Resident Evil 0
Resident Evil 0 was the second game in the Resident Evil series to make its way to the Nintendo Gamecube. However, unlike the original remake, this game was made exclusively for Nintendo. After signing an exclusive contract with Nintendo, Capcom ended up pumping out this prequel to the original game. How well does it stack up against the other games in the series? Well, I guess you'll just have to keep on reading.

Graphics:

When compared to the Resident Evil remake, I'd say that the graphics are a lot more detailed and fluid. Characters and backgrounds look a lot better, lighting (or lack thereof) is improved, and the stiff animations from the remake have been fixed. As for cutscenes, they look a crap load better than the remake. In fact, sometimes the cutscenes can look so realistic that you may forget that the characters aren't real human beings. The amount of detail that Capcom added makes me wonder why they couldn't have done this good with the remake of the original game.

Sound and Music:

Thankfully, the terrible voice acting has been practically eliminated in Resident Evil 0. To my amazement, the characters sound pretty good this time around. This is probably due to the fact that only two characters from the original Resident Evil are actually in it. As for the rest of the sounds, they are probably just imported from previous Resident Evil titles. Zombies continue to moan and groan, and guns continue to make sounds when you shoot them. The music is yet again silent and disturbing, which fits in perfectly with the tone of the game.

Storyline:

Being a prequel to the original Resident Evil game, Resident Evil 0 tells the story of what happened to the team that you are searching for in the original. The only main characters to make a returning appearance from the original are Wesker and the main character Rebecca Chambers. Added into the mix is a convict by the name of Billy Coen, who you end up becoming partners with in order to survive. As the game progresses, you'll find out how the T-Virus from the original Resident Evil was released. Along with that, you'll find out more about the mysterious Billy Coen and just exactly what he did to become a convict. While Resident Evil 0 does create a few plot holes in the series, I feel that it actually helps clear more things up than it does to create new problems.

Gameplay:

Resident Evil 0 introduces a new element of gameplay to the series. This element is of course the fact that you play as both Rebecca and Billy simultaneously. Once the two of you team up, you are given the ability to switch between characters at any point in time. If you want the other character to follow you, just press the button and they will follow along, even shooting at zombies when it's needed. However, if you prefer the other character to remain behind, you can leave them standing there all alone. The majority of gameplay revolves around using this new system to solve the intricate puzzles within the game. While Rebecca is good a mixing chemicals, Billy's strong point is moving large objects. The correct combination and use of the characters is essential to making it through the game. Yet, as with the other Resident Evil games, the emphasis on surviving is also important. Bullets are limited, and though you have two characters, you'll get game over if just one dies. The gameplay may be a bit old, but the addition having to play as both characters at once definitely adds a needed twist to the Resident Evil series.

Controls:

Unfortunetely for us, the terrible controls from the original make a comeback appearance. Luckily, if you've already adapted to the remake's controls, then you'll be just fine. For the rest of the people who are just getting into the series, have fun dodging those zombies as you run into walls, walk backwards, and shoot at air. Yet, as usual, you'll have to adapt to the crappy controls if you want to make it more than a few hours into the game.

Replayability:

Unlike the remake of Resident Evil, Resident Evil 0 does not have multiple endings. Instead, you'll unlock bonus costumes and a leech collecting mini-game depending on how fast you beat the game. As for difficulty, the game isn't any more difficult than the original, and should only take about 12 to 15 hours to complete. But as always, you can go through the game and beat it as many times as you'd like to further the replay value.

Overall, I'd say that Resident Evil 0 is definitely a worthy addition to the series. Though the graphics and storyline were a bit better in Resident Evil 0 than in the remake of the original, both games are basically equal in the amount of enjoyment you'll get out of them. Resident Evil 0 is definitely a game that should not be missed by anyone who is a fan of either Resident Evil or the survival-horror genre in general.
Graphics: 9.5/10
Sound and Music: 8.0/10
Storyline: 9.0/10
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Controls: 5.0/10
Replayability: 5.0/10
8.5
Out of 10