Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena – Unleash Your Inner Predator in the Shadows!

Ever played a game where YOU’RE the bad guy… but in the best possible way? Imagine being the ultimate anti-hero, the creature everyone fears, sliding out of the shadows to snap necks and pummel guards into submission. That, my fellow gamers, is the exhilarating experience of stepping into the boots of Riddick in The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena.

Originally hitting shelves back in 2009, this game is a fantastic package, giving you not one, but two adventures. First up is a slick, remastered version of 2004’s cult classic, Escape from Butcher Bay. This prequel sets the stage for Riddick’s brutal escapades. Following that, you dive straight into the brand-new story of Dark Athena, where our favourite anti-hero finds himself on a notorious mercenary ship. Both games continue the legacy of blending mature themes, dark characters, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for, despite his savage methods.

Riddick isn’t about running and gunning from the get-go. No, this game is all about stealth and brutal, close-quarters combat. Your greatest advantage? Riddick’s unique “eyeshine” ability, letting you see perfectly in the dark while your enemies fumble with flashlights. The shadows are your best friend, allowing you to sneak up for satisfyingly instant, gruesome takedowns. The melee combat system is incredibly satisfying: timing your attacks and blocks just right rewards you with devastating, often graphic, finishing moves. We’re talking screwdrivers sliding into armpits and knives popping eyeballs – it’s not for the faint of heart, but it feels incredibly impactful.

You’ll encounter various types of guards, from your standard human grunts to self-controlled and remote-controlled drones. The early game thrives on exploiting the often dim-witted AI, luring patrols into your shadowy traps. But as your escape attempts escalate and you become more of a problem, the game cleverly shifts gears. What starts as a stealth-focused bludgeoner gradually transitions into something more akin to a traditional shooter, giving you a wider array of weapons beyond just shivs and fists, including shotguns, assault rifles, and even a tranquilizer gun for non-lethal (or drone-disabling) takedowns.

The levels in Dark Athena are a bit of a mixed bag. Some areas are ingeniously designed, like the ship’s gravity core where slain guards get spectacularly sucked away. Others, particularly towards the latter half when you’re off the ship and on a planet, lean more into generic shooting galleries, which isn’t where Riddick truly shines. However, the standout weapon has to be the Scar gun – a device that fires remotely detonated sticky explosives. Lining up a few of these beauties for a boss fight or just for pure chaotic fun is pure joy.

Now, let’s talk about the one major chink in Riddick’s armour: the checkpoint system. There’s no quicksave option, and the game decides when to save your progress. More often than not, it felt like I was getting saved right when I had a sliver of health left, leading to frustrating loops of dying and re-starting. It forces you to improvise, no doubt, but it’s an old-school design choice that definitely tests your patience.

Despite this one significant annoyance, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is still a gem. It’s adult, it’s got a dark sense of humour, and it’s just too much fun to put down. If you’re a desi gamer looking for a unique stealth-action experience that lets you truly embrace your inner predator and doesn’t shy away from the darker side of gaming, then strap in, because Riddick delivers a brutal, unforgettable ride.