The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows)

While it didn't sell too well at retail, The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay (based on the movie of the same name) became a cult hit among gamers a few years back for its intense action and gripping narrative -- not to mention raising the bar for video games based on movie licenses. Thanks to Atari, Riddick is back in THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK: ASSAULT ON DARK ATHENA, an all-new cinematic adventure that once again stars ba(l)d boy Vin Diesel as Riddick, who uses stealth and cunning to take down the evil Captain Revas of the predatory Mercenaries ship, Dark Athena, and her loyal followers. To stay alive, Riddick must rely on his signature moves and powerful weapons (such as the razor sharp "ulak" blades) while navigating the dark and creepy corridors from a first-person perspective.

Along with the lengthy single-player campaign is a "re-imagined" edition of the previous blockbuster game Escape From Butcher Bay, as well as six multiplayer modes including "Pitch Black," in which five players, as Mercenaries, try to hunt down the 6th player who assumes the role of Riddick, using only weapon-mounted flashlights to see through the darkness. Another multiplayer mode, "Butcher Bay Riot," is fast-paced three-team mode, where 12 players split into teams of Guards, Prisoners, and Mercenaries to brawl over a power cell.

While not a revolutionary game by any stretch, The Chronicles Of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena is a good action brawler for mature players -- and is a good deal considering it includes the original game and many multiplayer modes for added replayability. It's not the next Halo, plus it's violence, sexual themes, and language might offend some, but the game shouldn't leave serious shooter fans disappointed. If money is tight, then it's at least a very good weekend rental.