What is Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation is an open-source recompilation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds. The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port. The original game ran on Xbox.

Do I need the original game files to run Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

Why does the launcher say my disc image isn't Chaos Bleeds?

Only the Xbox version is supported, and the image must be a full disc image, not just the game partition.

Why are there no cutscene movies?

FFmpeg was not available during installation. Get FFmpeg and install again with Convert the game's movies enabled.

What should I try if the game shows a black window or closes at start?

Set the renderer to Direct3D 11 in Settings and update your graphics driver.

What should I do if player 2's window is missing?

On player 1's pause menu, open Co-op, then Screens, and choose Two Windows again.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation

RecompilationActive

The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port.

Based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation screenshot

Links, repository & details

About

A native Windows port of the 2003 Xbox game Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds. It is not an emulator: the game's code is translated to C with xboxrecomp and built into an ordinary Windows program using Vulkan or Direct3D 11, DirectSound and XInput. The repository holds no game data, and an Android version is also provided.

How it differs from the original

Adds resolutions from 720p to 4K plus the original 4:3 sizes, frame rates from 30 up to 360 FPS with the game keeping its own speed, a launcher, switchable mods, texture-pack dumping and loading, and an experimental story co-op mode for a second player in two windows or split screen.

Getting started

You need a disc image (.iso or .xiso) of your own Xbox disc, either the European (PAL) or North American (NTSC) release; the PS2 and GameCube versions will not work. Download the release zip, open the launcher, choose your disc image and an empty install folder on the Install tab, click Install, then press Play. It needs 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and a GPU with Vulkan 1.3 or Direct3D 11, and a controller is optional.

History

The README says the port was made with Claude Code, which wrote most of the code, tools and docs while the project's human author directed, tested and played it.

Known issues & limitations

Story co-op is early work: only the first mission has been played through, and later levels have not been tested.
Linux and Steam Deck play through Proton is experimental and has not yet been tested on Linux.
Android does not yet support the North American release or the FPS counter.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Xbox version).

On PC, use 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and a graphics card supporting Vulkan 1.3 or Direct3D 11.
An XInput controller is optional; the keyboard also works. Co-op requires a second controller.
Android requires a 64-bit ARM device with Android 13 or later, Vulkan 1.3, about 2 GB free, and the European PAL Xbox release.

Features

The default is 60 fps; the frame-rate limit can be set as high as 360 while the game keeps its own speed.
Story co-op lets a second player join the campaign in two windows or split screen.
The port can dump game textures and load HD replacements.
The port is available on Android phones and tablets, with touch controls and controller support.
Up to four XInput controllers work.

How to install

Download the latest release zip and unzip it.
Make an .iso or .xiso image of your Xbox game disc.
Open Buffy Launcher.exe, choose the disc image and an empty install folder, then click Install.

Controls

F11 or Alt+Enter switches between windowed and fullscreen.
Click the left stick or press F12 to save a bug report.

Summarised from the project's README.

Media

Licensing & legal

The xboxrecomp recompiler it is built on is MIT-licensed.

Additional notes

Android: The Android version needs Android 13 or later with Vulkan 1.3 and the European (PAL) release; the North American release is not supported there yet.
Linux: Steam Deck and Linux through Proton are described as experimental and untested.
Co op: Story co-op is early work: the first mission has been played through and later levels have not been tested.

FAQ

What is Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation?: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation is an open-source recompilation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds. The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port. The original game ran on Xbox.
Do I need the original game files to run Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.
How is Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds Recompilation licensed?: sp00nznet: MIT license (xboxrecomp static recompiler). The repository itself is the authoritative source.
Why does the launcher say my disc image isn't Chaos Bleeds?: Only the Xbox version is supported, and the image must be a full disc image, not just the game partition.
Why are there no cutscene movies?: FFmpeg was not available during installation. Get FFmpeg and install again with Convert the game's movies enabled.
What should I try if the game shows a black window or closes at start?: Set the renderer to Direct3D 11 in Settings and update your graphics driver.
What should I do if player 2's window is missing?: On player 1's pause menu, open Co-op, then Screens, and choose Two Windows again.