"Zombies are Back in Town"

Introduction
Resident Evil: Code Veronica - Zombies are Back in Town

I got a Dreamcast early this year by my sister's boyfriend who loaned it to me. Among the CDs that he lent to me, I noticed a distinctive familiar face. Oh my god! It's Claire Redfield! I scanned the entire CD and read the name, Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Back then, I really wanted a Playstation 2 to play this game but it's right here, in my hands! So I booted the Dreamcast, inserted the CD and loaded up Code Veronica. Wow, I have no idea what's in store for me, is a nightmare ten times greater than any Playstation version of Resident Evil!

Gameplay: 9
The game is extremely challenging. Besides the usual stuffs of ordinary Resident Evil, this time, there are no starting items! I was shocked, as I looked through my inventory and found a lighter. Oh god, what can I do with a lighter? Besides scaring the damn bats, that is. After that, I found a combat knife and used it as my first weapon. Silly me though, you might say, but it's fun! I discovered a lone handgun on the floor soon after, and got back into the game. What can I say? I'm truly astonished by Code Veronica, simply because it's extremely fun, yet challenging. The computer AI is also really tough and real. However, some of them still bear the must-kill attitude and even if they are already decimated in the head or legs, they will still try to get you. Some others, like the Bandersnatch, is really quick and they will try to hit you and then retreat again to their hiding spot. The puzzles are also really hard to crack, you'll need a good brain for this. I actually copied down everything and took a few hours to get the answer. Most of the answers come from trial and error, mostly error though. You should get this game if you want to put your gaming wits to the test.

Audio: 8
In Code Veronica, besides the usual bang - bang of the gun, there's moaning and groaning everywhere in Resident Evil games, and this is what makes Resident Evil games stand out more. Capcom has the power to grab people's attention and glue their eyes to the screen, while perking their ears to hear the almost silent tapping of the glass window by a zombie. They are scary, really freak me out, but nonetheless, no zombie is gonna stand in Claire or Chris Redfield way. Other than the usual moaning, barking of the enemies, there are also voices in the short cut-scenes. Quite well planned out, I must say. However, those zombies and dogs should whine out their last breath before they are sent to make their maker. This should be more realistic. Nonetheless, Code Veronica is still simply amazing. Carry on.

Graphics: 10
One thing that slacks in Playstation games is graphics; none of them has graphics as sharp as Dreamcast or Playstation 2! However Resident Evil 3: Nemesis was scary enough for me. In Code Veronica, graphics are way better. Zombies are so clear, and the surroundings are excellent. My heart keeps on thumping when I cross the corners, afraid to venture some more. But something tells me that I must go on, to find more zombies to hunt down. This is one thing that inspires me, the wonderful graphics. Zombies are really real, and the blood is totally disgusting. The area around you is also really neatly done, and they will hide some secrets among them. Some walls have secret compartment, and areas that have blood totally signal to you that a gruesome cut-scene is coming right up. Never play this alone in the dark, unless you have guts to do so.

Story: 8
It seems that Umbrella has been hacking away everywhere again and it's up to Claire and Chris to find each other. Once again, the two siblings are spilt up and Chris is all the way out to find her little sister. What will happen? Find out more when you play the game!

Replayability: 8
I'll definitely play through Resident Evil: Code Veronica again! It's too fun to give up, and all the sparkling graphics just needs more coming. I think Tyrant needs another beating, don't you? Besides, going through the game again in a different style certainly takes up more effort and it definitely gives us more than enough pleasure to complete a wonderful game again.

Buy or Rent?: BUY!
This is a must-buy! If you are a Playstation Resident Evil fan, this will 100 percent inspire you! Without a doubt, this is the best Resident Evil expansion till date. If you aren't, get a start! Buy this, and I can assure you with all my life: You will NOT regret it. However, some of us may not have the Dreamcast system with you. Never fear, there's still the Playstation 2 system for Code Veronica, get that NOW!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/25/02, Updated 03/01/03