"Easily the most atmospheric Evil yet, and definitely one of the best."

It seems that it was only yesterday that we were all traversing the narrow mansion corridors, gorgeous new outdoor areas and the requisite Umbrella laboratory of Capcom’s remake of the game that started it all, the original Resident Evil… but here, just a scant few months after the release of said game, Resident Evil fans have already been given a brand new Evil to contend with. Rest assured that the precedent for all future installments of the series was set with the remake, and Zero continues that legacy in sublime fashion.

In Stephen King’s essay Danse Macabre, the eminent horror scribe writes: “What’s behind the door or lurking at the top of the stairs is never as frightening as the door or staircase itself.” That’s a perfect way to describe the experience of playing Resident Evil Zero. Although a few new monsters have been created for Zero, it really is the unparalleled atmosphere that utterly permeates the various locales one will encounter along one’s journey that make Zero as creepy as it is. Whether one is exploring an utterly disturbing torture chamber or a seemingly quaint church, the game oozes an undeniable atmosphere that easily renders it the creepiest RE yet.

Gameplay-

Upon starting up the game and electing to start a new game, the player is given the option of three difficulty levels: easy, normal, and hard. These should be pretty self-explanatory; easy is strictly for beginners, normal is best for experienced RE players, and should probably be played through before tackling the game on hard.

The manner in which the player traverses his way throughout the locales of the Resident Evil series has changed very little since the original incarnation of the game. Movement is obviously controlled via the analog stick on the GameCube’s pad. There’s a button to run, which you’ll find yourself using more often than not. As in past installments, depressing the R button draws the equipped weapon; note, however, that your character can only pivot while they have their weapon drawn, the RE series has never been about run ‘n gun gameplay. And of course, there’s your all-purpose action button.

One neat little feature incorporated into the remake was the ability to make a quick 180-degree turn by tapping the c-stick. This feature has not been carried over to Zero for one very important reason…

Now, all previous RE games have had more than one playable character, that’s obviously nothing new. Zero, however, adds a new twist. The two playable characters of the game are Rebecca Chambers, who has popped up as a minor character in the original game and the remake, and Billy Coen, who is a brand new addition to the RE mythos. Early on in the game, the two cross paths, and resolve to cooperate with each other. In past RE games, “cooperation” has been synonymous with one character going off in one direction, leaving the player to his own devices; not so here. The two lead characters are more or less together for most of the game. Of course, you will encounter situations where one character’s attributes make them more suitable for the task at hand, but teamwork is an integral part of the game. An example from early on: Rebecca is thrust into a room with a door that won’t budge because something is stuck in it. In this room, however, is a small service elevator that Billy has access to as well. Anyway, at this point, the player assumes control of the latter, after progressing a bit further, the player will come across an item that Rebecca can use to get out of the room. Now you simply call the elevator and send it up to her. It should also be noted that items can be exchanged between the two characters if they are in close proximity to one-another, so you needn’t worry about which character picks up the much-needed box of ammo. And yes, ammo is just as scarce as in previous REs.

Note that when the two characters are together, the one you are not currently controlling can be moved via the c-stick, which is why the aforementioned quick-turn seen in the remake has been removed.

Story-

Resident Evil Zero is a prequel to the original Resident Evil. We are greeted with a gorgeous introductory cutscene which depicts a train speeding through Raccoon Forest. The passengers’ quaint ride is disturbed when leech-like creatures attack the train, killing all on board. We see a mysterious cloaked man atop a ledge, who apparently is behind the attack. The cutscene continues, and we are greeted to a familiar scenario, Bravo Team of S.T.A.R.s has been sent into the Raccoon Forest area to investigate incidences of bizarre murders which had recently taken place in the area. Bravo Team’s helicopter soon suffers technical problems, and the team is forced to make a crash-landing in the forest. The team soon happens upon an overturned military police vehicle that was apparently transferring an ex-soldier who had been condemned to death for murder… one Billy Coen. The two MPs escorting Billy are dead, and the convict is nowhere to be found. The team splits up to search for him. Rebecca happens upon a derelict train, and your journey begins…

Audio/Visuals-

The jaw-dropping graphics seen in the remake have carried over to Zero. Everything is gorgeous and lovingly rendered; even the most mundane of objects in the scenery appear bold and purposeful. One of the most impressive elements graphics-wise in the remake was in the way that the outdoor sequences were rendered; trees and shrubs would shudder in submission to the wind, water would ripple as you waded through it. Amazingly, Zero has taken it up a notch. There are a few simply gorgeous scenes atop a moving train that provide for some of the best eye-candy the game has to offer. Although the use of dramatic lighting has been a bit subdued for the remake, the environs are every bit as dark and dingy, further lending Zero that trademark RE atmosphere. Really, I could rant on and on about the visuals in this game, but the beauty really is in the details, and must be experienced firsthand.

The sound and music in Zero also are very solid. Although the music is still unobtrusive for the most part, I really felt more connected to it in than in previous REs. The music fits perfectly with the dark and dismal locales, and exponentially increases the already extremely tense experience of the game. The audio quality in general is also top-notch. All of the sound effects come out sounding exceptionally realistic and with a very high level of clarity.

Replayability-

Unfortunately, not much. All of the standard extras are here; costumes, rocket launcher etc. However, where the remake had a slew of interesting and challenging extra modes and minigames, Zero only has one (quite lame) minigame, Leech Hunter. The premise of the game is that you go through various rooms with remixed items and enemies collecting leech pendants. Upon completion you will be graded on how many pendants you collected and on how quickly you got through it. Proficiency will earn you some bonuses with weapons and some new features, however, so it isn’t all bad.

To Buy or Rent?

I’ll get straight to the point here: buy this game. The remake is considered an essential game for all GameCube owners, and rightfully so. Zero is no different, it’s a fantastic game that will please both fans of the series and those who are experiencing the Evil for the very first time.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/02, Updated 12/20/02