BloodRayne: Betrayal Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360, PS3
Dev: WayForward Technologies
Pub: Majesco Entertainment
Release: September 6, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Violence, Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Mild Language

There are 15 levels of brutal non-stop action, and players will have a few reasons to want to go back through the game after the initial, second, and maybe even third playthrough. Aside from trying to pad their achievements/trophies collections, players will also search for bright red skulls in each level. Collecting five of these—many of which are very well-hidden—will allow players to choose to increase Rayne's health or the number of bullets she can carry. It might not exactly be the greatest reason to go back through the game, but when you can have this much fun mindlessly hacking at vampires and other nasty creatures of the night, why wouldn't you want to?

BloodRayne: Betrayal Screenshot

Visually striking, BloodRayne: Betrayal breathes new life into Rayne and the world she lives in. Reimagining Rayne's world with an anime/manga allows Rayne and her enemies to feel more alive. The backgrounds are sharp, crisp, and rival other side-scrolling games currently on the market. Rayne, in my opinion, has not been represented this well in a very long time; I'd say it's even refreshing to see this spin on her character. The solid mix of classical music and explosive guitar riffs set the pace for the game, enhancing the kinetic charge of the fast-paced combat.

BloodRayne: Betrayal may not be all that revolutionary. In fact, it's probably safe to assume the developers wanted to play it safe with this title. I can't fault them for their logic, either. Betrayal succeeds on so many levels that you won't complain after seeing something that's already been done before. It might be familiar, but it's never obnoxiously so.

This game allows you to mindlessly kick the crap out of things while playing as a badass vampire chick. If that sounds like something you'd like, then BloodRayne: Betrayal will not disappoint. And if this doesn't sound like a great way to spend a fall afternoon, then you may be one of the undead yourself.

By Matt Walker
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Beautiful update to the series. The dark anime approach really works well for the franchise.

3.7

Control
Simplistic enough, but might be something of an acquired taste.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Sharp gothic overtones provide a solid mixture of new age Goth metal and classical melodies.

4.3

Play Value
Gameplay reminiscent of Castlevania and featuring a hot vampire chick. Seriously, what's not to love?

4.2

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Kill evil vampire scum in 15 challenging levels across multiple unique acts, including: The Forest, The Attic, and The Freaky Ballroom.

Meet new characters along the way including a mysterious shape-shifter.

Feed on enemies and refuel your blood reserves in gruesome new ways including the Blood Fountain.

Solve environmental puzzles including Blood Seal, Grinder Switch, and Rising Blood Tower.

Punishing combat skills deliver Rayne's intense brutal fatalities.

Infection: Enemy vampires bloat and explode when triggered.

Heel Stomp: Instant-kill enemies after laying them out.

Drain: Bite and drain your enemy's blood to restore your health.

Full arsenal of lethal weapons including Rayne's signature arm blades and super guns.

Battle a variety of new enemies and deadly bosses, including Flying Parasites, Blood Balloons, Elite Guards, and more!