Don't fear the dark, embrace it. This simple line should have been the tagline for Starbreeze's latest release, a game that aims to mark another milestone in the successful franchise that The Chronicles of Riddick stands for. Great expectations sometimes lead to crushing disappointments, and although this is not the case here, many Riddick fans might feel that Assault on Dark Athena is nothing more than a mediocre sequel of Escape from Butcher Bay.

You'll soon discover that the mercs are running down some strange experiments, with the sole purpose of transforming human beings into mindless drones that can be remotely controlled. Without being formidable opponents the drones are swarming the ship and are quite dangerous in packs, if they succeed in flushing you out with the flashlights. The second half of the game pits you against similar foes on the seemingly deserted planet, where you are forced to crash-land.

In both these hostile environments there are neutral people that were captured and would do anything to escape, so interacting with them can prove mutually convenient. Some will be grateful and help you until the bitter end, while others are just waiting for the first chance to cut your throat. Either way, everyone has something you are in dire need of, from crucial information to useful tools that allow you to progress to the next stage. They are central figures in the narration and provide those RPG elements that make the entire storyline cohesive and intriguing.

Heavy armored mechs are difficult to suppress but fortunately you'll get the chance to equip the appropriate weapon, and ammunition is not of the essence. The problem is these encounters will quickly become tedious, as you'll be forced to repeat the same routine each time you face this kind of opponent. There is really just one way to deal with it and after annihilating a couple of them, it is most unlikely that the next fights will pose any problem whatsoever. Definitely the most exciting part regarding mechs is when you get to control one of them and slaughter anyone who stands in your way.