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Garlic, holy water and crucifixes are yesterday's news. If you're really going to rid your neighbourhood of those sharp-toothed party poopers known as vampires, who you gonna call? Only the most famous killer of the undead since Peter Cushing packed up his stake!

With a multicultural event planned in the town of Sunnydale, it's not really that surprising that a legion of vampires from all over the planet have descended to bring about the end of the world as we know it. It's equally unsurprising that when it comes to foiling their diabolical plans, there can be only one answer: Buffy, the vampire slayer! This gruesomely cool new game is based on the latest season of the TV show (two seasons ahead of us in Blighty) and practically all the characters are present and correct including Willow, Xander, Giles, Angel... but it's Buffy you play as you travel around campus wiping out foreign demons.

The popularity of the fantastic BBC 2 series is such that this game can't help but be a smash hit, especially coming out just in time for Halloween. Also, the whole idea is perfect for a videogame, with endless opportunities for super cool battles and problem-solving. Unfortunately, this game doesn't quite use these possibilities to the full.

The graphics and sounds are great (although they've missed out the theme tune!) and if you're after vicious battles involving all sorts of evil demons, coupled with the smart-ass humour of the show, you won't be disappointed. But the puzzle element is virtually non-existent, the gameplay being more of a cross between Ghosts 'n Goblins and Double Dragon. As a

Hmmm... I'm not the biggest Buffy fan in the world (far too jealous of Sarah Michelle Gellar for that!) but I was quite looking forward to some crazy vampire slaying in this game.

Sadly, I was a bit disappointed. Buffy certainly looks good, and she's got some pretty nifty moves under her size eight belt, but wandering about slaying vampires just gets a bit samey after a while, and there really doesn't seem to be that much to it.

Still, Buffy fans and those who enjoy a good scrap will probably enjoy it!

Graphics 80% A bit knobbly, but scary.

Sound 80% Cool tunes, a bit repetitive.

Playability 100% You're stabbing vampires!

Lastability 60% Not a lot to the adventure.

Overall 85% What all Goths and gamers have been waiting for!