Game Review: Resident Evil Zero
The Story That Started It All
Capcom's Resident Evil is a popular franchise that made its debut in 1996 when it released its first game - Resident Evil - for Sony Playstation. The first game's overall premise follows expertly trained characters as they fight the rising undead, amongst a list of other incredibly virulent creatures, after hearing reports of murders where the victims "were apparently eaten" and they lose contact with the first group of investigators sent in.
Six years, six games, and a movie later, Capcom finally released Resident Evil Zero for the Game Cube in the Fall of 2002, detailing the events that lead into the first game.
Storyline and Characters in Resident Evil Zero
The game follows Rebecca Chambers, and while she might have been something a minute character in Resident Evil, she's something of a charmer in Zero. Her character is expanded in this game, showing how she's the little sister to the STARS unit and just barely an adult trying to prove herself.
Although the franchise has had its share of borderline obnoxious damsels in distress in Rebecca's age bracket, she is actually quite the opposite, despite being weaker defensively than her male counterpart, Billy Coen. Billy is a new character for the game, an ex-marine who is convicted of murdering twenty three people under hazy circumstances. The two make an unlikely alliance, and though beginnings are rough, make a good team.
The plot adds a little more to the story arc by explaining details the other games didn't quite fit in, including who released the T-Virus and why, and gives little bits of insight into the series' main antagonist, the Umbrella Corporation. Known and infamous characters make appearances, keeping the story consistent. And while some of the newer characters that may have moments that evoke a giggle rather than terror, they quickly become as timeless as the already beloved characters Resident Evil has managed to produce.
Resident Evil Zero Gameplay
One classic element the Capcom Survival Horror series has been able to produce is almost every game has had a male and female for protagonists, allowing the player to choose which character they would like to play. In that respect, Resident Evil Zero is no different. What is different, however, is that the player gets to play both characters almost simultaneously.
Throughout the game, the player may be in control of one character, while the other trails behind, and with a push of a button, who the player controls has changed and the other is now trailing behind. This lends itself to a very interactive gameplay where the player has to make tactical choices based on the characters strong points. One downfall of the game is reminiscent of annoyances with the first RE; very small carrying space. Rebecca and Billy are able to switch around items at will, but with so many items to be found, it means a lot of running back and forth to collect what is needed when it's needed.
Overall, it's an enjoyable game to play for hardcore fans of the franchise, but perhaps not the best introduction for people who are new to the series. The game isn't as exciting as some of the others, and the plot, while not lacking in intrigue and creepy creatures, doesn't grab the player as well as some of the newer Resident Evil games being released.
Resident Evil Zero for Came Cube
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