ds
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Prowls The DS
Posted by Mike Fahey at 2:20 AM on July 12, 2008
I can't even tell you how long it's been since I've thought about Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but the folks at 505 Games apparently have had her on their minds for quite some time. They've just announced Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice for the Nintendo DS, an all-new game that promises to be "definitive Buffy the Vampire Slayer experience". Mixing third-person and first-person gameplay, the game centres around Buffy's efforts to seal a re-opened Hellmouth, with a story penned by series writer Rob Deshotek. All of the fan-favourites will be represented - Spike, Angel, the Master, the First Evil, and generic vampire number 23.
With 24 levels, 12 bosses, more than 20 different slayer weapons and collectible spells to enhance Buffy's powers and abilities, it sounds like Sacrifice will be a real treat for fans of the show who just can't let sleeping slayers lie. Sacrifice is set for release exclusively in Europe this November, though with the North American fan base I can't seeing them keeping it from our shores for too long.
VAMPIRES BEWARE: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER HIGH-KICKING HER WAY ONTO DS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Milton Keynes, July 11th - 505 Games today announced a deal with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising to unleash an official new game based on the world-famous Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise, exclusively for the Nintendo DS.
Currently under development by Romanian studio Beast, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice combines third-person and first-person gameplay to create an experience like nothing else on Nintendo DS. The stakes are high for players as they take on the role of Buffy to seal the re-opened Hellmouth in an original story penned by Rob Deshotel, a writer from the TV series.
This action-packed 3D survival horror game sees Buffy using a range of special weapons, powerful spells and martial arts to take out vicious vampires and demons. In addition to these enemies, players also come across recognisable characters from the show, including Spike, Angel, the Master, the First Evil, Caleb and, of course, the Scooby Gang.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for 505 Games and we're working extremely closely with Fox to ensure this is the definitive Buffy the Vampire Slayer experience," said Rowan Tafler, Global Brand Manager, 505 Games. "Buffy's return to videogames is great for long-time fans of the franchise and we hope the huge market reach of the Nintendo DS will help to create new fans too."
Elie Dekel, Executive Vice President Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising added, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a franchise that continues to excite people around the world. Although there are no new productions of the series there is an enduring legacy that lives on through syndication, comic books and video games like these. We're sure DS players are going to love this version."
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice will be available exclusively throughout Europe on Nintendo DS November 2008.
Key features:
• Play as Buffy the Vampire Slayer through 24 levels using a third person camera.
• Unlock and use more than 20 types of unique Slayer weapons.
• Fight more than 12 different level bosses and sub-bosses, including First Evil, the boss of all bosses.
• Play "Challenge Mode" in first-person for fast-paced action and an increased difficulty level.
• Solve puzzle missions to unlock new areas.
• Collect spells to increase Buffy's supernatural and physical abilities.
• Explore 12 dynamic environments and search for up to four hidden ones.
• Use breakable objects located within in all environments to battle demons and vampires.
• Unique story set after the climactic seventh season of the TV series, written by Rob Deshotel, one of the original writers of the TV series.
• Explore locations from the TV show, including Sunnydale High, the Bronze and the Hellmouth.

Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
wild_world_girl
Posted 3:15 AM 12/7/08
The Buffy games on the Xbox were surprisingly good adventure games.
Great untapped universe there, hope to see more. (on a more substantial platform)
wild_world_girl
Wolfers
Posted 3:06 AM 12/7/08
I wish it were on a system better capable of 3d. Still, I'll give it a chance!
Wolfers
PapaBear434
Posted 3:05 AM 12/7/08
@Bergerac:
She plays Daphne on "Scooby-Doo" exactly like Buffy. All the cheesy ass-kicking less vampire dusting.
@Jayl3w:
It really was a product of the 90's. Equal parts a backlash from the 80's Valley-girls and the 90's "Clueless" girls. If you didn't have to experience that subspecies of Human Female first hand growing up, it's likely you wouldn't get why it was so funny.
