'Chronicles of Riddick' hits X-Box

By Don Oldenburg
Washington Post

"The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay"; Vivendi Universal Games (XB; rated M)

Not just blow-away weaponry and gritty hand-to-hand combat, this impressive action-adventure shooter expands the genre's standards for depth, personality and survival strategy. Drawn from Hollywood's "Pitch Black," starring Vin Diesel, the story involves hardened criminal Richard Riddick's efforts to escape the galaxy's most brutal and dreaded prison.

"Lord of the Rings: The Third Age"; EA Games (PS2, XB, GC, GBA; rated T)

Purists, divert thy gaze! No Hobbits populate this swell role-playing hack-and-slash. Yet Berethor, warrior of Gondor, who appears on no Tolkien A-list, is a worthy hero. Accompanied by an elf, a dwarf and other nonhuman allies in battles against orcs, goblins and wargs, he and his Middle Earth mission parallel the Rings — and will delight die-hards quivering for a fix.

"Shark Tale"; Activision (PS2, XB, GC, GBA, PC; rated E)

Sink or swim in the role of Oscar, the fast-talking finned star in search of fame and fortune in the hit DreamWorks movie. Great footage, music and voice from the flick, plus multiple levels and challenges keep it from floundering.

"X-Men Legends"; Activision (PS2, XB, GC; rated T)

This game transforms players into mutants with the task of mastering superhero attributes. Start with Wolverine, but you can try more than a dozen mutant characters using their defining powers and skills to rescue young mutants and beat on Marvel villains.