Resident Evil: Deadly Silence

""4. Itchy. Tasty.""

When I heard that the DS was getting a version of the original RE, I was a little weary. I had already played the PS1 version, the Saturn version, AND the GCN REmake. Why would I want to go back to the hollowed halls of The Spencer Mansion(TM)?

Then, my brother bought the game, and once again, I found myself within the corridors of a derelict estate. And I loved it.

GRAPHICS:
For the DS, this actually isn't too bad. The character models and animation were both redone, easing the memories of the PS1 version. The Mansion itself, is still Pre-Rendered, though. Nice touches like poking your characters with the stylus and blood splattering on your bottom screen added points for detail.

SOUND:
The sound effects are still kinda basic. The guns sound very wimpy, but the sound of a knife cutting through Zombie flesh still sounds great. However, the music sounds like a blender trying to grind a rock into soup: ugly and repetitive. One thing that purists will love, is that the original voice acting is here, UNCHANGED. Relive your great moments of: "I hope this isn't Chris' blood!", "...Master of unlocking...", "No! Don't Go!", and even "...Jill Sandwich". Collect them all!

GAMEPLAY:
The gameplay is split into two sections: REbirth, and Classic. Classic mode is the same game on the PS1. No changes. However, REbirth is (Obviously) created just for the DS, and makes ample use of the two screens. You will use the DS' features for blowing out candles, CPR, slashing at enemies with a Bowie Knife, and solving assorted puzzles. It really seems invigorating for all those DS launch games that use the bottom screen as a map, and nothing more. The difficulty has also increased: There are now double the zombies. However, you are now REwarded with extra ammo laying around the Mansion, and can also win extra ammo by beating a knife fight without getting hit. Multiple DS owners can engage in multiplayer, which either sets you and a friend against a bunch of enemies and a End Boss, or has you killing separate enemies for points. Too bad that you can't download play, meaning that you each have to own a copy of the game.

REplay (Arn't you getting sick of my "RE" emphasis?):
You have two gameplay modes, two difficulty levels, a ton of endings, unlockable outfits, a knifing minigame, multiplayer characters, and the Infinite Ammo Rocket Launcher (TM). It ain't easy to get bored with this game.

OVERALL:
This game made me realize my appreciation for old-school Survival-Horror. Silent Hill may be scarier, RE4 may be easier to control, and Cold Fear is even more laughable, but this is where it all started: In a little mansion outside a small Midwestern town. This is the starting point for all modern survival horror. This is Resident Evil.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/24/06