PapaBear434
mikeko10
Posted 3:03 AM 12/7/08
@TomSkylark: If I remember correctly, the high school was blown up during the finale of season 3.
mikeko10
mikeko10
Posted 3:02 AM 12/7/08
@CaptLtrl: No, LA became "hell" during the same season that Buffy and the gang closed the hellmouth (Angel Season 4, Buffy Season 7).
mikeko10
Bergerac
Posted 2:59 AM 12/7/08
@VishusBurn: I doubt its that so much, she's been a millionaire since 14 or something, and famous since that Burger King commercial when she was like... 4? To be honest I just think she got bored of Buffy and was wary of typecasting. Buffy put her into a 'supernatural heroine' mould she's being trying to shrug off.
Bergerac
TomSkylark
Posted 2:59 AM 12/7/08
This story doesn't make any sense. How will she explore Sunnydale High School when it got blowed up real good, along with the rest of Sunnydale, in the Season finale? A game set between seasons seven and eight makes sense, sure, but having her explore Sunnydale doesn't seem like a story worth exploring that much.
I'm a huge Buffy fan, but I'd much rather see something set during Season Eight--it could help us identify with some of the newer slayers, and maybe flesh out some back stories for the heroes we know and love.
Ah well, I'll probably pick this up anyway if it gets at least half-decent reviews.
TomSkylark
Mike Fahey
Posted 2:57 AM 12/7/08
@egyptianruin: Eeep. Just saw that, and updated accordingly. I can't see them not bringing this out in North America, adn if for some strange reason they don't, import the silly thing.
Mike Fahey
Jayl3w
Posted 2:55 AM 12/7/08
Sometimes I wonder if it's just me that sees nothing fun out of the stereotype pretty popular blonde chick kicking undead around.
Jayl3w
VishusBurn
Posted 2:54 AM 12/7/08
@PapaBear434:
Sad how a little fame and money can change a person.
VishusBurn
Hedgeworth
Posted 2:53 AM 12/7/08
Last I heard, she said she would be happy to do a Buffy movie if the script was right; but I'm willing to admit that might be smoke blowing up somebody's ass...
Still. Season 8 is pretty fun.
I doubt I'd get this game. I don't care much for this genre on handhelds.
Hedgeworth
otimus
Posted 2:51 AM 12/7/08
@PapaBear434:
Yet, to peddle her shitty movies, she still did TV spots on FX during Buffy to get people to go see The Grudge. God, I hate that woman, and I'm a huge Buffy/Angel Fan.
Anyways, from the sound of things, these seems like it's going to be in the less-good seasons. (Season 1-3, Bah).
I want an Angel game. Or an Angel RPG! Or an Angel action RPG. Or just an Angel anything, god that'd be great.
otimus
PapaBear434
Posted 2:43 AM 12/7/08
@Arsenicberyllium:
Likely, it's based before the end of the show, like the rest of the games.
@mva5580:
You won't likely see a Buffy movie, because Sarah Michelle Gellar has gotten too big for her britches. She seems to openly despise the fans that made her famous in the first place, and has no interest at all in any Buffy projects. Never does any voice overs for games, doesn't do any commentary for any recent DVD's (so I've heard, anyway) and reportedly didn't care for "Season 8's" twist in the comic book with Buffy having a lesbian tryst.
Apparently, all that "The Grudge" and "Scooby-Doo" money is keeping her and Mr. Sarah Michelle Gellar (Freddie Prince Jr., whom will never be forgiven for ruining "Wing Commander) comfortable, so I wouldn't hold your breath for her to ever to pick up the stake again.
PapaBear434
CaptLtrl
Posted 2:39 AM 12/7/08
@Arsenicberyllium:
LA becoming "hell" happened at least 1 year AFTER Buffy closed up the hellmouth. I'm sure there's enough elasticity in Angel's last season to let them help out a bit.
