Full Review for Resident Evil by Volke

Introduction

Resident Evil was the game that started the uprising of the Survival-Horror genre. It had it's flaws, obviously, due to it being the first of it's kind. There were plenty of things that could have been better. The voice acting was absolutely atrocious (although it was also hilarious due to this fact), parts of the plot were left completely unexplained and the controls were very poor.

Many of the flaws that were present in the original have been fixed in this fantastic remake. The voice acting has been completely re-recorded with new voice actors and it now sounds realistic and serious, unlike the comical tone featured in the original. The plot has been changed where necessary and it now fits perfectly together. The controls are only a little better, but every penny counts.

On top of all of this, the graphics have been completely overhauled and because they are simply 2D pre-rendered graphics, the locations look almost photo-realistic. Definately some of the best graphics on the Gamecube. Many new rooms have been added, new defence items have been added, new weapons have been added, Richard Aiken's life is prolonged, more files, a new boss character (Lisa Trevor), creepier music and more realistic, scarier enemy sounds. The director of this remake (forgot the name) has actually stated that it is a 70% different game from the original.

Graphics

The graphics have been completely overhauled and now the entire game looks far better and more realistic (as in, the little details), so they don't look anywhere near as boring as they did in the original. The backgrounds and locations have pushed the Gamecube to it's limit. Because the graphics are 2D pre-rendered backgrounds, it paves the way for better graphics. The character models have been improved too (although it's still difficult to understand how Jill's hat never falls off).

The enemies, particularly the zombies, look far better and scarier than they ever did previously. You can notice where the patches of rotting flesh are on the zombies, even from a distance. Although they still stand almost completely still when they can't see you. The Hunters look around a little, however.

Overall the graphics are fantastic. Definately some of the best featured on the Gamecube.

Sound

The sound has improved a heck of a lot since the original. The first thing you'll notice is that the voice acting isn't the ridiculous, B-movie like dialogue of the original game (hich was so bad it was great). The voice acting has been completely re-recorded, with new voice actors. They now have serious tones, not sounding as if the whole adventure is just a comedy-horror.

The enemies make more realistic sounds too. The zombies don't make the high wailing noises they made in the original. They make low moans and sickly breathing sounds. The Hunters don't sound like dinosaurs anymore either. They sound much more like lizard-like creatures. The crows sound more like crows, too. And hearing a zombie's head explode is sweet.

The music and brackground noises are far mor daunting, too. Remember the ridiculously comical msuic that you heard when the dogs jumped through the window in the original? Well, it's gone now. The funky beat music in the Laboratory is also gone, replaced with some creeper tunes. The background noises will also increase your heart beat rate, and generally sound awesome. In the Residence area (previously known as the Guardhouse) you even hear the swarm of angry moths fluttering around a part of Plant 42 in one of the dormitories.

Overall, the sound is excellent. Just as it should be in survival horrow games as it should be your most active sense.

Gameplay

The gameplay is slightly spoiled by two issues - the controls and the camera. Neither damages the score very much, but even so...

The controls haven't been improved much from the original. Anyone who's played any other Resident Evil game (apart from 4 and Umbrella Chronicles) will probably be familiar with the tank-like controls that Resident Evil games are notorious for. A few improvements have been made, however, such as the 180 degree turn, that was first introduced to the series in Resident Evil 3, and the auto-aim function. If it's your first time playing a Resident Evil game, you'll eventually get used to them. They add to the suspense anyway.

The camera can be a slight problem. Because the backgrounds are pre-rendered, the camera will change to a different direction every few steps (the camera changes are also pre-rendered, so don't worry if you were thinking they were random). Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to judge where an enemy is if you can hear them but can't see them due to the camera angle. This doesn't happen too often but it can be a bit of a pain when it does as it is difficult to judge where the enemy actually is.

Other than that, the gameplay is great, and you'll grow into it eventually.

Lastability

There are two scenarios to play through (Chris's and Jill's) and when you beat them once you'll want to play through again. There are also a several different endings for each character (requirements must be met in determining which ending you will get) and many unlcokable extras. The game's addictive enough for you to want to unlock and experience them all. However, you'll probably eventually tire of it and come back to the game a lot later on. Nevertheless, there's far more here than was ever featured in the original. The quest is far longer too, incase I haven't already mentioned.

Seriously, this is a very addictive game and you'll want to keep on playing it. Overall, plenty of lastability here, and once you've tired of the game, you'll come back to it once again at a later date, no mtter when that may be.

Overall

One of the best games in the entire Resident Evil series, perhaps even THE best, depending on your opinion. I wasn't very impressed by the original version of this game featured on the Playstation (2 and 3 were much better) but now that it's been completely overhauled and remade, it's a much, much better game. A few little issues prevent this game from getting a perfect 10 score.

If you want to buy a survival horror game for the Gamecube, look no further than Resident Evil (Resident Evil 4 is more of an action-horror, before you jump to conclusions). This game will have you hooked and loving every minute. Just make sure you give the controls a chance.

Your only excuse not to buy this game would be if you're younger than the age rating this game has received (the plot will probably be too difficult and complex for younger gamers to understand, or appreciate) or if you're faint-hearted. If so, then you should probably stick with Mario and friends.

A must buy title.

Final Score: 94%