hero, killing without thought yet remaining human and likable. It a formula that worked in the film, but this time around, Riddick is stuck in the prison of Butcher Bay. With open-world and sandbox games lauded as some of the best games in current gaming, you could see that small area as a disadvantage. In truth, though, Starbreeze Studio's good level design never makes it feel like a chore. Use of lighting and Riddick's supernatural eyesight give the game real character, while variance between exploration, shooting, and stealth never fail to keep things fresh. At the start of the game, however, you're far from a master of your domain. As a prequel, this is a tale of growth, and you'll have to the dirty work of various prison gangs before you can get their aid in your escape. It's there that the real tension begins, employing the aid of some memorable characters to fight your way through to the space port and remain undetected when necessary.