CaptLtrl
cdammers
Posted 2:37 AM 12/7/08
"I can't even tell you how long it's been since I've thought about Buffy The Vampire Slayer."
About two days in my case. I picked up the latest Buffy comic on Wednesday. It's great stuff.
cdammers
Fulgurator
Posted 2:37 AM 12/7/08
Hahahaha. It's so bad it's goods.
Fulgurator
Northern Cat
Posted 2:36 AM 12/7/08
@Ajax: One person sees a must-buy, another sees a pile of garbage.
Opinions, fascinating. :D
Northern Cat
egyptianruin
Posted 2:35 AM 12/7/08
"Sacrifice will be available EXCLUSIVELY throughout Europe on Nintendo DS November 2008." I don't see anything in the announcement saying it will be in North America. I hope it is released here though I have to get this one for my husband!
egyptianruin
Arsenicberyllium
Posted 2:33 AM 12/7/08
Cool. Everybody in my family are pretty big buffy fans(IE:All the good seasons on Boxed Sets, All of season 8 in comic form)
So all this has to do is not suck.
But how are Spike and Angel supposed to help her out if Spike and Angel are trapped in Los Angeles, which has become hell?
Why doesn't she just use the Slayer army?
Arsenicberyllium
greeble
Posted 2:33 AM 12/7/08
Hmm the screens kinda look like ass... I think this might have been better on the PSP. (Though you need a big install base for a title this niche I suppose)
greeble
PapaBear434
Posted 2:32 AM 12/7/08
@cZEAL:
Supposedly, they are making the Firefly universe into an MMO.
[www.wired.com]
I vowed never to get into another MMO after I kicked the WoW habit, and so far Age of Conan has been the only one that has tempted me. But the chance to run from Reavers and explore the former Independent planets... Oh, I'm so there.
I have already sworn that I'll be an Alliance soldier, just because I like being a bad guy.
PapaBear434
mva5580
Posted 2:31 AM 12/7/08
One of the best TV shows of all-time, although I don't have a DS so I won't be playing the game lol.
I'm torn on whether or not I'd like to see a movie. I'd love to see the show again, but it would most likely feel forced.
mva5580
Ajax
Posted 2:28 AM 12/7/08
I am SO excited for this game. I love the DS, and I love Buffy to death (and back again), so this is a must buy.
Ajax
cZEAL
Posted 2:27 AM 12/7/08
Buffy? How about a Firefly game adaptation. Le sigh...
cZEAL
Captain_Collide
Posted 2:27 AM 12/7/08
This will no doubt please my fiance who doesn't realize the intense evil of licensed games.
Captain_Collide
CaptLtrl
Posted 2:25 AM 12/7/08
I really liked the TV show. Here's hoping they can pull off something even half as good as it. The original Buffy game wasn't bad...
CaptLtrl
CaptLtrl
Posted 3:52 AM 12/7/08
@mikeko10:
Well certainly the transformation had begun at that point, but the torrent of demons didn't come until the very end of season 5 of angel. There is definitely some space within that timeline that would allow for a game to take place, although it would be strange...
CaptLtrl
Kirril
Posted 3:46 AM 12/7/08
Now, I like the DS, but for the love of god, whoever decided a 3D DS game would be a good idea is an idiot.
Kirril
Zaxxon Q Blaque
Posted 3:46 AM 12/7/08
The stakes are high...
Getit?! Stakes?! HA!
>_>
Anyhoo, this is very drool-worthy. I'm glad it takes place after season seven and not a 'lost' episode from an earlier season. I hope the First will finally be able to be vanquished... but prolly not since it's the First and all. >_<
Zaxxon Q Blaque
PapaBear434
Posted 3:43 AM 12/7/08
@PornoRabbit:
Wha? I don't like her personally, due to her shitting on fans that made her a marketable name in the first place, but to call her homely... I think you better turn in your hetero-card today.
PapaBear434
neuralien
Posted 3:41 AM 12/7/08
heh, am I the only one that read the title of the game as being Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice for the Nintendo DS?
