Resident Evil Gaiden

"Harder than Chinese Algebra"

Like the synopsis says, this game this game is hard. Fortunately I am a huge fan of all RE games, so I am very happy that they finally made a portable version of one of my favorite series. It is also very hard and I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner at RE. And I only gave it a 10 because it's a portable RE.

Difficulty 8/10
Now the games difficulty is derived from the survival aspect of the game, not the puzzles since it doesn't have any. You start off doing well, and you may even get very far in the game. But it has happened to me several times... you run out of ammo very easily. The knife provides adequate protection but you will get ripped up pretty bad if you can't hit the target a lot.

Game Play 10/10
RE-Gaiden has a really different battle system. Instead of just aiming at a monster and spitting ammo at it until it dies, you have to be a little more strategic. There is a little bar underneath of the enemies when one appears there will be a target like object underneath of them in the bar. There is a middle and an area around it. You can damage the creature, as long as you get it in the white area, but if you hit the blue center of the target you will cause more damage. The monsters will also appear in a various amount of ranges. Far with back turned, Far, Mid Range, and close. They can only attack you when in close range so your objective is to take them down before they can get that close. It is a little more complex but you will get used to it.

Sound 4/10
The sound, and music is horrible. It resembles that of an old LCD hand held game. One song for one situation, and one for another. Doesn't sound so bad but they are all very similar, and the music is just a bunch of beeps.

Graphics 9/10
They are surprisingly good for a GBC. The Cut Scenes are very detailed, and so are the battles, but otherwise they are your basic GBC graphics.

Overall 10/10
What???
Yes a 10/10 and only because it's a PORTABLE RESIDENT EVIL. I have been waiting a while for a portable RE and since I like the battle system so much i gave it a 10. But for a non RE fan it's more like a 7/10.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/08/02, Updated 09/08/02