Resident Evil Zero

Posted Jan 17, 2003 by Chris Williams

Updated Oct 15, 2007 at 03:32 PM

System: Nintendo GameCube

Publisher: Capcom

Reviewer’s rating: B

Game type: Survival Horror

Kind of like: “Resident Evil”

Best feature: Awe-inspiring audiovisuals, some series innovations.

Worst feature: Control pales in comparison to almost any GameCube game.

The bottom line: Capcom continues their exclusive support of the GameCube platform with the newest installment in the “Resident Evil” mythos. This prequel takes place before the events of “RE1,” and explains many of its unanswered questions. Fans of the zombie-infested series will appreciate the addition of some disgusting new monsters, some new principal characters and a new location (in and around a creepy train). Innovations include a much fairer inventory system and two-character-at-once gameplay.

“RE0” doesn’t stray far from its roots, though. In- game descriptions and cutscenes range from horrifying to hilarious. Puzzles remain as unlikely as ever. Unfortunately, the unimproved late-‘90s control scheme seems downright antiquated — GameCube’s “Eternal Darkness” and “Metroid Prime” have proven that tense games can be intuitive without sacrificing thrills. Controlling “RE0’s” characters could almost be termed a chore. My primary enticements to continue were the excellent graphics and sound effects. A lesser game with “RE0’s” control scheme would have been abandoned in frustration.

For those not bothered by the control, “RE0” is a fine game in its own right, offering a generous two discs’ worth of dread.