"Best of the best"

The 'Resident Evil' series has always been a favorite of mine, and once the 'next generation' consoles (Dreamcast, PS2, etc.) came out, I couldn't wait to see which one would get the honor of the first next generation Resident Evil. When Code Veroninca came out, I was stunned. From the well crafted story line to the Bandersnatches bursting from windows, it was all great. Without a doubt the best RE game ever.

Graphics 10/10: The sights of Umbrella Island are sights definitely worth seeing. From hallways lined with pictures to zombies gradually appearing as they lurch out of heavy fog, the graphics are picture-perfect all throughout this monster filled adventure.

Details 9/10: The detailing in Code Veronica is just a little below perfect. Gone are the RE2 days of using a high-powered gun to blow a zombie in two, or popping a head off with a shotgun. Details really don't make much difference in this game, however, as the action seems a little more intense, leaving you with less time to admire your shotgun handy work on a zombie's face. Still, enemies themselves are detailed fairly average, but the background details are really cool. Water pouring from a gutter into a puddle on the ground and small insects crawling all over some walls are examples of the fine detailing this game has to offer.

Sound 10/10: Most enemies aren't the stealthy type, weather it be zombies shuffling and grumbling to themselves as they lurch down a hallway, or a ticked off Hunter crashing around a room looking for you, the sound is always top-notch. There are probably several people out there (me being one of them) who enjoy the sound of a zombie's head exploding with a well timed blast from your gun, right after he's made a grand entrance and scared the crap out of you. Listening to the sound actually pays off as well, as some enemies will lie still and pretend to be dead after you've shot them, but by listening to their screams after you shoot, you'll be able to decide if they are dead or not.

Control 8/10: The control for RE games has always been a bit odd but some enemies seem to be programmed to advantage of your clunky controls. Mastering the 180 spin is crucial to survival, as many enemies jump around or blind side you. I know what you're thinking, ''What idiot lets a zombie get behind him?''. Well, trust me. It happens alot, and mostly with more nasty enemies. Make sure to try out all three control types to find out which one suits you.

Gameplay 9/10: While running around and happily killing anything in your path, you'll find yourself lost rather quickly. Picking up the maps helps a bunch, but when you're playing through for speed, it doesn't help your time any to stop in each room and consult a map. You'll find yourself going in circles alot, and it can be rather frustrating when you have to backtrack god knows how far to reach an item box because you forgot to grab a keycard. Puzzles are without a doubt a staple of any RE game, and the puzzles in this game are just a little extreme in some cases. This makes it all the more fun, though. Just don't get lost. Getting lost sucks. I should know.

Overall Score 10/10: If it's an RE game, chances are I'm gonna give it a ten. I don't give tens easily, and even RE games have to earn a perfect ten, but Code Veronica has no trouble doing just that. All in all, this game is a good buy. If you've got a PS2, then by all means, pick up Veronica X, but if not, then grab a copy of Code Veronica, turn out the lights and keep a spare pair of underwear handy, just in case.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/12/01, Updated 09/12/01