Anyone?
*goes back into his room and shuts door*
neuralien
PornoRabbit
Posted 3:39 AM 12/7/08
Sarah Michelle Gellar ... still homely after all these years.
PornoRabbit
Does Not Equal
Posted 4:29 AM 12/7/08
At least it's on a handheld; if it doesn't come to Europe (or Australia), the rest of us can import it without incident.
Does Not Equal
CaptLtrl
Posted 4:12 AM 12/7/08
@iamspoo:
3rd season is when it starts to get really good. Seasons 3 and 5 are the best in my opinion.
CaptLtrl
iamspoo
Posted 3:58 AM 12/7/08
My wife and I recently started watching watching Buffy from the start. My wife never liked it and I stopped watching it after the 2nd season when it originally aired. We are really enjoying the show and if the game gets ok reviews I will pick it up.
iamspoo
MysteryPersonX
Posted 5:01 AM 12/7/08
@mikeko10: They opened a new high school at the beginning of season 7. I'd almost say it makes more sense for that to be the Sunnydale High featured in this game, but as previously mentioned, that got destroyed as well along with the rest of Sunnydale...
MysteryPersonX
emag
Posted 4:43 AM 12/7/08
@Captain_Collide: I don't really care for BtVS myself, but Buffy-licensed games have been remarkably good. The Buffy boardgame is quite possibly the best mass market boardgame ever and the two last generation videogames were both at least average.
emag
SaphocratSam
Posted 5:14 AM 12/7/08
yeah, i think i'll stick with my buffy season 8 comics, collectors edition dvd set, handmade figurines, and secret shrine.
i mean, do they really think fans are this desperate???? for shame.....
SaphocratSam
JUFONUK
Posted 6:06 AM 12/7/08
LOL at Milton Keynes,
anyone outside of England scratching heads, LOL Milton Keynes
ahah on a major press release LOL LOL
JUFONUK
tabion20
Posted 5:52 AM 12/7/08
ugh.... Another 3D game on the DS... Will they never learn...
tabion20
FranUnFine
Posted 6:10 AM 12/7/08
I would totally wig out over this if I wouldn't think that the DS is the wrong platform for a 3D brawler...
@otimus: Well, there is a Buffy and an Angel PnP. *blushes*
FranUnFine
City17Mailman
Posted 6:57 AM 12/7/08
@Arsenicberyllium:
Most likely they're going with the "lost episode" format, where the game takes place at some specific point in the series history. The previous Buffy games used this to (reasonably) good effect.
City17Mailman
Gospel X
Posted 8:16 AM 12/7/08
@mikeko10: Yes, but then it was fine and Angel was running Wolfram & Hart. Currently in the comics, LA has literally gone to Hell.
Gospel X
otimus
Posted 8:14 AM 12/7/08
@CaptLtrl:
Season 3 is the 'tard season.
with the "pretty" girl. The general high school-ness. Lots of action action action! etc. Though, it most certainly has it's moments.
Season 4 is when the series becomes more than itself.
Season 5 is when it becomes damned epic.
Season 6 is when it tries new things.
Season 7 is meh, but still okay with the themes that began with season 4.
otimus
bigman88zz
Posted 9:14 AM 12/7/08
wait....wasnt there a buffy game for the gbc?
bigman88zz
Owenr22
Posted 9:41 AM 12/7/08
@bigman88zz: Yep. and one for the GBA. They both sucked (no vampire pun intended.)
[www.gamerankings.com]
[www.gamerankings.com]
This one probably will too. It might have been promising if it was being made for the PSP.
Owenr22
KEELr
Posted 11:08 AM 12/7/08
Guess Its time to dust of the DS Lite!
KEELr
Gospel X
Posted 11:30 AM 12/7/08
@Owenr22: Yes, because a game's playability is clearly dependent on the hardware, not the programming and conceptualization...
Gospel X